Memorandum Number 02-30

Memorandum Number 02-30
July 18, 2002
1. M E M O R A N D U M
Individualized Reading, Writing, and Mathematics Instruction

J. David Armstrong, Jr.

Interim Chancellor

Ph: (850) 488-1721

SUNCOM: 278-1721

Fax: (850) 488-9763

Memorandum Number 02-30

FLORIDA BOARD OF

T. Willard Fair

William “Bill” Proctor

Carolyn Roberts

COMMISSIONER OF

M E M O R A N D U M

TO:

Community College Presidents

David Armstrong, Jr.

Help Needed in Implementation of School Assistance Plus Plans

Secretary Jim Horne has charged selected school officials and educational specialists to

step up efforts to improve student achievement as demonstrated on the Florida

Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT). In his message to participants at the

Assistance Plus (A+) Summit held in Tampa on July 11-13, the Secretary made it clear

that every possible resource was needed to support this effort. The ultimate aim is to

ensure that students in K-12 schools will be able to demonstrate grade-appropriate

attainment of reading, writing and mathematics skills. Currently, the most critical schools

are in Escambia, Dade, Orange and Palm Beach counties. However, help is needed

throughout the state in districts with D schools, in the 19 districts with F schools and in

districts with FF schools.

I applaud you for the steps you already have taken through partnerships with the district

schools and through the documented successes of our College Reach-Out Programs.

Yet, there is more that community colleges can do. I request that you provide our office,

via email, the following information:

An inventory of your college’s current support activities with the Assistance Plus

Specific suggestions from your institution that we can quickly implement as

leaders and supporters of this initiative

I have attached a list of ideas and critical needs that have surfaced. Please consider these

suggestions, provide additional ideas, and communicate plans for prompt implementation.

Please submit this information, via e-mail,

by Tuesday, July 30, 2002

to Ms. Deloris M.

Massey at Deloris@flccs.org. Contact Ms. Massey with questions at SC 278-1721,

Members, Council on Instructional Affairs

Members, Council of Student Affairs

College Reach-Out Program Directors/Coordinators

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

Department of Education

1314 Turlington Building

325 W. Gaines Street

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400

www.dcc.firn.edu

Assistance Plus Ideas and Needs

Some of the specific areas of need and ideas that may help to support A+ team efforts in the districts are:

Individualized Reading, Writing, and Mathematics Instruction

More Reading, Writing and Mathematics Tutors

Specially Tailored Tutorial Programs (No fees or tuition required of collegiates who help)

Accelerated, Condensed Training Program for “Surplus” Education Major in Reading Specialist

Providing Credit to Community College Students Who Tutor in K-12 System

Specially Packaged Instructional Activities to Accelerate Learning for Struggling Students

Teacher Training/Certification

More active School Advisory Council members

Parent and Community Involvement Specialists

ESOL Specialists

More Volunteers to Join A+ Teams (8 hrs per month for 2 years)

Strengthened K-20 Partnerships

Motivational/Disciplinary Specialists and Mentors

Workforce Development Specialists

Technology Specialists

Other Effective Ideas and Successful Practices

It is important to remember that the School Improvement Plan must drive all district level activities.

For additional information about the Assistance Plus Program, visit the Florida School Grades 2001-02

website at http://www.firn.edu/doe/schoolgrades