First Pay for Performance Program Candidates Graduate

In early June 2002, a Pay for Performance Policy for instructional personnel was approved. The resulting "Broward County Recognition Program" was developed as a means for professionals who are not eligible for National Board Certification to demonstrate outstanding performance in their job setting through completion of a portfolio that demonstrates competency on 11 standards. The portfolio consists of a videotape of their practice, artifacts documenting client progress and a detailed analysis of the candidate's professional practice. It is designed to showcase their job performance, thus allowing trained assessors to examine how candidates translate knowledge and theory into practice.

Thirty-three candidates completed the program this year. Their positions included audiologist, ESE program specialist, family counselor, guidance counselor, psychologist, social worker, speech language pathologist, teacher-helping resource as well as many other vital capacities.

If you are interested in learning more about the Broward County Recognition Program, please visit the web site at
www.broward.k12.fl.us/hrd/BCRP/index.htm to view portfolio requirements and standards. Applications are also available online. Please contact Marty Meek at 954-382-6267 or via e-mail for more details.

Homework Help Only a Hotline Away

Is that algebra problem giving your child trouble? Is your son stuck on a chemical equation or your daughter confusing the Declaration of Independence with the Constitution? Help is only a phone call away.

The "Homework Hotline" is staffed by teachers ready to provide the assistance students need to complete their homework assignments. Available to all Broward County schools' students in grades 1-12, the hotline is in operation Monday through Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. and can be reached by dialing 954-581-5377. The phone number will be changing in October, but callers will be referred to the new number.

" Homework Hotline" is only one of many programs provided by the Career, Technical and Adult/Community Education Department (CTACE). For more information, contact Cindy Griffin, CTACE Resource Teacher, at 954-765-6259.

Broward County Public Schools Updates District Strategic Plan

Strategic Planning is an imprecise science at best-trying to plan for a future that can't be known so that an organization will have control over events that can't be predicted. However, the future is coming, ready or not, and if an organization does not adapt, it will not survive. Among the many events that have happened since the Broward School District adopted its Strategic Plan in 2000 are the September 11th tragedy, changing legislative rules, the Classroom Size Reduction amendment, and the changing demographics of Broward County. It was evident that revisions needed to be made to the District's Strategic Plan.

Dr. Nancy Terrel, Assistant Superintendent, Division of Communications, Strategic Planning and Community Relations working with Board members at a workshop took a look at the Strategic Plan and its Mission, Beliefs and Goals and made some changes. Objectives to accomplish the new mission and goals were drafted. A series of focus groups involving many District employees as well as other stakeholders led to the development of the new Strategic Plan that is presented below. If you have any questions, or want more information, please contact Judy Zinn, Director Strategic Planning, at (954) 712-1547.

Mission: The School Board of Broward County, Florida is dedicated to meeting the educational needs of all students in a safe learning environment.

Goals and Objectives:
Goal I: All students will achieve at their highest potential.
OBJECTIVE 1
By June 2008, 75% of all third through fifth grade students, 70% of all sixth through eighth grade students, and 60% of all ninth and tenth grade students will attain Achievement Levels of 3 or higher in FCAT Reading.
OBJECTIVE 2
By August 2010, all classes will meet state class size mandates to enhance the teaching and learning environment.
OBJECTIVE 3
By June 2004, all schools will receive a grade of C or better on the Florida School Performance Grade designations.

Goal II: All schools will have equitable resources.
OBJECTIVE 4
By August 2004, all students will attend a school that is safe, secure, and conducive to student health and well-being.
OBJECTIVE 5
By August 2004, reorganize and align the essential student support systems, school operations, and technology to maximize student achievement.
OBJECTIVE 6
By August 2006, every teacher will meet the Federal standard for highly qualified as defined by the No Child Left Behind legislation.

Goal III: All operations of the school system will demonstrate best business practices while supporting student achievement.
OBJECTIVE 7
By August 2004, reorganize and align all resources from all administrative divisions, including personnel, budget, facilities, etc, to support student achievement.
OBJECTIVE 8
By June 2006, all staff will use the Sterling Quality Process to ensure that all operations of the school system adhere to continuous improvement principles and sound business practices.
OBJECTIVE 9
By June 2006, develop a system of fully integrated technology services to enhance district effectiveness.

Goal IV: All stakeholders will work together to build a better school system.
OBJECTIVE 10
By June 2005, customer satisfaction with Broward County Public Schools will have increased to an average of 90% as measured by surveys of students, parents, teachers and community groups.
OBJECTIVE 11
By June 2004, develop voice, video, and data systems based on customer needs to enhance effective internal and external communication.
OBJECTIVE 12
By June 2005, continue to focus partnerships with stakeholders to align all resources on improving the school system and enhancing student achievement Pre-K to Adult.