 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
Workforce Florida Weekly Update 6-06-07 |
CONTENTS The State & RegionsDeputy Secretary Simon Announces $13.6 Million in Grants to Florida to Reward Effective Teaching. Groveland, Fla. — U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education Raymond Simon last week joined U.S. Senator Mel Martinez to announce $13.6 million in Teacher Incentive Fund grants for four Florida school districts to reward teachers and principals for making progress in challenging school environments. These grants are expected to be funded over five years for a total of some $81.5 million for Florida educators. The National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (Lake County, Florida); the School Board of Orange County; Hillsborough County Public Schools; and the School Board of Miami-Dade County will each receive one of 18 grants awarded in this round of the Teacher Incentive Fund grant program. In total, the 18 grants will provide $38,248,518 for school districts throughout the country to reward effective teachers and principals. Launched by President Bush in 2006 as part of the American Competitiveness Initiative, the Teacher Incentive Fund enables states and school districts to provide financial incentives to educators for raising student achievement or closing the achievement gaps, as well as teachers who choose to serve in our nation's neediest schools. The grants will also be used to recruit effective teachers to those schools, particularly for hard-to-staff subjects like math, science and special education. "Through Teacher Incentive Fund grants, Florida schools can reward teachers who are making an essential contribution by helping students achieve the goals of No Child Left Behind," Deputy Secretary of Education Raymond Simon said. "Nothing helps a child learn as much as a great teacher, and we must ensure that we have the best teachers in our most challenging classrooms." "Florida continues to face a shortage of teachers. Improving teacher pay and incentives will have a direct positive impact on our children," said Senator Martinez. "These funds will help good teachers to be even more effective and will assist in attracting talented individuals to classrooms. I thank Secretary Spellings and Deputy Secretary Simon for their continued support of programs that help Florida's children succeed." The four Teacher Incentive Grants were awarded to the following:
Department of Community Affairs Awards $1.4 Million for Hendry County Economic Development Projects. TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Department of Community Affairs announced that it has awarded $1.4 million to two local governments in Hendry County to bring new employers and jobs to area residents. The grants, awarded by the state through a competitive process, will enable the communities to attract a mattress manufacturing facility and a medical professional complex that combined will create an estimated 100 new jobs. The funds, provided through the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, will be used for infrastructure, and more than half the newly created jobs must go to workers from low- or moderate-income households. For the mattress manufacturing facility, a $700,000 grant to the City of Clewiston will provide infrastructure in the form of street improvements and associated flood and drainage improvements. Meanwhile, a $700,000 grant to the City of LaBelle will provide necessary water, sewer and street improvements for a medical professional complex that will house an expanding dental practice. The grant to the City of Clewiston will fund a portion of the infrastructure supporting the construction of an $8.5-million mattress manufacturing facility within the city's new industrial park. The 62,500-square foot facility is being built by PranaSleep LLC, a subsidiary of City Mattress, which has eleven retail locations in the southern part of the state. The manufacturing facility will employ an estimated 80 people. The grant to the City of LaBelle will be used to extend water and sewer lines to the site of the LaBelle Professional Center. The $2.6-million facility will employ an estimated 21 individuals providing medical services for LaBelle and Hendry County. The CDBG program is federally funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and is administered by DCA's Division of Housing and Community Development. The program provides dollars to small local governments for projects that include housing, neighborhood revitalization, commercial revitalization and economic development initiatives. For the full press release go to: http://www.dca.state.fl.us/News/2007/060107.cfm. More Small Businesses Eligible For “Phase 0” Grant Proposal Aid - Enterprise Florida and partners will help more technology companies better their chance to receive Small Business Innovation Research or Small Business Technology Transfer funds. ORLANDO, FL (May 23, 2007) – Enterprise Florida (EFI) is expanding its program that helps small businesses develop strong proposals for federal small business grants. Launched in November 2005, the SBIR/STTR “Phase 0” Pilot Program has assisted companies in developing proposals for federal SBIR and STTR (Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer) Phase 1 grants of about $100,000. SBIR is a highly competitive program that encourages small business to explore their technological potential and provides the incentive to profit from its commercialization. STTR expands funding opportunities in the federal innovation research and development arena. A key aspect of STTR is the expansion of the public-private sector partnership to include the joint venture opportunities for small business and the nation's premier nonprofit research institutions. Enterprise Florida undertook “Phase 0” because overall SBIR/STTR success rates for proposals submitted by Florida companies were low when compared to other states. (Florida, for instance, ranked 38th in 2005.) “The goal was to help them to submit higher quality proposals and have a higher award rate,” explained John Adams Jr., EFI president & CEO. "Now, our pilot program is paving the way for more of Florida's small technology businesses to access $2 billion in Federal SBIR and STTR seed/early state capital." Through “Phase 0,” EFI awards qualified companies grants in amounts up to $3,000, which can be applied toward preparation efforts (e.g., market research, proposal/grant writing, legal aid for patent filing, site visits to labs, etc.) for an SBIR or STTR proposal submittal. The program provides assistance on a first-come/first-served basis, and a company must not have received a Phase I award in the past five years. Until recently, eligible businesses included only clients of EFI’s “Phase 0” partners: 23 university Technology Transfer offices, technology incubators, economic development organizations and small business development centers. However, the program has been expanded to allow participation by any company screened and recommended by a partner organization. There’s a point of contact designated in each Florida county. “The Phase 0 program is a phenomenal opportunity for resource strapped companies to capitalize on external sources of assistance,” said Sanjay Patel, president of Datanautix, an Orlando firm that helps its clients achieve better results from their back office and call centers operations. “Beyond the obvious benefits of providing funds to assist with the development of an SBIR proposal, the review and feedback provided by the Phase 0 process gave us a firm foundation for writing a Phase 1 SBIR proposal.” “Another benefit of winning a Phase 1 grant is that it can pave the way to higher level SBIR and STTR grants,” said Carol Ann Dykes, chief operating officer for the University of Central Florida Technology Incubator. “It can be a stepping stone to Phase 2 and open the door to more opportunity for small businesses.” For information on SBIR/STTR “Phase 0” Pilot Program participation, visit http://www.eflorida.com/phase0/ or contact Bill Kean, senior director of Quality for Enterprise Florida, at (407) 956-5606 or bkean@eflorida.com. Mason-Dixon Poll Finds Residents of Coastal States Lulled into False Sense of Security due to Below Normal 2006 Hurricane Season ~Disaster Officials Launch Initiative to Bring Life-Saving Information to Citizens in Hurricane-Vulnerable States. MIAMI – Despite the historic and devastating hurricane seasons of 2004 and 2005, a new Mason-Dixon poll released last week reveals a dangerously high percentage of residents in hurricane-vulnerable states still aren’t prepared, don’t take the threat of hurricanes seriously and have big gaps in what they know about hurricanes – even among those who live within 30 miles of the coast. “Nearly two years after Hurricane Katrina shocked and horrified the nation, far too many residents are still unprepared for storms,” said Bill Proenza, director of the National Hurricane Center. “Last year’s below normal hurricane season may have resulted in coastal residents being lulled into a false sense of complacency. This hurricane season promises to be an active one, so it is imperative residents get ready before a storm catches them unprepared.” The Mason-Dixon poll was commissioned by American Initiatives, an organization that today launched the 2007 National Hurricane Survival Initiative at a news conference at the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida. The initiative aims to educate residents living in hurricane-vulnerable states about the risks they face and the steps they must take to protect themselves and minimize damage. “Florida continues to be a leader in hurricane preparedness,” said Florida Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp. “While we have learned from past seasons and worked hard to foster a culture of preparedness, the residents of Florida and coastal states from Texas to Maine need to take precautions to make sure their families can weather storms or any natural disaster more safely.” The most alarming key findings represent “the first early-warnings” that concern emergency management officials:
DOH offers Family Preparedness Guide. Disaster typically gives little warning and can leave confusion and devastation in its wake. The State of Florida, through the Department of Health, has created the Family Preparedness Guide for residents and visitors as a tool that includes:
Half of College Students Needing Remediation Drop Out; Remediation Completers Do Almost as Well as Other Students (from OPPAGA’s Florida Monitor Weekly - June 1, 2007). Over half (55%) of all students entering Florida’s public postsecondary institutions require remediation in mathematics, reading, and/or writing. Ninety-four percent of students who need remediation attend community colleges. These students are required to complete college preparatory programs before enrolling in college-level classes. However, only 52% of these students subsequently complete their college preparatory programs, taking an average of two years to do so. Those students who fail to complete college preparation within two years are very likely to discontinue their education rather than pursue other alternatives such as career/workforce training. Students who receive low scores on college readiness tests or who require remediation in multiple areas are particularly at risk of dropping out. Students who do successfully complete college preparatory programs perform almost as well as other students in college credit foundation courses in the areas in which they received remediation. In addition, students completing college preparatory programs earn associates degrees at similar rates to other students, when the time needed to complete college preparatory courses is taken into consideration. The state’s community colleges have implemented strategies to improve the academic success of students needing remediation. However, they may be able to increase the academic success of these students by incorporating more of these practices into their college preparatory programs. http://www.oppaga.state.fl.us/reports/educ/r07-31s.html. University of Florida President Dr. Bernard Machen to keynote Jacksonville Area Workforce Roundtable on June 13; Second Workforce Summit to be held September 11. Approximately 200 people are expected at the second Workforce Roundtable on Wednesday, June 13th from noon to 4:00pm at the Jacksonville Marriott. The Roundtable is the second of two events that will help frame the agenda for Workforce 2007: the Second Regional Leadership Summit on Workforce Trends on September 11. This Roundtable focuses on expanding the linkages throughout Northeast Florida—including those between Jacksonville and Gainesville. Dr. J. Bernard Machen, president of the University of Florida, will deliver the keynote, presenting “Connecting Regional Resources for Global Success.” And you won’t want to miss a presentation by renowned futurist Glen Hiemstra of Futurist.com. He will make a compelling presentation on “Strategic Regional Thinking for a Competitive Global Workforce.” Audience feedback will be captured to begin framing the agenda for the Workforce Summit. Lunch will be served. There is a $10 registration fee. For more information and to register, visit www.myjaxchamber.com and click the Calendar of Events for June 13, or call the RSVP line at 366.3600, x7602. Workforce Summit 2007: Thinking Globally, Acting Globally will be held September 11th at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville, featuring a keynote presentation on “Tough Choices or Tough Times,” published by the New Commission on the Skills of the American Workforce, by William Brock, a member of the Commission and a former Senator, Ambassador and Secretary of Labor (under President Reagan). The Summit will also include presentations by Irwin Kirsch, Director of the Center for Global Assessment of Educational Testing Service and principal author of “America’s Perfect Storm: Three Forces Changing Our Nation’s Future,” and Thomas Frey, Executive Director of the Davinci Institute. Sponsors for Workforce 2007 and the two Roundtables include title sponsor WorkSource, and the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce, FCCJ, the City of Jacksonville, Duval County Public Schools, The Community Foundation in Jacksonville, the Alliance for World Class Education and the Jacksonville Business Journal. For more information on these events, registration and potential sponsorships, please contact Larry Fairman at 904.249.2357 or larry@fairmanconsulting.net. The NationFunding Cut for Data on Economic Well-Being (by Lyndsey Layton, Washington Post Staff Writer Monday, June 4, 2007; A13). It is one of the most important surveys the government conducts -- the only large-scale measurement of the impact of Medicaid, food stamps, school lunches, unemployment and other safety-net programs for the poor. But proposed Bush administration budget cuts to the Survey on Income and Program Participation, known as SIPP, will significantly reduce the amount of information it generates for the next four years. "We'll have the statistical equivalent of a Katrina on our hands if the OMB [Office of Management and Budget] refuses to request funding for the SIPP," Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney (D-N.Y.) said in a statement. "We need the SIPP to determine which government programs are working and how to best make use of taxpayer dollars in tight fiscal times." The Census Bureau, which oversees the survey, plans to reduce the number of people questioned nationwide from 45,000 to 21,000. The result will mean that detailed data will be generated for just three states -- California, Texas and New York -- instead of the more typical 31 states, said Preston Jay Waite, deputy director of the Census Bureau. The survey will still produce national data, but the ability of state officials and lawmakers to learn how programs are working on a state level will largely evaporate, he said. "It's not desirable for sure, but there are a limited number of priorities and resources available," Waite said. "This is the biggest sample we can allocate within the budget. Life is a trade-off." For the full article go to: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/03/AR2007060301086_pf.html. Breaking the Job Bank (by Ed Frauenheim Workforce Management June 3 - 9, 2007 Vol. 8 Issue 24). Less than a month before America’s Job Bank disappears, employers, states and other organizations are scrambling to prepare for life without the free government job site. The Department of Labor announced in early 2006 that the venerable site would close June 30. And during the past year at least two private-sector groups have announced products designed to replace AJB’s services. The U.S. Department of Labor announced in early 2006 that the 12-year-old site, the first national job board on the Internet and still one of the country’s biggest, would close June 30. Even with the lead time and a number of would-be substitute services, employers large and small aren’t yet sure how to fill AJB’s shoes. Of particular concern is the way the site has helped federal contractors comply with a job-posting rule. In addition, services from groups that aid job seekers may suffer, at least in the short run, once AJB goes away. And state officials have yet to work out all the kinks related to AJB’s closing. Read the complete article at: http://www.workforce.com/section/06/feature/24/94/21/index.html. ODEP Announces Theme for 2007 Disability Awareness Month. The US Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) has announced that "Workers with Disabilities: Talent for a Winning Team!" will be the official 2007 theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which is observed in October throughout the US. "The 2007 'Talent for a Winning Team' theme captures the heart of the president's New Freedom Initiative, which is that Americans with disabilities are an underutilized reservoir of ambition, talent and skill ready to make great contributions in the workplace," said Labor Secretary Elaine Chao. For more information go to: http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/odep/odep20070555.htm. NASWA Workforce Bulletin – June 1, 2007 Headlines:
Grant and Competitive Award Opportunities and NoticesFor current information, visit the External Grant Opportunities page.Featured Opportunity:‘Replication of the CHOICE Career Institute’. The purpose of this Grant Solicitation is to seek applications
from regional workforce boards for projects that replicate
the Community High Okaloosa Academies for Career Education
(CHOICE) developed and implemented by the Okaloosa County
School District in school year 2003-04. This is Phase III
of CHOICE replication which was started under a similar grant
solicitation issued in November 2004. The principle tenets
of CHOICE are now embodied in the 2007 Florida Career and
Professional Education Act, as it was passed as Senate Bill
1232, which provides a statewide planning partnership between
business and education communities to expand and retain high-value
industry and sustain a vibrant state economy. These funds
are to help school districts implement the requirements established
in the new law. Please refer to SB 1232 for entire content
of the Florida Career and Professional Education Act. Only
regional workforce boards (RWBs) may apply for these grants.
This initiative, however, is intended to be a local, collaborative
effort between the regional workforce board and the following
mandatory partners: Upcoming Meetings, Conferences and
Events
Workforce Florida Board and Related Meetings Schedule:For up-to-date WFI board meeting info please check the calendar at the WFI website. June 14, 2007 June 20, 2007 Other Meetings/Conferences/Events:
June 4 - 5th, 2007 June 4-7, 2007 June 12-15, 2007 June 13-15, 2007 June 14, 2007 June 23-26, 2007 July 17-19, 2007 Odds and EndsTwo New Guides for the New Minimum Wage. On May 24 Congress passed a federal minimum wage rate increase, which will raise the minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 in three stages over two years. This rise is the first for the national minimum wage in this decade, the last having occurred in 1997. Given that many individuals with significant disabilities earn wages at or near the minimum wage, they are likely to be impacted by these changes. While the increase provides a wonderful opportunity for many individuals, questions may arise. Two new publications from the Institute for Community Inclusion review how the minimum wage increase is relevant and provide guidance for both people with disabilities and service providers. These fact sheets will assist service providers and people with disabilities through the minimum wage change and its affect on benefits and other issues. "An Aid for Disability Service Providers" can be found at: http://www.communityinclusion.org/article.php?article_id=203 . "What it Means for People with Disabilities" can be found at http://www.communityinclusion.org/article.php?article_id=204 "Workplace Technologies for People with Disabilities". This new employment-focused guide provides information on how employers and service providers can utilize assistive technology to make workplaces and service centers accessible to people with disabilities. The guide contains illustrations of many different types of assistive technologies including descriptive text on the use of these technologies. This guide is available in PDF format at: http://www.iltech.org/workplace%20technologies.pdf. From SOUTHERN COMPASS --JUNE 5, 2007:
Quote for the Week:“Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.” John Lennon |
