1. Name of Nominee: Ian Figgener
1.Background Information
A. First grade seemed to be especially difficult for Ian. Due to Epilepsy medication
he struggled with staying focused, recalling information, and remaining on task.
Following multi step directions was a challenge. Organizing complex information
was and continues to be difficult for Ian. Throughout his primary grades he
continued to have direct educational support in the areas of Reading, Writing, and
Math provided by the ESE teacher. Currently, Ian receives direct educational
support in the area of reading. It is difficult for him, at times to use
vocabularywords in an organized appropriate practice.
B. Currently, Ian is provided with direct ESE services primarily in the classroom
setting. He receives small group reading instruction in an inclusion model. Reading
instruction is geared to provide many opportunities for Ian to be successful in
practicing higher level reading comprehension questions. Graphic organizers as
well as cooperative groups enable Ian to demonstrate vocabulary knowledge and
application. He is able to use technology (computers, kindle, etc.) in the classroom
for independent reading as well as group instruction.
Ian’s educational services have changed in the past two years based on his academic
achievement. Ian’s ESE minutes were reduced from 275 mpw to 60 mpw. He has
done a phenomenal job in applying himself in all subject areas!

2. 2. Describe the student’s accomplishments
A. Ian began this school year with full support from the ESE teacher, the ESE
associate as well as classroom teachers. As the year progressed Ian has achieved
tremendous academic success and has increased his independence, allowing a
decrease in the ESE support minutes. Ian has been able to accomplish “Honor Roll”
status through out the school year. He is an extremely hard working young man. He
is a very diligent and task oriented student. He has a quiet and gentle nature about
him whichdemonstrates his strength as an individual. His reading comprehension
skills have flourished. He has made significant gains in higher level thinking skills.
Ian scored a 4 on The FCAT in 2011. His reading comprehension score on FAIR in
the 1st assessment period of this school year was in the 11th percentile. The 2nd
assessment period Ian scored in the 77th percentile in Reading Comprehension. This
is just one example of Ian’s many accomplishments!
B. The setting in which Ian’s accomplishment occurredisatschool. He has been
highly successful in whole group reading instruction. Ian has been able to practice,
apply, and evaluate concepts and skills in cooperative groups, whole class
instruction, and partner sharing. He has been thorough and detailed oriented in his
written responses.
C. The impact Ian’s accomplishments have had on himself are quite amazing. His
success in reading has elevated his confidence. He has achieved “Honor Roll” status.

3. He has been an outstanding role model for his peers. His hard work is evident in his
classwork. He has a “Yes I Can “ attitude in everything he attempts…
3. System Supports
A. Pinellas County Schools have tremendously supported Ian for all of his public
education thus far. The outstanding teachers at Tarpon Springs Fundamental
Elementary School were in tune with Ian’s strengths and provided the tools he
needed to cultivate his reading success. The county provided numerous workshops
and educational opportunities to further support educators professional
development in the area of Exceptional Student Education. Pinellas County Schools
should be proud of the programs that have enabled Ian to rise up to be all that he
can be!