HCPS FL Logo Leadership, Professional Development, and School Transformation
Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, December 4, 2018
TO: School Board Members
FROM: Jeff Eakins, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the Agreement for Technical Services with Committee for Children (Leadership, Professional Development, and School Transformation)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Upon approval, this Agreement for Technical Services will continue the partnership between The School Board of Hillsborough County, Florida and the creators of the Second Step program, Committee for Children. Second Step is a social-emotional learning skills curriculum for students in kindergarten through grade eight. Building upon the success of this project and improving upon sustainability efforts, the federal program officer has approved the onboarding of 35 remaining Achievement Schools. The Project Prevent grant now includes 56 schools from across the district.

Training will be offered for site-based staff to provide program orientation, and to allow staff to develop strategies for incorporating opportunities for students to practice mindfulness and techniques to promote independence, self-regulation, and de-escalation that bolsters self-efficacy. Technical assistance will be provided by both district staff and Committee for Children to support implementation efforts.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
All Strategic Objectives
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
Funds in the amount of $125,811 will be available in the Project Prevent Grant. For tracking purposes, the project number specific to this agenda item is 3510.  As of October 18, 2018, the remaining balance less encumbrances for this line item equaled $126,000.
EVALUATION
Programs are continuously evaluated through randomized controlled trials by a team of research scientists employed by the Committee for Children to ensure the programs produce their intended effects: promoting social-emotional development, safety, and well-being of children. Over 1,500 students were served in small group and classroom settings during year four. No students were being served prior to the implementation of this curriculum in the project schools. Feedback from participating site-based personnel and administration indicates a reduction in disciplinary issues being reported from students being served, and an increased interest in utilizing this curriculum across project schools.
SUBMITTED BY:  Kristine Hensley, Supervisor, Leadership, Professional Development, and School Transformation
Tricia McManus   Gretchen Saunders
Assistant Superintendent, Leadership, Professisonal Development, and School Transformation
(813) 272-4876
  Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
    C 6.16
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20181204_911 (Board Meeting followed by Public Hearing) * Section C Item# 6.16