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 University of Virginia (UVA) Darden/Curry Partnership for Leaders in Education (PLE) (Leadership, Professional Development, and School Transformation)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The contract with UVA-PLE is funded through the federal Teacher and School Leader Incentive Program grant. UVA-PLE is a national leader in school turn around. They are a world-class organization that prepares education leaders to cultivate systemic change that transforms school communities and yields remarkable student achievement. Through the contract, UVA-PLE will support the district in strengthening the systems and practices in place to turn around our lowest performing schools. Following a District Readiness Assessment, UVA-PLE will provide the following support: Ongoing support to Achievement School Leaders and principals in nine select schools currently rated D and F by the Florida Department of Education Training and tools for hiring turn around leaders for the district’s highest-needs schools A District Leadership boot camp to strengthen the school transformation plan and rethink support and accountability schools currently receive Ongoing development of district division leaders to provide the right support to Achievement Schools based on tiered levels of need related to instructional transformation, school culture, and talent management
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Improve the high school graduation rate • Provide a student-centered learning environment that engages every child • Recruit, support, and retain a highly effective and diverse workforce
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
Funds in the amount of $135,000 will be available in the Teacher and School Leader Incentive Grant.  For tracking purposes, the project number specific to this agenda item is 3542.  As of November 7, 2018, the remaining balance less encumbrances for this line item equaled $497,525.
EVALUATION
UVA-PLE has worked with a large number of districts across the country, helping them turn around their lowest performing schools. An annual report shows that 75 percent of participating districts (and schools) closed the proficiency gap with top state performers. All schools supported by UVA made larger gains than comparable schools on state assessments. Reading proficiency increased an average of 33 percent and mathematics an average of 37 percent in the same schools. The effectiveness of the UVA/Hillsborough County Public Schools partnership will be measured by the improvement in school grades of nine participating schools and major increases in learning gains and proficiency scores on the Florida Standards Assessment. Sustainability of district systems and practices for supporting chronically underperforming schools will also be part of the overall evaluation.
SUBMITTED BY:

Tricia McManus		Gretchen Saunders
Assistant Superintendent, Leadership, Professional Development, and School Transformation (813) 272-4876		Chief Business Officer (813) 272-4270
		C 6.38
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20181204_911 (Board Meeting followed by Public Hearing) * Section C Item# 6.38