Hillsborough County Public Schools Curriculum and Instruction
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, May 8, 2007
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve Two Grant proposals to the Florida Department of Education, Division of Community Colleges and Workforce Education, and if Approved, Accept Funds for ADULT EDUCATION AND FAMILY LITERACY-LITERACY EDUCATION FOR HOUSEHOLDS (Previously Family Literacy Comprehensive), 2007/2008 - Total $300,000 (Adult and Community Education)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Florida Department of Education, Division of Community Colleges and Workforce Education, has issued a request for proposals for supplemental funding for Adult Education and Family Literacy- Literacy Education for Households, from July 1, 2007, to June 30, 2008.

Approval is requested to submit two continuing grant applications for supplemental, performance-based funding in the amount of $300,000 to enhance, improve, and expand the delivery system of adult education and family literacy services. The purpose of funding is to assist adults in completing a high school diploma or its equivalent (GED), obtaining the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and self-sufficiency, and to become full partners in the educational development of their children. The targeted population to benefit from requested funding will include: qualifying adults who lack sufficient mastery of basic education skills to enable the individual to function effectively in society, do not have a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, or are unable to speak, read, or write the English language.

Grant funds will be used to expand and enhance the district's family literacy services by incorporating family literacy and parenting skills into adult education classes and providing opportunities for parents and care-givers to increase educational activities with their children. An emphasis on communication skills, adult basic literacy, and reading will be integrated into classroom instruction supporting the district's priority strategic goals and the state-wide initiative "Just Read, Florida!" Funds will be used to employ a full-time Family Literacy facilitator, two certified Early Childhood Teachers who will deliver early childhood literacy and pre-school instructional activities for participating children, and four part-time Child Development Associate certified paraprofessionals who provide child-care services to children of parents participating in adult education classes. Comprehensive implementation of this grant will be accomplished through a collaborative, fiscal partnership with selected faith-based and community organizations. Two School Board approved collaborative agreements with SERVE, Inc. and Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg will enhance instructional delivery and attainment of program objectives. SERVE, Inc. will collaborate with the Department of Adult and Community Education to recruit, train and place literacy volunteers into adult education classrooms. Catholic Charities will provide selected family literacy and life skills training sessions for participating parents and adult students. Funds will also be used to provide and enhance inservice training for adult education instructors and to purchase instructional materials, classroom resources, educational software, and computer equipment.

For the past four years, the Department of Adult and Community Education has successfully implemented the Adult Education and Family Literacy Project, increasing performance outcomes for the district and exceeding project goals each year. During the 2005/2006 school year, performance measures reported for the Family Literacy Project included 116 Literacy Completion Points, 33 adult students placed into career/technical training and employment, and 17 adult students who earned a State of Florida High School Diploma (GED). For the current project period (2006/2007), the Department of Adult and Community Education has successfully met performance outcomes to date and anticipates exceeding project goals for the year.

ANNUAL DISTRICT GOAL(S) AND CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S)

All District Goals and Critical Success Factors

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

If approved, grant funds of $150,000 for each funding application for a total of $300,000 will be included in the divisional special revenue/federal programs budget. All direct and indirect costs are included in the grant budget.

EVALUATION

10/31/08. Evaluation measures required by the grant are determined by the Florida Department of Education. The annual state performance report will be completed in October 2008 and shared with all stakeholders.

SUBMITTED BY: Karine E. Johns, Supervisor, Adult Instruction

Elsa A. Tuggle
Director, Adult and Community Education
(813) 276-5654 x 222
Michael A. Grego, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
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Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20070508_241 * Section E Item# 1.01e