Hillsborough County Public Schools Business
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, February 9, 2010
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve the Consultant Agreement for DKH Consulting Services to Perform the Evaluation of the Smaller Learning Communities Project (Information and Technology Division) (Revised Fact Sheet)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The purpose of the Smaller Learning Communities (SLC) grant project is to build communities around the concepts of leadership and academic rigor. The project indicates the following services and activities: 1) implementation of rigorous academic programs for all participating students; 2) extensive and ongoing professional development for teachers, guidance counselors, and administrators; 3) extensive use of data to inform and drive teaching, learning, and assessment; 4) post-secondary planning and preparation that includes intensive interventions for students; 5) development of instructional supports that create a personalized learning environment and community; and 6) ongoing leadership training for all stakeholders. The eight schools involved with the project include: Armwood, Brandon, Durant, Hillsborough, Jefferson, King, Riverview, and Robinson High Schools.

A component of the grant requires that an evaluation of the project be performed to assure that all services and activities are taking place. DKH Consulting Services, Inc. has been asked to perform these duties. Dr. Deidra Honeywell, President of DKH Consulting Services, Inc., has worked with the Pinellas County Public Schools in obtaining and winning grants. She is knowledgeable about the grant process including curriculum integration. Dr. Honeywell is well known throughout the state and in Washington, D.C.

The evaluation will consist of developing an evaluation plan in conjunction with project management and school-based SLC teams. DKH will design, administer, and analyze surveys to assess program progress. On-site evaluation visits will be conducted three times per year. The provider will analyze quantitative and qualitative data and will meet with SLC evaluation teams to discuss data and implementation progress. DKH will utilize a continuous improvement loop to review and analyze implementation of the project. DKH will make presentations to the district, schools, and community stakeholders as requested.

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

* Motivate students to become responsible learners

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

The project budget total is $1,973,100. Of this amount, $68,000 has been budgeted for an evaluation.

EVALUATION

Formative and Summative evaluation reports will be submitted to the District.

SUBMITTED BY: Samuel R. Whitten, Assistant Director, Assessment and Accountability

David J. Steele, Ph.D.
Chief Information and Technology Officer and Project Director, Empowering Effective Teachers Grant
(813) 272-4600
Gretchen Saunders
Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
A 5.21R
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20100209_393 * Section A Item# 5.21R