Approve the Year Three Subagreement Modification/Amendment Between the University of South Florida (USF) and Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) for Services Associated with HCPS Role in the Federal National Center for Education Research’s Leadership for Integrated Middle School Science (LIMSS) Grant Project, Subagreement #1028-1008-00-A (Student Services and Federal Programs Division)

The United States Department of Education (USDOE) awarded the LIMSS project to USF for three years, with HCPS as a partner. We are now in year three of the project, with Andi Ringer, Supervisor for Middle School Science, serving as the project’s director. The purpose of the program is to maintain and enhance student interest in science; build a solid foundation of conceptual knowledge, process skills, and problem-solving abilities in middle schools; and lay a foundation for in-depth science education in grades 9 – 12. The role of HCPS is to deliver professional development to middle school science teachers to increase their content knowledge, instructional delivery and leadership skills. Year three of the project began March 1, 2010, and will end February 28, 2011. Of the total amount awarded in year three, $325,469 is allocated for project services rendered by HCPS.

Funding for this project is provided by the USDOE; Subagreement #1028-1008-00-A. USF is the grant’s fiscal agent and project funds reside at USF. HCPS will invoice USF as outlined in the Subagreement.

Under the terms of the grant, USF is responsible for project evaluation. A copy of the annual reports and final evaluation report will be provided to HCPS Office of Assessment and Accountability. The anticipated date for the third annual report is May 1, 2011.