Hillsborough County Public Schools Business
Action Item

DATE: Thursday, April 1, 2010
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve the Subagreement (#1728-1051-00-A) Between the University of South Florida (USF) and Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) for Services Associated with HCPS Role in the Federal Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Grant Program, Project REACH – Recognizing Extraordinary Accomplishments of Children (Student Services and Federal Programs Division)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) awarded $440,000 to USF for a Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Program grant. Of that amount, $37,640 is dedicated to project services rendered by HCPS. The purpose of the program is to increase the identification of English Language Learners (ELL) and Economically Disadvantaged (ED) students for gifted education programs. USF will work closely with HCPS Title III and Gifted programs on this grant. The role of HCPS is to identify ten elementary schools for project participation, provide oversight of all project activities related to HCPS, provide grant-related professional development, and provide data necessary to complete the annual project evaluation. Teachers at the identified schools will receive professional development related to the project during the summer. Lauri Kirsch, HCPS Supervisor of K-12 Gifted Education, will serve as the project’s director.

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

* Demonstrate consistent and effective teaching methods, * Motivate students to become responsible learners, * Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum, * Recruit, develop, and retain a highly effective, diverse workforce

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: No)

Funding for this project is provided by the USDOE. USF is the grant’s fiscal agent and project funds reside at USF. HCPS will invoice USF as outlined in the Subagreement.

EVALUATION

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 first annual report is December 30, 2010.

SUBMITTED BY: Lynn Fell, Grants and Research Operations Officer

Gwendolyn L. Luney, Assistant Superintendent
Student Services and Federal Programs
(813) 272-4879
Gretchen Saunders
Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
A 5.19
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20100401_414 * Section A Item# 5.19