Approve the Agreement for Technical Services for Prismatic Services, Inc. (Information and Technology Division)

The Hillsborough County Public Schools and the Department of Programs for English Language Learners (ELL) must ensure that services and activities provided to ELLs are aligned to state academic content standards, student academic achievement standards, and state assessments to close the achievement gap. Five key elements that will contribute to closing the gap are district academic programs, training, materials, parental involvement, and personnel.

An Agreement for Technical Services has been initiated with Prismatic Services, Inc. to collaborate with the Project Director to develop needs assessment instruments and a methodology to identify, collect and analyze necessary qualitative and quantitative data for a program evaluation. Prismatic Services will conduct site visits and interviews and will facilitate focus groups. A final evaluation report will be completed for use by Title III program personnel for program and policy decisions. Prismatic Services, Inc. will follow evaluation standards established by the Joint Committee on Standards for Education Evaluation adopted by the American Evaluation Association.

* Demonstrate consistent and effective teaching methods, * Motivate students to become responsible learners, * Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum

As part of the $2,896,389 project budget, $10,000 has been allocated for an independent evaluation.

A final report will be disseminated to the program director and appropriate district personnel.