Hillsborough County Public Schools Curriculum and Instruction
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, June 15, 2010
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve Renewal of the State of Florida Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program Provider Agreement with Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County for the 2010 Summer Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Program (Elementary Education)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

We request approval to renew the State of Florida Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program Provider Agreement with Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County for the 2010 Summer VPK Program. The Florida Legislature mandated the VPK Program in House Bill (HB)1-A, (Chapter 2004-484, Laws of Florida). This agreement establishes the specific program requirements, enrollment, accountability, and financial processes for prekindergarten programs in Hillsborough County Public Schools. The ending date of this agreement is August 31, 2010; a renewal agreement will be developed for the 2010/2011 school year.

The list of district elementary schools providing the VPK program is attached. Sites will be opened and staffed based on enrollment.

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

* Increase promotion rates at all grade levels and the percentage of high school graduates, * Demonstrate consistent and effective teaching methods, * Motivate students to become responsible learners, * Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum, * Promote a culture of safety, which is free from harassment, bullying, and aggression

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

The Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County is the fiscal agent for the Voluntary Prekindergarten Program funds. Funding per child will be accessed through monthly payments with reconciliation at the conclusion of the agreement. All district audit requirements will be met.

EVALUATION

Evaluation will be completed April 2011. The state will release the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Program Provider Kindergarten Readiness Rates for all private and school district providers. Each program will be evaluated on student scores on the Florida Kindergarten Readiness Screener (FLKRS). The state will look at the percentage of students that scored “ready for kindergarten” on a subset of the Early Childhood Observation System (ECHOS) and two measures of the new Florida Assessments in Reading (FAIR) (Letter Naming and Phonemic Awareness). FLKRS is administered every year to all children entering kindergarten.

SUBMITTED BY: Lisa Bellock, Kindergarten Supervisor

Barbara B. Hancock
General Director, Elementary Education
(813) 272-4455
Wynne A. Tye
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
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Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20100615_402 * Section A Item# 1.11