Approve the Agreement for Technical Services with Multi-Dimensional Education, Inc. (MDED) for the Evaluation of the Responsible Engaged Students Promoting Empathy, Caring, and Trust (RESPECT) Project (Information and Technology Division)

Project RESPECT seeks to implement a character education program at 40 schools that is integrated into classroom instruction and carried out in conjunction with current education reform efforts. RESPECT integrates a research-based character education program, Too Good for Violence, with elementary school reading curriculum, based on the state and federal Reading First reform initiative. The program promotes eight core character traits: caring, cooperation, courage, fairness, honesty, respect, responsibility, and self-discipline. Students learn and reinforce positive character traits as they participate in reading content instruction, thereby improving their academic achievement in reading and their pro-social skills at the same time.

The partners of Multi-Dimensional Education, Inc., Dr. Michael Corrigan and Dr. Douglas Grove, are internationally recognized for their expertise in education and assessment. Together they have evaluated a number of large longitudinal U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) grants, as well as managing research efforts funded through the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Justice. They are professors at the college level and former teachers and administrators. A detailed description of their professional qualifications is attached.The Executive Summary continues on the attachment.

* Motivate students to become responsible learners, * Promote a culture of safety, which is free from harassment, bullying, and aggression

Of the $435,911 awarded for this project, $84,885 has been allocated for this year 3 rigorous evaluation required by the funding agency.

An annual year 3 evaluation report as required by the USDOE will be submitted to the USDOE, and the Hillsborough County Public Schools Department of Assessment and Accountability.