Hillsborough County Public Schools Student Services and Federal Programs
Action Item

DATE: Thursday, September 4, 2008
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve Technical Service Agreement with Tampa Bay Academy of Hope to Provide Academic and Leadership Support Services to Students at Blake High School (Student Services and Federal Programs Division)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

During the 2007/2008 school year, the Tampa Bay Academy of Hope provided academic and leadership support services to identified students at Blake High School. Through coaching, leadership development, academic support, and ongoing monitoring, students and their parents were able to achieve specified goals. This contract provides funds to allow additional students and their parents at Blake High School to participate in this program during the 2008/09 school year. After a thorough selection process is complete, staff members from the Academy of Hope, along with community partners, will support identified students to improve their grade point averages and academic achievement, increase their school attendance, decrease their misconduct and misbehavior, improve self esteem, and develop leadership skills and abilities. The Student Intervention Specialist serves as the school’s point of contact and assists the Academy of Hope’s staff with access to students and student information. Both students and parents will receive support throughout the remainder of the student’s high school career. Both in-school mentoring programs and summer activities will be designed to help each student achieve his/her goals. Ongoing monitoring will allow the Tampa Bay Academy of Hope staff to provide feedback and interventions to help keep each student on track to graduation. The ultimate goal will be for all students participating in the program to graduate from Blake High School and pursue a tertiary degree or professional education.

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

Goal 5 - The District will eliminate the FCAT achievement gap by a minimum of 10 percent as reported by No Child Left Behind.

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

The contract amount of $24,000 will be paid using Title I, Part D funds.

EVALUATION

On July 28, 2008, the Tampa Bay Academy of Hope submitted an end of year evaluation report utilizing student performance data to the Title I office. Of the students from Blake High School participating in the program throughout the year, 100% graduated, 100% completed the program, 45.45% maintained or increased their GPA, 45.45% maintained or increased their attendance, and 100% maintained or improved their behavior. By August 1, 2009, participating students’ data will be analyzed to determine how students progressed toward program goals for the 2008/2009 school year. Grade point averages, attendance, behavior statistics, and graduation statistics will be reviewed with the Tampa Bay Academy of Hope to determine the overall effectiveness of the program for each child. This information will be used when determining any future contracts.

SUBMITTED BY: Jeff Eakins, Director of Federal Programs

Gwendolyn L. Luney
Assistant Superintendent Student Services and Federal Programs
(813) 272-4879
Gretchen Saunders
Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
A 5.17
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20080904_299 * Section A Item# 5.17