Hillsborough County Public Schools Business
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, November 18, 2008
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve the Agreement with Bellwether Consulting for the 2008/2009 Evaluation of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) Continuation Program (Information and Technology Division)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant program provides at-risk students with opportunities for academic enrichment, personal enrichment, and other activities designed to complement the students’ regular academic program. The 21st CCLC program provides a safe environment for students during non-school hours and offers a range of high-quality services to support student learning and development, including, but not limited to: tutoring and mentoring, academic enrichment (e.g., homework assistance, reading, math, science, and technology programs), service learning, character education, physical education, recreational activities, and dropout prevention.

The CCLC grant includes a component for external program evaluation. This component stipulates the evaluation will include measuring and monitoring student achievement objectives. In addition, quarterly reports are to be made on school grades, software progress, behavior incidents, and attendance. Surveys are to be administered to students, teachers, and parents each semester. The evaluator will coordinate with internal grant evaluation data collection time-lines and reporting requirements. The evaluator will analyze qualitative and quantitative data and will complete an Annual Performance Report, as well as other reports required by the grantor.

Approximately 1,000 Level 1 and 2 students at six targeted schools, whose parents enrolled them in the 21st Century Community Learning Centers’ after-school program, will be involved. The targeted schools are: B.T. Washington Elementary School, James Elementary School, Middleton High School, Shaw Elementary School, Sheehy Elementary School, and Van Buren Middle School.

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

* Increase promotion rates at all grade levels and the percentage of high school graduates, * Motivate students to become responsible learners, * Promote a culture of safety, which is free from harassment, bullying, and aggression

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

The 2008/2009 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) Continuation grant has a total budgeted amount of $1,600,000. Of this amount, $10,000 has been allocated for this evaluation activity.

EVALUATION

The Annual Performance Report at the end of the grant period will be the evaluation.

SUBMITTED BY: John A. Hilderbrand, Director, Assessment and Accountability

David J. Steele, Ph.D.
Chief Information and Technology officer
(813) 272-4600
Gretchen Saunders
Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
A 5.08
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20081118_305 * Section A Item# 5.08