Hillsborough County Public Schools Business
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, December 9, 2008
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve the Evaluation Contract for a Component of the Lift Every Voice for Literacy Grant to be Conducted by Read to Learn, LLC (Information and Technology Division)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Lift Every Voice for Literacy Grant funded by the Arts in Education Model Development and Dissemination Program consists of two components: to increase the reading achievement of struggling readers, while increasing the music proficiency of students, and to provide teacher professional development. The grant requires an external evaluation team that consists of reading, music, and research specialists.

For the reading specialist component of the evaluation team, an agreement for technical services has been developed with Read to Learn, LLC to serve as an evaluator. The evaluation duties will include, but not be limited to: collecting, monitoring, organizing, and analyzing outcome reading data. The evaluator will revise, as necessary, a training syllabus for reading professional development components. The evaluator will provide reading training, conduct classroom observations, and conduct interviews with and administer surveys to participants.

Approximately 250 students will be involved at eight elementary schools. These schools include: Bing Elementary, B.T. Washington Elementary, Chiaramonte Elementary, Foster Elementary, Lockhart Elementary, Palm River Elementary, Pizzo Elementary, Witter Elementary Schools.

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

* Motivate students to become responsible learners, * Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

A total of $749,183 was awarded for this grant for the entire period. The 2008/2009 portion is $241,183. Of this amount, $13,000 has been set aside for this portion of the external evaluation.

EVALUATION

The provider will present a year three evaluation report to the Department of Assessment and Accountability. The year one and year two evaluation reports are available upon request from the Department of Assessment and Accountability.

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 5.12
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20081209_314 * Section A Item# 5.12