Approve the Consultant Agreement for DKH Consulting Services to Perform the Evaluation of the Smaller Learning Communities Tomorrow's Leaders Grant Project (Information and Technology Division)

The purpose of the Smaller Learning Communities (SLC) initiative is to create schools-within-a-school in an effort to lessen the negative impact large school settings have on students. The project includes strategies to create the necessary community structure for student success. The Tomorrow's Leaders grant project builds communities at eight targeted high schools around the concepts of leadership and academic rigor. The project includes: 1) implementation of rigorous academic programs for all participating students; 2) extensive and ongoing professional development for teachers, guidance counselors, and administrators; 3) extensive use of data to inform and drive teaching, learning, and assessment; 4) post-secondary planning and preparation that includes intensive interventions for students; 5) development and instructional supports that create a personalized learning environment and community; and 6) ongoing leadership training for all stakeholders.

The project requires that this grant be evaluated by an outside vendor. DKH Consulting Services, Inc. has been asked to conduct this evaluation. DKH (specifically, Dr. Deidra Honeywell) has worked with the Pinellas County Public Schools in obtaining and winning grants; she is knowledgeable about the grant process including curriculum integration. Dr. Honeywell is well known in the state and in Washington, D.C. Dr. Honeywell is the chief evaluator of the overall Smaller Learning Communities project.

As part of the evaluation, the provider will develop an evaluation plan in conjunction with project management and school-based (SLC) teams. She will design, administer, and analyze surveys to assess program progress. On-site evaluation visits will be conducted three times a year. She will analyze quantitative and qualitative data. The provider will meet with SLC evaluation teams to discuss data and implementation progress. She will complete formative and summative evaluation reports. The provider will utilize a continuous improvement loop to review and analyze implementation and draw conclusions, provide feedback, make recommendations for program changes, revisions, and improvements. As requested, Dr. Honeywell will make presentations to the district, school, and community stakeholders. The schools involved include: Armwood, Brandon, Durant, Hillsborough, Jefferson, King, Riverview, and Robinson High Schools.

* Demonstrate consistent and effective teaching methods, * Motivate students to become responsible learners, * Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum

The total awarded for the Smaller Learning Communities grant is $1,859,191. Of this amount, $68,000 has been allocated for evaluation purposes.

A final year-end evaluation report will be presented to the District.