Approve the Participation of Hillsborough County Public Schools in the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Measures of Effective Teaching Project and Job Descriptions for Administrator on Special Assignment and Supervisor of Measuring Effective Teaching Project Revised Attachment

Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) is invited to participate in a research study funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) entitled the Measures of Effective Teaching (MET) Project, worth approximately $2.3 million over two years. Seven hundred to one thousand teachers will be selected from approximately one hundred schools. School teams of at least three teachers from specific subject areas (Math and language arts in grades 4-8 and ninth grade English, algebra, and science teachers are eligible.) will participate. The study will provide an array of useful data on teacher impacts on student outcomes and the key predictors and indicators of effective teaching practice. This study supports BMGF’s college and post-secondary readiness initiative, which emphasizes the importance of teacher effectiveness on student achievement. As a part of this process, HCPS is required to submit a memorandum of understanding indicating our intent to adhere to the project plan.

* Increase promotion rates at all grade levels and the percentage of high school graduates, * Demonstrate consistent and effective teaching methods, * Motivate students to become responsible learners, * Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum, * Recruit, develop, and retain a highly effective, diverse workforce

Funding for this project is provided by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. HCPS is the grant’s fiscal agent and project funds reside with the District. Participating teachers will receive a stipend of $1500 and each participating school will receive the same.

Project research and data will be shared with the District’s Department of Assessment and Accountability on a regular basis.