HCPS FL Logo Information and Technology
Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, May 17, 2011
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the Agreement for Technical Services to DKH Consulting Services to Perform the External Evaluation of the Federally Funded Project Entitled Smaller Learning Communities - Tomorrow's Leaders (Information and Technology Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of the Smaller Learning Communities' (SLC) federally funded 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 SCL Tomorrow's Leaders project builds communities at eight targeted high schools around the concepts of leadership and academic rigor.  The project includes services and activities that include: 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) developmental and instructional supports that create a personalized learning environment and community; and 6) ongoing leadership training for all stakeholders.  The schools involved include:  Armwood, Brandon, Durant, Hillsborough, Jefferson, King, Riverview, and Robinson High Schools.

The grant requires that the project be monitored by an external evaluator.  DKH Consulting Services has been asked to conduct this evaluation.  DKH (specifically, Dr. Deidra Honeywell) has worked with 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.  DKH has conducted previous years' Smaller Learning Communities' evaluations for the School Board of Hillsborough County, Florida.

(Executive Summary continued on attachment 1.)

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Demonstrate consistent and effective teaching methods • Motivate students to become responsible learners • Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
The Smaller Learning Community - Tomorrow's Leaders project is funded by a federal grant.  Of the $1,973,100 awarded for the grant, $68,000 is allocated for an external evaluation.
EVALUATION
A formative report will be submitted for approval after the first on-site visits are completed at schools.  A second formative report will be submitted for approval after the second on-site evaluation visits to schools are completed, and a final report will be submitted at the conclusion of the project.
SUBMITTED BY:  Samuel R. Whitten, Assistant Director, Assessment and Accountability
David J. Steele, Ph.D.   Gretchen Saunders
Chief Information and Technology Officer and Project Director, Empowering Effective Teachers
(813) 272-4600
  Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
    A 5.03
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20110517_459 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 5.03