HCPS FL Logo Student Services and Federal Programs
Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, January 24, 2012
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the Payment to the University of South Florida (USF) for Services Associated with Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) Race to the Top District-Developed Assessments for Hard-to-Measure Content Areas Grants (HTM), Projects 290-RA211-2C002 and 290-RA211-2C004 (Student Services and Federal Programs Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) awarded $952,380.95 to HCPS for each of our HTM projects, for a total of $1,904,761.90.  The project director for these grants is the district’s Supervisor of Data Analysis.  The program periods began July 1, 2011, and ends June 30, 2012.  The purpose of the program is to develop test summaries, item specifications, item banks of multiple choice and performance task items, and to pilot test items relative to Physical Education/Health and Career and Technical Education.  Of the total amount awarded, $25,000 is allocated for project services rendered by USF.  Faculty from USF will be working with staff from the district’s Assessment and Accountability office to develop training modules and materials related to assessment test item writing.  See Attachment A, Scope of Work from each subagreement for details.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• 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
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  No)
Funding for this project is provided by the FLDOE Race to the Top District-Developed Assessments for Hard-to-Measure Content Areas grants, Projects 290-RA211-2C002 and 290-RA211-2C004.  HCPS is the grant’s fiscal agent, and project funds reside with the district.
EVALUATION
Under the terms of the grant, HCPS is responsible for project evaluation.  A copy of the annual reports and final evaluation report will be provided to HCPS Office of Assessment and Accountability. The anticipated date for the annual report is December 30, 2012.

 

SUBMITTED BY:  Michelle Watts, Supervisor, Assessment and Accountability
Lisa Cobb, Assistant Director, Grants and Research Operations
Gwendolyn L. Luney, Assistant Superintendent   Gretchen Saunders
Student Services and Federal Programs
(813) 272-4879
  Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
    A 5.16
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20120124_491 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 5.16