HCPS FL Logo Information and Technology
Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, February 14, 2012
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the Agreement for Technical Services for Dr. Mariann Schmudde for the External Evaluation of the Transition to Teaching, Science and Mathematics Accelerated Readiness Teaching (SMART) Program (Information and Technology Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Transition to Teaching, Science and Mathematics Accelerated Readiness for Teaching (SMART) program in the district is designed to provide high-quality, comprehensive support to individuals pursuing full teacher certification.  The research-based program components of professional development combined with mentoring support are the structural foundation of the Transition to Teaching project.  The unique implementation of this project's three components (recruitment, certification, and retention) support and reinforce the implementation of the Alternative Certification Program (ACP).  This program focuses on supporting eligible paraprofessionals in the pursuit of a Bachelor's Degree and certification; recruiting, training, and supporting teachers participating in the ACP; placing and retaining highly-qualified teachers in targeted high-needs schools; and establishing and developing a full partnership between the district and St. Petersburg College for the purpose of implementing the Transition to Teaching Project.

In cooperation with the program manager, the evaluator will: review and adjust the existing evaluation plan, checklists, and other instrumentation.  The evaluator will provide a comprehensive review to the program manager and appropriate personnel concerning the screening results.  Student achievement data will be evaluated, as will ongoing technical assistance for program evaluation and improvement.  The evaluator will complete interim evaluation reports that will summarize the extent to which the project's activities have been implemented in an effective and timely manner. The interim questions about the program's effectiveness that will be addressed by the evaluator are listed in the Executive Summary continued, Attachment 1.  The Executive Summary of the 2011 program evaluation is Attachment 4.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Recruit, develop, and retain a highly effective, diverse workforce
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
Of the $450,000 awarded for the continued implementation of this program, $20,000 has been allocated for the purpose of an external, independent evaluation.
EVALUATION
Interim and final evaluation reports will be shared in quarterly meetings that will include the project staff, associated district personnel and the evaluators.  Information concerning the progress of the project will be shared at the quarterly Project SMART Advisory Committee meetings every three months.
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 Grant
(813) 272-4600
  Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
    A 5.08
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20120214_493 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 5.08