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Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, December 11, 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.  While 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 Alternate Certification Program (ACP).  This program focuses on supporting eligible personnel in the pursuit of a Bachelor’s Degree and certification; recruiting, training, and supporting teachers participating in the ACP; placing and training highly-qualified teachers in targeted high-needs schools; 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/adjust the existing evaluation plan, checklists, and other instrumentation; provide a comprehensive review to the program manager and appropriate personnel; evaluate student data as well as ongoing technical assistance for program evaluation and improvement; will complete evaluation reports as required by the funder to summarize the extent to which project activities have been implemented in an effective and timely manner.  

Dr. Schmudde conducted the prior year evaluation and, for the purposes of continuity and familiarity, has been asked to perform this fourth year evaluation.  Dr. Schmudde has a Ph.D. and Masters in Curriculum and Instruction and a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and is an instructor at Stetson University in the Exceptional Leadership Program. 

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 5.04
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20121211_519 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 5.04