Information and Technology Action Item

DATE:	Tuesday, August 27, 2013
TO:	School Board Members
FROM:	MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the Recommendation to Contract with the Florida Association for Career and Technical Education (FACTE) to Facilitate the Recruitment and Handling of Stipend Payments for Career and Technical Education Teachers and Educators Participating in District-Developed Assessments for Hard-to-Measure Content Areas, Project G (DDA-G). (Information and Technology Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Through the Race to the Top grant, Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) in 2011-2012 was awarded two grants to create and review assessment items in two Hard-to-Measure subject areas. The items to be created and reviewed were for 20 different courses in Career and Technical Education and 24 different courses in Physical Education/Health Education. A portion of each of the two grants was dedicated specifically to hire teachers throughout the state to serve on teams who will collaborate to write and review item specifications assessment items and the test design summary for each course, as well as aid in the facilitation of item tryouts and field testing. The Florida Association for Career and Technical Education (FACTE) is the statewide professional organization whose members are representative of the Career and Technical Education courses covered in the grant. FACTE is designed to facilitate professional leadership and partnerships essential for the successful preparation of individuals to participate in a world class workforce. Formed in 1926, FACTE is the only organization in the state of Florida that is solely dedicated to representing the interests of career and technical educators. FACTE serves to promote career and technical education in Florida by unifying all interests through representative membership. It strives to create a better understanding of career and technical education and encourage technical and professional growth among all educators. FACTE also encourages the development of local associations that will promote advocacy and professional development for career and technical education. The intent of the grant is to utilize professional organizations as partners with the district in implementation of the grant. The board approved this partnership agreement last year which was beneficial to the project. This will be the second year in which FACTE will facilitate the recruitment and payment of stipends for participants in the project.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Demonstrate consistent and effective teaching methods • Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum • Recruit, develop, and retain a highly effective, diverse workforce
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
Funding in the amount of $628,683.12 is provided through the Hard-to-Measure Assessments Grant, Project G (Career/Technical Education).
EVALUATION
Invoices are received and participants are paid in a timely fashion.
SUBMITTED BY:  Samuel R, Whitten, Director, Assessment and Accountability Donna Weill, Supervisor, Hard-to-Measure Assessments, Career/Technical Education

Anna L. Brown, Ed.D.		Gretchen Saunders
Chief Information and Technology Officer (813) 272-4600		Chief Business Officer (813) 272-4270
		A 6.19
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20130827_594 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 6.19