HCPS FL Logo Student Services and Federal Programs
Information Item
DATE: Tuesday, December 10, 2013
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary of Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) Grant Application for the Race to the Top—District (RTT-D) Competition (Student Services and Federal Programs Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Hillsborough County Public Schools has submitted a RTT-D grant application for funding from the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE). If awarded, the year one amount will be approximately $10.9 million.  The proposed initiative supports the development and implementation of a personalized learning model for students in 13 targeted middle schools in the district (list attached).  Students at these schools will experience this personalized learning model in their science classes as they experience the science curriculum through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) infused learning modules.  The three overarching goals of this project are to accelerate student achievement, enhance educator effectiveness, and ready students for college and careers.  The realization of each of these goals through this project will ensure students are receiving an education that will truly prepare them for the future. 

If funding is received, one Project Director position would be created to serve as the manager of the project.  This position would be needed to coordinate all parts of the RTT-D project, assure proper fiscal management of the project, engage stakeholders during the project’s development period, and implement the continuous improvement model.  In addition, two Research Analyst positions would be created to work on the project.  One of the analyst positions would serve as a technical systems administrator to ensure interoperability between existing district systems and new systems added through RTT-D.  The other analyst position would serve the project by assuming responsibility for coordinating application and data synchronization with the project’s learning management system.  The attached chart gives further details regarding the potential positions.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Demonstrate consistent and effective teaching methods • Motivate students to become responsible learners • Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum • Recruit, develop, and retain a highly effective, diverse workforce
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
If awarded, funding for this project will be provided by the USDOE.  HCPS will be the grant’s fiscal agent. 
EVALUATION
Under the terms of the grant, an external evaluator contracted by the district will evaluate the project and provide annual reports to the district and USDOE.  Copies of the annual reports and the final evaluation report will be provided to the district's office of Assessment and Accountability.
SUBMITTED BY:  Lisa Cobb, Director, Grants and Research Operations
Wynne A. Tye, Assistant Superintendent   Gwendolyn L. Luney
Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
  Assistant Superintendent, Student Services and Federal Programs
(813) 272-4879
    A 10.03
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20131210_604 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 10.03