HCPS FL Logo Curriculum and Instruction
Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, March 24, 2015
TO: School Board Members
FROM: Jeff Eakins, Acting Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the Memorandum of Agreement with the University of South Florida (USF), College of Education for Services Associated with the Implementation of the Investing in Innovation (i3) Grant Project (Award #U411C140098), the Urban Teacher Residency Preparation Program (Curriculum and Instruction Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) was awarded a five-year, $3 million i3 grant funded by the United States Department of Education in support of the Urban Teacher Residency Preparation Program.  The current agreement with USF will cover the first year of the project and provide a total of $450,584 for this period of the grant.

The goal of the project is to study an innovative approach to teacher preparation for undergraduate education majors that significantly alters the current teacher preparation model and serves as a promising solution to a pressing national challenge of recruiting, preparing, and retaining effective teachers and leaders for low-income, high-need students.

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 • Recruit, develop, and retain a highly effective, diverse workforce
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
Funding for this project is provided by the United States Department of Education.  HCPS serves as the fiscal agent for this grant project.
EVALUATION
Under the terms of the grant, HCPS is responsible for the project evaluation. HCPS will contract with an external, third-party organization that conducts an independent evaluation. HCPS personnel, USF project personnel, and key personnel from the Assessment and Accountability Department will work in collaboration with the external organization to provide the required reporting.
SUBMITTED BY:  Barbara B. Hancock, Instructional Leadership Director, Elementary
Denny B. Oest   Gretchen Saunders
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
  Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
    A 6.13
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20150324_686 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 6.13