Action Item
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Curriculum and Instruction
Action Item |
| DATE: | Tuesday, October 13, 2015 |
| TO: | School Board Members |
| FROM: | Jeff Eakins, Superintendent |
| SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS | |
| Approve Memorandum of Agreement with Accelerate Learning, Inc. (Sole-Source Provider) for Services Associated with the Implementation of the Investing in Innovation (i3) Grant Project (Award #U411C140098), the Urban Teacher Residency Preparation Program (UTRPP) (Curriculum and Instruction Division) | |
| EXECUTIVE SUMMARY | |
| Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) was awarded a 5-year, $3 million i3 grant funded by the United States Department of Education in support of the UTRPP. The current agreement with Accelerate Learning, Inc. will cover the purchase of a five year subscription for the STEMscopes digital curriculum, as well as an in-kind match of professional development services from Accelerate Learning, Inc. valued at $27,950 through December 31, 2016. 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.
Accelerate Learning, Inc. is designated as sole-source and is the copyright proprietor of STEMscopes digital subscriptions. Therefore, this purchase is exempt from the requesting competitive solicitations by the Florida Department of Education 6A-1.012 Purchasing Policies (11) (b). |
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| STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES | |
| • Demonstrate consistent and effective teaching methods • Recruit, develop, and retain a highly effective, diverse workforce • Align the performance management system with the district's priorities • Provide for a district-wide succession planning structure and visible career ladder • Align financial resources to support the district's strategic goals • Demonstrate best financial practices | |
| FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes) | |
| Funds in the amount of $92,700 will be utilized for the purchase of the Accelerate Learning products in year 1, to be implemented in years 1-5 of the grant. For tracking purposes, the project number specific to the i3 grant is 2737. The expenditure amount of $92,700 reflects 3.24 percent of the total grant budget. | |
| EVALUATION | |
| Under the terms of the grant, HCPS is responsible for project evaluation. HCPS will contract with an external, third-party organization that conducts an independent evaluation. HCPS personnel, University of South Florida project personnel, and key personnel from the Department of Assessment, Accountability, and Evaluation will work in collaboration with the external organization to provide the required training. | |
| 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 |
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| A 6.05 | ||
| Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20151013_702 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 6.05 | ||