HCPS FL Logo Curriculum and Instruction
Information Item
DATE: Tuesday, November 10, 2015
TO: School Board Members
FROM: Jeff Eakins, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Recognition of the 2015 University of South Florida (USF) College of Education Outstanding Partnership Award (Curriculum and Instruction Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Each year the USF College of Education recognizes an individual or organization who has served as a collaborator and supporter of college programs and projects. This year’s award recipient of the Outstanding Partnership Award is Larry Plank, Director of K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, (STEM) Education for Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS).

A twice graduate of USF, Mr. Plank has worked with the College of Education on a variety of grant funded projects and initiatives over the past seven years:

  • Helios Middle School Residency Project, which has reimagined the teacher preparation program for middle grades STEM teachers;
  • Tampa Bay Robert Noyce Scholars Program, which has provided over 20 new STEM teachers to HCPS;
  • Noyce Fellowship Program, which serves as a platform for existing STEM teachers to become teacher-leaders in HCPS;
  • Coastal Areas Climate Change Education Partnership, which supports teachers and students in sustainability experiences; and
  • Climate Change Narrative Game Education (CHANGE) Project, which will provide a platform for students to learn about climate science through an immersive technological experience.

In addition to these projects, Mr. Plank serves on multiple selection committees for faculty members in STEM education, serves as a member of the university-wide STEM education think tank, provides guest lectures to both university faculty and students, and assists in the annual College of Education Inquiry Conference where he formally received his award earlier this year.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Motivate students to become responsible learners
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  No)
This agenda item is for recognition and has no financial impact to the district.
EVALUATION
N/A
SUBMITTED BY: 
    Denny B. Oest

  Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
     12
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20151110_704 (Board Recognition Meeting) Item# 12