Teaching and Learning Action Item

DATE:	Tuesday, June 25, 2019
TO:	School Board Members
FROM:	Jeff Eakins, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the Memorandum of Agreement with the Center for the Study & Prevention of Violence (CSPV), University of Colorado, Boulder for the Implementation of the LifeSkills Training Grant (Office of Teaching and Learning)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Hillsborough County Public Schools was awarded a three-year grant through CSPV to extend a multi-year middle school Social Emotional Learning project utilizing the evidence-based LifeSkills Training program. This grant provides for curriculum materials, training costs, technical assistance, program materials, and the process evaluation by the CSPV. LifeSkills Training is an evidence-based prevention program that supports the young adolescent’s social, emotional, and academic development. This program promotes healthy alternatives to risky behavior through activities designed to: (1) teach students the necessary skills to resist social (peer) pressures to smoke, drink, and use drugs; (2) help students to develop greater self-esteem and self-confidence; (3) enable students to effectively cope with anxiety; (4) increase their knowledge of the immediate consequences of substance abuse; and (5) enhance cognitive and behavioral competency to reduce and prevent a variety of health risk behaviors.  The program is taught in sequence over three years in Grades 6-8 to build on the foundational skills learned in Grade 6.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Improve the high school graduation rate • Provide a student-centered learning environment that engages every child
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
Funding for this project is provided by the CSPV. The CSPV is the fiscal agent and project funds reside at the CSPV.
EVALUATION
Evaluation continued on attachment.
SUBMITTED BY:  Janet Spence, Instructional Leadership Director, Middle School Education Julia Sarmiento, Coordinator, Social Emotional Learning

Deborah Cook		Gretchen Saunders
Chief Academic Officer, Teaching and Learning (813) 272-4221		Chief Business Officer (813) 272-4270
		B 6.11
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20190625_926 (Board Meeting) * Section B Item# 6.11