Leadership, Professional Development, and School Transformation Action Item

DATE:	Tuesday, August 20, 2019
TO:	School Board Members
FROM:	Jeff Eakins, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the License Agreement #3-LIC-IV with Inner Explorer, Inc. (Leadership, Professional Development, and School Transformation)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Inner Explorer program will provide a focus on key areas of development, bringing mindfulness to education, and helping students prepare for learning.  The Inner Explorer program is a series of daily five to ten minute audio guided mindfulness practices integrated into the morning meeting at each school by the classroom teacher.  The program will teach students the practical techniques to appropriately handle difficult emotions, such as stress, anxiety, and anger.  The Inner Explorer program will help students in 41 elementary Achievement Schools with themes like discovering breathing and relaxation exercises, learning awareness of senses, using thought and emotional regulation, developing compassion and connection, and promoting social emotional learning.  Since strong social and emotional skills, and behavior are precursors to learning, the program will aid in strengthening foundational skills and improving student academic success.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Improve the high school graduation rate • Provide a student-centered learning environment that engages every child
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
Funds in the amount of $51,000 will be available in the Title IV grant. For tracking purposes, the project number specific to this agenda item is 3745. As of July 29, 2019, the remaining balance less encumbrances for this line item equaled $51,000.
EVALUATION
Based on prior program evaluations of Inner Explorer, the data showed benefits to students which included higher grades in reading, math and science, as well as decreased behavioral issues. Schools using the program saw grades improve by 28 percent and behavior issues decrease by 60 percent.
SUBMITTED BY:

Tricia McManus		Gretchen Saunders
Assistant Superintendent, Leadership, Professional Development, and School Transformation (813) 272-4876		Chief Business Officer (813) 272-4270
		B 6.01
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20190820_929 (Board Meeting) * Section B Item# 6.01