HCPS FL Logo Chief of Schools
Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, January 17, 2017
TO: School Board Members
FROM: Jeff Eakins, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve Agreement for Technical Services (ATS) with Thinking Core to Support Capacity Building for Implementation of the Language Arts Florida Standards (LAFS) Efforts with Area 4 and Area 7 Schools and the Office of Teaching and Learning (Chief of Schools) 
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Through a combination of high quality, ongoing professional development and proven methodologies, Thinking Core will support capacity building for implementation of the LAFS efforts with Area 4 and Area 7 schools.  Using a job-embedded professional development design, the Thinking Core Florida ELA Reading/Writing Standards Study Project will raise the level of leadership and teaching capacity that aligns with the relevant rigor defined by the LAFS.  Professional development centers on pedagogy and unique content with an in-depth Standards-to-Standards Connections Study that is central to the improvement of student achievement. 

Instructional Learning Walks will be conducted to provide an additional tier of support around the teaching of standards.  Cohorts of administrators, coaches, teachers, and Area Leadership Team members will visit a select cohort of schools at each level (elementary/middle/high) to provide technical assistance to participants and to reflect on what they are learning as it applies to the teaching of standards.  The Thinking Core rubric will be used to gather evidence and foster self-monitoring and professional growth.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Improve the high school graduation rate • Provide a student-centered learning environment that engages every child • Continuously improve processes and systems
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
Funds in the amount of $113,544.40 will be available in the Title I ($105,451.40), Part A, Area 4 ($4,045.54), and Area 7 ($4,046.55) Department of Education Grant.  For tracking purposes, the project numbers specific to this agenda item are 3194 and 3130. As of December 2, 2016, the remaining balance less encumbrances for this line equaled $141,211.89.   Funds in the amount of $45,124.15 will also be available in the Supplemental Academic Instruction, Curriculum Enhanced Initiative Project 4628.  As of January 2, 2017, the remaining balance is $492,650.00
EVALUATION
The key metrics for improvement are two-fold: (1) Measuring Teacher Practice and (2) Measuring Student Work.  Thinking Core has developed a rubric for collecting and evaluating implementation.
SUBMITTED BY:  Harrison Peters, Chief of Schools
Donnell Underdue, Area Superintendent, Area 4 and Owen Young, Area Superintendent, Area 7
Elizabeth Agresta, Chief Academic Officer, Office of Teaching and Learning
Gretchen Saunders   Dr. Alberto Vázquez
Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
  Chief of Staff
(813) 272-4986
    C 6.21
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20170117_805 (Board Meeting) * Section C Item# 6.21