HCPS FL Logo Teaching and Learning
Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, January 17, 2017
TO: School Board Members
FROM: Jeff Eakins, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the Memorandum of Agreement with the Florida Education Fund, Inc. (FEF) for Services Associated with the Implementation of the Investing in Innovation (i3) Grant Project (Award #U411C140098), the Urban Teacher Residency Preparation Program (UTRPP)  (Office of Teaching and Learning)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) was awarded a 5-year, $3 million i3 grant funded by the United States Department of Education (USDOE) in support of UTRPP.  The current agreement with FEF will cover years 3-5 of the project, during which FEF will provide an in-kind match totaling $24,000 for this period of the grant ($8,000 per year).  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.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Provide a student-centered learning environment that engages every child • Recruit, support, and retain a highly effective and diverse workforce • Develop a culture of respect, trust, and collaboration • Continuously improve processes and systems • Establish a strong foundation of financial stewardship
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
Under the 2014 USDOE i3 Program, i3 grantees were responsible for obtaining private-sector matching funds or in-kind donations.  In 2014, development grantees were required to secure a 15 percent match.  HCPS has secured 100 percent of its required match for the i3 grant.  FEF has agreed to provide a cash match to reimburse UTRPP resident participation expenses.  The value of the match in years 3-5 of the project is $8,000 per year, for a total of $24,000 over the life of this agreement.  Per the terms of the agreement, funds will be provided to the district in two installments, in January and August of each year.
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, USF project personnel, and key personnel from the Department of Assessment and Accountability work in collaboration with the external organization to provide the required reporting.
SUBMITTED BY:  Elizabeth Agresta, Chief Academic Officer, Office of Teaching and Learning
Barbara B. Hancock, Instructional Leadership Director, Elementary
Gretchen Saunders   Dr. Alberto Vázquez
Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
  Chief of Staff
(813) 272-4986
    C 6.10
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20170117_805 (Board Meeting) * Section C Item# 6.10