HCPS FL Logo Teaching and Learning
Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, August 2, 2016
TO: School Board Members
FROM: Jeff Eakins, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve Renewal Agreement for Technical Services with the Arts Council of Hillsborough County for the 2016/2017 Artists-in-the-Schools (AIS) Program (Office of Teaching and Learning)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
For four decades the Arts Council has partnered with Hillsborough County Public Schools to ensure students receive a comprehensive education that includes the arts. Research shows that students who participate in the arts have increased high school and college graduation rates and increased academic achievement. This program provides students with instruction and exposure to various arts through the AIS Program and the Performing Arts Field Trips Program. The AIS Program brings standards-based arts experiences and instruction directly to school sites. Highly qualified artists provide performances, workshops, residencies, and magnet adjunct instruction. Performing Arts field trips are often a child’s first introduction to a live performance. These engaging educational performances offer standards-based teacher resource materials to prepare for and extend learning.  

The mission of the program is to provide equity and access for students by infusing and integrating arts experiences into the school day. Arts integration strategies are used to seamlessly merge arts standards with core curricula to build connections and to provide engaging context, which results in students enthusiastically participating in the learning process. During the 2015/2016 school year, a total of 102,088 students, parents, and teachers participated in 1,855 arts experiences and field trip performances. This comprehensive program is funded jointly by the district and the Arts Council. Matching funds for these in-school programs are provided through grants, fees, and donations made by individual organizations.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Provide a student-centered learning environment that engages every child
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
Funds in the amount of $126,332 will be available in the Instructional Tampa Arts Council budget. For tracking purposes, the project number specific to this agenda item is 6003. As of July 7, 2016, the remaining balance less encumbrances for this line item equals $126,332. Funds in the amount of $30,000 will be available in the Fix Magnet Office budget. For tracking purposes, the project number specific to this agenda item is 5307. As of July 7, 2016, the remaining balance less encumbrances for this line item equals $92,418.
EVALUATION
Teachers complete a survey after performances and field trips to evaluate quality of performances and relevance to curriculum.  Evaluators are also contracted to evaluate performances to ensure a high quality experience for students.
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 6.13
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20160802_776 (Board Meeting followed by Public Hearing) * Section C Item# 6.13