Hillsborough County Public Schools Business
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, June 15, 2010
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve the Agreement for Technical Services with Computer Mentors Group, Inc., to Provide a Computer Technician Course for 80 Preselected Students Attending Blake High Magnet, Ferrell Middle Magnet, Franklin Middle Magnet, Middleton High Magnet, ACTS Youth Residential Program, Brandon Alternative, Falkenburg Academy, and Leslie Peters Halfway House (Student Services and Federal Programs Division)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

During the summer of 2009, Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) partnered with the Computer Mentors Group to provide summer program activities, designed to provide the A+ Primer computer technician program and refurbished computers to program participants, for 98 middle school students.

Based on evaluation data gathered during the 2009/2010 school year, 88% of the students completed the program with 32 hours of training and extensive use of hands-on labs and each student refurbished a personal computer and a tool kit to keep. In addition, 75% of the students successfully built and published their own website. The remaining students continued to work on their web design skills at home with the computer and software provided, as indicated by a 90-day follow-up. One hundred percent of the students participating in the program increased their knowledge about computer hardware and rebuilding a computer, as indicated by pre- and post-test results.

This contract specifically provides the funds necessary to provide a computer course focused on computer training with hands-on lab work and vocational exploration for each of the 80 preselected youth. Specifically, each student will receive 32 hours of training with extensive use of hands-on labs and refurbish a personal computer and a tool kit to keep. Trainings will be provided in eight classes of ten students each.

ANNUAL DISTRICT GOAL(S) AND CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S)

* Motivate students to become responsible learners

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

On May 5, 2010, the Florida Department of Education allocated additional Title I Part D funds to Hillsborough County Public Schools. This contract will be paid by using these Title I Reallocation funds in the amount of $14,970 and Title I ARRA funds in the amount of $34,372 - for a total contracted amount of $49,343.

EVALUATION

The Computer Mentors Group will administer a pre- and post-test to participating students to determine if the objectives of the summer program were achieved. Progress reports will be shared with district staff, and Dr. Maxine Woodside will regularly meet with provider to discuss progress on behalf of the district, during performance period. At the conclusion of the summer program, a final report will be shared with district staff. In addition, a 90-day follow-up will be conducted. Data will be analyzed to determine the success of the program and future contracts with the vendor.

SUBMITTED BY: Jeff Eakins, General Director, Federal Programs

Gwendolyn L. Luney, Assistant Superintendent
Student Services and Federal Programs
(813) 272-4879
Gretchen Saunders
Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4260
A 5.36
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20100615_402 * Section A Item# 5.36