Approve All Title II, Part A Project and Funds: Teacher and Principal Training and Recruitment Fund, Based on Final Approval from the State, for the 2010/2011 School Year (Information and Technology Division)

The Title II, Part A entitlement grant will provide funds for the purpose of recruiting and training staff in the following areas:

• Content training for teachers in core academic areas (with an emphasis on reading)
• Intensive training for teachers and principals in school improvement strategies
• Teacher training in such areas as instructional strategies and classroom management
• Activities and strategies that support the recruitment of highly qualified teachers
• Mentoring and support services for new teachers and struggling teachers
• Assessment and evaluation strategies for analysis of student data in order to support the Continuous Improvement Model and to improve student achievement
• Utilizing salary differentials to recruit and retain highly qualified teachers in high poverty schools

In addition, the funds will be used to focus on eliminating the achievement gap through professional development activities for teachers and administrators.

* Demonstrate consistent and effective teaching methods, * Recruit, develop, and retain a highly effective, diverse workforce, * Promote a culture of safety, which is free from harassment, bullying, and aggression

The grant will provide approximately $8,737,042 for the 2010/2011 school year.

By September 30, 2011, a comprehensive evaluation of the 2010/2011 Title II, Part A Project will be completed. The evaluation will determine if the Title II funds had an impact on student achievement and on the number of Highly Qualified Teachers in Hillsborough County. The information will be used to prioritize and direct Title II dollars toward programs and trainings that are closing the achievement gap and improving teacher performance.