Approve the Agreement for Technical Services with Prismatic Services, Inc. for Evaluation Services Outlined in the Florida Increasing Refugee Student Achievement (Information and Technology Division)

The Hillsborough County Public Schools' Programs for English Language Learners (ELL) ensures that services and activities provided to ELLs are aligned to state academic content standards, student academic achievement standards and state assessments. Five key activities implemented that contribute to closing the achievement gap are: academic programs, training, materials, parental involvement, and personnel. Prismatic Services will evaluate the extent to which these key activities are being implemented.

Prismatic Services will collaborate with the Project Director in developing methodology and instruments. Prismatic will analyze feedback from participants and personnel in the Title III Program. Quantitative student-level data will be analyzed. Prismatic Services will conduct site visits, interviews, and will facilitate focus groups. A complete evaluation report will be generated for use by Title III Program personnel for program and policy decision making. The report will be disseminated to the Project Director, the District's Department of Assessment and Accountability, and to other appropriate personnel in the district. Prismatic will follow evaluation standards established by the Joint Committee on Standards for Education Evaluation adopted by the American Evaluation Association.

Tatia Prieto (President of Prismatic Services, Inc.) has a wide range of K-12 consulting experience and has consulted for school districts in 24 states including Florida. Her K-12 expertise includes grant evaluations and survey research.

* Demonstrate consistent and effective teaching methods, * Motivate students to become responsible learners, * Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum

The Department of Assessment and Accountability has allocated the sum of $12,000 for the evaluation of this program.

A final evaluation report will be disseminated to district personnel.