Student Services and Federal Programs Action Item

DATE:	Tuesday, February 28, 2012
TO:	School Board Members
FROM:	MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the Partnership Agreement Between Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) and the College of Education, St. Petersburg College, as Part of the Transition to Teaching Program, Project # U350A110026 (Student Services and Federal Programs Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The United States Department of Education (USDOE) awarded $1,880,904 to HCPS in 2011, for the five-year Transition to Teaching federal grant project.  Project Paraprofessionals Accelerated Teaching Highway (PATH) will provide the baccalaureate-earning, teacher-training program to paraprofessionals currently working for HCPS.  Under the partnership agreement, HCPS will provide scholarships for paraprofessional teacher training, training sites, computer lab access, internship placement opportunities for participants, clinical education training for cooperating teachers and paraprofessional interns, salary and benefits for the Program Manager, and evaluation data, as needed.  Using grant funds, St. Petersburg College will hire a liaison to work with students as their advisor to assist in selecting coursework and instructors for the degree-earning program, provide financial aid officers to assist the paraprofessionals in applying for financial aid, and provide access to the College of Education Student Commons interactive website.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Increase promotion rates at all grade levels and the percentage of high school graduates • Demonstrate consistent and effective teaching methods • Motivate students to become responsible learners • Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum • Recruit, develop, and retain a highly effective, diverse workforce
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  No)
Funding for the Project PATH is provided by the USDOE, Transition to Teaching Program, Project # U350A110026.  HCPS is the fiscal agent for the project and funds reside with the district.
EVALUATION
Under the terms of the grant, HCPS is responsible for facilitating the project evaluation.  A copy of the annual reports and final evaluation reports will be provided to HCPS Office of Assessment and Accountability.  The anticipated date for initial project evaluation for the 2011/2012 school year is April 30, 2012.
SUBMITTED BY:  Lisa Cobb, Assistant Director, Grants and Research Operations Scott Richman, Supervisor, Professional Development

Gwendolyn L. Luney, Assistant Superintendent		Gretchen Saunders
Student Services and Federal Programs (813) 272-4879		Chief Business Officer (813) 272-4270
		A 5.03
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20120228_494 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 5.03