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Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, May 21, 2013
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the Agreement for Technical Services for MRC Research Corporation to Perform the External Evaluation of the Title X, Part C: Homeless Children and Youth Program (Information and Technology Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Homeless Education and Literacy Project (HELP) is a grant-funded program specifically intended to facilitate homeless students' access to education in accordance with the provisions of the McKinney-Vento Act.  The McKinney-Vento Act is a provision of the No Child Left Behind legislation and is meant to ensure that children who are considered homeless have access to the educational services they need so they have an opportunity to meet the same challenging state student achievement standards to which all students are held.  The Hillsborough County Public School district has operated such a program for approximately 20 years.  The U.S. Department of Education must periodically collect and disseminate data and information on the number and location of children and youth in homeless situations and the educational services they receive and the extent to which their needs are being met.

MRC Research Corporation has been asked to perform the necessary duties associated with the external evaluation of HELP.  MRC Research Corporation will complete interviews with both educators and students regarding the program.  They will meet with program managers and social workers, and collect, receive, and analyze student data. MRC Research Corporation will prepare a status report and the annual report for the program and will coordinate with grant writers on the proposal for next year.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Demonstrate consistent and effective teaching methods • Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  No)
The amount of $10,000 has been allocated under McKinney-Vento funding for the external evaluation of the HELP program.
EVALUATION
A final evaluation report will be submitted to the district.
SUBMITTED BY:  Samuel Whitten, Assistant Director, Assessment and Accountability
David J. Steele, Ph.D.   Gretchen Saunders
Chief Information and Technology Officer and Project Director, Empowering Effective Teachers Grant
(813) 272-4600
  Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
    A 6.16
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20130521_564 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 6.16