HCPS FL Logo Information and Technology
Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, February 3, 2015
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the Agreement for Technical Services with Tidwell and Associates, Inc. for the Evaluation of the GEAR UP Grant (Information and Technology Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This agreement is required to meet the evaluation requirement of the GEAR UP grant.  Tidwell and Associates, Inc. was selected to serve as a third party project evaluator based on their responses to the Request for Proposal (RFP) 11143-DST Program Evaluation Services.  The RFP process provided an opportunity for all interested evaluators to apply as potential Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) program evaluation providers.

The goal of the GEAR UP grant is to provide support to low-income students in order to enhance their readiness for post-secondary education.  This agenda item approves the evaluator services for the first year of this five-year grant.  Grant evaluation services include the following: a program database system and process; Formative Quarterly Program Report updates; formal bi-annual evaluation report progress update for funding agency compliance and for the GEAR UP Steering Committee review; development and analysis of parent, student, and stakeholders survey instruments; data analysis; and a  comprehensive Annual Performance Report evaluation in compliance with funding agency requirements.               

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Demonstrate consistent and effective teaching methods • Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
The cost is not to exceed $40,000 for this external evaluation.  Funding is provided from the $534,400 awarded to the district for the implementation of the GEAR UP Grant.
EVALUATION
A final evaluation report will be submitted to the district.
SUBMITTED BY:  Samuel R. Whitten, Director, Assessment and Accountability
Anna L. Brown, Ed.D.   Gretchen Saunders
Chief Information and Technology Officer
(813) 272-4600
  Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
    A 6.05
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20150203_683 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 6.05