Curriculum and Instruction Action Item

DATE:	Tuesday, June 23, 2015
TO:	School Board Members
FROM:	Jeff Eakins, Acting Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve Agreement with Helios Education Foundation (Helios) for the Implementation of the Investing in Innovation (i3) Grant Project (Award #U411C140098) (Curriculum and Instruction Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) was awarded a 5-year, $3 million i3 grant funded by the United States Department of Education (USDOE) in support of the Urban Teacher Residency Preparation Program offered at the University of South Florida (USF) through its College of Education. The goal of the i3 grant project is to study an innovative approach to teacher preparation for undergraduate education majors that significantly alters the current teacher preparation model. The project is expected to serve as a promising solution to a pressing national challenge of recruiting, preparing, and retaining effective teachers and leaders for low-income, high-need students. This grant project requires the commitment of a match from district partners in support of the project. Helios has committed a match of $300,000 over the life of the grant project.  The current agreement with Helios will cover the first year of the project and will provide a total of $58,464 for this period of the grant.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Demonstrate consistent and effective teaching methods • Recruit, develop, and retain a highly effective, diverse workforce • Provide for a district-wide succession planning structure and visible career ladder • Demonstrate best financial practices
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
While the funding for the i3 project is provided by the USDOE, the required match is donated by Helios.  HCPS serves as the fiscal agent for the i3 grant project.
EVALUATION
HCPS is responsible for reporting its project evaluation to the USDOE.  HCPS will contract with an external, third-party organization that will conduct an independent evaluation.  HCPS personnel, USF project personnel, and key personnel from the Department of Assessment, Accountability, and Evaluation will work in collaboration with the external organization to provide the required reporting.  HCPS will provide documentation to Helios as outlined in the agreement, submitting both interim and final reports utilizing the Helios' web-based report form.
SUBMITTED BY:  Barbara B. Hancock, Instructional Leadership Director, Elementary

Denny B. Oest		Gretchen Saunders
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction (813) 272-4221		Chief Business Officer (813) 272-4270
		A 6.21
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20150623_694 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 6.21