Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced that Hillsborough County Public Schools is one of 26 nationwide finalists for the U.S. Education Department’s $129 million Investing in Innovation (i3) 2014 competition aimed at developing innovative approaches to improve student achievement and replicating effective strategies across the country. Hillsborough County is scheduled to receive $3 million and was selected from 434 applications.

“Hillsborough County has the eighth largest school district in the country and it is very diverse. We need innovative programs to ensure achievement by each student so they are prepared for college and to compete for jobs,” U.S. Rep. Castor said. “At the heart of this are effective teachers who help their students understand their individual potential so that this translates into successful academics.”

The $3 million grant would fund Hillsborough County Public Schools’ proposal for an Urban Teacher Residency Partnership Program. Features of this program, in partnership with the University of South Florida, would include integrated university coursework and field experiences rooted in data-driven decision making; coaching; professional development; exposure to culturally relevant practices and content; and opportunities for collaborating teachers to pursue a teacher leader certificate. This program is aimed at increasing the number of effective teachers for low-income and high-need students, and has the potential to positively impact nearly 3,000 students in six schools. UTRPP graduates are expected to demonstrate higher effectiveness ratings and retention rates, fewer classroom management issues and improved student attendance.

Hillsborough County must secure matching funds by Dec. 10 in order to secure this grant. All finalists in previous years have secured matching funds and become grantees. To date, the U.S. Education Department has funded 117 unique i3 projects that seek to provide innovative solutions to pressing education challenges. A list of the 2014 highest-rated applications may be found here: http://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-secretary-education-arne-duncan-announces-highest-rated-applications-investin

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