Subject:
Title
Funding agreement with Cross and Anvil Human Services, Inc. (CAHS) to support a youth literacy program using British Petroleum economic settlement funds.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the Funding Agreement with Cross and Anvil Human Services, Inc. (CAHS) to support the “Winning Reading Boost” Program utilizing British Petroleum (BP) economic settlement funds.
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Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety and Welfare
2.1 Provide planning, coordination, prevention, and protective services to ensure a safe and secure community
2.2 Be a facilitator, convener and purchaser of services for those in need
Foster Continual Economic Growth and Vitality
4.2 Invest in communities that need the most
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach
5.2 Be responsible stewards of the public’s resources
5.3 Ensure effective and efficient delivery of county services and support
Summary:
In accordance with the Board of County Commissioner’s (Board) approval of BP projects and associated funding on December 13, 2016, this Funding Agreement will provide $90,000.00 in BP Economic Settlement Funds to CAHS. As approved by the Board on April 24, 2018, the funding will support the implementation and operation of the “Winning Reading Boost” program for third grade students in St. Petersburg who have not yet learned to read. The program seeks to provide evidence-based phonics and literacy education and support through a 36-step program. In partnership with the University of Florida (UF) and the Greater Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church (Church), CAHS seeks to serve up to 45 children during the summer program.
Background/Explanation:
“Winning Reading Boost” targets third, fourth, and/or fifth grade students who have not yet learned to read. It incorporates the research-based principles of reading instruction, including phonological awareness, systematic and explicit phonics instruction, fluency, and oral reading skills through its use of a multisensory, multimodal approach. The program follows a 36-step, 90 day model. For the proposed summer program, the program will be delivered in a shorter period of time with more education provided per day.
After only 28 of 90 days of instruction in a pilot program, 80% of “Winning Reading Boost” participants met the threshold score on the Consortium of Reading Excellence (CORE) Phonics survey versus only 40% at the start of the program. This group also demonstrated a 75% improvement in phonic decoding of pseudowords and a 97% increase in simple consonant-vowel-consonant combinations.
Pinellas County will be primarily funding the program staffing, contracted services and other operational expenses. Project coordination and transportation services will be provide by CAHS and the Church. Pinellas County Human Services is working with CAHS, the Church and UF to refine program outcomes and reporting.
Fiscal Impact:
This Agreement provides $90,000.00 for the program from the $7.1 million BP Economic Settlement Funds. The funding has been appropriated for this purpose in the Fiscal Year 2018 Budget.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this Agreement is granted under Resolution No. 16-90 adopted on December 13, 2016.
Staff Member Responsible:
Daisy Rodriguez, Healthcare Administrator, Human Services
Partners:
CAHS
University of Florida
Greater Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church
Attachments:
Funding Agreement
CAHS Proposal
Agreement Modification Template
Insurance Requirements