Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Iliana Rodriguez, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Agreement with San Mateo County Office of Education for Academic Centers
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Adopt a resolution authorizing an agreement with San Mateo County Office of Education to provide and maintain Academic Centers for the term of September 12, 2017 through August 31, 2020 in an amount not to exceed $900,000.
body
BACKGROUND:
In 1999, the San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE), in collaboration with the County of San Mateo, began administering the Homework Centers (HC) program. HCs were created to decrease grade level retention for at-risk elementary and middle school students and provide additional homework help for English Language Learners (ELL). HCs provided safe afterschool environments in which students could complete their homework with adult supervision and support.
In 2005-06, state testing was initiated and results were used by teachers and principals to refer students to HCs due to scoring below grade-level proficiency in mathematics or English. HCs provided a needed resource for students’ academic success. HC staff provided mathematics and English tutoring in small group settings, in addition to homework assistance. In 2012-13, HCs were then renamed to Academic Centers (AC), reflecting the changes made to meet the needs of schools and families. With the adoption of Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards in California (2013), ACs added science tutoring, digital literacy, and study skills to many programs. ACs play an essential role in the community by providing a safe venue for students who are at risk of disengaging from school by increasing their academic proficiency through individualized academic support. Based on 2015-16 teachers’ reports, 70% of AC students improved in mathematics and 66% increased their proficiency in English Language Arts.
DISCUSSION:
In the 2015-16 academic school year, Academic Centers (AC) provided before and after school academic support for approximately 1,309 students attending 33 schools in 14 school districts. ACs serve to build a solid foundation in mathematics and English for the youngest at-risk students (TK-8), operating on a regularly scheduled basis with a 1:15 tutor-to-student ratio or better. Common core standards integrate the use of English into all subjects, increasing the challenge for ELLs to understand subjects. ELLs are provided tutoring for reading and comprehending math word problems along with applying math principles. Students have access to computers and the internet in ACs so they can complete their homework, as these technology tools may not be readily available at home.
SMCOE administers ACs by coordinating program requirements, reporting, and funding with the school districts to customize AC programs to meet the academic needs of student populations. All ACs operate a minimum of 5 hours per week and often occur in several classrooms, separating students by grade.
The agreement and resolution have been reviewed and approved by County Counsel as to form.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provisions allowing amendments of the County’s fiscal obligations by a maximum of $25,000 (in aggregate).
This agreement contributes to the Shared Vision 2025 outcome of a Prosperous Community by providing Academic Centers for students in San Mateo County. It is anticipated that 1,350 students will attend Academic Centers and 810 of those students will be at-risk students (defined by the California Department of Education as ELLs, those that qualify for free or reduced lunch, or are Foster Youth). Additionally, it is anticipated that 70% of the total students that attend the Academic Centers will have increased proficiency in English Language Arts / English Language Development and 70% of total students will have increased proficiency in mathematics.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2016-17 Estimated |
FY 2017-18 Projected |
|
Percent of students who increased proficiency in English Language Arts / English Language Development |
66%* |
70% |
|
Percent of students who increased proficiency in mathematics |
70%* |
70% |
*Previous FY 2016-17 reporting figures are not available until the End-of-Year report due August 2017.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of this Agreement is September 12, 2017 through August 31, 2020. The amount of this Agreement is $900,000. This Agreement is funded using County General Funds and is 100% Net County Cost. Budgetary appropriation for this Agreement is included in the FY 2017-18 and FY 2018-19 Recommended Budgets and will be included in subsequent budgets affected by this Agreement obligation.