County Executive’s Office

Important note: The following recommendation was approved by the Board of Supervisors on Feb. 23, 2016:

To:             Honorable Board of Supervisors

From:         Iliana Rodriguez, Director, Human Services Agency

Subject:     Measure A: Agreement with Thrive Academics for tutoring services

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a resolution authorizing an agreement with Thrive Academics for tutoring services for the term of February 23, 2016 through June 30, 2017 in the amount of $150,000.

BACKGROUND:

The Board of Supervisors allocated Measure A funds in the amount of $1,000,000 for foster youth education and employment proposals for fiscal years 2015 through 2017. On August 18, 2015, the San Mateo County Human Services Agency released a request for proposals (RFP) asking for proposals for a variety of foster youth education and employment services. Thrive Academics (TA) was chosen based on its experience and ability to provide specialized tutoring services using research based instructional techniques with children, including low performing students, students with disabilities, and English language learners.

DISCUSSION:

TA will provide up to 3,000 hours of tutoring services to a minimum of fifteen (15) K-12 grade foster youth in San Mateo County using research based instructional techniques. Techniques include reading instruction, strategy instruction, STAR math, and Scaffolding - a reading experience that refers to a plan of activities (before, during, and after reading) to engage readers in specific thinking strategies as they encounter texts. TA uses learning materials and curriculum that are aligned to California State and common core standards. 

Tutorial services available to youth under this agreement include: 1) K-12 basic education, 2) math/reading/language arts, and 3) test preparation for the California  High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE), General Education Development (GED), American College Testing (ACT), and Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT). Students eligible for tutoring services under this agreement include, but are not limited to, English language learners, low performing students, and/or students with disabilities.

The agreement and resolution have been reviewed and approved by County Counsel as to form.

The agreement contributes to the Shared Vision 2025 of a Prosperous Community by providing economic strategies that fosters innovation through educational opportunities to youth in San Mateo County, allowing them to enhance their academic knowledge leading to greater education, job opportunities, and self-sufficiency later in life. From a minimum of 15 youth referred to Thrive Academics, it is anticipated that 70% will demonstrate improvement in the academic area(s) of concern upon reassessment after receiving at least two quarters of services.

PEFORMANCE MEASURES:

*This measure tracks services for 16 months across fiscal years FY 2015-16 and FY 2016-17. Measure is based on the total youth served for this period.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The total obligation of this Agreement is $150,000. This Agreement is 100% funded by Measure A revenue, there is no net county cost. Funds have been included in the FY 2015-16, and FY 2016-17 Adopted Budgets.

Important note: This is a copy of the official report -- item 30 on the Board's agenda.