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Gradebook podcast: How to improve Hillsborough County schools?

The Florida Board of Education will discuss turnaround plans for several district schools that have continued to struggle.
 
Rachael O'Dea, principal of Forest Hills Elementary School, interviewed a prospective teacher during a hiring fair for the Achievement Schools on June 18, 2018. Some of the 50 long-struggling schools battled teaching shortages. [MONICA HERNDON   |   Times, 2018]
Rachael O'Dea, principal of Forest Hills Elementary School, interviewed a prospective teacher during a hiring fair for the Achievement Schools on June 18, 2018. Some of the 50 long-struggling schools battled teaching shortages. [MONICA HERNDON | Times, 2018]
Published July 17, 2019

The Hillsborough County school district has struggled to boost some of the lowest performing schools in the state of Florida.

Despite several efforts, including cash infusions and outside expert assistance, progress has been slow going.

Reporter Marlene Sokol, who covers the nation’s eighth-largest school district, discusses the initiatives taken, their pros and cons, and the future of the improvement attempts with assistant superintendent Tricia McManus and Jennings Middle School math team leader April Cobb.

Related: See April Cobb’s Facebook commentary on Hillsborough County schools.