DEPARTMENT: Pre-K 4 SA
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Kathy Bruck, CEO
SUBJECT:
Proposal Considerations for Year 2 of independent evaluation
SUMMARY:
Staff briefing and possible Board action to approve four recommended proposal considerations for additional assessment and evaluation work in supporting Pre-K 4 SA during the second year of the independent evaluation by Edvance Research, Inc. and the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) and to amend the current contract by an increase of approximately $122,145 [Lauren Decker, Ph.D., Edvance Research, Inc. Senior Researcher]
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On October 7, 2014, Lauren Decker, Senior Researcher I presented to the Board the year 2 work plan from Edvance Research and the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) for the independent evaluation of Pre-K 4 SA. This presentation included deliverables, timelines, and a work plan and benefits summary for the second year of evaluation. The Board requested that Edvance provide proposals for the Board to consider amending the current study of the program.
During the November 4 Board meeting, the Board approved the Year 2 work plan with the possibility of considering the aforementioned changes to the current scope.
ISSUE:
This item will include a presentation and possible Board action to approve four proposal considerations to improve upon the study of Pre-K 4 SA by Edvance Research, Inc. and to amend the current contract by an increase of approximately $122,145.
Initial studies of the current evaluation methods identified proposals that staff recommends the Board undertake, that staff recommends the Board should not approve at this time, and finally that staff recommends that the Board does not approve. Seven of the eight proposals listed below and discussed in detail in the attached document could be completed before August 31, 2015 or during later program years.
The proposals are as follows:
Recommended for Board Action
· Option 1: Development of review board documentation and processes
· Option 2: Pilot comparison group during pre-K year
· Option 3: Increase in classroom observations
· Option 4: Reach of Pre-K 4 SA professional development activities
Not recommended for action by the Board at this time
· Option 5: Open records data request as back-up to district-submitted data
Not Recommended for Board Action
· Option 6: Individual CLASS reports for Pre-K 4 SA teachers
· Options 7 & 8: Alignment study - In-depth investigation into the Revised Texas Pre-K Guidelines and alignment to national standards
ALTERNATIVES:
If the Board does not approve the recommended proposals, Edvance will operate with the Year 2 work plan approved during the November 4 Board meeting.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The costs for the four recommended proposals are included below. An itemized list of these costs is included in the attached document with full proposals.
Funds are available in the FY 2015 Pre-K 4 SA Operating Fund as approved by the Corporation's Board of Directors.
Total Costs of Recommended Proposals:
· Option 1: $21,796
· Option 2: $46,142
· Option 3: $44,552
· Option 4: $9,655
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Board approve the four recommended proposal considerations for additional assessment and evaluation work in supporting Pre-K 4 SA during the second year of the independent evaluation by Edvance Research, Inc. and the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) and amend the current contract by an increase of approximately $122,145.