DEPARTMENT: Pre-K 4 SA
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Sarah Baray, Ph.D.
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Independent Evaluation Amendment
SUMMARY:
This item is for a briefing and possible approval of an amendment to the contract with Westat for the eight-year Pre-K 4 SA independent evaluation.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
In 2013, Pre-K 4 SA issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for an independent program evaluation. The Board approved for Pre-K 4 SA to enter into the contract with Westat. The approval authorized Pre-K 4 SA to initiate a contract with an initial five-year term, and one three-year renewal option. In January 2017, the Board approved for an amendment to the current contract increasing the total by approximately $202,018.
ISSUE:
Pre-K 4 SA is requesting to amend the current contract to allow for additional evaluation of the program. Specifically, this requests an increase in direct assessment and evaluation of literacy outcomes for former Pre-K 4 SA children during the second grade year. The direct assessment will follow former Pre-K 4 SA children and additional children that were not selected for the program. By including the direct assessment, the evaluation will not rely on state and district collected data on child outcomes.
ALTERNATIVES:
If Pre-K 4 SA does not move forward with the contract amendment, the program will not be able to evaluate directly the effects of Pre-K 4 SA on long-term literacy outcomes on for students.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funds are budgeted and available within Pre-K 4 SA’s Operating Fund.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Board approve for Pre-K 4 SA to amend the current contract with Westat for the program independent evaluation to allow for additional evaluation of former Pre-K 4 SA children, increasing the contract by $157,000, resulting in a total contract value of $1,398,157.