The state Department of Education has requested new bids for a system to replace the Delaware Student Testing Program.
Bids were originally sought in March, said DOE spokesman Ron Gough, but all resulting proposals were rejected in July because of a flaw in the original bid request.
The Request for Proposals will be for the new statewide student assessment system known as the Delaware Comprehensive Assessment System. The purpose is to seek proposals from qualified firms experienced in online, web-based development, delivery and scoring systems in reading/English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.
The online assessment system will consist of three components: (1) summative assessments for grades 3 through 8 in reading and mathematics; and two grades each for science and social studies; (2) summative end-of-course assessments for high school in English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies; and (3) benchmark growth assessments for grades 2 through 10 in reading, mathematics, and optionally science.
The new assessment system will be piloted in Delaware schools in winter/spring 2010 and will be operational in the 2010-2011 school year. The DSTP will be administered throughout the 2009-2010 school year with the last scheduled for May 2010 when 8th and 11th graders will take the science and social studies tests.Proposals are due from potential vendors no later than noon Wednesday, Oct. 21. A review committee, assisted by several advisory groups will evaluate the proposals and then make a recommendation to Secretary of Education Dr. Lillian M. Lowery.
The RFP is available through the Department of Education website at ww.doe.k12.de.us/rfplisting or via the state procurement website at http://bids.delaware.gov.
