Charter School Special Education Program Evaluation
Solicitation Title: Charter School Special Education Program Evaluation
Sponsor Deadline: Friday, June 5, 2020
Solicitation Number: RFP 657
Overview
<p>The CSO is soliciting proposals to identify a qualified vendor (“Special Education Master”) to perform a Special Education program evaluation in accordance with the terms of a charter school’s renewal charter agreement. The services of such a Special Education Master are required for the period commencing in June 2020 and ending June 30, 2021 with two (2) one year extensions at the sole discretion of the CSO.</p> <p>The goal of the Special Education Master is to comprehensively analyze the special education program of a certain charter school and to develop recommendations for improving such program to bring it into compliance with applicable Federal and State laws. The Special Education Master will focus on a variety of aspects in the special education program in four distinct areas: policy implementation, program organization, student identification and placement, and service delivery.</p> <div>1. Policy Implementation</div> <ul> <li>Determine if the charter school’s special education policies related to identification, evaluation, progress monitoring, and discipline are in accordance with applicable Federal and Pennsylvania laws and the Charter School Performance Framework.</li> <li>If necessary, support the charter school in developing complaint special education policies related to identification, evaluation, progress monitoring, and discipline in accordance with applicable Federal and Pennsylvania laws and the Charter School Performance Framework.</li> </ul> <p>2. Program Organization</p> <ul> <li>Evaluate the charter school’s special education department and determine whether the allocation of resources supports the management of the program.</li> <li>Determine if student Individualized Education Programs (“IEPs”) are in compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and amendments thereto, and Chapters 14 and 15 of the Pennsylvania Code, and all other applicable Special Education laws.</li> <li>Assess if the charter school has addressed special education noncompliance issues and has implemented shifts in their program based on their last Pennsylvania Bureau of Special Education (BSE) cyclical monitoring report.</li> <li>Evaluate whether the charter school has appropriate staffing related to meeting mandated student needs and providing effective oversight.</li> </ul> <p>3. Student Identification and Placement</p> <ul> <li>Evaluate the charter school’s multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) or response to intervention (RTI) program to determine the existence and effectiveness of the programs, and whether such programs are systemic, prevention-focused, and data informed to provide a coherent continuum of supports responsive to meet the needs of all learners at all applicable stages or tiers.</li> <li>Assess if students suspected of having disabilities at the charter school are properly evaluated and reevaluated at established intervals required by IDEA.</li> <li>Assess if students with special education needs at the charter school are receiving the appropriate services as stipulated within their IEP.</li> </ul> <p>4. Program Service Delivery</p> <ul> <li>Evaluate the quality of the educational program at the charter school and determine if students with disabilities are receiving an educational benefit from the services provided.</li> <li>Assess student IEP goals for appropriateness and rigor.</li> <li>Assess progress of and/or towards student goals.</li> <li>Assess the charter school’s climate and culture for alignment of support for students with disabilities.</li> </ul> <p>The Special Education Master will be required to conduct an initial evaluation of the charter school’s special education program (e.g. policies, procedures, staffing model, etc) make multiple visits to the<br>charter school to review special education student records and observe program implementation.</p> <p>The Special Education Master will be required to submit a total of four reports to the CSO and to the charter school.<br>1. By August 3, 2020, a report summarizing findings and recommendations based on an analysis of the charter school’s special education policies, procedures, staffing model, and other insights from<br>engaging with the CSO and the charter school. The analysis and recommendations shall align with the details outlined above and should address areas deemed to be inefficient, inequitable, or noncompliant.<br>2. By November 20, 2020, a report summarizing findings and recommendations based on an analysis of the charter school’s special education records (e.g. student records) and program implementation (e.g. observations). The analysis and recommendations shall align with the details outlined above and should address areas deemed to be inefficient, inequitable, or noncompliant.<br>3. By February 26, 2021, a report providing a comprehensive update on the charter school’s progress based on findings and recommendations to-date.<br>4. By June 30, 2021, a final assessment of the charter school’s special education program highlighting areas of strength, weakness, and progress. The assessment of findings throughout the year will<br>determine the need for the Special Education Master to conduct additional follow-up visits, to make policy recommendations, to perform further document evaluations, and to prepare additional reports<br>in subsequent years.</p> <p>The Special Education Master shall not serve as a consultant for the charter school but may recommend best practices and resources to the charter school to remedy or address findings.</p>
Other Information:<p>RFP proposals must be delivered and emailed to the Office of Procurement Services and <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a> by 11:00am EST on June 5, 2020 or they will be deemed nonresponsive.</p> <p><strong>Vendor Conference.</strong> A virtual Vendor Conference, if applicable, will be held via Zoom:<br><a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84918528871?pwd=ZU13YUdUNXptQkF0cTE1WFVSMi9rU… ID: 849 1852 8871<br>Password: 6Q4emr</p> <p>The purpose of the Vendor Conference is to:</p> <ul> <li>Discuss M/WBE Participation Requirements.</li> <li>Request clarification of any section of the RFP.</li> <li>Request changes to the RFP for requirements considered as restrictive as to prohibit or discourage responses.</li> <li>Offer suggestions or changes to the RFP that could improve the RFP competition or lower the offered price.</li> <li>Review any applicable documentation.</li> </ul> <div>All written questions received prior to or at the Vendor Conference will be read aloud and will receive oral responses at the conference.</div> <div></div> <div>Vendors are encouraged to submit written questions at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the conference in order to enable the Office of Procurement Services to formulate better Vendor Conference</div> <div>oral responses. No responses will be given prior to the Vendor Conference.</div> <div></div> <div><strong>Proposal Inquiries.</strong> All inquiries concerning this RFP shall be made in writing, citing the RFP title, RFP number, page, section, and paragraph, and shall be submitted to:</div> <div>Throne Cropper</div> <div>Office of Procurement Services</div> <div>School District of Philadelphia, Education Center</div> <div>440 N. Broad Street</div> <div>Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19130</div> <p><a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p> <p><strong>Evaluation Criteria.</strong> Qualified proposals will be evaluated on the basis of the criteria listed below and the ability of the respondent to satisfy the requirements of this request in a cost-effective and efficient<br>manner. Factors to be considered include, but are not limited to, the following:</p> <ul> <li>The Vendor’s experience in other settings, especially within Pennsylvania and the city of Philadelphia and surrounding districts, with providing the types of services requested.</li> <li>The capacity of the Vendor, as judged by the SDP, to successfully implement the program. The judgment will be based on such factors as the Vendor’s commitment, experience of personnel to be assigned to the project, facilities, and evidence of past experience in implementing such programs.</li> <li>The Vendor’s ability to modify and/or expand the program when required, and to provide a continuing high level of performance for the duration of the contract.</li> <li>The Vendor’s ability to demonstrate to the SDP that the requirements and implications of the proposed work effort are all understood.</li> <li>The Vendor’s commitment to and evidence of a diversified work force at all levels of the organization.</li> <li>Proposed Method of Project Evaluation.</li> <li>Project Cost (including itemization when appropriate).</li> <li>Involvement of Minority and Women-Owned Businesses.</li> </ul> <p></p>Last Updated:
RODA ID: 1042