Research Practice Partner

Overview

<p>The Ector County Independent School District (ECISD) is seeking qualified For-Profit Firms, Private Non-Profit Organizations, Universities, and Independent Consultants (Providers) to provide Research and Evaluation Services. Services are needed from Proposers to design and conduct process, outcome, and other evaluations. Evaluation services may be needed in program areas from the US Department of<br>Education, the Texas Education Agency, other federal/state government agencies, and private foundations.</p> <p>Providers will be placed on a certified list that will be made available to current and future ECISD Project Directors implementing projects requiring a Research Practice Partner. The ECISD may use the services of multiple Providers simultaneously when it anticipates concurrent development and implementation of multiple grant projects. The successful Proposers shall provide the following evaluation services and deliverables:</p> <div>a. Evaluation Planning and Implementation</div> <ul> <li>Facilitate the development and implementation of a detailed evaluation plan through a participatory approach that will identify methods (quantitative and qualitative), design instruments, determine data collection protocols, and select reporting formats tailored to the particular program model goals and objectives.</li> <li>Provide useful information that will assist in programmatic decision-making and grant success.</li> <li>Assign appropriate level staff to oversee grant program evaluation and primary evaluation services.</li> <li>Provide technical assistance as needed in areas related to research design, measurement, benchmarking, test and survey tools, data analysis and reporting.</li> </ul> <div>b. Monitoring</div> <ul> <li>Facilitate initial research and evaluation meeting with Project Director to verify approach, evaluation questions, design and methodology.</li> <li>Participate in relevant follow-up meetings for program monitoring.</li> <li>Make adjustments to the evaluation plan, data collection strategies, and reporting formats based on Project Director’s input and compile baseline information for monitoring progress and administrative reporting.</li> </ul> <div>c. Evaluation Instruments</div> <ul> <li>Develop evaluation instruments that are tailored to match project activities, answer key evaluation questions, and report on objectives.</li> <li>Provide any needed testing or training on the use of evaluation instruments to be used byproject participants.</li> <li>Submit any adjusted instruments or plans to the Project Director for approval prior to implementation.</li> </ul> <div>d. Data Collection and Analysis</div> <ul> <li>Collect, analyze, and present results from any data collection activities (e.g. surveys, interviews, focus groups) each quarter.</li> <li>Use online survey technology, web-based data collection, management and analysis programs, and software packages for analysis of quantitative and qualitative data.</li> </ul> <div>e. Evaluation Reporting</div> <ul> <li>Provide timely and useful feedback for the purpose of informing decisions, including interim reports, survey briefs, snapshots, and in-person briefings.</li> <li>Prepare any interim and/or annual performance reports for submission to the Project Director, incorporate needed changes, and ensure timely submission to the funding agency.</li> </ul> <div>f. Consultation and Dissemination of Evaluation Results</div> <div> <ul> <li>Provide ad hoc consultation to the Project Director on matters related to the research and program evaluation and the use of evaluation results to inform program improvements.</li> <li>Give assistance in identifying effective methods for disseminating evaluation results to key stakeholders.</li> </ul> </div>