Approve the Recommendation Regarding the Purchase of "IDEA Oral Language Proficiency Test" Materials From Ballard & Tighe a Division of Educational IDEAS, Inc. (Sole-Source Provider) (Business Division)

As required by School Board policy, when the amount of a purchase from a sole-source provider is $25,000 or more, the Board is to be notified. The requirement for requesting competitive solicitations for the purchase of any type of copyrighted materials including, without limitation, printed instructional materials, computer software, DVDs, disc or tape recordings where such materials are purchased directly from the producer or publisher, the owner of the copyright, an exclusive agent within the state, a governmental agency or a recognized educational institution, is waived, as authorized by Florida Department of Education rule 6A-1.012 purchasing policies.

The materials in question, "IDEA Oral Language Proficiency Tests," are to comply with the directives from the Florida Department of Education and the Bureau of Student Achievement through Language Acquisition concerning the entry assessment of English Language Learners. The tests will evaluate the reading and writing levels of students to determine appropriate program placement and service.

* Align financial resources to support the district’s strategic goals, * Demonstrate best financial practices

Ms. Sandra Rosario, Supervisor of the English Language Learners program, has submitted requisitions totaling $114,548 to the Procurement Department. These proficiency tests will be purchased using funds in the Division of Curriculum and Instruction.