HCPS FL Logo Business
Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, February 16, 2016
TO: School Board Members
FROM: Jeff Eakins, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the Purchase of Woodcock-Johnson, IV (2014) Test Kits from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (Sole-Source Provider) (Student Services Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Woodcock-Johnson test kits from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt are utilized by school psychologists to assess the academic achievement and cognitive abilities of students. The materials focus on assessment of areas such as reading, mathematics, and writing. The Woodcock-Johnson uniquely focuses on assessment areas including memory, visual and auditory processing, and processing speed. Testing results are then used to assist with eligibility determination for special education services, reevaluate the continued need for such services, and/or help school-based teams identify appropriate interventions for students. Psychological Services purchases Woodcock-Johnson materials annually.

Psychological Services currently uses the Woodcock-Johnson, III Normative Update (2005) to assess students. The purpose of this Board agenda item request is to replace the third edition tests with the current edition—Woodcock-Johnson, IV (2014). Updating these test kits is a one-time purchase typically requiring only the replenishment of consumable recordkeeping forms in subsequent years.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt is designated as sole-source and is the exclusive United States distributor and publisher of the Woodcock-Johnson, IV. Therefore, this purchase is exempt from the requesting competitive solicitations by the Florida Department of Education 6A-1.012 Purchasing Policies (11) (b).
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
Funds in the amount of $231,381.00 will be available in the General Fund. For tracking purposes, the project number specific to this agenda item is 9999. As of Thursday, February 4, 2016, the remaining balance less encumbrances for this line item equaled $309,560.63. Based on trend data for previous purchases from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for the 2014/2015 school year, it is projected that purchases for the 2015/2016 school year will not exceed $ 231,381.00 for Psychological Services. 
EVALUATION
The Woodcock Johnson IV is a comprehensive academic and cognitive assessment system normed on a national sample of individuals two to eighty years of age.  The first edition of the Woodcock Johnson was published in 1977 and subsequent editions have been reviewed for validity and supported by factor analytical research. It is the standard for educational and psychological testing and is supported by the American Psychological Association, The American Research Association, and the National Council on Measurement in Education. This instrument is approved by the State of Florida and has been proven to demonstrate efficacy.
SUBMITTED BY:  Anne Townsend, Supervisor, Psychological Services
Holly Saia, Director, Student Services
Wynne Tye   Gretchen Saunders
Assistant Superintendent, Student Services
(813) 273-7033		   Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
    C 6.10
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20160216_754 (Board Meeting) * Section C Item# 6.10