Action Item
|
Business
Action Item |
| DATE: | Tuesday, February 16, 2016 |
| TO: | School Board Members |
| FROM: | Jeff Eakins, Superintendent |
| SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS | |
| Approve the Purchase of Psychological Assessment Materials from Pearson Assessment (Sole-Source Provider) (Student Services Division) | |
| EXECUTIVE SUMMARY | |
| Psychological assessment materials from Pearson Assessment (i.e., test kits, record forms, scoring subscriptions) are utilized by Psychological Services to provide individualized assessments of students. The materials focus on assessment of areas such as reading, mathematics, and writing. In addition, Pearson Assessment uniquely focuses on assessment areas including academic readiness, social-emotional functioning, communication, and daily living skills. 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 Pearson Assessment materials annually.
Pearson Assessment is designated as sole-source and is the exclusive United States distributor and publisher of the test kits, record forms, and associated scoring included in the quote. Therefore, this purchase is exempt from the requesting competitive solicitations by the Florida Department of Education 6A-1.012 Purchasing Policies (11) (b). |
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| STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES | |
| • Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum | |
| FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes) | |
| Funds in the amount of $39,353.54 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 Pearson Assessment for the 2014/2015 school year, it is projected that the purchases for the 2015/2016 school year will not exceed $40,000.00 for the Psychological Services Department. Historically this annual purchase is allowable without Board approval. Currently, the districtwide cumulative purchasing threshold for this vendor has been met which is the purpose for this Board agenda item request. | |
| EVALUATION | |
| Instruments and protocols from Pearson, Inc. are norm-referenced to provide estimates of intellectual, academic, and behavioral functioning of students. The instruments have been reviewed for validity and reliability by various peer-reviewed journals and national professional organizations, including the American Psychological Association and the Buros Institute Mental Measurements Yearbook. These instruments are approved by the State of Florida and have been proven to demonstrate efficacy. | |
| SUBMITTED BY:
Anne Townsend, Supervisor, Psychological Services Holly Saia, Ed.S., Director, Student Services |
|
| Wynne Tye | Gretchen Saunders | |
| Assistant Superintendent, Student Services (813) 273-7033 |
Chief Business Officer (813) 272-4270 |
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| C 6.11 | ||
| Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20160216_754 (Board Meeting) * Section C Item# 6.11 | ||