Math Modules for College Readiness

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Math Modules for College Readiness June 2013 Request for Information (RFI): Customized Diagnostic Mathematics Assessment. Consultation through full implementation Part 1: General Information and Overview This Request for Information (RFI) is intended to provide information for the development or acquisition of a Customized Diagnostic Mathematics Assessment for the ten (10) separately accredited colleges that comprise the Maricopa County Community College District. The Maricopa County Community College District, herein referred to as Maricopa, MCCCD, or the District, is requesting information from vendors who are interested in developing a partnership with a multi-college District. MCCCD desires a solution that is scalable and can easily accommodate growing enrollment. We are interested to know about solutions for the accurate assessment and placement into skill specific mathematics modules. There are seven modules developed to prepare students for success in college-level mathematics courses. The intended Diagnostic Mathematics Assessment (DMA) will be able to accurately determine which of the seven modules are needed by a given student. The goal of the modules is to reduce the time to matriculation to college-level mathematics course while remediating any deficiencies in pre-college level mathematics. This Request for Information (RFI) is intended to provide a standard base from which to evaluate alternatives for a Diagnostic Mathematics Assessment. The respondents could address either or all two parts: (1) Statistical Consultation - Development Only (2) A Hosted Diagnostic Mathematics Assessment - Development and Delivery. (1) Consultation on the statistical analysis would consist of development and implementation of methodology for establishing the validity and reliability of the faculty developed diagnostic tools. The assessment items would be written by MCCCD mathematics faculty and administered to MCCCD students for the proper placement into mathematics modules. The technology platform for delivery will be the responsibility of MCCCD. (2) A Hosted DMA would be a full implementation plan. The Respondent would describe the DMA from conception to full implementation, including statistical analysis of diagnostic items written in collaboration with MCCCD mathematics faculty, the maintenance plan for the diagnostic items, platform on which the Diagnostic Assessment will be housed and administered, the process and time for implementation, and the ability of the Diagnostic Assessment results to integrate with the existing People Soft Student Information System used by MCCCD. Although pricing is a vital component to the overall selection of a vendor, the expectation is that all pricing submitted should be suggested retail and exclude any special discounts. All pricing information will be kept confidential.

Math Modules for College Readiness, Diagnostic Assessment, RFI Final, 051513

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Content of RFI responses: MCCCD requires vendors to include (but not be limited to) the following in their responses: a) b) c) d)

Executive summary of proposal Schematic illustrating the proposed architecture of the Diagnostic Mathematics Assessment Description of consultation service for statistical analysis on assessment results Summary list of proposed equipment and systems required to support implementation of the Diagnostic Mathematics Assessment e) Summary of proposed system functionality f) Summary of implementation project plan g) Scope of recommended services required as well as those to be provided by the company to facilitate interoperability of existing services, i.e. Student Information System (SIS) Subsequent to the receipt and review of the responses to this RFI, MCCCD, if needed, will contact the Respondents and schedule an onsite presentation at a designated MCCCD facility to allow vendors further opportunity to promote their solution. The purpose of this RFI is to obtain general information about the solutions available in the marketplace. There is no contractual obligation as a result of this RFI. MCCCD reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP). MCCCD reserves the right to enter into negotiations with the Vendor to supply and deliver the proposed Diagnostic Mathematics Assessment through a less formal competitive process. The award of any contract pursuant to this process is subject to funding approval and dependent on the value of the contract. MCCCD consists of ten (10) campuses, two (2) skills training centers, and multiple satellite education centers throughout the greater Phoenix area. MCCCD educates and trains more than 250,000 students year around, which equates to about 57,000 full time student equivalent (FTSE). MCCCD ranks as one of the largest community college systems in the nation, and is the largest provider of post-secondary education in Arizona. Part 2: Existing MCCCD Equipment and Systems The following information is provided as an overview of MCCCD’s current systems. The proposed solution shall be able to interface and work in harmony with existing MCCCD infrastructure. The overview is provided as an information item only. It will ultimately be the respondent’s responsibility to verify equipment and systems required for integration. Accuplacer by College Board is the current placement test being used by all 10 colleges in MCCCD. Maricopa’s current Learning Management System is Instructure Canvas. Students and staff use Google Apps for Education email, calendaring, and other functions. The current student record infrastructure is based on PeopleSoft Campus Solutions 8.9 and PeopleTools 8.51. MCCCD maintains an upgrade schedule for PeopleSoft Campus Solutions and PeopleTools. PeopleSoft Campus Solutions 9.0 is scheduled to be implemented within the next 2 years.

Math Modules for College Readiness, Diagnostic Assessment, RFI Final, 051513

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Part 3: Requirements This section of the RFI lists the items which require specific written responses or confirmations. To be considered for selection, respondents shall meet the following requirements: Deployment / Delivery Method: Please describe how your solution operates Statistical Consultation (Development) – Respondent solution would include working in collaboration with mathematics faculty on the development of content items for the Diagnostic Mathematics Assessment, collecting student assessment data and conducting ongoing statistical analysis (reliability and validity) of content items as well as retiring overused items and introducing replacement items from the Diagnostic Mathematics Assessment. MCCCD is responsible for the infrastructure management, application delivery and integration with PeopleSoft Campus Solutions 8.9 and upgrade to 9.0. A Hosted Diagnostic Mathematics Assessment (Development and Delivery) – Respondent solution would include working in collaboration with mathematics faculty on the development of content items for the Diagnostic Mathematics Assessment, collecting student assessment data and conducting ongoing statistical analysis (reliability and validity) of content items as well as retiring overused items and introducing replacement items from the Diagnostic Mathematics Assessment. Provide the technology platform for infrastructure management, application delivery and integration with PeopleSoft Campus Solutions 8.9 and upgrade to 9.0. For On-Site and Hosted Diagnostic Mathematics Assessment solutions, please include information on: Systems: Interface / compatible with PeopleTools 8.51 Be able to integrate with PeopleTools 8.51. Please describe the type and level of integration required Document how system interfaces are compatible with PeopleSoft Campus Solutions version 8.9 and PeopleSoft Campus Solutions version 9.0 Security/Safeguards: Describe system security capabilities including compliance with State and Federal regulations Describe data retention schedule and options Describe system safeguards such as backups, redundancy, etc. Describe any system limitations for concurrent users, including technical or licensing limitations Reporting: Describe any/all reporting tools available within the system. Include screenshots of dashboards, reports, etc. Describe how reporting can be customizable. Describe how the system will document the modules needed to be taken by the student. Describe how the system can utilize analytics to search for student populations. For example, identifying the most commonly required modules. Math Modules for College Readiness, Diagnostic Assessment, RFI Final, 051513

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Part 4: Training Vendors must describe in detail what training is deemed to be required for college staff. Describe training methodologies offered, including options for on-site training, web-based training, participation at regional training seminars, sustainability of training, compliance training, etc.

Part 5: Support, Warranty and Maintenance o Describe the options and levels of support, warranty coverage, and types of maintenance agreements that are available for the proposed system. o Describe the process for implementing upgrades and modifications. Part 6 Package Pricing Describe in detail your company’s pricing model and all options associated with that model. Please submit ballpark/approximate pricing range inclusive of all the requirements to support a modular package of equipment and services for implementation as well as any alternative non-modular packages. Offer fees that are reasonable and consistent with fees charged to other comparable institutions. Include pricing for all ancillary solution and services offerings your company may provide that would further enhance Maricopa’s service to students. Submitted pricing is for information purposes only and is non-binding. Submittals must be received prior to 3:00pm (local time) on June 26, 2013. One (1) original and eight (8) printed copies of the proposal must be submitted to: Maricopa County Community College District Main Reception Desk Attn: Keith Killourie 2411 West 14th Street Tempe, Arizona 85281 The envelope or enclosure must be worded: “Request for Information / Diagnostic Mathematics Assessment” with date and time of deadline.

Math Modules for College Readiness, Diagnostic Assessment, RFI Final, 051513

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