Release Date: Mar 5, 2009 2:22 PM  

---Task Force recommends proposal for online assessment and immediate feedback----

(Dover, DE.)  Delaware’s Department of Education (DOE) is now seeking Competitive Sealed Proposals for the Delaware Comprehensive Assessment System (DCAS) to replace the Delaware Student Testing Program (DSTP).  The DSTP has been used as the statewide assessment since 1998 and used to measure individual, school and district performance.  In 2008, the contract for the DSTP was extended until December 2010. 

The Economical And Efficient Statewide Student Assessment System Task Force, chaired by Senator David Sokola and Representative Vincent Lofink stressed the next generation assessment must address the following components:

1. An online, web-based summative assessment system for (a) grades three through eight in reading and mathematics and (b) one elementary grade and one middle school grade in science and social studies.
2. An online summative end-of-course assessment system for high school students in specific courses, to be determined, in mathematics, English, science, and social studies.
3. Online summative writing assessments to be given at grades five and eight and in high school, and online formative writing assessments in grades three through eleven.
4. A Benchmark Growth Assessment for grades two through ten which is computer-adaptive across grade levels and given at least three times each school year.
5. An online Classroom Assessment Item Bank which provides teachers with high-quality formative assessment items and tools for the creation of tests aligned to specific Delaware Grade Level Expectations.

“I am hopeful that the next generation test will be everything we want it to be,” said Former Secretary of Education Lillian Lowery.  “We are looking for an adaptive test that will provide immediate feedback to the student and the teacher.  The assessment will also be flexible in that students will be able to retake a course exam three times in a given year in order to demonstrate proficiency against content standards.  It is a win-win opportunity for everyone.”     

The deadline for submitting proposals is 1:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Monday, April 20, 2009. 

The document containing the specifications and instructions for bidding may be obtained by downloading the information from the following web address, www.doe.k12.de.us/rfplisting, or by contacting:          
Dr. John Marinucci, Director
Financial Management
Delaware Department of Education
401 Federal Street, Suite 2
Dover, DE  19901-3639
Phone: 302-735-4040

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Delaware's Department of Education is committed to promoting the highest quality education for every Delaware student by providing visionary leadership and superior service.	Contact Info. Alison Kepner Delaware Department of Education 401 Federal Street, Suite #2 Dover, Delaware 19901 Phone: (302) 735-4035 Fax: (302) 739-4654 Email: akepner@doe.k12.de.us
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