Testing RFP You can download the RFP document here: sm_testing_rfp.pdf Please email your RFP submission and/or questions to rfp-testing@concord.org NOTES: 1). We have revised our test design for the RTT project. Rather than the matrix sampling design of the proposal, we would instead prefer the following: You would identify approximately 80 Algebra 1 questions that sufficiently evaluate the standard, and divide them into 4 tests of 20 questions each that will be distributed equally among the students of each teacher. 2). If at all possible, we would prefer a deadline for the RTT pre-test questions by March 1, 2004, instead of March 12, 2004 as it says in the proposal. Questions and Answers 1).     In the Seeing Math Elementary section of the RFP, it states that "the deadline for delivery of the four SM Elementary pre/post tests to the Concord Consortium is January 30, 2004."  Would the committee accept delivery of the four pre-tests by January 30, 2004 and delivery of the four post-tests by February 28, 2004? Answer: Yes. If different post-tests are developed, their due date can be Febuary 28, 2004. 2.)     The Ready to Teach Algebra 1 section states that the use of calculators may be required.  Is this standard acceptable for the Seeing Math Elementary tests as well? Answer: Yes, if you think use of calculators is important for your testing. 3.)     The Ready to Teach Algebra 1 section describes a set of five tests; one pre-test that will be administered to all students and given again at the end of the semester in combination with one of four additional post-tests.  In conventional assessments, anchor items are sometimes necessary when growth data that is desired.  When robust common scales are utilized, anchor items are unnecessary.  [Attempts to increase reliability by extending the length of the assessment become confounded by the issue of item exposure and contributes little, if any, information.]  Would the Consortium accept an alternative proposal for the Ready to Teach Algebra 1 tests that utilized a common scale while controlling for item exposure? This proposal would reduce by half the amount of time required to take the post-test. Answer: No, we prefer to use the design we outlined in the RFP. It is acceptable that the post-tests will take twice as long as the pre-tests.         last update: 1/12/2004 4:40 PM As questions are sent in, we will post them and the responses here.