DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Request for Proposals for Evaluation of the Pennsylvania Teacher Quality Enhancement Grant [33 Pa.B. 6431] The Department of Education announces this Request for Proposals (RFP) to seek candidates to evaluate the effectiveness of its Accelerated Certification Program for Teachers (ACT) and components of the Aligning Curriculum to Standards in Pennsylvania Program (ACTS in PA). The goal of ACT and ACTS in PA is to aid in the recruitment, preparation and retention of quality teachers in high-need academic areas for preidentified school districts in this Commonwealth: Philadelphia school district (awarded to Eastern University/Chestnut Hill College/Gwynedd Mercy College, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania and Holy Family University); the Pittsburgh school district (awarded to the University of Pittsburgh/Duquesne University); and the school districts of Harrisburg, Allentown, Reading, York and Lancaster (awarded to Eastern University). This RFP will provide for an independent, formal and comprehensive evaluation of ACT, as well as examine specific aspects of ACTS in PA.
Funding Source and Eligibility Requirements
ACT and ACTS in PA are funded by the Department's successful application to the United States Department of Education Teacher Quality Enhancement Grant under Title II, Section 202 of the Higher Education Act. The Commonwealth has up to $90,000 per year to fund a comprehensive evaluation of the sponsored programs. Awards will be available for the term of the contract, up to 3 years. Funding is available on a competitive basis to any institution in this Commonwealth of postsecondary or higher education offering an approved teacher education program. However, postsecondary institutions directly connected to the implementation of ACT or ACTS in PA are ineligible.
Important Dates and Application Deadline
The contract period is from March 1, 2004, through September 30, 2006. There will be a pre-proposal conference on January 15, 2004. Proposals must be submitted by February 20, 2004, to receive consideration. Electronic or faxed copies of the application will not be accepted. Prospective contractors may download application materials from the Department's website: www.teaching.state. pa.us.
Contact and Additional RFP Information
To receive a paper copy of the complete RFP or to ask additional questions about the application process, contact Helen Rodriguez, Bureau of Teacher Certification and Preparation, Division of Teacher Education, Department of Education, 333 Market Street, 3rd Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333, (717) 772-3566, c-hrodrigu@state.pa.us.
VICKI L. PHILLIPS, Ed.D.,
Secretary[Pa.B. Doc. No. 03-2456. Filed for public inspection December 26, 2003, 9:00 a.m.]
