Iowa issues RFP for new statewide assessments in 2018-19

DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Education today announced a request for proposals to select new statewide assessments of student progress in English language arts, mathematics and science starting in the 2018-19 school year. 

The Department is seeking bids for new assessments, as well as a vendor to provide them statewide. The process was prompted by 2017 state legislation (Senate File 240) that directed the Department to issue an RFP for new statewide assessments by July 1. The Iowa Department of Administrative Services issued the RFP on the education department’s behalf. 

“Having a statewide assessment that measures and reflects what’s being taught in Iowa classrooms is critical to improving teaching and student learning,” Iowa Department of Education Director Ryan Wise said. “We look forward to working with the Iowa Department of Administrative Services to run an equitable process that leads us to choose an assessment that is right for Iowa.” 

Requirements from Senate File 240 lay the foundation for the RFP’s criteria. For each bid, the Department will consider alignment with Iowa’s academic standards and federal law, ability to measure student progress and proficiency, costs, feasibility of implementation for school districts, time required to administer the assessments, and infrastructure and technology needs. Proposed assessments must be available in both paper-and-pencil and computer-based formats. Vendors may collaborate to meet requirements. 

Bids will be accepted through August 4, with a notice of intent to award expected in September. In the 2017-18 school year, Iowa students will take the current Iowa Assessments in reading, math and science. 

To read the assessment RFP, visit the Iowa Department of Administrative Services website.