2-A02 SCOPE On line learning RFSQ REV2.pdf

1. Scope of Services

Virtual Learning Platform for Students in Grades K–12

1.1 Purpose and Overview

1.1.1 St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS), through its Virtual Learning Academy, is seeking proposals from qualified vendors to provide a comprehensive, scalable, and equitable Virtual

Learning Platform designed to serve students in grades K–12.

1.1.2 The District intends to partner with a provider capable of delivering high-quality online learning experiences that improve student achievement, increase graduation success, and support accountability outcomes aligned with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary

Education (DESE) and the Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP-6).

1.1.3 This initiative reflects the District’s commitment to expanding access to rigorous, standards-aligned learning opportunities while ensuring measurable academic growth and improved outcomes for all learners, regardless of background, ability, or circumstance.

1.2 District Priorities and Intended Outcomes

1.2.1 The selected virtual learning platform shall serve as a strategic instructional tool supporting the following District priorities:

1.2.1.1 Equitable access to learning and instructional continuity

1.2.1.2 Increased student engagement and attendance

1.2.1.3 Improved course completion and credit attainment

1.2.1.4 On-time graduation and dropout prevention

1.2.1.5 Data-driven instructional decision-making aligned with state accountability systems

1.2.1.6 Rigorous curriculum and options for academic acceleration

1.2.1.7 Advanced Placement (AP) course options

1.2.1.8 Career and Technical Education (CTE) options

1.2.1.9 Ability to modify reading levels for diverse learners and English learners

1.2.1.10 Ability to translate instructional content into high-incidence languages

1.2.2 Missouri’s MSIP-6 accountability framework emphasizes student performance, growth, and continuous improvement, including graduation rates, attendance, academic achievement, and post-secondary readiness.

1.2.3 SLPS seeks a virtual learning partner with demonstrated success in supporting these indicators through strong instructional design, progress monitoring, and intervention systems.

1.3 Strategic Alignment to Equity and Student Success

1.3.1 St. Louis Public Schools is committed to ensuring that virtual learning models reduce, rather than widen, opportunity gaps.

1.3.2 Proposals must demonstrate how the platform will provide equitable access for diverse learners, including:

1.3.2.1 Students with disabilities

1.3.2.2 English learners

1.3.2.3 Students requiring alternative or nontraditional learning pathways

1.3.3 The platform shall support differentiated instruction and personalized learning plans tailored to individual student needs.

1.3.4 Vendors shall describe how their curriculum and instructional model are culturally responsive and foster inclusive learning environments.

1.3.5 The platform must include tools that assist educators and administrators in identifying and addressing achievement gaps early.

1.3.6 Vendors should articulate how their model supports continuous improvement through transparent reporting and targeted supports aligned with District equity goals.

1.4 Accountability and Performance Expectations

1.4.1 The virtual learning platform shall contribute directly to accountability metrics reflected in

Missouri’s Annual Performance Report (APR).

1.4.2 Proposals must include systems capable of the following:

1.4.2.1 Real-time attendance tracking

1.4.2.2 Student engagement monitoring, including idle time and productive time

1.4.2.3 Early warning indicators for academic risk and course failure

1.4.2.4 Progress monitoring aligned with Missouri Learning Standards

1.4.2.5 Data dashboards for administrators and instructional leaders

1.4.2.6 Reporting capabilities supporting District accountability, accreditation, and compliance requirements

1.4.3 The virtual learning model shall support both academic performance outcomes and continuous growth expectations consistent with MSIP-6 accountability measures.

1.5 Graduation and College & Career Readiness

1.5.1 A central goal of this RFP is to strengthen graduation pathways and improve student readiness for college, career, and life beyond high school.

1.5.2 The proposed solution must support:

1.5.2.1 Credit recovery pathways

1.5.2.2 Academic acceleration options

1.5.2.3 Flexible scheduling for students at risk of falling behind

1.5.2.4 Increased course completion and graduation rates

1.5.2.5 Career and Technical Education (CTE) and postsecondary readiness options, where applicable

1.5.2.6 District strategies to improve student retention and reduce dropout risk

1.5.3 Vendors shall provide evidence of successful implementation in comparable districts, preferably within proximity to St. Louis, demonstrating measurable gains in graduation rates, student persistence, and academic completion.

1.6 Required Platform Capabilities

1.6.1 The selected vendor must provide a secure, user-friendly virtual learning platform compatible with Focus, the District’s Learning Management System (LMS).

1.6.2 Required platform capabilities include, at a minimum:

1.6.2.1 Standards-aligned coursework across core academic and elective subject areas

1.6.2.2 Reliable technical support and onboarding services

1.6.2.3 Optional evening tutoring and instructional office hours

1.6.2.4 Integrated assessment and instructional feedback tools

1.6.2.5 Robust parent and guardian communication features

1.6.2.6 Professional development for District staff and administrators

1.7 Partnership Expectations

1.7.1 St. Louis Public Schools seeks a strategic partner, not merely a vendor, committed to transparency, continuous improvement, and long-term success.

1.7.2 Proposals must include the following:

1.7.2.1 A detailed implementation timeline and onboarding strategy

1.7.2.2 A professional learning plan for program administrators, Virtual Learning Academy staff, and building counselors

1.7.2.3 Data-sharing and performance reporting commitments

1.7.2.4 Evidence of measurable student outcomes in comparable school districts

1.7.2.5 A detailed cost structure, including base program costs which include initial professional development and optional additional costs for Advanced Placement courses, assessment practice tools, and elective offerings not included in the base program

1.8 District Vision

1.8.1 Through this RFP, St. Louis Public Schools intends to expand high-quality virtual learning opportunities while advancing equity, accountability, and student success outcomes.

1.8.2 The selected virtual learning platform shall empower educators, engage students, and ensure every learner has a clear, supported pathway to graduation and future readiness.

2. FERPA, Data Privacy and Cybersecurity

Requirements

2.1 FERPA Compliance

2.1.1 The vendor shall comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20

U.S.C. § 1232g, and all applicable federal and state laws governing the privacy and confidentiality of student education records.

2.1.2 The vendor shall be considered a “school official” with a legitimate educational interest for purposes of FERPA compliance and shall access, use, and disclose student data solely for the purpose of fulfilling contractual obligations to St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS).

2.1.3 The vendor shall not disclose, sell, lease, license, or otherwise use student data for marketing, advertising, data mining, or any purpose not expressly authorized in writing by SLPS.

2.1.4 The vendor shall ensure that all subcontractors, agents, or third parties with access to student data comply with FERPA and all requirements of this section.

2.2 Student Data Privacy

2.2.1 The vendor shall maintain the confidentiality of all student, parent, guardian, and staff data accessed, collected, generated, stored, or transmitted in connection with this agreement.

2.2.2 All data collected or maintained by the vendor under this agreement shall remain the sole property of St. Louis Public Schools.

2.2.3 The vendor shall collect and retain only the minimum data necessary to perform the services described in this RFP.

2.2.4 The vendor shall not retain student or District data beyond the term of the contract unless otherwise authorized in writing by SLPS.

2.2.5 Upon contract expiration or termination, the vendor shall return all District data to SLPS or securely destroy such data in accordance with District direction and shall provide written certification of data destruction upon request.

2.3 Cybersecurity Safeguards

2.3.1 The vendor shall implement and maintain appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect District data from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

2.3.2 At a minimum, the vendor’s cybersecurity program shall include:

2.3.2.1 Role-based access controls and secure authentication procedures

2.3.2.2 Encryption of data at rest and in transit

2.3.2.3 Regular system monitoring, vulnerability scanning, and security patching

2.3.2.4 Incident detection, response, and recovery procedures

2.3.3 The vendor shall maintain current cybersecurity policies and procedures and shall make such documentation available to SLPS upon request.

2.4 Data Breach and Incident Response

2.4.1 The vendor shall notify SLPS in writing within twenty-four (24) hours of discovery of any actual or suspected data breach, cybersecurity incident, or unauthorized access involving District data.

2.4.2 The notification shall include, to the extent known at the time, the nature of the incident, the data affected, the number of individuals impacted, and the corrective actions taken or planned.

2.4.3 The vendor shall cooperate fully with SLPS in investigating, mitigating, and remediating any data security incident at no additional cost to the District.

2.4.4 The vendor shall be responsible for all costs associated with notification, remediation, and corrective actions resulting from a data breach attributable to the vendor or its subcontractors.

2.5 Compliance Monitoring and Audit Rights

2.5.1 SLPS reserves the right to request documentation or certifications demonstrating the vendor’s compliance with FERPA, data privacy, and cybersecurity requirements.

2.5.2 SLPS may require corrective action plans if deficiencies are identified, and failure to remedy such deficiencies may result in contract termination.

2.5.3 Noncompliance with this section may be grounds for disqualification, termination for cause, or other remedies available to the District under law or contract.