8-A02 RFSQ Gateway Middle.pdf

1.0 Scope of Services and Performance Measures

1.1 General Requirements

Vendors shall demonstrate experience and capacity to support an African American Literature Library Initiative through the delivery of high-quality literacy resources, instructional supports, and engagement strategies. The District will evaluate qualifications based on the vendor’s ability to support clear, measurable outcomes aligned to student achievement, instructional impact, and family and community engagement.

1.2 Student Literacy Achievement

Vendors shall demonstrate how their materials and services support improvements in student reading outcomes, including:

1.2.1 Increased student reading proficiency as measured by district-approved assessments (e.g., STAR Reading, MAP, or comparable tools).

1.2.2 Demonstrated student reading growth from baseline to end-of-year benchmarks.

1.2.3 Improvement in reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and fluency as evidenced through formative and summative classroom assessments.

1.3 Student Engagement and Motivation

Vendors shall describe strategies and resources that promote student engagement in reading, including:

1.3.1 Increased student participation in independent and collaborative reading activities.

1.3.2 Growth in library usage, book circulation, and student access to texts.

1.3.3 Evidence of increased student interest and connection to culturally relevant literature.

1.4 Instructional Impact and Professional Development

Vendors shall demonstrate their ability to support educators through instructional resources and professional learning, including:

1.4.1 Professional development opportunities focused on culturally responsive literacy instruction.

1.4.2 Evidence of instructional implementation, including classroom integration, small-group instruction, and effective use of provided materials.

1.4.3 Teacher feedback or documented outcomes indicating increased instructional confidence and effectiveness.

1.5 School-Wide Reading Culture

Vendors shall demonstrate experience in fostering a sustainable culture of reading, including:

1.5.1 Establishment and ongoing use of a student-centered, welcoming literacy space.

1.5.2 Author engagements, literacy events, or enrichment activities that support student learning.

1.5.3 Integration of literacy practices across subject areas and grade-level instruction.

1.6 Family and Community Engagement

Vendors shall describe approaches that strengthen literacy engagement beyond the school day, including:

1.6.1 Strategies to increase family participation in literacy-focused events and initiatives.

1.6.2 Provision of family literacy resources that support reading at home.

1.6.3 Evidence of positive family and community feedback related to literacy access and engagement.

1.7 Implementation, Fidelity, and Sustainability

Vendors shall demonstrate capacity for effective implementation and long-term sustainability, including:

1.7.1 Timely delivery and implementation of all materials, services, and professional development components.

1.7.2 Alignment of resources and services with the Missouri Learning Standards and district instructional priorities.

1.7.3 Use of data, reporting, or progress-monitoring tools to demonstrate ongoing impact and sustainability.

2.0 Minimum Qualifications

To be considered responsive, vendors must meet all of the following minimum qualifications.

Failure to meet any requirement may result in disqualification from further consideration.

2.1 Organizational Experience

2.1.1 A minimum of three (3) years of demonstrated experience providing literacy programs, library development, instructional resources, or related educational services for K–12 schools.

2.1.2 Demonstrated experience delivering culturally responsive or African American literature– based literacy initiatives appropriate for middle school students.

2.2 Capacity and Expertise

2.2.1 Demonstrated expertise in selecting, curating, or developing research-based, developmentally appropriate literacy materials aligned to middle school learners.

2.2.2 Demonstrated capacity to support instruction, intervention, and enrichment across a range of reading levels.

2.2.3 Ability to provide or support professional development for educators related to culturally responsive literacy practices.

2.3 Alignment and Standards

2.3.1 Demonstrated understanding of and alignment with the Missouri Learning Standards for English Language Arts or comparable state standards.

2.3.2 Ability to align materials and services with district instructional priorities and evidence-based literacy practices.

2.4 Implementation and Support

2.4.1 Demonstrated ability to deliver materials, services and supports in a timely and organized manner.

2.4.2 Capacity to support implementation fidelity through training, guidance, or ongoing support.

2.4.3 Ability to provide data, documentation, or progress indicators demonstrating impact or outcomes.

2.5 References and Past Performance

2.5.1 Submission of at least two (2) references from K–12 schools, districts, or comparable educational organizations for similar services provided within the past five (5) years.

2.5.2 Demonstrated record of satisfactory performance, including adherence to schedules, scope, and quality expectations.

2.6 Compliance

2.6.1 Ability to comply with all applicable District policies, including purchasing, data privacy, and background check requirements.

2.6.2 Ability to enter into a contract with the District under standard terms and conditions.

3.0 Evaluation Criteria

3.1 Quality and Relevance of Proposed Materials and Services

3.1.1 Alignment of proposed materials and services with the Missouri Learning Standards and middle school literacy best practices.

3.1.2 Use of research-based, culturally relevant, and developmentally appropriate African American literature.

3.1.3 Breadth, quality, and accessibility of materials supporting diverse learners and a range of reading levels.

3.2 Impact on Student Literacy Achievement and Engagement

3.2.1 Clear and logical connection between proposed resources and improvements in student reading achievement.

3.2.2 Evidence-based strategies to increase student engagement, motivation, and independent reading.

3.2.3 Inclusion of measurable outcomes aligned to the project’s key performance indicators (KPIs).

3.3 Professional Development and Instructional Support

3.3.1 Quality and relevance of professional development provided to teachers and staff.

3.3.2 Practical strategies for classroom integration and sustained instructional impact.

3.3.3 Ongoing instructional support, coaching, or resources provided to educators.

3.4 Family and Community Engagement

3.4.1 Strategies to strengthen family involvement in student literacy development.

3.4.2 Opportunities for community partnerships, literacy events, and shared reading experiences.

3.4.3 Accessibility of resources designed to support literacy at home.

3.5 Implementation Plan, Capacity, and Sustainability

3.5.1 Clarity and feasibility of the implementation timeline and delivery plan.