RFI Civics OER.pdf

Request for Information: Open Educational Resources for Civics and Comparative Government Education

Introduction

The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) is seeking information from organizations, publishers, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, content developers, and other entities that provide open educational resources (OER) that may support implementation of Alaska Senate Bill 23 in alignment with the 2024 Alaska Social Studies Standards.

DEED is particularly interested in identifying high-quality, freely available resources that could be included on the statewide list of OER required by SB23. Resources may include complete or partial curricula, instructional materials, assessments, and / or project-based assessments appropriate for Alaska secondary students.

This Request for Information (RFI) will gather information about available resources, quality, licensing, accessibility, alignment with Alaska's standards and statutory requirements, and capacity to support statewide implementation.

Background Information

Senate Bill 23 establishes requirements relating to comparative government and civics education, civics assessments, and secondary school graduation requirements. The legislation requires the State Board of Education and Department of Education and Early Development to “make available on the Department's website and periodically update a list of OER relating to comparative government and civics education curricula, civics assessments, and civics project-based assessments.” School districts may use resources from the list to provide comparative government and civics instruction.

The statewide OER list must include resources addressing instruction on the following 14 topics identified in AS 14.03.076(b):

1. The founding history of the United States, including foundational documents and the principles of government of the United States;

2. Federalism, including the role and operations of local, state, and national governments;

3. The institutions of the United States government, including the responsibilities of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches;

4. The rights and responsibilities of United States citizenship;

https://www.akleg.gov/PDF/34/Bills/SB0023Z.PDF

5. Civil liberties and civil rights;

6. The Constitution of the State of Alaska and the Constitution of the United States;

7. Political parties and interest groups;

8. Campaigns and elections;

9. The United States Congress;

10. Domestic policy;

11. Foreign policy;

12. Comparative systems of governments used globally and by Alaska Natives;

13. International relations; and

14. Major issues facing local, state, and United States governments.

SB 23 defines an OER as “learning, teaching, or research material in any format that is in the public domain or released under an open license permitting access at no cost as well as reuse, repurposing, adaptation, and redistribution.”

DEED is seeking resources that meet this definition, align with the 2024 Alaska Social Studies Standards, provide meaningful instructional, assessment, or project-based assessment opportunities for Alaska students and educators, and are appropriate for Alaska’s diverse school districts and educational settings.

Information Requested

For each resource, responses should responses should address relevant points from the following areas, as well as respond to the AKDEED Civics OER Rubric attached to this document.

For each of the 14 statutory instructional topics, respondents must identify where and how the resource addresses the topic. Respondents should provide sufficiently specific information to allow DEED to locate the relevant content. This information may be provided as:

• Links to specific lessons, activities, assessments, or other materials;

• Page numbers or section/chapter references;

• Module, unit, or lesson titles;

• An Alaska standards crosswalk; and/or https://education.alaska.gov/akstandards/Adopted-AK-SS-Standards-2024.pdf https://education.alaska.gov/akstandards/Adopted-AK-SS-Standards-2024.pdf

• Another format that clearly identifies the location and nature of the content addressing each topic.

Respondents should indicate if a topic is not addressed by the resource. Where a topic is addressed only partially, respondents should describe the scope of coverage and identify any significant limitations.

1. Organization and Experience

• Organization name, type, and primary contact information.

• Experience developing, maintaining, or supporting OER.

• Experience supporting K–12 civics, government, social studies, or related instruction.

• Experience with statewide, regional, or large-scale educational implementation.

2. Available Resources

For each resource or collection, please provide:

• Resource name, description, intended grade level(s), and audience.

• Instructional materials, teacher and student materials, assessments, and/or project-based assessments included.

• Scope, sequence, and instructional time, if applicable.

• Digital and/or print formats.

• Technical requirements or other implementation considerations.

3. Civics OER Rubric

This rubric will be used to rate resources and select with are to be shared on the AK DEED website.

For each resource or collection, please address the relevant points from the attached Civics OER Rubric, with special attention paid to the required 14 instructional topics.

4. Open Licensing and Accessibility

Please identify:

• Copyright or licensing status and specific open license, if applicable;

• Whether users may modify, adapt, remix, and redistribute the resource;

• Attribution requirements and other restrictions;

• Whether all components are covered by the stated license; and

• Any third-party materials subject to separate restrictions.

Please also describe:

• Compliance with applicable accessibility standards;

• Compatibility with common learning management systems and educational technology platforms;

• Availability in accessible digital formats as well as ADA compliance;

• Support for diverse learners, including English learners and students with disabilities; and

• Availability of educator guidance, implementation materials, or professional learning.

5. Implementation and Sustainability

Please describe:

• How the resource is maintained and updated;

• Frequency and process for content updates;

• Technical or instructional support available;

• Sustainability of the resource and its open license;

• Other considerations affecting statewide use or inclusion on the OER list.

Only free OER materials may be submitted and evaluated.

Responses should provide sufficient information for DEED to understand the nature, scope, quality, licensing, accessibility, and potential statewide applicability of the resources identified.

Respondents are not required to address every category of information in this RFI; DEED welcomes responses concerning individual resources as well as comprehensive collections of curricula, instructional materials, assessments, or project-based assessments.

Information received through this RFI may inform development and periodic updating of the statewide OER list required under AS 14.03.076.

This RFI is issued for information-gathering purposes only. It does not constitute a solicitation, request for proposal, invitation for bid, or other procurement solicitation. This RFI does not extend any rights to prospective vendors or respondents and does not obligate the State of Alaska to conduct a solicitation or purchase goods or services.

Interested parties must submit a written response by Friday, November 6, 2026, at 5 PM AKST. Responses may be sent by E-mail to the address listed below.

All questions must be in writing and directed to the Procurement Officer listed below.

Procurement Officer Contact Information:

Alaska Department of Education and Early Development

Attention: Kathy Blomquist, Procurement Officer

Email: eed.procurement@alaska.gov