Survey of Higher Education Institutions to Determine Tests and Cut Scores in Reading and Mathematics used for Student Placement

The National Assessment Governing Board is an independent, bipartisan board that sets policy for the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), commonly known as The Nation's Report Card. NAEP makes objective information on student performance available to policy-makers and the public at the national, state, and local levels. It has served an important role in evaluating the condition and progress of American education for more than three decades.

Created by Congress in 1988, the Governing Board is made up of 26 members, including governors, state legislators, local and state school officials, educators and researchers, business representatives, and members of the general public. More information on the Governing Board and its work is at www.nagb.org.

The Governing Board is seeking a contractor to conduct a survey of higher education institutions to determine the tests and cut-scores in reading and mathematics used to place entry level college students into credit bearing coursework and into remedial/developmental programs. The results of the survey will be used, along with results from other planned research, to enable NAEP to report on the preparedness of 12th graders for postsecondary education and training.

The scope of work required includes making any necessary refinements to survey instruments provided by the Governing Board (up to two if there are separate survey instruments for 2-year and 4-year institutions), designing the sample to produce nationally representative results, conducting the data collection, carrying out measures to assure an adequate response rate, providing effective data quality control measures, analyzing the data, and preparing a report of the results and a comprehensive documentation of the technical methodology. It is anticipated that the survey will be administered via paper and through follow-up interviews as necessary.

Period of Performance: The proposed contract will be a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract with a 24-month performance period