July 2015 Committee of the Full Board Wednesday Item 6
Discussion of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the
Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency
July 17, 2015
COMMITTEE OF THE FULL BOARD: ACTION
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION: ACTION
SUMMARY: This item provides an opportunity for the State Board of Education (SBOE) to provide input regarding a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency to potentially identify multiple test providers.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Texas Education Code (TEC), §7.111.
BOARD RESPONSE: This item is presented for review and comment.
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION: The SBOE adopted 19 TAC Chapter 89, Adaptations for Special Populations, Subchapter C, Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency, to be effective September 1, 1996. Rules in 19 TAC Subchapter C, were last amended to be effective December 11, 2011 and October 10, 2013.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND SIGNIFICANT ISSUES: In November 2011, the committee discussed proposed modifications to the current program. The board asked Texas Education Agency (TEA) staff to produce a Request for Information (RFI) to identify available options for the operation of the Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency and report to the board the results of the RFI. At the November 2012 meeting, TEA staff presented the results of the RFI and provided information regarding the potential development of a new Texas High School Equivalency Examination. The committee directed TEA to continue its relationship with the GEDTS and not issue a RFP for a Texas High School Equivalency Examination.
At the September 2013 meeting, the board approved for second reading and final adoption, proposed amendments to 19 TAC Chapter 89, Adaptations for Special Populations, Subchapter C, Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency, to update the rules including the expansion of eligible entities that may apply to become testing centers and the change in the fee structure.
In November 2013, the committee directed TEA to begin drafting an RFP to solicit proposals for a provider for the Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency examination.
Beginning January 2014, all tests administered as part of the Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency with the exception of tests provided by correctional institutions, transitioned from paper-based tests to computer-based tests.
On January 5, 2015, TEA released a competitive RFP. Responses were due to TEA on February 17, 2015. At the April 2015 meeting, TEA staff presented the results of the RFP. The SBOE directed TEA to extend the existing provider’s MOU for six months beyond the expiration date and begin the development of a new RFP to potentially identify multiple test providers.
FISCAL IMPACT: None.
PUBLIC AND STUDENT BENEFIT: Individuals will have access to an appropriate examination aligned to Texas standards in order to be able to earn a Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency.
PROCEDURAL AND REPORTING IMPLICATIONS: None.
LOCALLY MAINTAINED PAPERWORK REQUIREMENTS: None.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None.
ALTERNATIVES: None.
OTHER COMMENTS AND RELATED ISSUES: None.
Staff Members Responsible:
Monica Martinez, Associate Commissioner
Standards and Programs
Stacy Avery, Director, Texas Initiatives
Federal and State Education Policy