Specifications include, but are not limited to: The goal of this project is to create research-based grade-level literary works lists to be reviewed during the SBOE in the September 2024 meeting. Actions from the vendor should include: • Project Management and Operations. Management of the overall project and project operations. Examples of project management actions include but are not limited to: developing and maintaining the project work plan and related project documentation, developing, and maintaining ongoing strategic plans and communications, and planning and facilitation of project meetings. • Conduct Research, Analyze Data and Deliver Brief of Findings. Conduct research by collecting relevant data on existing lists to lay the foundational groundwork in literary works lists development and present findings in a brief. Examples of research actions include, but are not limited to, development of research and evaluation plans; development of data collection instruments such as artifacts, observations, surveys, interviews, and focus groups, as well as collection of other data; data analysis and reporting, such as dashboards, presentations, reports, and case studies Examples of research data include, but are not limited to, literary works lists from best practices in Texas and other states across the U.S; characteristics of high-quality literary works lists, effective implementation and assessment guidance, and domains for knowledge building curriculums and cultural relevancy. • Share regular updates on findings and project plan status. Utilize research to meet project plan milestones in building out lists of literary works by grade level. Examples of criteria to be used in informing the inclusion of titles on the literary works lists include, but are not limited to, sources of the titles; the text type, such as genre; the author, awards and accolades; TEKS-aligned content area; text complexity rating; wide-scale availability; cost bracket; linguistic notes such as ease of access to translations; and correlation to knowledge-building and cultural relevancy domains. • Convene work groups of Texas educators. Convene and facilitate grade-level specific working groups of Texas educators to determine initial draft lists. Examples of convening and facilitating include, but are not limited to, developing rubrics and/or guidance for work group members to use; coordinating the application process for teachers, instructional coaches, campus and district leaders, coordinating with TEA and the SBOE to ensure that the SBOE can nominate working group members, and ensuring that interested stakeholders have the opportunity to weigh in. • Oversee additional stakeholder engagement. Engage stakeholders as needed by TEA for review and feedback. Examples of stakeholders include, but are not limited to, parents of students, Education Service Center (ESC) staff, school district staff such as principals, superintendents and other administrators. Publish an Executive Summary inclusive of grade-level specific literary works lists recommendations. Provide an executive summary of grade-level-specific recommendations. Examples of what is to be included are, but not limited to, quantity range for one year, as prescribed by the state; balance and inclusion of different text types and genres; how the literary works will be assessed on the STARR exam with sample questions; and scope of implementation guidance.
