The Smart Scholars Early College High School Program

1. The Smart Scholars Early College High School Program RFP Webinar – August 13, 2009 Presenter: Joseph P. Frey Associate Commissioner, Office of Higher Education

2. Smart Scholars ECHS WebinarToday’s Agenda • Background • Overview of Smart Scholars ECHS RFP • Questions from participants via chat box The recording of this webinar will be posted on our website: http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/smartscholars.html

3. Smart Scholars ECHS WebinarPurpose of the Smart Scholars ECHS Program • To increase high school graduation rates • To increase the number of students who complete a postsecondary credential or degree • Target student population: students from populations traditionally underrepresented in college

4. Smart Scholars ECHS WebinarThe Smart Scholars Early College High School Program • In 2007, the Board of Regents proposed the Smart Scholars ECHS Program to help close the student achievement gap. • This comprehensive program builds upon • programs that provide college courses to high school students, such as College Now, Early College High School Programs, and SUNY and independent colleges and universities • the active work of the Department’s opportunity programs to assist educationally at-risk students to graduate from high school and achieve success in college.

5. Smart Scholars ECHS WebinarEarly Research • Research conducted since 2002 by the American Institutes for Research and SRI International to evaluate the Early College High School Initiative (ECHSI). • ECHSI Evaluation • Mix of qualitative and quantitative methods • Based primarily on 2007-08 data from 157 Early College High Schools • Other sources also (publicly available data, transcript data, student surveys)

6. Smart Scholars ECHS WebinarECHS Early Research • ECHS are reaching their target populations: • 67% of ECHS students are members of minority groups • 59% qualify for free or reduced price lunches • 46% will be first-generation college students • ECHS have high attendance rates • Average daily attendance = 94% • 85% progress from one grade to the next ECHSI Evaluation

7. Smart Scholars ECHS WebinarECHS Early Research • ECHS students are earning college credit • Graduates earned about a semester to one year of college credit • ECHS students are continuing on to college • 88% of ECHS graduates enrolled in college the next fall • 41% chose to attend four-year institutions • 47% chose to attend community colleges ECHSI Evaluation

8. Smart Scholars ECHS WebinarThe Smart Scholars Early College High School Program - Overview Partnerships of public schools, BOCES, or charter schools with institutions of higher education will establish approximately 23 Smart Scholars Early College High Schools (ECHSs).

9. Smart Scholars ECHS WebinarThe Smart Scholars Early College High School Program - Overview Partnerships of the following entities are eligible to respond to the RFP:

10. Smart Scholars ECHS WebinarThe Smart Scholars Early College High School Program - Definitions LEA = local education agency • Public schools, BOCES and charter schools within NYS • Preference will be given to LEAs classified as “high need” or “very high need” for the purposes of this RFP. • * RFP definitions • High Need = a school that had an Overall State Accountability Status in 2008-09 of Requiring Academic Progress - Year 1 through Year 6. • Very High Need = a school that had an Overall State Accountability Status of Requiring Academic Progress Year 7 or above or was identified as a School Under Registration Review (SURR).

11. Smart Scholars ECHS WebinarThe Smart Scholars Early College High School Program - Definitions • To find listing of High Need Schools: Clicking on this link and look under Column L within the MS Excel file: http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/nyc/APA/Differentiated_Accountability/DiffAccProsStatus2010.07022009.xls This information can also be found on the Differentiated Accountability webpage of the NYSED website: http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/nyc/APA/Differentiated_Accountability/DA_home.html

12. Smart Scholars ECHS WebinarThe Smart Scholars Early College High School Program - Definitions • To find a listing of Very High Need Schools: Clicking on this link and look under Column L within the MS Excel file, for schools Requiring Academic Progress – Year 7: http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/nyc/APA/Differentiated_Accountability/DiffAccProsStatus2010.07022009.xls Also, Appendix D-2 in RFP contains a listing of Schools Under Registration Review (SURR) (in Tables A-C), which are considered “very high need” schools.

13. Smart Scholars ECHS WebinarThe Smart Scholars Early College High School Program - Definitions IHE = institutions of higher education • SUNY, CUNY, independent and proprietary colleges and universities • 2- & 4-year • Must be accredited, http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/ • Programs must be registered by NYSED, Office of College and University Evaluation, http://www.highered.nysed.gov/ocue/ CBO = community-based organization • Private, non-profit 501(c)3 organization • Representative of a community • Provides educational and/or human services • May be a partner but cannot be an applicant

14. Smart Scholars ECHS WebinarOverview of the RFP – Mandatory Requirements • College credits must be transferable to the partnering IHE • Completed or “in development” articulation agreements or letters of intent must be submitted with proposal • MOUs (executed or in development) or letters of intent outlining the roles and responsibilities between the LEA, IHE and CBO (if applicable) must accompany proposal

15. Smart Scholars ECHS WebinarOverview of the RFP – Eligibility Requirements • All public schools (especially high need/very high need schools), charter schools and BOCES in NYS, and eligible public, independent and proprietary institutions may respond to RFP. • Existing ECHS may respond to this RFP; however, proposal must illustrate a new or expanded level of service, and/or the ability to serve more students. • Partnerships must provide strategies designed to seek financial stability for the long-term operation of the Smart Scholars ECHS. • CBOs can participate in partnerships, but cannot be an applicant. • Contracts may be awarded to achieve geographic distribution of awards.

16. Smart Scholars ECHS WebinarOverview of the RFP – Eligible Activities – Pre-Opening Planning Phase • Hiring a program director/school leader/principal and staff • Developing a budget and business plan • Establishing a suitable site/facility for the school • Writing MOUs/letters of intent between the IHE and the LEA, including transfer of earned credits to the IHE partner (MOUs in development and draft letters of intent are acceptable) • Designing an aligned curriculum, standards and a sequence of courses that allow students to earn an average of 20 or more college credits while completing high school and required Regents exams

17. Smart Scholars ECHS Webinar Overview of the RFP – Eligible Activities – Pre-Opening Planning Phase • Conducting outreach activities to staff and families at nearby middle and elementary schools, as well as to community-based organizations • Establishing student recruitment and selection criteria • Coordinating high school and college faculty, support services, calendars, transportation and establishing on-going governance structures • Developing assessment tools and instruments to evaluate college-readiness, student outcomes and program success, to make improvements, and to refine the assessment model throughout the development of the Smart Scholars ECHS partnership schools.

18. Smart Scholars ECHS WebinarOverview of the RFP – Eligible Activities – Implementation Phase • Academic and social support services • Data collection, sharing, reporting, and evaluation • Student recruitment, community education and engagement • Joint professional development for high school and college faculty • School design and planning team activities (e.g. curriculum development) • Support for college-high school partnership liaisons • Travel and fees for relevant professional development

19. Smart Scholars ECHS WebinarContract Period • Two cohorts of ECHS partnerships - • Planning phase for first cohort begins December 1, 2009, to enroll students in September 2010 • Planning phase for second cohort begins September 1, 2010, to enroll students in September 2011 • Two separate RFPs will result in contracts and grants for a period of four years each • It is anticipated that $12,000,000 for the two cohorts will be available for the total Smart Scholars Early College High School Program • It is anticipated that Gov. David Paterson will seek legislative approval in the 2010-2011 State budget process for a second infusion of $6,000,000 to sustain the second cohort

20. Smart Scholars ECHS Webinar Overview of the RFP-Required Elements of Proposal Narrative The Proposal Narrative – • Proposal Summary: limited to a single, letter-sized page, font no less than 11 point • Proposal Narrative: limited to 25 pages, 1 inch margins, how the partnership will address the following: • Target Population: • must provide college-ready courses to students in high need/very high need schools in grades 9 - 12 • may serve grades 6 – 8 with academic and college readiness support • target and enroll students who are at risk of dropping out of school (economically disadvantaged, English language-learners, and first-generation college entrants) • ECHS must be small, we anticipate serving no more than 100 students or less per grade level

21. Smart Scholars ECHS WebinarOverview of the RFP-Required Elements of Proposal Narrative • P-16 Partnership • Defined roles of partners • Plans for articulation of credit between LEA(s) and IHE(s) • Evidence of long-term financial stability of Smart Scholars ECHS • Evidence of an active partnership, including joint decision-making procedures • Opportunities for teachers and IHE faculty to collaborate through planning, teaching, and professional development. • Confirmation that only accredited colleges with programs registered by NYSED, Office of College and University Evaluation will award college credit and degrees, http://www.highered.nysed.gov/ocue • Engagement of parents, student care givers, school leaders, local community organizations • Evidence that LEA is high/very high need, if applicable

22. Smart Scholars ECHS Webinar Overview of the RFP- Required Elements of Proposal Narrative • Curriculum and Academic Rigor • Provide the plans for developing a detailed, multi-year, vigorous curriculum • Students receive Regents diplomas and an average of 20 or more college credits • Courses are aligned with higher level courses at partner IHE • Provide pathways to an associate or baccalaureate degree • Evidence of capacity to assess college readiness of each incoming student

23. Smart Scholars ECHS Webinar Overview of the RFP- Required Elements of Proposal Narrative • School Design • must be an autonomous high school that • is located on the IHE partner’s campus, • is a stand-alone high school near a college or university campus, or • is a small learning community within a larger high school that is near a college or university campus • must be a full-day program

24. Smart Scholars ECHS Webinar Overview of the RFP-Required Elements of Proposal Narrative • Support Structures – What will a Smart Scholars ECHS look like? • Provide plans for: • Strategies that foster a college-going culture • Bridge programs, college activities and visits • Personalized learning environment and support services • Tutoring, mentoring • Social and emotional support services • Advisory structures, personalized learning communities, individual graduation plans, guidance and counseling • Access to IHE facilities, resources, and services • University faculty, libraries, science labs, technology, writing centers, artistic and sports facilities and activities • Substantial parental and community involvement • Activities designed to encourage high school completion and success

25. Smart Scholars ECHS WebinarOverview of the RFP-Required Elements of Proposal • Staffing • P-12 teachers and college faculty have the appropriate background to deliver specific college courses and the ability to provide accelerated instruction to students at risk of not graduating from high school • Common planning time for instructional staff and others, including school leaders and IHE faculty • Teacher support and guidance through teacher mentoring, professional development, and induction programs • Job description and plans for a qualified principal/school leader/program director

26. Smart Scholars ECHS WebinarOverview of the RFP-Required Elements of Proposal Narrative • Budget • Demonstrate how contract funds will be spent, consistent with eligible costs that may include, but are not limited to: • Tuition and fees • Textbooks • College liaisons • Support for high school and college staff collaborations • Discuss and justify all costs requested in the Cost Proposal RR Fiscal Form FS-10 Proposed Budget • Budget must not include any cost to students

27. Smart Scholars ECHS WebinarSummary of Submission Documents - to be submitted with proposal • Specific submission documents in the following categories are listed in the RFP and must be submitted with the proposal: • Staffing and Management • Partnership Agreements and Partner Profiles • Student and Community Outreach • Curriculum • Student Support Structures • Budget and Sustainability • Signed Ability to Meet Mandatory Requirements form

28. Smart Scholars ECHS WebinarSubcontracting and Staff Changes • Subcontracting • Will be allowed • Staff Changes • Must inform USNY of any changes in staffing among partners • All staff changes are subject to the approval of USNY

29. Smart Scholars ECHS WebinarOverview of the RFP-Evaluation Criteria - Technical (75-85 points) • P-16 Partnership (30-40 points) • Breadth & depth of bidder’s commitment to ECHS concept and viability of the project (10 points max) • Student, faculty, staff recruitment planning; strategy for engaging CBOs (10 points max) • Completed or in development articulation agreements with IHEs outside of partnership (10 points max) • LEA is a “high need school”(5 bonus points) • LEA is a “very high need school” (10 bonus points)

30. Smart Scholars ECHS WebinarOverview of the RFP-Evaluation Criteria - Technical (75-85 points) • Curriculum, Academic Rigor & Support (30 points) • How a Regents diploma and an average of 20 credits can be earned by each Smart Scholars ECHS student (10 points max) • Plans yield a rigorous, high quality, full-day curriculum (10 points) • Use of authentic and comprehensive measures of assessment (5 points max) • Academic and social support network (5 points max)

31. Smart Scholars ECHS WebinarOverview of the RFP-Evaluation Criteria - Technical (75-85 points) • Staffing and Management (15 points) • Soundness of the staffing and management plan, defined roles of each partner and participant, plans to serve no more than 100 students (7 points max) • Teachers have the background to deliver college-level courses and accelerated instruction to students at risk of not graduating from high school (6 points max) • Professional development opportunities for teachers and faculty (2 points max)

32. Smart Scholars ECHS WebinarOverview of the RFP-Evaluation Criteria – Financial Criteria (25 points) • Proposal Narrative and Budget are in agreement, cost justified and cost effective (7 points max) • Cost per pupil provided and appropriate – regional consideration given (9 points max) • Workable plan to help sustain Smart Scholars ECHS after the grant period (9 points max)

33. Smart Scholars ECHS WebinarOverview of the RFP- Method of Award • Aggregate score will be calculated • Minimum score 70 points • If more than one proposal obtains the same aggregate score and there are insufficient funds to award all proposals, the contract(s) will be awarded to the proposal(s) with the highest technical score • USNY reserves the right to cancel the RFP if it is in the best interest of the University

34. Smart Scholars ECHS WebinarTimeline • Proposals must be postmarked by October 1, 2009 • Applicants will be informed by November 1, 2009 • Partnership Cohort 1 start date: • Planning Period: December 1, 2009 • Student Entry: September 1, 2010

35. Smart Scholars ECHS WebinarIntermediary Intermediary: a nonprofit research and consulting organization that has demonstrated experience in the • recruitment of qualified educators • development of academic support services for college readiness • curriculum development • development, implementation and evaluation of assessment tools • ECHS framework Intermediary will • promote best practices across the schools • coordinate statewide leadership training opportunities • import and translate best practices from other states • One intermediary will be selected through a separate RFP process

36. Smart Scholars ECHS WebinarIntermediary Timeline Timeline for selection of intermediary • Intermediary RFP Webinar – tentatively scheduled for August 31, 2009 • Proposals must be postmarked by November 1, 2009 • Applicants will be informed by December 1, 2009 • Intermediary will be ready to begin work with selected partnerships on December 15, 2009

37. Smart Scholars ECHS WebinarInterested in being an intermediary? If there are any organizations participating in this webinar that are interested in applying as an intermediary, contact us and we will put you on our mailing list: IntermedRFP@mail.nysed.gov

38. Smart Scholars ECHS WebinarQ & A At this time, questions will be taken using the chat feature. We will give you a few moments to type in your questions, and address them in the order that they are posted. A link to the recording of this webinar and all questions and answers will be posted to the following website: http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/smartscholars.html

39. Smart Scholars ECHS WebinarQuestions • Questions must be submitted to: SMARTSCHOLARSRFP@mail.nysed.gov

40. Thank you for attending the Smart Scholars ECHS Program Webinar