Agenda Item
c. RFQ 26-724 K-12 Science Instructional Resources Adoption and Purchase (Not to Exceed $15,000,000)
Summary: Presented by: Dr. Sean Tartt, Acting Chief Academic Officer, Division of Teaching and Learning
Request: It is requested that the DeKalb County Board of Education approve the RFQ 26-724 K-12 Science Instructional Resources adoption and purchase of Gallopade International, Savvas Learning Company LLC, McGraw Hill, Cengage Learning Inc, Pearson Education Inc, Bedford, Freeman and Worth, Oxford University Press, Lazel Inc, Vernier, and Discovery Education. These vendors represent the most responsive and responsible bidders to provide science instructional resources in print and/or digital formats for teachers and students for more than $100,000 per vendor but not to exceed a total contracted amount of $15,000,000.
K-8
Grade/Specific Courses
Vendor & Resource
K-2 Science
Savvas Learning Company LLC
Georgia Elevate Science 2024
3-5 Science
Gallopade International
Gallopade Science
6-8 Science
Savvas Learning Company LLC
Experience Science for Middle Grades @ 2026
Grades 9-12
Course
Vendor
Resource
Astronomy
McGraw Hill LLC
Explorations: An Introduction to Astronomy @2020,9e, Arnry
Biology
Savvas Learning Company LLC
Miller & Levine Biology @ 2019
Botany
McGraw Hill LLC
Stern's Intro to Plant Biology
Chemistry
McGraw Hill LLC
Inspire Chemistry
Physics
Savvas Learning Company LLC
Experience Physics © 2022
Physical Science
McGraw Hill LLC
Inspire Physical Science
Environmental Science
Savvas Learning Company LLC
Environmental Science: Your World, Your Turn © 2021
Earth Systems
Savvas Learning Company LLC
Earth Science © 2017
Human Anatomy/Physiology
McGraw Hill LLC
Holes Essentials of Human Anatomy
Forensic Science
Cengage Learning, Inc
Forensic Science: Fundamentals and Investigations 3rd Edition
Meteorology
No contender submitted in RFQ-26-724
No contender submitted in RFQ-26-724
Microbiology
Pearson Education Inc
Microbiology: An Introduction 14e @ 2024
Oceanography
Cengage Learning, Inc
Oceanography: An Invitation to Marine Science © 10th Edition
AP Biology
Bedford, Freeman and Worth
Biology for the AP Course (2E)
AP Chemistry
Cengage Learning, Inc
K12 Chemistry AP @Edition, 11th Student Edition
AP Environmental Science
Cengage Learning, Inc
Exploring Environmental Science Enhanced AP Edition
AP Physics I
Bedford, Freeman and Worth
College Physics for the AP Physics 1 & 2
AP Physics II
Bedford, Freeman and Worth
College Physics for the AP Physics 1 & 2
AP Physics C
Pearson Education Inc
Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach 5e With Modern Physics, 5e @2022 AP Edition
IB Biology
Oxford University Press
DP Biology Coursebook
IB Physics
Oxford University Press
DP Physics Coursebook
IB Chemistry
Oxford University Press
DP Chemistry Coursebook
Recommended Supplemental Resources
Lazel, Inc.
Science 4 Us (Gr K-2)
Gizmos (Gr 4-12)
Vernier
Vernier Connections (Gr 3-12)
Discovery Education
Pivot Interactives (Gr 9-12)
Why: Based on gap data analysis, there is a clear need for high-quality, standards-aligned instructional resources to improve student content mastery. Georgia Milestones performance across grade levels reflects persistent proficiency gaps, particularly in tasks requiring application of scientific reasoning and evidence-based explanations. To address these gaps, instructional resources must intentionally support the integration of 3D Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) Science, ensuring alignment to Disciplinary Core Ideas, (DCIs), Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs), and Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs) so that students engage in rigorous, sensemaking-driven learning experiences that build both knowledge and transferable scientific practices.
DCSD CCRPI Data for Science
2025
Beginning Learner- 1
Developing Learner- 2
Proficient Learner- 3
Distinguished Learner- 4
Science- Grade 5 EOG
39.50%
23.70%
23.40%
13.40%
Science- Grade 8 EOG
43.60%
27.10%
19.70%
9.60%
HS Biology- EOC
37.40%
25.90%
27.50%
9.20%
2024
Beginning Learner- 1
Developing Learner- 2
Proficient Learner- 3
Distinguished Learner- 4
Science- Grade 5 EOG
43.30%
21.60%
22.80%
12.30%
Science- Grade 8 EOG
50.50%
23.40%
19.30%
6.80%
HS Biology- EOC
37.20%
27.90%
26.30%
8.60%
Details: In accordance with the formal procurement procedures published by the Georgia Department of Education, the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was issued February 12, 2026. Electronic notification was sent to 169 vendors from the DCSD vendor list, 1,006 vendors through the State of Georgia Procurement Registry (GPR), and 540 vendors through IonWave, the DCSD solicitation portal. The solicitation was advertised in the Champion Newspaper for two (2) consecutive weeks beginning February 12, 2026. Twenty-one (21) proposals were deemed responsive and evaluated on the following criteria: alignment to the K-12 Georgia Standards of Excellence, research-evidence based instructional strategies/resources for diverse learners (i.e., English Learners, Exceptional Education, Early Intervention Program, Montessori, International Baccalaureate, STEM, Magnet, and Theme), quality of supporting texts, support for improved literacy practices, complimentary digital resources, data privacy, set-up costs, initial training, and ongoing support.
The contract will include up to five, one-year extension options contingent upon DCSD’s offer to such extension, the successful offeror’s acceptance, and the approval of the DeKalb County Board of Education to extend the contract. The school district will purchase materials based on projected enrollments and in accordance to DJE Section 3: The purchase is for instructional materials or programs selected in accordance with Board Policy IFA or selected by qualified professional personnel, based on sound pedagogical judgment and the best interest of the District, and acting at the direction of the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s authorized designee.
Financial impact: The total contract amount will not exceed $15,000,000.
Charge Codes:
Digital: 100.1000.564000.00011.7580.9990.8010.035.0000
Printed: 100.1000.564100.00011.7580.9990.8010.035.0000
Contact: Dr. Sean Tartt, Deputy Chief Academic Officer, Division of Teaching and Learning, 678.676.0731
Dr. Penny Mosley, Assistant Superintendent P-5, Division of Teaching and Learning, 678-676-0137
Dr. Rose Prejean-Harris, Assistant Superintendent 6-12, Division of Teaching and Learning, 678.676.0137
Ms. Lummie Baker, Director, Educational Media and Instructional Materials, Division of Teaching and Learning, 678.676.2421
Dr. Angelique Conner, Coordinator, Educational Media and Instructional Materials, Division of Teaching and Learning, 678.676.1471
Effective: June 16, 2026- June 30, 2027
Status: Pending Approval by the Office of Legal Affairs