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
Equity and Digital Design and Instructional Design
Content Accessibility Assessment Support and Support Overall
Course Name Vendor Resource Title N Total Points Avg. Total Points Avg. Total Points Avg. Total Points Avg. Total Points Avg. Total Points Avg.
6-8 Science Accelerate Learning Inc STEMScopes Georgia Grades 6-8 8 92 11.5 41 5.1 67 8.4 96 12 34 4.2 330 41.2
Discovery Education Science Techbook for Middle
6-8 Science Discovery Education School 10 152 15.2 87 8.7 124 12.4 127 12.7 84 8.4 574 57.4
6-8 Science Encyclopedia Britannica Britanica Expedition: Learn Grades 6-8 8 82 10.2 43 5.4 72 9 101 12.6 42 5.2 340 42.5
6-8 Science Houghton Mifflin Harcourt HMH Georgia Science 8 90 11.2 63 7.9 86 10.8 93 11.6 42 5.2 374 46.8
6-8 Science Kiddom Inc OpenSciEd 10 69 6.9 33 3.3 66 6.6 54 5.4 41 4.1 259 25.9
6-8 Science McGraw Hill Inspire Science 9 148 16.4 99 11 120 13.3 157 17.4 86 9.6 610 67.8
6-8 Science Savvas Experience Science 9 162 18 114 12.7 128 14.2 159 17.7 92 10.2 653 72.6
6-8 Science School Specialty Foss Next Generation 8 77 9.6 33 4.1 47 5.9 84 10.5 37 4.6 278 34.8
AP Biology Biology
Bedford, Freeman, Worth Publishing for the AP Course Second Edition
(BFW) 3 65 21.7 34 11.3 52 17.3 67 22.3 29 9.7 247 82.3
AP Biology Cengage Learning LLC AP Edition Biology 1 11 11 6 6 6 6 9 9 2 2 34 34
Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life, AP® Edition
AP Biology Cengage Learning LLC Update, 15th Student Edition 2 29 14.5 7 3.5 22 11 23 11.5 3 1.5 84 42
AP Biology Pearson Campbell Biology 12e 2021 AP Edition 3 49 16.3 19 6.3 32 10.7 55 18.3 26 8.7 181 60.3
AP Biology Pearson Campbell Biology in Focus, 4e @2025 AP Edition 3 54 18 25 8.3 40 13.3 56 18.7 26 8.7 201 67
Campbell Biology: Concepts & Connections, 10e
AP Biology Pearson 2021 2 32 16 8 4 17 8.5 23 11.5 7 3.5 87 43.5
AP Chemistry Living by
Bedford, Freeman, Worth Publishing Chemistry Fourth Edition
(BFW) 2 18 9 6 3 14 7 16 8 6 3 60 30
AP Chemistry Cengage Learning LLC K12 Chemistry AP® Edition, 11th Student Edition 4 45 11.2 24 6 37 9.2 22 5.5 20 5 148 37
Chemistry: A Molecular Approach, 6e ©2023 AP®
AP Chemistry Pearson Edition 2 20 10 8 4 18 9 0 0 6 3 52 26
Chemistry: An Atoms-Focused Approach, 2nd
AP Chemistry WW Norton & Company Inc Edition 4 41 10.2 20 5 33 8.2 16 4 15 3.8 125 31.2
Environmental Science for the AP Course Fourth
AP Environmental Edition
Bedford, Freeman, Worth Publishing (BFW) 4 53 13.2 18 4.5 48 12 58 14.5 29 7.2 206 51.5
Exploring Environmental Science Enhanced AP®
AP Environmental Cengage Learning LLC Edition 1 10 10 2 2 10 10 8 8 4 4 34 34
Environment: The Science Behind the Stories, 7e
AP Environmental Pearson ©2021 AP® Edition 2 18 9 8 4 15 7.5 18 9 9 4.5 68 34
AP Physics 1 &2 College
Bedford, Freeman, Worth Publishing Physics for the AP Physics 1 & 2 Courses
(BFW) 2 24 12 10 5 20 10 23 11.5 9 4.5 86 43
AP Physics 1 &2 Cengage Learning LLC College Physics, AP Edition, 12th Student Edition 2 28 14 9 4.5 21 10.5 19 9.5 9 4.5 86 43
AP Physics 1 &2 McGraw Hill College Physics Explore and Apply 4e 1 7 7 2 2 4 4 5 5 2 2 20 20
College Physics with Integrated Approach
AP Physics 1 &2 McGraw Hill (Giambattista) 1 10 10 4 4 5 5 0 0 4 4 23 23
College Physics: A Strategic Approach, 4e ©2023
AP Physics 1 &2 Pearson AP® Edition 2 41 20.5 20 10 35 17.5 36 18 20 10 152 76
Physics for Scientists and Engineers, AP® Edition,
AP Physics C Cengage Learning LLC 10th Student Edition 2 31 15.5 16 8 27 13.5 27 13.5 14 7 115 57.5
Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic
Approach with Modern Physics, 5e ©2022 AP®
AP Physics C Pearson Edition 2 41 20.5 23 11.5 28 14 39 19.5 22 11 153 76.5
Astronomy Cengage Learning LLC Foundations of Astronomy 1 11 11 7 7 7 7 7 7 6 6 38 38
Explorations: An introduction to Astronomy, 9th
Astronomy McGraw Hill Edition 1 13 13 6 6 9 9 11 11 8 8 47 47
Biology Accelerate Learning Inc STEMscopes-Biology 3 53 17.7 27 9 34 11.3 47 15.7 19 6.3 180 60
Biology Cengage Learning LLC National Geographic Learning Biology, 1e Update 3 57 19 27 9 42 14 44 14.7 20 6.7 190 63.3
Discovery Education Science Techbook for Grades 9-
Biology Discovery Education 12 4 65 16.2 33 8.2 51 12.8 57 14.2 35 8.8 241 60.2
Biology Houghton Mifflin Harcourt HMH Dimensions Biology 3 61 20.3 34 11.3 32 10.7 52 17.3 21 7 200 66.7
Biology Kiddom Inc Open SciEd Biology 3 53 17.7 29 9.7 36 12 37 12.3 28 9.3 183 61
Biology McGraw Hill Biology 14th Edition 3 36 12 27 9 27 9 44 14.7 19 6.3 153 51
Biology McGraw Hill Inspire Biology 3 44 14.7 31 10.3 40 13.3 44 14.7 22 7.3 181 60.3
Campbell Biology: Concepts & Connections, 10e
Biology Pearson 2021 1 14 14 5 5 8 8 16 16 4 4 47 47
Biology Savvas Miller & Levine Biology and Experience Biology 3 63 21 38 12.7 44 14.7 60 20 31 10.3 236 78.7
Botany McGraw Hill Plant Biology Fifteenth Edition 1 12 12 5 5 8 8 0 0 5 5 30 30
Chemistry Accelerate Learning Inc STEMscopes-Chemistry 2 22 11 15 7.5 14 7 16 8 10 5 77 38.5
Chemistry Cengage Learning LLC National Geographic Learning Chemistry 2 20 10 8 4 16 8 18 9 10 5 72 36
Chemistry Houghton Mifflin Harcourt HMH Science Dimensions -Chemistry 2 22 11 12 6 18 9 22 11 12 6 86 43
Chemistry Kiddom Inc OpenSciEd Chemistry 2 20 10 12 6 12 6 18 9 10 5 72 36
Chemistry McGraw Hill Chemistry, 2024 Update, 14th edition 2 22 11 6 3 18 9 20 10 8 4 74 37
Chemistry McGraw Hill Inspire Chemistry 2 22 11 12 6 16 8 20 10 12 6 82 41
Chemistry PASCO Essential Chemistry 2 21 10.5 6 3 16 8 20 10 10 5 73 36.5
Chemistry Pearson A Molecular Approach, 6e@2023 AP Edition 2 20 10 8 4 16 8 22 11 12 6 78 39
Chemistry Pearson Basic Chemistry, 6e@2020 1 12 12 5 5 9 9 10 10 4 4 40 40
Chemistry: The Central Science, 15e@2023 AP
Chemistry Pearson Edition 2 23 11.5 11 5.5 23 11.5 27 13.5 13 6.5 97 48.5
Chemistry Pearson Introductory Chemistry, 7e@20204 2 24 12 8 4 16 8 20 10 8 4 76 38
Chemistry Savvas Experience Chemistry 2 24 12 16 8 12 6 16 8 12 6 80 40
Earth Science Earth National Geographic Earth and Space Science, 1st
Systems Cengage Learning LLC Edition, Student Edition 2 20 10 5 2.5 13 6.5 21 10.5 10 5 69 34.5
Earth Science Earth Discovery Education Science Techbook for Grades 9-
Systems Discovery Education 12 1 7 7 5 5 5 5 7 7 5 5 29 29
Earth Science Earth
Systems McGraw Hill Inspire Earth Science 2 28 14 14 7 25 12.5 24 12 11 5.5 102 51
Earth Science Earth Principles of Environmental Science: Inquiry and
Systems McGraw Hill Application High School Edition 1 15 15 7 7 12 12 14 14 5 5 53 53
Earth Science Earth
Systems Pearson Earth Science 16e@2026 2 23 11.5 14 7 16 8 20 10 8 4 81 40.5
Earth Science Earth
Systems Savvas Earth Science Tarbuck Lutgens-Student Edition 2 40 20 24 12 26 13 30 15 14 7 134 67
Environmental Science: Sustaining Your World
Environmental Cengage Learning LLC Update, 1st Student Edition 2 29 14.5 8 4 17 8.5 23 11.5 12 6 89 44.5
Exploring Environmental Science for AP, Enhanced
Environmental Cengage Learning LLC AP Edition — Teacher's Edition 1 10 10 4 4 8 8 7 7 5 5 34 34
Environmental Science: A study of interrelationships,
Environmental McGraw Hill 16th edition 2 20 10 4 2 11 5.5 21 10.5 8 4 64 32
Principles of Environmental Science: Inquiry and
Environmental McGraw Hill Application High School Edition 1 10 10 2 2 6 6 9 9 3 3 30 30
Essential Environment: The Science Behind the
Environmental Pearson Stories, 7e ©2025 4 53 13.2 19 4.8 31 7.8 43 10.8 20 5 166 41.5
Environmental Savvas Environmental Science Your World, Your Turn 4 52 13 14 3.5 33 8.2 44 11 27 6.8 170 42.5
Forensic Science Cengage Learning LLC Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations 2 35 17.5 15 7.5 28 14 32 16 16 8 126 63
Forensic Science McGraw Hill Criminal Investigations 2 12 6 3 1.5 5 2.5 3 1.5 3 1.5 26 13
Forensic Science Pearson Forensic Science an Introduction 2 16 8 7 3.5 13 6.5 18 9 10 5 64 32
Human Anatomy &
Physiology Cengage Learning LLC Body Structures and Functions, 14th Edition 1 21 21 5 5 17 17 20 20 9 9 72 72
Human Anatomy &
Physiology Goodheart Wilcox Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology 3e 2 28 14 13 6.5 26 13 22 11 13 6.5 114 57
Human Anatomy &
Physiology McGraw Hill Hole's Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology 2 42 21 25 12.5 35 17.5 45 22.5 23 11.5 170 85
Human Anatomy &
Physiology Pearson Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology, 13e 1 13 13 7 7 10 10 15 15 6 6 51 51
Human Anatomy & Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology, 12th
Physiology Pearson Edition 1 17 17 5 5 15 15 16 16 8 8 61 61
Human Anatomy &
Physiology Pearson Human Anatomy & Physiology Coloring Book 1 12 12 3 3 8 8 6 6 4 4 33 33
Human Anatomy &
Physiology Pearson Marieb Human Anatomy & Physiology, 12e 2 30 15 14 7 16 8 29 14.5 11 5.5 100 50
IB Biology Oxford DP Biology Coursebook 3 58 19.3 13 4.3 12 4 19 6.3 11 3.7 113 37.7
IB Chemistry Oxford DP Chemistry Coursebook 4 50 12.5 15 3.8 39 9.8 12 3 17 4.2 133 33.2
IB Physics Oxford DP Physics Coursebook 1 12 12 7 7 11 11 0 0 9 9 39 39
K-5 Science Accelerate Learning Inc STEMscopes Georgia Grades K-5 32 509 15.9 350 10.9 432 13.5 439 13.7 287 9 2017 63
K-5 Science Concise Curriculum LLC Science ELA 26 184 7.1 28 1.1 108 4.2 31 1.2 44 1.7 393 15.1
Discovery Education Science Techbook for Grades K-
K-5 Science Discovery Education 5 31 451 14.5 361 11.6 341 11 459 14.8 267 8.6 1848 59.6
K-5 Science Encyclopedia Britannica Britannica: Expedition Learn Grades 3-5 4 36 9 26 6.5 39 9.8 39 9.8 24 6 164 41
K-5 Science Gallopade Georgia Science 16 351 21.9 225 14.1 287 17.9 348 21.8 185 11.6 1396 87.2
K-5 Science Houghton Mifflin Harcourt HMH Georgia Science 29 406 14 243 8.4 351 12.1 468 16.1 199 6.9 1667 57.5
K-5 Science McGraw Hill Inspire Science 27 409 15.1 305 11.3 280 10.4 410 15.2 228 8.4 1632 60.4
K-5 Science Savvas Elevate Science 27 451 16.7 264 9.8 330 12.2 452 16.7 213 7.9 1712 63.4
K-5 Science School Specialty Foss Pathways 11 86 7.8 56 5.1 60 5.5 74 6.7 33 3 311 28.3
Microbiology Pearson Microbiology: An Introduction, 14e@2024 3 62 20.7 18 6 43 14.3 46 15.3 24 8 193 64.3
Oceanography Cengage Learning LLC Oceanography:An Invitation to Marine Science 2 40 20 17 8.5 33 16.5 38 19 19 9.5 147 73.5
Oceanography McGraw Hill Investigating Oceanography 2 29 14.5 6 3 10 5 0 0 9 4.5 54 27
Oceanography Pearson Essentials of Oceanography, 13e @2020 2 36 18 13 6.5 19 9.5 6 3 14 7 88 44
Physical Science Accelerate Learning Inc STEMscopes Physical Science 4 62 15.5 32 8 44 11 59 14.8 33 8.2 230 57.5
Physical Science McGraw Hill Inspire Physical Science 4 64 16 33 8.2 50 12.5 60 15 28 7 235 58.8
Prentice Hall Physical Science Concepts in Action-
Physical Science Savvas Student Edition 2 15 7.5 12 6 14 7 12 6 8 4 61 30.5
Physics Cengage Learning LLC National Geographic Physics, 1e 3 39 13 25 8.3 32 10.7 43 14.3 20 6.7 159 53
Discovery Education Science Techbook for Grades 9-
Physics Discovery Education 12 3 0 0 8 2.7 20 6.7 31 10.3 11 3.7 70 23.3
Physics Houghton Mifflin Harcourt HMH Science Dimensions Physics 3 36 12 25 8.3 38 12.7 40 13.3 22 7.3 161 53.7
Physics Kiddom Inc OpenSciEd Physics 3 34 11.3 27 9 31 10.3 32 10.7 24 8 148 49.3
Physics McGraw Hill Inspire Physics 3 57 19 27 9 35 11.7 51 17 33 11 203 67.7
Physics PASCO Essential Physics 3rd Edition 3 12 4 15 5 27 9 36 12 14 4.7 104 34.7
Physics Pearson Conceptual Physics, 13e@2022 3 26 8.7 17 5.7 13 4.3 28 9.3 11 3.7 95 31.7
Physics Savvas Experience Physics 3 60 20 36 12 46 15.3 63 21 33 11 238 79.3
Supplemental Discovery Education Pivot Interactives 9 92 10.2 57 6.3 70 7.8 71 7.9 55 6.1 345 38.3
Supplemental Lazel Inc Gizmos 20 248 12.4 126 6.3 135 6.8 215 10.8 113 5.6 837 41.8
Supplemental Lazel Inc Science 4 Us 15 122 8.1 26 1.7 59 3.9 110 7.3 74 4.9 396 26.4
High School Integrated Physics and Chemistry
Supplemental NewsELA Course 2 28 14 14 7 16 8 30 15 14 7 102 51
Supplemental NewsELA Newsela STEM 24 228 9.5 181 7.5 163 6.8 254 10.6 144 6 966 40.2
Supplemental Teacher Created Materials Georgia Science Reader Kits 11 75 6.8 70 6.4 64 5.8 72 6.5 42 3.8 323 29.4
Supplemental Teacher Created Materials Science Readers: Content and Literacy in Science 5 59 11.8 45 9 45 9 53 10.6 30 6 232 46.4
Supplemental Teacher Created Materials Science and STEAM Readers 4 27 6.8 14 3.5 10 2.5 19 4.8 12 3 82 20.5
Supplemental Teacher Created Materials Smithsonian STEAM Readers 7 70 10 49 7 65 9.3 60 8.6 38 5.4 282 40.3
Supplemental Vernier Elementary Science with Vernier 3 24 8 14 4.7 20 6.7 17 5.7 6 2 81 27
Supplemental Vernier Vernier Connections 20 161 8 84 4.2 99 5 129 6.4 77 3.8 543 27.2