ASG Cost Model Presentation New Jersey Department of Education October 21, 2009

Assessment Solutions Group Overview Model description/Structure Key inputs and outputs Databases Reports Uses Questions

October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group Description/Structure The ASG Assessment Cost Model is a variable input, metric based calculation output model Specific assessment program variables are input to the model and applied against cost factors to derive assessment cost Several hundred variables are contained in the model Numerous detailed input variables are assembled for each of the functions and elements involved in constructing an assessment (test development, production and manufacturing, logistics, editing and scoring, reporting, psychometrics, program management, quality assurance, information technology, etc.) These variables are input into the software and matched to metric based calculations/formulas and/or databases to convert the assessment program variables into dollar costs

October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group Description/Structure (cont.) The cost for the entire assessment is built from the ground up, element by element, function by function The model also contains “efficient cost metrics” for each key cost area and function so that a state’s assessment program cost data can be compared to those of an “efficient” assessment This allows states to see where their assessment program is cost effective and where there are opportunities to improve costs

October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group Description/Structure (cont.) Proprietary functions and calculations have been developed based on our years of experience in the industry Model outputs have been tested against real data The model is currently built for ASG use only. We are in the process of developing a web based application that could be shared with states.

Cost Model-Main Menu October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group

Administration October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group Administrative Center Key Functions: - Update Rate Tables - Define Security Settings - Create Custom Reports

Assessment Map October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group

October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group Key Inputs and Outputs Numerous assessment component inputs are available for each key area, function etc. Assessment cost can be developed using detailed data or higher level, summary data Cost outputs by function, area, cost type, etc. are generated Key metrics are presented to allow comparison to model efficient cost data for that function/area/component Canned and custom reports are available at the summary and detailed level Assessment Cost Model

Key Inputs October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group This is a sample of the key inputs. There are over 200 different inputs that are captured in the assessment model.

Data Input Screens October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group

Data Input Screens - cont’d October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group

October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group Databases/Tables The Model Contains the Following 70+ Tables to Manage Rates & Data Capture Rate Tables for Each Cost Component (examples): Design/Composition Rates Printing Rates Freight/Shipping Rates Labor Rates – by State, by Occupation Rates for Delivery of On-Line Assessments Open Ended Scoring Reader Rates Item Acquisition/Permission Rates

Key Databases - Labor October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group

Key Databases - Travel October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group Travel Table - Includes Airfare, Lodging and Meal per diem rates for all 50 States and the District of Columbia

October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group Reports Data presented in report and graphical formats Canned reports include: Assessment Cost Summary Assessment Cost by Function Detail Assessment Functional Cost Fixed and Variable Cost Data Assessment Price Composition (direct, indirect and margin) Key Metrics Summary & Functional Area Metrics Summary Assessment Costs vs. “efficient costs” Assessment Metrics vs. “efficient metrics” Other reports are currently in development Reports can also be easily customized per customer request Assessment Cost Model

Reporting October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group

Reporting – cont’d October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group

Costs by Functional Area & Cost per Student Year 1 (2012) cost for each functional area and cost per student October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group Confidential 19

State Assessment Program Cost Data Costs for the program by functional area for October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group Confidential 20

Cost per Student Cost per student for the state assessment program for the years October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group Confidential 21

Cost by Content Area Cost by content area for the years October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group Confidential 22

Cost by Grade Costs for the state assessment program by grade for Note: grades 4 and 8 are tested more often; grade 3 uses consumable test books October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group Confidential 23

Cost by Content Area & Grade Costs for the state assessment program by content area & grade for 2012 – 2014 October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group Confidential 24

Total Costs and Key Metrics by Year Total program costs and key metrics by year for October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group Confidential 25

Summary of Impact of Options/Changes in Costs October 21, Chart shows cost savings or increases related to various options/changes to the program for

Reporting – cont’d October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group

October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group Uses The model can be used in several ways to improve assessment cost and efficiency: Developing a new RFP ASG cost sheets key in discerning if vendors understand your program and are proposing apples to apples solutions Making tradeoffs between various assessment components Develop the best assessment for the available dollars Review of an existing program to determine areas of inefficiency and opportunity Assessment costs tend to be too high because of inefficiencies in the program design Working with the assessment vendor to reduce/eliminate efficiencies and lower costs is a win/win for both the vendor and customer Determine the impact of joining a state consortia Devising scope changes

October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group Questions ASG would be happy to answer any questions or provide a state specific demo of the model on request. Contact information: Barry Topol Pat Hennon John Olson Ed Roeber