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

2. Assessment Solutions Group www.assessmentgroup.org2 Overview Model description/Structure Key inputs and outputs Databases Reports Uses Questions

3. October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group www.assessmentgroup.org3 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

4. October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group www.assessmentgroup.org4 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

5. October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group www.assessmentgroup.org5 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.

6. Cost Model-Main Menu October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group www.assessmentgroup.org6

7. Administration October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group www.assessmentgroup.org7 Administrative Center Key Functions: - Update Rate Tables - Define Security Settings - Create Custom Reports

8. Assessment Map October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group www.assessmentgroup.org8

9. October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group www.assessmentgroup.org9 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

10. Key Inputs October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group www.assessmentgroup.org10 This is a sample of the key inputs. There are over 200 different inputs that are captured in the assessment model.

11. Data Input Screens October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group www.assessmentgroup.org11

12. Data Input Screens - cont’d October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group www.assessmentgroup.org12

13. October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group www.assessmentgroup.org13 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

14. Key Databases - Labor October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group www.assessmentgroup.org14

15. Key Databases - Travel October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group www.assessmentgroup.org15 Travel Table - Includes Airfare, Lodging and Meal per diem rates for all 50 States and the District of Columbia

16. October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group www.assessmentgroup.org16 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

17. Reporting October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group www.assessmentgroup.org17

18. Reporting – cont’d October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group www.assessmentgroup.org18

19. 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 www.assessmentgroup.org Confidential 19

20. State Assessment Program Cost Data Costs for the program by functional area for 2012 - 2014 October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group www.assessmentgroup.org Confidential 20

21. Cost per Student Cost per student for the state assessment program for the years 2012-2014 October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group www.assessmentgroup.org Confidential 21

22. Cost by Content Area Cost by content area for the years 2012 - 2014 October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group www.assessmentgroup.org Confidential 22

23. Cost by Grade Costs for the state assessment program by grade for 2012 - 2014. Note: grades 4 and 8 are tested more often; grade 3 uses consumable test books October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group www.assessmentgroup.org Confidential 23

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

25. Total Costs and Key Metrics by Year Total program costs and key metrics by year for 2012 - 2014 October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group www.assessmentgroup.org Confidential 25

26. Summary of Impact of Options/Changes in Costs October 21, 200926 Chart shows cost savings or increases related to various options/changes to the program for 2012 - 2014

27. Reporting – cont’d October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group www.assessmentgroup.org27

28. October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group www.assessmentgroup.org28 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

29. October 21, 2009 Assessment Solutions Group www.assessmentgroup.org29 Questions ASG would be happy to answer any questions or provide a state specific demo of the model on request. Contact information: Barry Topol - 210-859-9920 btopol@assessmentgroup.org Pat Hennon - 210-376-7654 phennon@assessmentgroup.org John Olson - 210-859-5593 jolson@assessmentgroup.org Ed Roeber - 517-614-4877 eroeber@assessmentgroup.org