Request for Proposals: Project Contractor

Success for All: Supporting Learners with Exceptionalities in the Language Classroom

CASLT is committed to providing educators with the resources and support they need to ensure that all learners — including those with exceptionalities — succeed in the language classroom. As part of this mission, we are seeking a contractor to develop a comprehensive suite of resources and professional learning opportunities aimed at equipping teachers and administrators with the knowledge and tools necessary to support these learners effectively and promote equitable access to language learning.

For the purposes of this project, the term “students with exceptionalities” refers to learners who may require specialized support and accommodations due to various behavioural, communication, physical, and/or intellectual exceptionalities. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals with autism spectrum disorder, reading disabilities, dyslexia, specific language impairments, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, and other unique learning requirements.*

A comprehensive review of the literature undertaken in 2017 by CASLT, the Additional Languages and Intercultural Council (ALIC), and the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) indicates that learning an additional language, even for students with exceptionalities, offers many benefits. However, a disconnect between research and current educational practices persists, with the pervasive belief that language classrooms are not appropriate for students with exceptionalities, leading to their disproportionate exclusion from these programs.

This project seeks to leverage these insights, translating research into action, and bridging the gap between theory and practice. Grounded in rigorous research, the project aims to create a new installment in the Success for All series, transforming language education in Canada and fostering a more diverse and inclusive linguistic landscape.

*We recognize that the language used to refer to students with exceptionalities is evolving and varies across different contexts. Our choice of language aims to be respectful, inclusive, and aligned with current best practices in education. We acknowledge that individual preferences may differ, and we remain committed to using language that promotes dignity, equity, and inclusion for all learners. We welcome feedback and are open to adapting as understanding and practices continue to evolve.

Objectives

The primary objective of this project is to create and disseminate resources that will empower teachers and administrators to address the diverse needs of learners with exceptionalities in language classrooms. These resources will include practical strategies, tools, and professional learning content that can be directly applied in educational settings across Canada. Additionally, the project aims to raise awareness of the benefits of language learning for students with exceptionalities and to emphasize the importance of inclusivity. By promoting equitable access to language education, we seek to ensure that all students, regardless of their learning needs, can participate fully and benefit from the cognitive, academic, and cultural benefits of language learning.

Deliverables

• Teacher Handbook: A comprehensive resource providing teachers with practical strategies, tools, and insights to effectively support learners with exceptionalities in the language classroom.
• Administrator Guide: A guide designed to help school administrators understand the unique challenges faced by learners with exceptionalities and to equip them with strategies to support their teachers and programs.
• Asynchronous Online Courses: Online courses hosted on the CASLT CoLab, offering self-paced professional learning for teachers, focused on enhancing their skills and knowledge in supporting learners with exceptionalities.
• Teacher Tools: A series of ten downloadable resources, such as lesson plans, assessment tools, and instructional guides, that teachers can use directly in their classrooms.
• Live Webinars: A series of four interactive webinars led by subject matter experts, aimed at providing ongoing professional learning and fostering a community of practice among educators.

Contractor Responsibilities

The contractor will be responsible for the comprehensive development and delivery of all project deliverables. To ensure the success of the project, the contractor will:

• Ensure that project deliverables align closely with CASLT’s vision, mission, and values.
• Conduct extensive research on best practices for supporting students with exceptionalities in the language classroom, including literature reviews and consultations with experienced teachers, researchers, and other key stakeholders.
• Develop all project deliverables based on the research findings.
• Submit regular drafts of all materials to the project steering committee for feedback and make necessary revisions in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with CASLT on the awareness-raising phase of the project, contributing expertise to outreach and promotional strategies.
• Manage the project timeline effectively, ensuring all deliverables are completed within the specified two-year timeframe and according to the timeline outlined below.
• Adhere strictly to the agreed-upon budget, providing financial reports as required.
• If subcontracting any portion of the work, ensure that all subcontractors are fully briefed on CASLT’s vision and the project’s objectives, and that their work aligns with the project timeline and budget.
• Maintain open and regular communication with CASLT throughout the project, providing updates on progress and promptly addressing any concerns or challenges that arise.
• Ensure that all content is delivered to CASLT in the agreed-upon format and to the highest professional standards.
• Participate in project evaluation activities as required, contributing to the overall assessment of the project’s impact and effectiveness.

CASLT Responsibilities

CASLT will oversee and manage the project, ensuring its alignment with organizational goals and quality standards. Specifically, CASLT will:

• Establish and manage a steering committee responsible for selecting the contractor, providing ongoing support, and offering regular and comprehensive feedback on project deliverables. The committee will offer feedback and guidance to ensure that the project deliverables meet CASLT’s vision and standards.
• Maintain overall control of the project budget, allocating funds as necessary for various aspects of the project. This includes covering costs for elements outside the contractor’s direct responsibilities, such as copyediting, translation, graphic design, video production, and so on, for the project deliverables.
• Provide administrative and logistical support throughout the planning, production, and execution phases of the project.
• Oversee the final dissemination of the project deliverables, leveraging CASLT’s networks and implementing targeted outreach and promotional strategies.
• Coordinate with the contractor during the awareness-raising phase to maximize the impact and reach of the developed resources.
• Conduct regular project evaluations to assess progress, identify potential issues, and ensure that the project remains on track to meet its objectives.
• Facilitate open communication channels between the contractor, the steering committee, and other relevant stakeholders.

Budget

The contractor’s honorarium is $30,000.

Timelines

• Deadline for proposals: September 23, 2024
• Deadline for submission of final drafts of content (teacher handbook, administrator guide, asynchronous course, and teacher tools): August 31, 2025
• Deadline for delivery of all webinar sessions: March 31, 2026

Evaluation Process and Criteria

All proposals will be evaluated by the project steering committee using a standardized set of criteria. Committee members will review proposals individually before convening to make a final decision. A successful proposal will:

• Demonstrate strong understanding of the subject area
• Showcase relevant expertise or transferrable skills applicable to the project
• Show significant experience or background in the subject area (e.g., 5+ years)
• Exhibit a clear understanding of the target audience and project deliverables, as well as of CASLT’s vision, mission, and values
• Present a detailed, realistic, and well-thought-out timeline for developing and submitting project deliverables
• Demonstrate effective communication skills and the ability to present information clearly
• Potentially offer innovative approaches or ideas to enhance the project’s impact

We encourage all applicants to address these criteria in their proposals to ensure the best possible evaluation of their submission. While we strive for transparency in our selection process, please note that we may not be able to provide detailed feedback on unsuccessful proposals.

Proposal Submission

Your proposal must include the following:

• A detailed work plan outlining your approach to achieving the project deliverables within the specified timeframe. It must provide a clear timeline for drafting, review, revision, and finalization of each deliverable and explicitly demonstrate how feedback will be integrated into the development process.
• A copy of your CV, highlighting relevant experience in similar projects and/or relevant transferable skills.
• Optional: Examples of previous work. If you have completed similar work in this area and can share a sample or portfolio, please include it in your proposal.

Please limit your main proposal to a maximum of 10 pages (or 5,000 words). This limit does not include your CV or any additional samples/portfolio items you choose to submit. Please submit your proposal by email to Kim Giese, Projects and Professional Learning Coordinator, at projects@caslt.org with the subject line “Supporting Learners with Exceptionalities: Project Proposal.”