A. EO 1: Examine the Implementation of the TX GEAR UP 2025 SG The awarded contractor will outline the implementation of the TX GEAR UP 2025 SG program at each of the grantee districts and campuses. The implementation report will detail activities related to reaching the milestones tied to the grant objectives specified in Section 1.2, Background, as well as the extent to which grantees implement other key components of the TX GEAR UP 2025 SG program. To evaluate the program's effectiveness, the implementation evaluation objective should also identify effective practices and strategies for replication; pinpoint challenges encountered during implementation; and report on progress related to strategies, participation in activities, and short- or mid-term goals as appropriate throughout the grant period. Implementation activities for both the Class of 2031 and priority students will be evaluated using existing data from TEA and new data collected through qualitative methods, such as focus groups, interviews, and surveys. The report must include statistical analyses that examine variations in implementation across different grantees and campuses. Data must be gathered from key groups involved in grant implementation and participation, including but not limited to students, families, staff, and community partners of the grantee districts and campuses. Throughout the evaluation contract, the data collection and analysis for this EO must provide greater detail on, but not limited to, the topics below: • strategies implemented to meet and/or achieve GEAR UP program goals at the campus and/or district level; • progress towards Algebra I course completion; • progress towards dual credit course completion; • progress towards graduation; • progress towards enrollment in a postsecondary program of education; • completion and awareness of the FAFSA; • comprehensive, individualized college and career advising; • participation in GEAR UP program activities such as career and college visits or postsecondary readiness activities; • professional development opportunities for staff; • community partnerships; • plans for sustainability; • perceptions of the GEAR UP program from students, families, and staff; • perceptions of the GEAR UP program from TEA partners; and • other programmatic topics of interest as discussed with TEA. Data collection and reporting for this EO will annually focus on relevant topics for GEAR UP students as they move from middle school to high school and on to postsecondary education. Each year, the awarded contractor will work with the TEA to identify and plan additional topics of interest prior to the annual data collection. A detailed set of student and family data available or expected to be collected by the vendor, as well as expected reporting timeframes, has been provided in Attachment I, Project Evaluation Student and Family Data Sources. Attachment I does not include other collections that will occur at the organizational or personnel/staff level. B. EO 2: Interim analysis of short- to mid-term outcomes using qualitative and quantitative data The interim analysis will use existing data to descriptively evaluate the progress of GEAR UP students on key performance metrics. This evaluation aims to understand how well students are progressing toward these metrics, including the completion of essential courses such as Algebra I, on-time promotion, and performance on relevant state assessments.
