Annual evaluation of the quality of current pre-k programs

(a) Within 30 days of July 18, 2008, the Mayor shall submit to the Council for its approval, a plan, including the name of a proposed independent evaluator, to evaluate pre-k programs in accordance with this section. Within 60 days of Council approval, the Mayor shall execute a contract with the approved evaluator. (b) The approved evaluator shall perform a baseline quality assessment for a sampling of pre-k classrooms in each of the following sectors: (1) District of Columbia Public Schools; (2) Public charter schools; and (3) CBOs. (c) The evaluator shall collect baseline quality data to: (1) Describe the overall program structure; (2) Assess the language and literacy environment; and (3) Assess the quality of instructional support, classroom climate, and classroom management. (d) The evaluator’s data and analysis shall be used to: (1) Provide an assessment of the level of quality of all sectors; and (2) Serve as baseline data from which to develop benchmarks for ongoing quality assessment of the pre-k-education system. (e) The Mayor shall submit to the Council by September 15 of each year, beginning in 2009, projected benchmarks by which to measure annual achievements within the pre-k-education system.