Consultant Services – Learning in Style School (LIS), Accola

Consultant Services to Review and Enhance Program Effectiveness at Learning in Style School

Issued by Accola – Learning in Style School

RFP Release Date: September 3, 2025

Proposal Due Date: October 1, 2025

Contact for Inquiries & Submission:

Elisabeth O’Toole, Co-Director, Learning In Style School
[email protected]
612-870-1815

1. Introduction: Learning in Style School (LIS), is a program of Accola. Accola is a Twin Cities non-profit organization that improves opportunities for immigrants through education, provides safe and dignified housing for women as they heal from trauma, and helps connect people’s spirituality with social justice action. LIS, a proud member of the Minneapolis Adult Education Consortium, provides English language instruction and related support to adult
learners, particularly immigrants and refugees in the Twin Cities area. LIS is seeking a qualified consultant to conduct a thorough review of its current program model and to recommend actionable strategies to improve student recruitment, attendance and retention; and the rate at which students achieve level gains.

2. Purpose and Scope of Work: The total project budget is $3500 – $4500. Consultants should submit proposals that include a clear and detailed fee structure within this range. The selected consultant will assess current educational practices, policies, and student acquisition and engagement strategies at LIS, and provide a report with clear, best practices recommendations aimed at:

  • Increasing student attendance and retention, including identifying barriers to attendance.
  • Improving measurable educational outcomes, including level gains.
  • Identifying opportunities for increased student acquisition.
  • Enhancing instructional approaches and student supports.
  • LIS-specific data to be provided by LIS administrative staff.

The consultant’s work will include but is not limited to:

  • A limited (small sample) description and assessment of similar MN ABE/ESL programs, including class and calendar structure; registration and testing practices; teacher time-off practices, including substitute teacher policies and procedures; and program impacts (i.e., data around attendance and level gains) to inform any unidentified opportunities for LIS. Identify LIS program differentiators.
  • Review of LIS administrative procedures to include:
    • Evaluation of attendance tracking, student drop policies, and follow-up systems.
    • Interviews and/or focus groups with LIS students, instructors, and staff.
    • Review of LIS demographic and attendance data from the past two years.
    • Evaluation of CASAS test preparation and testing practices at LIS.
  • Review of other aspects of LIS program, i.e. student support practices.
  • Review of LIS curriculum and instructional practices to include:
    • An assessment of LIS curriculum and content, LIS goals and objectives by level, school schedule and program design.
    • Interviews and/or focus groups with LIS students, instructors, and staff.
  • Recommendations for programming changes, potentially including program structure (schedule and calendar), intake and testing procedures and practices, student placement and recruitment practices, data tracking strategies, any policy changes, and cost implications.

3. Deliverables:

  • A written report summarizing key findings and data analysis.
  • A set of practical recommendations with short-, medium-, and long-term strategies.
  • Outline of programming recommendations, to include school schedule (daily and annual), any curriculum changes, staffing pattern recommendations, and estimated cost implications.
  • A presentation to LIS leadership and key stakeholders.
  • Optional: Support with implementation planning, if mutually agreed.

4. Desired Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated expertise in adult education, especially instruction of ELLs.
  • Experience working with immigrant and refugee populations.
  • Familiarity with ABE/MN Department of Education benchmarks and outcomes.
  • Familiarity with CASAS STEPS assessments
  • Proven track record of improving student engagement and outcomes in similar settings (at both classroom and organizational levels).
  • Strong skills in qualitative and quantitative analysis.

5. Proposal Requirements: Please include the following in your proposal:

  • Letter of interest summarizing your qualifications and approach.
  • Resume(s) or background of the consultant(s).
  • Example of relevant past work, including references.
  • Proposed timeline and budget, including a detailed fee structure within $3500 – $4500.
  • Any potential conflicts of interest.
  • Commitment to confidentiality.

6. Timeline:

  • RFP Release: September 3, 2025
  • Deadline for Questions: September 24, 2025
  • Proposal Submission Deadline: October 1, 2025
  • Selection and Notification: October 15, 2025
  • Project Start Date: October 20, 2025
  • Analysis complete: December 30, 2025
  • Final Report and Recommendations Due: January 30, 2026
  • Review of LIS implementation plan: Spring 2026

7. Submission Instructions: Submit your proposal electronically to: Elisabeth O’Toole, [email protected]. Late submissions will not be considered.