Curriculum Development Consultant

Executive Summary

Skills for Change (SfC) invites qualified curriculum development experts to submit proposals for an exciting project focused on enhancing language training for internationally trained professionals entering the Data Analytics sector. The project aims to expand an existing program to a synchronous, blended delivery (on-line or offline) program of 150 hours, with a primary goal of improving English communication skills and facilitating successful integration into the Canadian workplace. We are seeking experienced consultants to collaborate with us in developing this innovative curriculum. Please review the RFP for detailed information and submission guidelines. The project is expected to start on November 6, 2023, and be completed by January 3, 2023.

1. About Skills for Change

With 40 years of operations, Skills for Change (SfC) is a highly respected non-profit charity with a province-wide reputation for pioneering programs that respond to shifting immigration and workplace trends and lead to employment. We offer a range of accelerated programs including mentoring, employment, settlement, language training together with specialized programs for trades, women, seniors, and youth.

2. Background

Skills for Change is embarking on a program to pilot workplace language training for the Data Analytics sector. The training will be designed for newcomers at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 6 and will consist of 250 hours of workplace language training, domain-specific technical language and analytics processes, hands-on skills using data analytics tools, career planning and opportunities to connect with employers through guest speakers and employer events. Key outcomes addressed by this program are that newcomers are able to communicate effectively for life and work in Ontario, and that they contribute their skills and experience in the labour market. To this end, activities will support newcomers in their path to improving their English communication that will lead to employment. Skills for Change currently delivers a hybrid 90-hour Enhanced Language Training (ELT) program for internationally trained professionals that is called the Workplace Careers Connections Program (WCCP). For this new program to pilot workplace language training for the Data Analytics sector, Skills for Change seeks an experienced online curriculum writer to review, refine, enhance and expand the existing program to 150 hours and set it up on Blackboard. Skills for Change has engaged a technical partner to support the Data analytics-sector specific content of the program (terminologies, methodologies, techniques and practical application). which will be in addition to the 150 hours of non-sector specific enhanced language training. Data analytics expertise is therefore not a requirement for this Request for Proposals.

3. Project Scope

The project aims to build on, enhance and refine existing content being used for the workplace careers connections program, develop a structure for non-sector specific workplace preparation and put it on the Skills for Change Learning Management Platform, Blackboard.

Existing content includes a range of topics to support language development of internationally trained professionals and prepare them for the Canadian workplace. This includes, but is not limited to: communication in the Canadian workplace, cross-cultural communication, diversity and inclusion, leadership development, employment preparation (job search tools), networking in the Canadian environment, Strategic virtual networking, digital skills needed for the workplace, public speaking/presenting, labour market information, job retention and career advancement, health and safety, worker’s rights, managing hybrid workplaces (the impact of COVID on workplace structures). The curriculum consultant will have flexibility to propose new areas of content to ensure that the revised curriculum is current, relevant and impactful for internationally trained professionals seeking employment in Ontario.

4. Project Deliverables

The consultant will:

  • Establish program learning outcomes to meet the dynamic needs of internationally trained professionals seeking sector-specific employment in Ontario. These outcomes are to be applicable to support learners seeking employment across various sectors, which may include but are not limited to; Information Technology, Construction and Trades, Professional Services, Retail, and Self-Employment.

  • Design, develop, and implement a synchronous, blended delivery (on-line or offline) program of 150 delivery hours that meets the unique learning outcomes established for workplace language training. This program will be created through a combination of leveraging existing materials, and by then developing new materials as necessary. A curriculum consultant will evaluate the existing 90-hour offline course content being used in the Workplace Career Connection program, and then update and revise existing relevant curriculum, and develop new curriculum as required to meet the learning outcomes. This will be done in collaboration with necessary SMEs and resources.

  • Develop content following a micro-learning approach that emphasizes modularity, and the ability to re-sequence modules based on need and context, as well as reusability of modules across various program and sector-specific disciplines. This pilot will focus on data analytics specialized content and will be linked to course content developed by Data Analytics Technical partner, this ELT course content is being developed with the intention to be re-used in future programs.

  • Collaborate with Data Analytics technical-delivery partner to determine how modularized ELT contents will be implemented to optimally support sector-specific training and delivery. For Data Analytics specific learning, this will include alignment with sector specific terminology and language, practices and processes, frameworks and methodologies, and hands-on technical skills.

  • Input content in Blackboard

  • Follow adult education learning theories and teaching English as a second language

  • Enrich course content with interactive and multimedia activities. Incorporate reading materials, resources, web links, audio and visual aids.

  • Break down complex concepts and ideas related to the course content into smaller and more manageable parts.

  • Develop overall course learning goals that should be broken down into learning objectives in each module and are reflected in the assessment tasks at the end of each module.

  • Develop an agenda and overview to align with each module's learning objectives

  • Include multi-media materials, resources and activities in each weekly module, as well as assignments to check participants' understanding.

  • Include content and activities that will appeal to different learning styles

  • Provide an updated sampling of current resumes and cover letters from across the main job categories of the sector.

  • Include and provide complete references for all cited materials added.

  • Follow copyright law for citations, audio and visual materials, and use of images.

  • Provide weekly updates on the progress of the project via email.

  • Meet with the project's designated contact as needed for progress monitoring and course adjustments.

5. Budget

The requested funds should not exceed $12,000 CDN (HST included) for the course. Payment will be made by EFT upon delivery of program milestones.

6. Applications

To submit a proposal in response to this tender, all bidders may contact Justine Turner, Senior Manager, Newcomer Services jturner@skillsforchange.org

Proposals (5 pages maximum)

- Digital file (word, PDF etc.)

- Must include:

  • CONTACT INFORMATION Provide the applicant's full name, organization (if relevant), contact information, including business address, phone number, email, and website (if applicable).

  • LETTER OF INTRODUCTION: including executive summary that demonstrates an understanding of the assignment

  • CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE Provide brief narrative examples of the applicant's background and experience with other organizations seeking this type of curriculum development services. We are seeking 3+ years of curriculum development experience, and TESL certification.

  • SCOPE OF WORK Provide a concise proposal that outlines how the applicant intends to provide the services requested in this RFP. Describe the process for conducting the necessary assessment, outputs, and a tentative timeline/work plan for implementation.

  • BUDGET Provide a proposed budget for the scope of work, including hourly/daily rate of consultant(s), estimate of hours/days of work, all labour and overhead, travel, communication, delivery costs. All costs included in the proposals must be all-inclusive, including applicable taxes.

  • REFERENCES and/or TESTIMONIALS Provide references and/or testimonials from two previous clients, preferably those who have utilized the applicant's services on curriculum development. Provide reference examples or access to products that the applicant developed in similar projects.

Competencies Assessed

  • Understanding of Adult Education learning theories and Teaching English as a Second Language Principles.

  • Knowledge and familiarity with Canadian workplace language and culture and ability to prepare adults from diverse cultural and language backgrounds in employment preparation

  • Proficiency working with educational technologies to support teaching and student needs.

  • Experience in content writing and activities development on Blackboard

  • Timeframe: This project is expected to be started on November 6, 2023 and to be completed by January 3, 2023. There will be some flexibility for incremental completion of content in advance of course delivery.

7. Intellectual Property

Skills for Change will retain full ownership of intellectual property rights to the curriculum and materials generated during the project.

8. Conflict of Interest

To maintain the highest standards of transparency and ethical conduct, all bidders are required to include a section in their proposals disclosing any potential conflicts of interest that may arise during the course of the project. This proactive step ensures that any conflicts are identified and addressed promptly, promoting a fair and unbiased working relationship between Skills for Change and the selected bidder.

Application deadline

All proposals in response to this RFP must be submitted no later than 11.59 EDT on Thursday, October 26th

Any submissions received after this date and time may not be considered. All proposals must be signed by a company representative submitting the proposal.