HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 08-03 Pearson testing reaches settlement with Minnesota over exam glitches STAR TRIBUNE LOCAL
Pearson testing reaches settlement with
Minnesota over exam glitches
Pearson will give a$1 million credit after students faced numerous
issues during exams.
By Alejandra Matos(http://www.startribune.com/alejandra-matos/169409976/)Star Tribune
AUGUST 3,2015—7:34PM
Pearson,the testing contractor for Minnesota,has reached a settlement with the state
worth more than$5 million after students and educators faced a plague of testing issues
this past spring.
State officials had to cancel two days of the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments
after the company's system faced a cyberattack.There were also complaints of students
being booted off during the exam,issues with calculators and long lag times.This year's
testing season marked the first time the state has issued the reading and math
assessment tests completely online.
"The disruptions experienced by students and teachers this spring were sunply
unacceptable,"Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius said in a statement."Pearson
has been worldng with us in good faith to arrive at this significant settlement that
provides us with assurances,and recognizes the magnitude of the impacts that the
failures had on the state."
As part of the settlement,Pearson will give the state a$1 million credit from its contract,
which valued at$33 million over three years.The company also will provide additional
services,such as testing preparation programs,training and support to districts,valued
at nearly$4.7 million.
Education Minnesota,the union representing the state's public teachers,told parents last
week that they should not trust this year's MCA results,despite an audit that said the
glitches had no statistical impact on test scores.
"While we don't think the settlement is high enough,given the widespread frustrations
and anxiety caused by the technical glitches,at least Pearson is willing to take some
responsibility for the disruptions,"said Education Minnesota President Denise Specht.
Sen.Chuck Wiger,Education Finance Division chairman,said he was pleased with the
agreement.Wiger and other legislators included language in the education finance bill
requiring the Minnesota Department of Education(MDE)to compensate districts for
interruptions during this year's testing season.Cassellius also will have to report test
suspensions to the Legislature.
"MDE and the Legislature should be diligent in making sure there are no further test
disruptions,"said Wiger,DFL-Maplewood,in a statement."We will hold Pearson
accountable if there are further problems."
Education department officials said Pearson will move MCA testing to a newer testing
platform that is more secure.
Doug Kubach,Pearson's president of school,said the company is pleased they were able
to"bring a positive resolution to this issue."
alejandra.matos@startribune.com 612-673-4028 amatosl2