Florida education chief ‘outraged’ at Pearson
Florida’s Education Commissioner Eric J. Smith has blasted NCS Pearson for a big delay in the reporting of the results of the 2010 Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, saying that he is “outraged” and calling it “absolutely unacceptable.”
Earlier this week I wrote about how the delay is making it difficult for school districts to design summer school reading programs as well as make staffing decisions for next fall.
Also this week, Pearson entered into an agreement with Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland in which the huge education publishing company will pay MCPS $2.25 million to develop new curriculum that Pearson can then market as coming from the high-achieving school district. You can read about that here.
Florida education officials are not amused with Pearson, which has a $254 million contract with the state on the FCAT.
Smith made a tough statement, and the state’s chancellor, Frances Haithcock, sent a letter to school district superintendents blaming the delay on Pearson’s database technology. She said that Pearson will reimburse school districts for any expenses incurred related to the mailing of individual student reports to each student’s parent or guardian after school is over.
Here are both documents:
The official statement issued by Smith:
Regarding delays in the reporting of 2010 FCAT results
The official statement issued by Smith:
Regarding delays in the reporting of 2010 FCAT results
*The lack of performance by the state’s new testing contractor, NCS Pearson, is absolutely unacceptable, and the delays we have encountered in the reporting of this year’s FCAT results are not indicative of the smooth, expertly-managed experience they promised as a part of the contract procurement process.
*I would like to extend my most sincere apologies to our parents who rely on the timely reporting of this information to determine the appropriate educational services for their child. I would also like to apologize to our educators and school administrators who need this information to ensure every student is receiving the kind of support and assistance they need to be successful. Please be assured that the Department’s focus remains on the integrity and accuracy of the students’ scores that are issued, and although delayed, these results will uphold the same level of quality and reliability that our stakeholders rely upon.
*I am both outraged and frustrated by the situation Pearson has caused
