Tennessee comptroller lists online test issues in every state
Online standardized testing in a few states has seen first- and second-year implementation problems, with some of those states deciding to part ways with vendors after the issues.
That's the major takeaway from a Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury report released Monday detailing the status of online student testing across the nation.
Most states have seen no or minor issues in online testing, with only a limited number of states seeing problems to the level of Tennessee, where issues derailed TNReady assessments for grades 3-8 in the 2015-16 school year.
In February Tennessee decided to cancel online testing and move to paper and pencil tests after the network of its vendor, Measurement Inc., couldn't handle the number of students taking online assessments at one time. The decision led to the state eventually ending Measurement Inc.'s contract and a cancellation to the elementary and middle school grade TNReady tests.
Tennessee recently contracted with Pearson Education for $18.5 million to grade high school tests taken during the year.
Alaska also canceled testing in the 2015-16 school year after two years of issues with its vendor. It is searching for a new testing company, according to the report.
Twelve states are searching for new vendors, although not every search is tied to testing issues. And numerous vendors haven't been immune to problems with online standardized assessments.
Along with Measurement Inc., companies such as testing giant Pearson, Measured Progress and Data Recognition Company have seen states move on to other vendors.
Nonetheless, Pearson has successfully administered tests in many other states where it has contracts. The other two vendors don't operate at a widespread level.
The data was pulled together by the Office of Research and Education Accountability and details only federally required tests, including English and math for Grades 3-11.
To view the report, visit http://www.comptroller.tn.gov/OREA/PublicationsMain.
Reach Jason Gonzales at 615-259-8047 and on Twitter @ByJasonGonzales.
Tennessee comptroller lists online test issues in every state: