(July 15, 2015) “The State Education Department’s decision to replace Pearson with a new firm to develop math and English tests in grades 3-8 is positive news for New York State’s educational system,” said Assemblyman Bill Magee (D-Nelson). “The new testing company intends on utilizing teacher input on exams, which will help ensure tests are fair and age-appropriate, as well provide a better measure of student performance.
“We need to focus on what’s best for our children and their education to help them succeed. I’ll keep up the fight to focus on learning, not testing as well as policies that give our children the best education to provide them with a bright future,” Magee said.
NOTE: The following is a statement from Senator Joseph Griffo, R-Rome, in response to the recent news that the New York State Education Department would not be renewing its contract with Pearson Education to design the state’s controversial standardized Math and English tests for grades 3 through 8. A new five-year contract with Questar Assessment would have to be approved by the State Comptroller and State Attorney General.
“I am pleased to hear that the New York State Education Department will not be renewing its multimillion-dollar contract with Pearson Education, a company with a lackluster record of missteps regarding its standardized tests that has fueled much aggravation among educators, students and parents throughout our state,” Griffo said.
“Earlier, we had urged that steps be taken to address this flawed testing. Now as the state continues to develop student Math and English tests for grades 3 through 8 that are age appropriate, I am hopeful that this new direction will include teachers in an active role in designing assessments that are in the best interests of student learning.”
“It had become clear that Pearson was falling short of this important goal with its approach to testing, so I believe this is a positive first step toward rebuilding the public’s confidence in the future of our children’s education.”