Pearson fails at testing again in FL. Crashed during FCAT computer tests today.

[madfloridian]

From the Tampa Bay Times.

Computer problems shut down FCAT testing in Pasco, Hernando and elsewhere

Problems with Florida's annual FCAT test on Tuesday rekindled simmering concerns that the state isn't ready for its next steps toward full computerized testing.

At least a dozen Florida school districts, including Pasco and Hernando, were forced to suspend online testing Tuesday as students had trouble signing in to take the annual exam.

State education officials blamed test provider Pearson Education for the situation, which appeared to be related to the company's servers. Other problems included slowness when students tried to download test questions or submit answers, and a warning screen that students should notify their teacher or proctor.

"This failure is inexcusable," education commissioner Pam Stewart wrote in a letter to Walter Sherwood, president of state services for Pearson.

Pearson has a history of problems with Florida testing as well as elsewhere in the country. But they keep getting contracts, keep getting richer on public money. Twice when I taught I had parents who had to hire lawyers to find out why their child failed the FCAT. I don't think they ever succeeded.

Here is more about Pearson's long string of problems in Florida.

Company causing late FCAT grades in Florida has history of problems.

This is from 2010, so the powers that be in education have known.

The testing company responsible for the delayed release of this year's FCAT scores has a history of problems — in Florida and across the country. Now, Florida education leaders fear their planned rollout of a new computer-based testing system is in jeopardy because the company, Pearson, is not prepared.

Education Commissioner Eric Smith criticized Pearson in a recent letter for using an "untested" system for computer-based tests that the state plans to use in high schools next year.

The lack of a "proven" system created "unacceptable" problems for schools that tried out the new tests this spring, Smith said.

"The problems experienced by schools have created a lack of confidence in Pearson, our program, and computer-based testing in general. The product seems to be so new and untested that even Pearson staff cannot provide clear and reliable instructions for successful implementation," Smith wrote in his June 4 letter.

Accountability seems to extend only to public school teachers.

Pearson was invited in January this year to meet with President Obama and Arne Duncan at the White House. I guess no one told them it was not a reliable testing company.

Crossposted at Daily Kos.

[CBGLuthier]

2. Ours (Oklahoma) glitched yesterday too. CBT/Mcgraw Hill

They screwed up last year so to so of course they renewed their contract so they could screw it up again.

[d_r]

3. if you've used

Pearson's eBook ap you wouldn't be surprised.

[demwing]

6. Actually, I use it without issues everyday

Anecdotal evidence is anecdotal.

[d_r]

7. it works fine on our ipads

and it is craptastic on our androids.

and PS look at the 432 points of data on the reviews and tell me about anecdotes - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pearson.android.etext.sms

and honestly not a lot of love in that two star rating for the ipad https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pearson-etext/id410315894?mt=8

[justhanginon]

4. I don't understand how these states

keep hiring these companies with bad track records. Do they not have a some kind of better business bureau to rate these large corporations. Of course if they are politically connected it would just be ignored. They constantly feed at the public trough with continued lousy results and seemingly with no repercussions? Yet they get another contract and another contract, on and on.

[ljm2002]

5. Already answered in the OP:

"Accountability seems to extend only to public school teachers."

That's the long and the short of it, as infuriating as it is.

[Enthusiast]

8. Kicked and recommended a whole bunch!