LANSING, Mich., and HADLEY, Mass. – July 22, 2009 – Pearson, the education and education-technology company, announced today that its Evaluation Systems group has been awarded a five-year contract to continue managing teacher certification testing for the state of Michigan. Beginning in October 2009, this new contract for the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) program builds on Pearson’s nearly two-decade relationship with the Michigan Department of Education and – for the first time – includes computer-based testing.
“In Michigan, we recognize that putting knowledgeable, prepared educators in our schools’ classrooms and in leadership positions in our school districts is critical to preparing our state’s students for 21st century success,” said Flora Jenkins, director, Office of Professional Preparation Services, Michigan Department of Education. “Through our continued collaboration with Pearson and the development of computer-based tests, we are increasing certification examination opportunities for candidates.”
As part of this new contract, Pearson will begin to introduce certification tests via computer-based testing, beginning with two in the fall of 2010. Candidates for teacher certification in Michigan will take these tests at Pearson’s secure test centers and receive immediate test results. Pearson Professional Centers are completely dedicated to testing and have been awarded a patent for their unique security design, which features biometric verification of test takers.
In addition, the number of MTTC paper-based test administrations will grow from four to five each year, in another effort to increase testing opportunities for candidates.
The MTTC program currently consists of nearly 70 subject-area tests, including nine world language tests and a basic skills test. Typically, each of the world language tests includes multiple-choice questions and two or more written performance assignments. The basic skills test assesses candidates’ foundational knowledge in the areas of reading, mathematics and written communication.
Pearson brings deep experience in both teacher certification testing and computer-based test delivery to its new contract with the Michigan Department of Education. The Evaluation Systems group is the most experienced developer of standards-based teacher certification testing programs and is known for launching the first computer-based content teacher certification tests and the first fully computer-based statewide teacher licensure testing program.
“By expanding MTTC testing opportunities, through both computer-based testing and an increased number of paper-based test administrations, the Michigan Department of Education is demonstrating its commitment to ensuring that schools have access to a greater number of knowledgeable teachers,” said William Gorth, Ph.D., president of the Evaluation Systems group of Pearson. “We value our long-term relationship with Michigan and look forward to continuing to work with state education leaders in the future.”
For more information at the MTTC, go to www.mttc.nesinc.com. For more information about the Evaluation Systems group of Pearson, go to http://teacher.PearsonAssessments.com.
About Pearson
Pearson (NYSE: PSO), the global leader in education and education technology, reaches and engages today’s digital natives with effective and personalized learning, as well as dedicated professional development for their teachers. This commitment is demonstrated in the company’s investment in innovative print and digital education materials for pre-kindergarten through professional learning, student information systems and learning management systems, teacher development, career certification programs, and testing and assessment products that set the standard for the industry. The company’s respected brands include Scott Foresman, Prentice Hall, Addison Wesley, Benjamin Cummings, the Stanford Achievement Test Series, the Wechsler family of assessments, SuccessNet, MyLabs, PowerSchool, SuccessMaker and many others. Pearson’s comprehensive offerings help inform targeted instruction and intervention so that success is within reach of every student at every level of education. Pearson’s commitment to education for all is supported by the global charitable giving initiatives of the Pearson Foundation. Pearson’s other primary businesses include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group. For more information, go to www.pearson.com.
For more information, press only:
Adam Gaber, Pearson, 212-641-6118, adam.gaber@pearson.com
Wendy Lienhart L. Wolfe Communications, 630-920-0182, wlienhart@lwolfe.com
Lisa Wolfe, L. Wolfe Communications, 773-227-1049, lwolfe@lwolfe.com
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