EdBizWatch

McGraw-Hill Quits Summative Testing

The focus is on personalized, adaptive technology that harness the science of learning. 

McGraw-Hill Quits Summative Testing, edSurge

Using Games for Assessment

Here are some creative ways teachers use games for assessment. 

Using Games for Assessment, Rebecca Rufo-Tepper, edutopia

Privacy Push Must Not Prevent Personalized Learning

Software offers a more granular and accurate info than a weekly paper test graded by hand.

Privacy Push Must Not Prevent Personalized Learning, Michael Horn, Forbes 

College Board and Khan Academy Partner for Free SAT Prep

Partnership could take a big bite out of the test prep-industrial complex.

Free Online Test Prep For The SAT, Eric Westervelt, nprEd

How Will PARCC and Smarter Balance Tests Align to NAEP?

One likely will align, and one likely won't.

Will PAARC and Smarter Balance Tests Align to NAEP? Sarah Butrymowicz, Hechinger Rpt

Thinkgate Shuts Down

Co received millions in Race to the Top funds to provide online assessments to districts.

Thinkgate Shuts Down, Emma Brown, Washington Post

Online Test-Takers Say Anti-Cheating Software Excessive

Does Proctortrack's student test tracking service cross the line?

Online Test-Takers Feel Anti-Cheating Software’s Uneasy Glare, Natasha Singer, NYT

Not Ready for Online Tests, Most District Ed-Tech Leaders Say

30% of K-12 school tech leaders believe their district is ready for online assessments.

Not Ready for Online Tests, Most District Ed-Tech Leaders Say, Benjamin Herold, Ed Week

Pearson, PARCC, Privacy, Surveillance, & Trust

A single tweet can so easily destroy a test’s security & validity? Then the whole science of testing thing needs to be reconsidered. Because that’s pretty fragile.

Pearson, PARCC, Privacy, Surveillance, & Trust, Audrey Watters, Hack Education

Pearson Monitoring Social Media During PARCC Tests

Security of a test is critical to ensure fairness and that results are trustworthy and valid.

Pearson Monitoring Social Media for Breaches During PARCC Tests, Valerie Strauss, WP

Some Parents Across US 'Opt Out' of Standardized Tests

“We’ve never had this many tests, we’ve never spent this much time testing.”

Some Parents Across US "Op Out' of Standardized Tests, Emma Brown, WP

Testing Is Biggest Moneymaker for Education Tech Vendors

US digital assessment products in 2012-2013 school year: $2.5 billion.

Testing Is Biggest Moneymaker for Ed Tech Vendors, D. Nagel, The Journal

The Case for Annual Testing

Conservatives, progressives, parents, & unions--formidable opponents to standards, testing, & accountability. 

The Case for Annual Testing, G. Whitehurst, M. West, M. Chingos, Brookings

Testing Under Fire

Republicans may consider slashing the number of federally required tests.

Testing Under Fire, Caitlin Emma, Politico  

Testing, Assessment Software Spending Soars 57% in 3 Yrs

Spending on digital testing & assessment tools neared $2.5 billion in 2012-13.

Testing, Assessment Software Spending Soars 57% in Last 3 Yrs, Games for Learning

10 Lessons Learned From the Assessment Field Tests

Schools taking part in the PARCC & Smarter Balanced trial runs share their experiences.

Ten Lessons Learned From the Assessment Field Tests, Dian Schaffhauser, THE

Smarterer Bought by Pluralsight for $75 million

Not bad for a startup that raised only $4.6 million from investors.

Smarterer Bought by Pluralsight for $75 Million, Scott Kirsner, BetaBoston

Fight Is On for Common Core Contracts

Companies fight for share of testing mkt, potentially worth billions in coming years.

Fight Is On for Common Core Contracts, Caroline Porter, Wall Street Journal

LightSide Labs Acquired by Turnitin, Terms Undisclosed

Last June, the company was purchased by Insight Venture Partners & GIC for $725M.

LightSide Labs Acquired by Turnitin, Justine Coyne, Pittsburg Business Times

MasteryConnect Collects $15.2 Million from Trinity Partners

Teachers identify student level of understanding against any set of standards, in real-time. 

MasteryConnect Collects $15.2 Million from Trinity Partners, J. Shieber, TechCrunch