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January 21, 2005
Ballard & Tighe’s IPT Testing System
Provides NCLB-Compliance Benefits to All States,
Including Those in Consortia
BREA, CA (January 21, 2005) — Ballard
& Tighe, Publishers has announced the completion
of the research and development for its wholly
new IPT testing system for limited English proficient
(LEP) students. Following a three-year effort,
the IPT will be available for nationwide use in
early Summer 2005. The IPT is an innovative K-12
language proficiency testing system, specifically
designed to help states meet the requirements
of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).
Ballard & Tighe’s IPT testing system
is founded on scientific research and analysis
and an extensive test development process. The
initial phases of research and development created
a concrete test design supported by a data bank
of thousands of test items. During 2004, the remaining
critical phases of test development were completed
— field testing and pilot testing in over
20 states across the nation. Field testing ensured
the validity and reliability of the numerous test
items and pilot testing guaranteed the quality
and user-friendliness of the final IPT product.
Also available with this new testing system will
be scoring and reporting services offered by Pearson
Educational Measurement (PEM), the largest comprehensive
provider of educational assessment products, services
and solutions. The combined package — the
IPT/PEM Title III Testing Solution — has
the capacity for large-scale delivery, training
of test examiners, and scoring and reporting on
both a small and large scale. It will be available
to — and can benefit — all states, including
those states that have contracted with consortia
to create their language proficiency tests.
“We are finding that, with NCLB compliance
deadlines moving closer, many states are now looking
beyond the test development stage and are beginning
to set their sights on the broader picture. Factors
such as scoring and reporting play a major role.
Full NCLB compliance relies on many interconnecting
elements. The IPT/PEM Title III Testing Solution
can provide all those elements,” said Dr.
Roberta Stathis, president of Ballard & Tighe.
“We are ready to assist states in defining
their own unique NCLB solution and customization
is the key. Even states that have contracted with
consortia for test items can benefit significantly
from the degree of customization offered by the
IPT/PEM Title III Testing Solution. Many of these
states are still looking for a comprehensive testing,
scoring and reporting resource as they try to
fit together the pieces of their NCLB compliance
puzzle. These states can benefit from a carefully
designed blending of the IPT/PEM Title III Testing
Solution and their custom consortia items to provide
a totally customized testing solution individualized
to their state’s needs,” noted Dr. Stathis.
“Ultimately, these states will gain a far
more extensive range of test items, a superior
test and the highest quality assessment services
available, ” Dr. Stathis concluded.
About Ballard & Tighe
Dedicated to making a difference in education,
Ballard & Tighe publishes a highly regarded
set of products that extend from assessing, identifying,
and instructing students with limited English
proficiency to transitioning these students into
mainstream classrooms. Ballard & Tighe has
provided valid and reliable English language proficiency
assessments for over 25 years. The company has
provided testing, instructional and training products
and services to more than 2,200 state, regional,
and local school systems throughout the United
States and internationally. For information, call
800-321-4332 or visit the Ballard & Tighe’s
special NCLB-related website at nclb.ballard-tighe.com
About Pearson Educational Measurement
Pearson Educational Measurement, the largest comprehensive
provider of educational assessment products, services
and solutions, helps states and large school districts
meet the requirements of education reform while
using testing and assessment to promote learning.
As a pioneer, PEM has been a trusted part of district,
state and national assessments for more than 50
years. PEM’s full-service offerings for K-12 and
other assessment organizations include Pearson
Educational Measurement Solutions for custom assessments,
both online and on paper; Pearson PASeries (Progress
Assessment Series) for formative assessments;
Pearson Perspective for performance reporting;
and a wide range of data warehousing and other
educational assessment products and services.
Pearson Educational Measurement operates as a
business of Pearson Education, the world’s largest
education company.
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