For Immediate Release
Contact: Traci Barnett
Tel: (714) 990-4332
Email: tbarnett@ballard-tighe.com

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 www.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.