IRVINE, Calif., March 20, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Even as educators embrace using formative assessments to measure student progress against academic-content standards, the task of building high-quality assessments to accurately measure each achievement target remains a challenge. A new partnership between Scantron(r) and Evans Newton Inc. (ENI) addresses that issue and will give K-12 educators access to new solutions for creating and delivering formative assessments, standards-based instruction, and student achievement.
The partnership combines the strengths of both companies: powerful and flexible formative assessment solutions from Scantron with precise state-specific assessments developed by ENI. As a result of this partnership, K-12 school districts will be able to implement ENI's state-specific formative assessment content via Scantron's Achievement Series(tm), a powerful Web-based assessment platform that educators use to develop and administer tests, capture results, and produce standards-based results.
ENI will expand its assessment tool offerings to include Achievement Series and Scantron's Performance Series(tm), a Web-based computer adaptive diagnostic testing system used to measure student placement and progress. Achievement Series and Performance Series will be offered by both companies in conjunction with ENI's broad selection of professional development workshops to ensure teachers and district administrators receive the full value and impact of the solutions. The workshops support key areas of No Child Left Behind Act accountability with topics such as test creation, data analysis, standards-based teaching, and instructional leadership.
"This partnership promises tremendous synergy between our two companies," said Jamie Piotti, ENI's chief executive officer. "Providing our proven assessments and professional development to Scantron customers will further the mission of both companies to help educators meet their achievement goals. ENI's ability to offer Scantron testing platforms allows us to respond to commonly requested testing features such as online testing and ability to easily create item banks."
Sean Ryan, general manager of Scantron's K-12 business unit, echoed enthusiasm for the relationship. "We are pleased by the new opportunities this partnership offers both companies. ENI's high-quality, state-specific assessment content responds to a frequent request from our Achievement Series users. The professional development offerings expand our ability to serve districts in new, broader ways. We look forward to the positive impact and success this relationship will bring to educators served by both companies."
About ENI (www.evansnewton.com)
Evans Newton Inc. is the nation's leading developer of standards-based student achievement programs for primary and secondary schools. ENI partners with school districts around the country to implement research-based approaches that incorporate deep curriculum alignment, state-specific formative assessments, software for monitoring assessments and instructional resources, customized teaching tools, and professional development and coaching to promote teacher effectiveness. ENI's state-specific assessments are well known by educators for their precise match to high-stakes tests in content and format and their ability to help accurately diagnose and address students' learning needs throughout the school year. The majority of ENI employees are former educators who possess expertise in developing curriculum tools designed to promote student proficiency as measured by state tests. Since its founding in 1973, ENI's mission has been to raise student achievement through customized instructional solutions using proven teaching methods.
About Scantron Corporation
Scantron Corp. (http://www.scantron.com/) is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based John H. Harland Company (NYSE:JH). Scantron is a leading technology provider of software and survey solutions for the K-12 and higher education markets. For more information call 1-800-722-6876.
About Harland
Atlanta-based John H. Harland Company (http://www.harland.net) is a leading provider of software and printed products to the financial and educational markets. Harland Financial Solutions, Inc. (http://www.harlandfinancialsolutions.com), a wholly owned subsidiary, supplies software and services, including customer relationship management, deposit and loan origination, core systems and mortgage services to thousands of financial institutions of all sizes. Harland Printed Products' offerings include checks, direct marketing and financial forms. Scantron Corp. (http://www.scantron.com), a wholly owned subsidiary, is a leading provider of both paper and electronic-based services and systems for the collection, management and interpretation of data to the financial, commercial and educational markets.
This press release contains statements, which may constitute "forward-looking statements." These statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of John H. Harland Company and members of its respective management, as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Reference is made to the Risk Factors and Cautionary Statements in Harland's Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filed under the Securities Exchange Act.