IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 1, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Educators agree that the most accurate reflections of student progress are assessments that probe and explore student knowledge from a variety of angles. Designing and administering these types of flexible and truly effective assessments has just become easier, thanks to the latest release of Achievement Series(tm), the award-winning Web-based assessment and reporting system from Scantron.
With Achievement Series, educators can develop and administer tests both online and on paper, capture results, and produce standards-based reports. The system makes it easy for educators to secure timely and accurate assessment data needed to measure growth, inform instruction, and prepare students for district and state-level high-stakes tests.
The latest release of Achievement Series takes test design to a new level by offering an unparalleled combination of test-item types, going well beyond the typical multiple-choice item type that characterizes other systems on the market. It now allows educators to include gridded response, short response, and alternating answer choices in their test design, adding to what was already a sophisticated set of supported test item types such as multiple-choice, multiple response, true/false, and extended response.
"Scantron continues to develop the most robust testing tools to meet our district's needs," said Dr. Laurie Bauer of Channelview Independent School District in Texas. "With this update to Achievement Series, we will be able to use response grids and short response items to develop benchmark assessments that resemble the format of the state TAKS test. This will allow us to better prepare our students for the test in the areas of English language arts, math, and science."
With the additional capabilities for gridded and short responses, exams can now include constructed response items rather than relying solely on basic objective questions often seen in tests. The gridded response enhancement is of particular importance to states like Texas and Florida where open-ended gridded responses for math and science questions are integrated into the states' high-stakes and benchmark assessments. Gridded response items require students to enter a numeric response and then bubble in the corresponding numbers in the grid beneath their answer.
"Scantron has a long history of setting the standard for testing tools in America's classrooms," said Tim Loomer, president of Scantron's Testing and Assessment division. "We will continue this tradition of using the latest research in testing and education to develop technology-based assessment resources that provide educators with timely, accurate data to drive instruction."
The new release of Achievement Series is automatically available to all subscribers as of January 30.
About the Performance and Achievement Series
Scantron provides districts with powerful and flexible assessment resources through its integrated, award-winning products, Performance Series and Achievement Series. Combining traditional fixed-form testing with computer adaptive testing using one online platform, the products work together to create a comprehensive assessment system that provides educators with the data necessary to make informed instructional decisions and improve student achievement. Achievement Series is a winner of the 2005 Distinguished Achievement Awards sponsored by the Association of Educational Publishers.
About Scantron Corporation
Scantron Corporation ( 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 provider of software services and systems for the collection, management and interpretation of data to the educational, financial and commercial markets. For more information call 1-800-722-6876.
About Harland
Atlanta-based John H. Harland Company (NYSE:JH) (www.harland.net) is a leading provider of software and printed products to the financial and educational markets with more than $1 billion in annual revenues. Harland Financial Solutions, Inc. (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's printed products offerings include checks, direct marketing and financial forms.
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.