IRVINE, Calif., March 29, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Scantron(r), a leading provider of formative and diagnostic assessment solutions for K-12 education, has entered into a partnership with WestEd, an education research and service provider, to offer WestEd's Local Accountability Professional Development Series (LAPDS) as a supplemental module to Scantron's Achievement Series(tm) system.
An award-winning, Web-based assessment and reporting solution, Achievement Series allows educators to develop and administer tests both online and on paper, capture results, and produce standards-based reports. With timely and accurate assessment data, educators are able to measure growth, inform instruction, and prepare students for district and state-level high-stakes tests.
According to Tim Loomer, President of Scantron's Testing and Assessment division, WestEd's LAPDS will help Scantron customers create district-wide accountability systems that leverage the robust data provided by Achievement Series to maximize student learning.
"Combined with our own training services, the LAPDS will provide administrators, principals and classroom teachers with the skills, tools and strategies to transform data into actions that improve instruction," he said. "It will significantly increase districts' usage and ROI from Achievement Series."
Through a series of workshops, planning meetings, and coaching sessions, LAPDS helps administrators create and implement research-based assessment and accountability systems. Educators can then design a custom curriculum that quickly and effectively boosts performance and ensures that students meet state and federal requirements. Follow-up sessions help administrators and instructional coaches monitor student performance, thereby ensuring continuous improvement.
"WestEd is pleased that a company of Scantron's quality and reputation has selected LAPDS as its professional development program partner," said Glen Harvey, WestEd's Chief Executive Officer.
Ruth Ann McKenna, LAPDS Project Director for WestEd, said, "Providing feedback is the most powerful single modification that enhances achievement. Our professional development combined with Scantron's technology solutions will build quality No Child Left Behind (NCLB) accountability systems nationwide by providing teachers with the right tools to accelerate student learning on a daily basis."
About WestEd
WestEd, a national nonprofit research, development, and service agency, works with education and other communities to promote excellence, achieve equity, and improve learning for children, youth, and adults. WestEd has 15 offices nationwide, with corporate headquarters in San Francisco. More information about WestEd is available at WestEd.org.
About Scantron Corporation
Scantron Corp. (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. 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 Printed Products' offerings include checks, direct marketing and financial forms. Scantron Corporation (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.