GlobalScholar Announces New Release of Performance Series™ & Achievement Series™ Assessment Solutions

SEATTLE, Oct. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- GlobalScholar today announced the latest release (version 6.6) for its Performance Series™ and Achievement Series™ comprehensive student assessment solutions, which includes improved workflows and new tests to further promote college readiness and help schools make the transition to the Common Core State Standards.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110818/SF53852LOGO)

Performance Series is a web-based, computer-adaptive diagnostic test that's reliable, valid and standards-based. Educators use it to pinpoint proficiency levels instantly, place students in the appropriate programs, report progress, and predict performance on high-stakes tests. The latest release adds tests for Algebra I-II and Geometry – the first adaptive tests available on the market that are developed specifically to assess the knowledge and skills addressed within the Common Core State Standards. Designed to guide college readiness, Performance Series Algebra and Geometry tests provide instructional ability levels and a targeted list of skills to help teachers quickly identify ways to focus limited class time.

"Performance Series has provided Austin Public Schools with a consistent, efficient and effective assessment solution," said Corey Haugen, Director of Information Technology, Austin Public Schools ISD 492. "As an educational partner since 2004, we have found the Performance Series computer adaptive assessments to be a reliable and accurate predictor of student performance on state and national assessments. The achievement data provided to educational staff is second to none, including reporting detail at all levels from national norms comparison to specific benchmarks linked directly to our state standards at each grade level.  With the increased demand for accountability in public education, it is critical for districts to have quality assessment systems in place and Performance Series exceeds expectations."

Achievement Series is a powerful web-based assessment solution that allows K-12 educators to develop and administer online and paper-based tests, capture immediate results, and produce standards-based reports. The new release of Achievement Series has expanded the number of customizable test banks provided, while including enhancements that help schools transition to Common Core State Standards and validate district common assessments with new statistics.

"We've been using Performance Series for quite some time and have found it extremely valuable. It is easy to use, and it has allowed our teachers to track student mastery of standards and target instruction to meet student needs," said Pat Bauer, Ed. Sp., Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, at the Lebanon R-3 School District in Lebanon, Missouri. "We've only recently begun using Achievement Series, but teachers trained on the system already find it to be a huge support in their classrooms. Instead of spending so much time grading assessments, teachers can now focus on analyzing student data to provide a truly individualized level of instruction. With the State of Missouri adopting the Common Core standards, the upgrades to Achievement Series designed to make that transition easier will be welcome among all of our teachers and administrators."

Combined, Performance Series and Achievement Series work together to create a comprehensive assessment program that provides educators with the data necessary to improve student achievement and, ultimately, state test scores.

"We appreciate all the great feedback we get from our customers because it helps us continually improve our products and increase their value to educators," said John Lawler, GlobalScholar's president. "The newest release of Performance Series and Achievement Series includes many improvements requested by customers, as well as features that further promote college readiness. These updates will not only make life easier for teachers, who are increasingly being called on to do more with less, but they will also help ease the transition for schools implementing the Common Core State standards."

Version 6.6 is available immediately. More information about GlobalScholar's assessment program, including details of the latest release, can be found online at www.globalscholar.com/nextgentests.

About GlobalScholar

GlobalScholar (www.globalscholar.com) is comprised of the education solution offerings of Scantron, GlobalScholar and Spectrum K12. Solutions from GlobalScholar empower educators, parents and students throughout the entire learning lifecycle, helping schools achieve educational excellence. The brand's offerings provide educators with data and insights needed to advance teacher effectiveness and student performance. GlobalScholar also supports parents and students directly with online services that include tutoring and homework help for students, as well as school matching services/online school finders to help parents find the right school for their child. The brand serves 80 of the largest 100 school districts in the United States, as well as 70 countries and 15 Ministries of Education throughout the world. It partners with some of the most progressive and innovative school systems in America, including recipients of funding from the Race to the Top initiative and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Scantron Corporation is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Harland Clarke Holdings Corp., which also owns Harland Clarke Corp. and Harland Financial Solutions, Inc.  

Media Contacts:
Jodie Cadieux, 425.646.5731; 206.229.8521; [email protected]
Donna Hinkelman, 210.694.1034; 210.683.5291; [email protected]

SOURCE GlobalScholar