Simba: PreK-12 Testing Market Experiences Some Growth But Uncertainty Reigns in Many States

STAMFORD, Conn., Oct. 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The PreK-12 assessment industry is in a state of turbulence. Whether states have adopted and implemented the Common Core State Standards and plan to use a Common Core-related assessment program or they have developed and implemented their own state-developed standards and related assessments, the new standards afoot in the states has upended the estimated $2.46 billion testing market, according to Simba Information's new report PreK-12 Testing Market Forecast 2014-2015.  

After several years of declining or no sales activity as old tests were run out and plans for new tests were put in place, 2013-2014 started to see new activity and a return to growth for the industry. Simba estimates that the total PreK-12 testing market grew 2% in 2013-2014 from nearly $2.42 billion in 2012-2013. Increases at both the state level with the advent of new, more rigorous tests, and at the classroom level were tempered by uncertainty about testing implementation in some states. This uncertainty stems from the conflict that is brewing over the implementation of the new common assessments—and other more rigorous statewide tests—to measure proficiency against the Common Core State Standards in English language arts and mathematics.

Only 26 states have opted to use a consortium test from either PARCC or Smarter Balanced, and states are still opting out just before the year in which widespread operational implementation is set to begin. There are still questions about the specific configuration and delivery of the consortium tests and, in many cases, uncertainty about how state-specific tests will look. Even more essential, a growing number of states are rethinking their implementation of the Common Core State Standards themselves, including some states that had been staunch supporters. Boards of Education, governors, legislatures, and the Obama administration are at odds, even suing each other over the issue in some cases.

Simba's new report PreK-12 Testing Market Forecast provides the most up-to-date and reliable guide through the maze of changes in testing, with a focus on new testing in English language arts and math. With detailed segment (high-stakes state tests; classroom-level/formative assessments) definitions, the report serves as a market guide for both long-established providers and new entrants to the testing market.

Additional information on the report can be found at http://www.simbainformation.com/redirect.asp?progid=86795&productid=8102994 or by calling 888-29-SIMBA. 

About Simba Information
Simba Information is widely recognized as the leading authority for market intelligence in the media and publishing industry. Simba's extensive information network delivers top quality, independent perspective on the people, events and alliances shaping the media and information industry. Simba publishes newsletters and research reports that provide key decision-makers at more than 15,000 client companies around the globe with timely news, analysis, exclusive statistics and proprietary industry forecasts. For more information, please visit www.simbainformation.com.  

Contact:
Kathy Mickey
Simba Information
203-325-8193
[email protected]

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