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Knowledgeable Consultation and Test Design
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Our content development and technical resources are knowledgeable about and experienced in K – 12 teaching, learning, and assessment. We know how to address the challenges of developing accountability measures that are aligned to state standards and how to provide information to make decisions, inform instruction, and monitor progress.
In response to No Child Left Behind requirements, we have developed a process that addresses key decision points for compliance with the legislation. The Pearson and state team discusses and makes decisions about critical steps, such as:
- Content standards to be reported
- Number of items per reported category
- Item types across reported categories
- Rubic requirements
- Scores
- Testing time
- Reporting format
- Alternate assessments
- Translations
Building on the Best
We built our new Stanford Achievement Test Series, Tenth Edition ( Stanford 10 ) to be standards-based, and it provides an excellent foundation for standards assessment solutions. Building on our best product, we can present various models that effectively augment Stanford 10 to develop state-customized tests.
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Program Management
For over 80 years Pearson has partnered with customers to deliver successful large-scale assessment programs. Each year Pearson’s efforts play a definitive role in the educational lives of millions of students who take the tests published and reported by Pearson. We succeed because we focus on continuous improvement in program management. We anticipate challenges, proactively recommend solutions to our customers, and keep our responsibility at the forefront to safeguard the testing programs that affect students, parents, and teachers. Our program management teams are trained in the science and the business of managing all aspects of large, robust assessment programs.
Pearson Commitment
Pearson takes the management of large-scale assessment programs very seriously. We fully recognize the complexities involved and know that only a strong management team partnering with each department will ensure the success of a program. The primary driver for the structure of our program management department is to provide all our program managers with the support, mentoring, and tools needed to successfully lead this demanding and important work. We’re confident in each of the teams we’ve assembled and look forward to partnering with you.
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Pearson Program Management Teams
Pearson has implemented a management structure to assure each of our clients that the team managing their program is part of a world-class program management department. Our program managers are grouped into six teams, each headed by a Director of Program Management. Directors have proven themselves by managing varied, complex programs over many years. They provide oversight, coaching and mentoring for the program managers and cross functional employees who form their matrix team.
Pearson has also created a Program Management Office (PMO) to support the Directors and Program Managers in carrying out their responsibilities. The PMO staff has responsibilities that include:
- Acting as the focal point of information for both in-house control and reporting.
- Reviewing time, cost, and performance to adhere to contractual requirements and minimize risk.
- Assisting Program Managers with ensuring that all work required is documented and distributed to key personnel.
- Assisting Program Managers with ensuring that all work performed is both authorized and funded by contractual documentation.
- Providing professional development and continuing education opportunities.
Pearson Methodology and Professional Development
In 2002, Pearson adopted a formal program management methodology based on the Project Management Institute’s Project Management Professional (PMP®) Certification program. Adherence to this methodology ensures our clients of Pearson’s dedication to the ongoing professional development of our program management personnel. Currently we have 24 PMP certified team members. In addition, all of Pearson’s program managers must become certified as Program Management Professionals (PMP) the program management industry standard.
In 2003, Pearson initiated our FLawless EXecution (FLEX) program. FLEX is a world-class planning, scheduling, and implementation methodology designed to maximize customer satisfaction by making every Pearson employee responsible for understanding and fulfilling customer requirements. One of the tools in the FLEX kit is Microsoft® Project. Custom Assessment Programs requires additional certification and training in Microsoft® Project. Currently our department has one Black Belt, two Blue Belts, and 14 Orange Belts in Microsoft® Project.
Such certifications are meant to assure our clients that we are providing the highest level of management expertise to their program. Pearson requires on-going professional development for all staff in areas that benefit our customers such as risk management, financial management, communication, and quality. The benefits of these initiatives for large-scale assessment programs are clear: accurate, thorough, and timely communication; rapid identification and resolution of problems; flawless materials; and accurate, on-time scoring and reporting.
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Project Management Professionals
The PMP® is the project management credential of choice for numerous industries and companies. To be eligible for the PMP certification, individuals must first meet specific education and experience requirements and agree to adhere to a code of professional conduct. The final step in becoming a PMP is passing a multiple-choice examination designed to objectively assess and measure project management knowledge. This computer-based examination is administered globally. In addition, those who have been granted the PMP credential must demonstrate an ongoing professional commitment to the field of project management by satisfying the Project Management Institutes (PMI) Continuing Certification Requirements Program.
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Partnering With Each Department
Pearson’s program management teams have vast experience in all the facets of large-scale assessment programs and have the needed authority across all departments within Pearson to ensure that the work of the contract has the necessary priority to be completed on time by involving the following groups:
- Development—ensures that all item and test development activities are executed in a timely manner and with zero defects.
- Psychometrics—ensures that all data analysis, and scaling and equating activities are executed appropriately and accurately.
- Production and Manufacturing—ensures that all materials are properly produced to the highest publishing standards in the industry.
- Warehouse and Distribution—ensures that all materials are packaged and shipped on time.
- Scoring and Reporting—ensures that all scoring and reporting activities are executed accurately and on time.
- Subcontractors—ensure that all assigned activities are executed.
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