Oklahoma Teacher Certification Testing Contract Awarded to Pearson

OKLAHOMA CITY and HADLEY, Mass., May 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The Oklahoma Commission for Teacher Preparation awarded a contract to develop and manage the Certification Examinations for Oklahoma Educators to Pearson's teacher licensure testing group. The award of this contract to the Evaluation Systems group of Pearson (formerly National Evaluation Systems) extends its long-term working relationship with the State of Oklahoma through 2014.

"Our vision at the Oklahoma Commission for Teacher Preparation is to ensure student success through quality teaching. Teacher certification exams that are aligned to rigorous standards are a critical component of reaching that goal," said Ted Gillispie, executive director. "The Evaluation Systems group of Pearson will continue to be our partner in achieving this vision as we continue working together to ensure that all Oklahoma students are taught by quality teachers."

The Certification Examinations for Oklahoma Educators include the Oklahoma General Education Test(TM), the Oklahoma Subject Area Tests(TM) and the Oklahoma Professional Teaching Examination(TM).

The Oklahoma General Education Test assesses the competency of prospective teachers in general education and knowledge skills. It is distinctive from many other examinations of this type since it assesses critical thinking skills, as well as basic skills.

The Oklahoma Subject Area Tests assess subject-matter knowledge and skills. These examinations are custom-developed to meet Oklahoma regulations and include 47 general subject tests and five administrator tests.

The Oklahoma Professional Teaching Examination assesses candidates' knowledge and understanding of the learning environment, instruction, assessment and professional involvement. It is designed to match Oklahoma certification levels of pre-kindergarten through grade eight and grades six through 12.

"The Oklahoma Commission for Teacher Preparation is recognized for offering a teacher certification testing program that meets its state's unique educational needs," said William Gorth, Ph.D., president of the Evaluation Systems group of Pearson. "We are pleased to continue our collaboration with the Commission and educators throughout Oklahoma."

The Oklahoma Commission for Teacher Preparation and the Evaluation Systems group of Pearson are continually reviewing and refining the state's teacher certification tests to ensure that they are current and consistent with Oklahoma educator standards. They are seeking Oklahoma educators who are interested in participating in test review conferences for new and redeveloped test fields. For more information, go to http://www.okrecruit.nesinc.com.

For more information about the Certification Examinations for Oklahoma Educators, visit http://www.ceoe.nesinc.com. For more information about the Evaluation Systems group of Pearson, visit http://www.nesinc.com.

About Pearson

Pearson is the global leader in educational publishing, assessment, information and services, helping people of all ages to learn at their own pace, in their own way. For students preK-12, Pearson provides effective and innovative curriculum products in all available media, educational assessment and measurement for students and teachers, student information systems, and teacher professional development and certification programs. The company's respected brands include Scott Foresman, Prentice Hall, AGS, PowerSchool, SuccessMaker, TeacherVision and many others. Pearson's comprehensive offerings help inform targeted instruction and intervention so that success is within reach of every student. Pearson's other primary businesses include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.