IRVINE, Calif., June 27, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Scantron(r) today announced it has integrated its two flagship products, Achievement Series(SM) and Performance Series(SM), into the first complete assessment solution that offers standards-based formative assessment and computer-adaptive diagnostic testing. Available together or as independent products, the new solution offers a tightly-integrated approach to managing and administering multiple forms of assessment throughout the school year.
"For the first time, school districts now have a single source for their full range of Web-based assessment needs," said Tim Loomer, president of Scantron's Testing and Assessment Division. "Our customers can use Achievement Series to manage their benchmark assessments with a tight integration to the diagnostic assessments of Performance Series."
This complete assessment solution helps educators raise the level of student achievement through its unique ability to manage all their benchmark tests, summative assessments and formative assessments in one solution. With Scantron's new solution, rather than relying on separate, disparate products, educators can use a single, Web-based solution to drive classroom instruction where test results are compiled, analyzed and reported immediately.
"This is a full-circle approach to testing," added Mr. Loomer. "With one Scantron interface, a teacher can use the computer-adaptive assessment in Performance Series to measure a student's subject understanding coming into a new class, give the district benchmark tests, and then periodically assess for gains during the school year. And because all of these data are in one system, the teacher can compare all the results and rely on Scantron's robust reporting functions to give her real information that has immediate and comprehensive relevance to her teaching."
Western Heights Public Schools in Oklahoma has used Performance Series for several years to enhance instruction and accurately predict Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for school sites in relation to No Child Left Behind (NCLB) requirements. "The Web-based assessment solutions from Scantron that we rely on are crucial elements in our educational mission," said Joe Kitchens, superintendent. "The integration of Performance Series and Achievement Series will help us continue to develop our valuable predictive capabilities for future AYP calculations, while utilizing the Achievement Series benchmark assessment program to ascertain the individual remediation needs of students as a guide for informed and effective instructional intervention. The simultaneous integration of Performance and Achievement Series will give us a single source to more effectively manage all our testing and then evaluate the data so we can make the best choices for our students."
Scantron, which actively works with customers in developing new products and services, credits its interaction with customers for helping the company envision this latest innovation. The new solution will be available in August, 2005.
About Achievement Series
Achievement Series(SM) is a powerful web-based assessment platform that educators use to develop and administer tests both online and on paper, capture results, and produce standards-based reports. The system makes it easy for teachers and administrators to access the timely data needed to measure growth, make decisions, and inform instruction. Achievement Series is a winner of the 2005 Distinguished Achievement Awards sponsored by the Association of Educational Publishers.
About Performance Series
Performance Series(SM) is a web-based, computer-adaptive test that educators use as a diagnostic, for student placement, and to do progress reporting. By administering a reliable and valid standards-based test that adapts automatically to each student's level and reports results instantly, educators gain clear snapshots of students' performance across a range of subjects including mathematics, language arts, science and reading. Performance Series is a winner in the 2005 Distinguished Achievement Awards sponsored by the Association of Educational Publishers and a finalist in the SIIA 20th Annual Codie Awards.
About Scantron Corporation
Scantron Corporation ( 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. The company has approximately 600 employees worldwide and annual revenues exceeding $110 million.
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's printed products offerings include checks, direct marketing and financial forms.
Note to Editors: See Scantron at the National Educational Computing Conference in Philadelphia, June 28-30. Booth 2437.
The Scantron logo can be found at: http://media.primezone.com/prs/single/?pkgid=1634
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.