AIMSweb

Reading Curriculum-Based Measurement Tool Commended Through Standards-Based Annual Review Process

BLOOMINGTON, MN - May 5, 2009 - The Assessment and Information group of Pearson today announced the National Center on Response to Intervention (NCRTI) has given its AIMSweb Reading Curriculum-Based Measurement the highest possible rating for validity and reliability. NCRTI reviewed AIMSweb, Pearson's leading web-based progress monitoring and response to intervention (RTI) system for grades 1-8, as a part of the organization's first annual evaluation of Reading Screening Tools.

"AIMSweb is honored to have been awarded NCRTI's highest rating for commercially available RTI tools, reinforcing the program's effectiveness, quality and usability. This independent rating from the leading RTI standard-setting organization is outside confirmation that AIMSweb assessments are valid and reliable," said Carol Watson, president, Clinical Assessment North America. "As RTI programs proliferate, it is important that the rigor of the RTI tools and implementations are based on accurate data gathered from systems like AIMSweb.

"AIMSweb is a web-based early literacy, language, reading and math assessment and data management system well suited for RTI implementation. The program efficiently and reliably identifies students at risk for falling short of year-end academic targets; measures student progress in an accurate and timely manner; and accesses, interprets and manages all this data without overwhelming teachers, students and administrators.

Through funding from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs, the American Institutes for Research and researchers from Vanderbilt University and the University of Kansas established NCRTI. The organization's mission is to provide technical assistance to states and districts and to build the capacity of states to assist districts in implementing proven models for RTI and early intervening services.

In completing that mission, NCRTI established a standard process to evaluate the scientific rigor of commercially available tools and interventions that can be used in an RTI context. The review process requires three Technical Review Committees of national experts evaluate each product against evidence standards. Once tools are found to meet NCRTI's standards, information on the tools is disseminated through the Center's technical assistance activities and websites.

For more information about AIMSweb call 866-313-6194.

For more information, press only
Adam Gaber, 212-641-6118, adam.gaber@pearson.com

About Pearson Pearson (NYSE:PSO), the global leader in education and education technology, provides innovative print and digital education materials for preK through college, student information systems and learning management systems, teacher professional development, career certification programs, and testing and assessment products that set the standard for the industry. Pearson's other primary businesses include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group. For more information about the Clinical Assessment group of Pearson, visit http://www.pearsonassess.com/.