Texas firm wins testing contract

Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2001 | 10:37 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- A Texas company has won two contracts worth close to $5 million from the state Department of Education to develop and score proficiency examinations for grade and high school students.

The state Board of Examiners Tuesday approved contracts for Harcourt Educational Measurement of San Antonio for $2.3 million to develop the high school proficiency test, and $2.5 million for the criterion reference tests for the third, fifth and eighth graders.

Harcourt, which was the lowest of five bidders, replaces CTB McGraw Hill, which had the contract for two years, Keith Rheault, deputy state superintendent of public instruction, said.

Gov. Kenny Guinn, chairman of the examiners board, questioned the high cost of the testing program, which is required by law.

Rheault said Harcourt will develop testing for eighth graders starting next year. The tests are based on Nevada's curriculum and standards and are given in the third and fifth grade.

Eighth graders now take a norm reference test, which compares scores nationally. That norm reference test will probably be moved to the seventh grade, Rheault said.