Most Recent Update:

At the end of the day April 22, Pearson provided the testing department with details that explained the cause for the postponement of testing.

Pearson said the cause of the issues stemmed from a server failure and its inability to distribute heavy loads of student traffic on the testing website, according to Director of Assessment Prachee Mukherjee.

Since the problem was resolved, Pearson sent out a message to all schools that testing is now reopened.

Interim Principal Scott Meyers said he wants to get testing moving, but schedule testing at times most convenient for both teachers and students.

The only tests remaining are for juniors needing to complete the math Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment. Testing dates are on April 27 and May 1.

Original Story:

Many students were turned away from their scheduled Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment testing Apr. 22 and found the test would be pushed back temporarily.

Test proctors and students experienced issues logging into the testing site during multiple testing periods. Similar problems arose statewide, resulting in the suspension of all tests.

Test coordinator Jami LaPray said the problem originated at Pearson, the learning company that provides the test.

“The testing (website) crashed yesterday morning so we couldn’t run the tests. All I know is that they said it’s not functioning up to standard,” LaPray said.

According to LaPray, the school does not know how long the suspension will last because Pearson needs time to figure out the problem.

Because of the errors that arose, Meyers said he wants to inform students who have already taken the test that they should not have to retake it.

“The message I received is that for the students that completed their testing, their scores should be fine,” Meyers said.

The testing error has left junior Nitzana Flores wondering how it will affect her learning, since she will take the test at a later date.
“The change in testing dates and time will change my study schedule,” Flores said. “It will also change teachers’ lesson plans, which might negatively impact students’ clarity on deadlines.”

Meyers said he hopes the problem is resolved soon to ensure rescheduled testing will not affect classes.

“I’m hoping the suspension means we can wait only a day, but I have no idea how long it will actually take,” Meyers said. “There is a makeup day built into the testing schedule so we will try to use that if the problem is resolved by tomorrow.”

The Echo will update this story if more information becomes available.