Move Over BP, There's a New Whipping Boy in Florida

Delays in the compilation and release of FCAT results have Florida Education Commissioner Eric Smith hopping mad.

The lack of performance by the states new testing contractor, NCS Pearson, is absolutely unacceptable, and the delays we have encountered in the reporting of this years FCAT results are not indicative of the smooth, expertly-managed experience they promised as a part of the contract procurement process," Smith said today in a statement.

I would like to extend my most sincere apologies to our parents who rely on the timely reporting of this information to determine the appropriate educational services for their child. I would also like to apologize to our educators and school administrators who need this information to ensure every student is receiving the kind of support and assistance they need to be successful."

With schools wrapping up their 2009-2010 year this week, the FCAT delays greatly complicate scheduling for next year.

I am both outraged and frustrated by the situation Pearson has caused and I do not intend to allow these inexcusable delays to go unanswered," Smith said.

The commissioner said he intends "to impose significant financial penalties as a result of (Pearson's) failure to meet contract deadlines."

Meantime, Smith said the Department of Education will "continue to work with Pearson around-the-clock to release these scores as soon as possible.

The New Jersey-based Pearson, through its acquisition of Harcourt Assessment, has held the FCAT development contract since 2000. Its current five-year contract, which runs until Dec. 1, 2013, is valued at $254 million.