Online glitch halts statewide student testing in Tenn.
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — A contractor's technology failure halted statewide standardized testing on the first day that TNReady, Tennessee new online exam program, was to be widely administered.
The system for reading/language arts and math exams administered by Durham, N.C.-based Measurement Inc., was expected to replace the paper-and-pencil tests administered in the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program.
"At this time, we are advising that schools experiencing problems with the test discontinue testing, and return to their normal classes," said a memo that Commissioner of Education Candice McQueen sent to schools directors across the state. "Please do not begin any new additional testing you had planned for today until the department provides further information."
While some schools and whole counties reported that testing had happened without issues, others reported glitches early Monday. All school districts were asked stop testing even if no glitches had been reported.
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Chris Causey, supervisor of accountability with Robertson County Schools, said he was at Crestview Elementary School in Springfield when the errors began occurring at 9:25 a.m. ET. The tests are to be administered for grades 3 to 11.
“The students would receive a server error message while taking the tests,” Causey said. “The tests have an automatic save ability, so we don’t feel any information will be lost from the student’s individual test.”
Students at about 30 of more than 150 Metro Nashville Public Schools were scheduled to take the exam Monday, according to Joe Bass, the district's spokesman. The window for administering the tests lasts until March 4.
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Rutherford, Sumner and Wilson County Schools halted their exams shortly after the state's announcement.
Williamson County Schools had already postponed TNReady until Wednesday testing out of concerns for the state testing system.
No decisions have been made on rescheduling the tests.
Contributing: Cheri Reeves, Melanie Balakit, Jason Gonzales and Andy Humbles, The Tennessean. Follow Brian Wilson on Twitter: @brianwilson17
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