Utah knew of standardized testing company issues

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah schools are encountering a number of problems with the rollout of a new standardized testing system with a known history of glitches and security issues.

The Salt Lake Tribune reports Utah signed a $44 million contract last spring with the school testing company Questar Assessment Inc. despite knowing it had history of glitches and security issues. Now, students and teachers are reporting issues including unreliable test results during tests as they use the system for the first time this spring.

Documents show that Questar reported previous issues with administering tests in its proposal to the state. The Tribune reports none of the other three bidders reported as many issues.

A representative for Questar said they recognize their platform's weaknesses and are working to improve the system.

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Information from: The Salt Lake Tribune, http://www.sltrib.com