K-12 Testing Market Forecast 2011

K-12 Testing Market Forecast 2011 applies Simba Information’s branded expertise in the educational publishing industry to the dynamic market for high-stakes state testing and classroom assessment.

This all-new edition of Simba’s popular Academic Testing report offers decision-makers in all facets of the PreK-12 instructional materials industry insights into the most current business information and market trends affecting the highly competitive testing segment.

K-12 Testing Market Forecast offers a comprehensive overview of statewide, district and classroom testing, with a specific focus on the shifting testing landscape as a result of policy changes and progress in the drive to move testing online.

Specific topics include:

• Market size by segment: state tests and classroom assessment,
• Segment growth drivers,
• Impact of federal policy changes,
• State penetration by leading testing firms,
• Current major contract awards,
• Contract opportunities amid changing state testing policies,
• Growth outlook of online testing.

K-12 Testing Market Forecast 2011 also provides a complete rundown of the leading vendors currently supplying products and services to the U.S. school testing market.

K-12 Testing Market Forecast 2011 is a must-have market and business intelligence tool for publishers and editors, as well as marketing, business development and investment professionals charged with developing strategies to succeed in the U.S. school testing market.

Stamford, CT - June 2, 2011 - Online high-stakes state-level testing and classroom testing combined generated $563 million in sales through the 2009-2010 school year, making up 20.4% of the U.S. academic testing segment. According to media and forecast firm Simba Information's report, K-12 Testing Market Forecast 2010-2011, educators and states are embracing online testing, which is expected to reach 32% of the entire segment by 2014.

The numerous advantages of online testing are driving its growth, including speedier delivery of results to allow for real-time adjustment of instruction and a wider range of accommodations for students with disabilities and English-language learners.

"The 12% jump in online testing over four years isn't solely attributed to state and local funds for academic progress," said Kathy Mickey, senior analyst for Simba Information. "Federal programs, such as Race to the Top, are adding more money into the mix and driving revenue growth."

Online testing is a key feature of the major common assessment plans being developed by two multi-state groups under the Common Core State Standards initiative, which is expected to begin field testing in the next year or so. Although the benefits of online testing are clear, the biggest challenge hampering growth is infrastructure, ranging from lack of connectivity to inadequate bandwidth, notably in rural areas. In addition, technical glitches in the administration and reporting of online exams have made officials wary of moving too quickly.

"Progress has occurred; most states have at least some of their testing online or they are at least exploring the viability of moving some of their high-stakes testing online," added Mickey. "Currently, there are few states even capable of offering 100% of their high-stakes testing online."

K-12 Testing Market Forecast 2010-2011 offers a comprehensive overview of statewide, district and classroom testing, with a specific focus on the shifting landscape towards more online testing. It segments the market by state tests and classroom assessments and includes market size and growth drivers, along with contract opportunities.