Search for Standardized Testing Leaks Raises Security Concerns

Search for Standardized Testing Leaks Raises Security Concerns

New Jersey recently switched to digital testing, bringing a host of new security concerns with it

  • By Matt Holden
  • Mar 17, 2015

New Jersey recently adopted the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) exams, meaning students are now answering questions that are the same as students in 10 other states.

This means students could potentially look online for questions on the test weeks in advance.

In an effort to stop this from happening, New Jersey has developed an online monitoring program designed to spot any test questions or references to specific reading passages posted online. This has created controversy within the state.

In a letter to other superintendents, the superintendent of Watchung Hills Regional High School called the online monitoring “disturbing.”

Pearson, the company that provides the online testing platform, says that it stands by the security program run by Caveon Test Security, a subcontractor based in Utah.

"When students circulate test questions online, it's akin to handing out test questions on the steps of the school -- except in this case it can be seen globally," Department of Education spokesman Michael Yaple said.

About the Author

Matt Holden is an Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media, Inc. He received his MFA and BA in journalism from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. He currently writes and edits for Occupational Health & Safety magazine, and Security Today.

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