CTB/McGraw-Hill Releases Enhanced TerraNova Online Assessment

MONTEREY, Calif., May. 21 /PRNewswire/ --

MONTEREY, Calif., May 21 /PRNewswire/ -- CTB/McGraw-Hill today announced the release of TerraNova(TM) Online, its premier norm-referenced assessment product, on an enhanced Web-based platform that provides more robust reporting capabilities so educators can receive faster results to inform classroom instruction.

TerraNova is the first research-based, norm-referenced assessment that has the flexibility to be administered online and in paper-and-pencil format with reporting capabilities that allow seamless comparisons between both formats regardless of how the test is administered.

"CTB's paper-and-pencil version of TerraNova is an excellent measure of academic achievement and gives educators a reliable resource for supporting instruction at the classroom level," said Ellen Haley, president of CTB/McGraw-Hill. "With this enhanced online version of TerraNova, we are providing a digital delivery platform that is more familiar to today's tech-savvy students and provides more schools with the option to test some or all students online."

The TerraNova assessment was highlighted in a recent U.S. Department of Education study, "The Predictive Validity of Selected Benchmark Assessments Used in the Mid-Atlantic Region," as the only one of four benchmark assessments to demonstrate that it was a valid tool in predicting student performance on statewide summative assessments.

TerraNova Online leverages the success of the paper-and-pencil version into a modern, online format on a new technology platform, allowing educators to accurately compare results from paper-and-pencil and online test administrations.

Incorporating 2005 norms, covering Reading/Language and Math for Grades 3-10, TerraNova Online gives educators a comprehensive tool to identify student needs, and monitor student progress relative to local, state, and national standards. Curricula-based test questions and content are contemporary, age-appropriate, and reflect real-world situations, engaging students and motivating them to do their best.

Features specific to TerraNova Online include: -- Engaging, easy-to-use student interface, with a helpful tutorial -- Test data that can be exported to spreadsheet and other applications for data evaluation and report creation -- Information on item and objectives/standards level helps teachers pinpoint student needs -- Norm-referenced data and objective information let educators compare student performance nationally or with specific groups -- No scanning or scoring necessary - data are returned in hours -- Compatible with both Macintosh and PC systems -- Administered with secure lockdown browser that disables keystroke commands not related to test administrations

TerraNova Online also includes a variety of report styles to provide educators with data in the format most useful for their purposes, including a narrative home report for parents. Paper-and-pencil test results can be incorporated, allowing comparison with state or other data.

Based on rigorous psychometric standards, TerraNova Online delivers valid, reliable, and fair assessments. The assessments measure a wide range of skills and proficiency levels and assess higher levels of cognitive processing and deeper depths of knowledge. Educators receive clear, immediate, comprehensive, and instructionally relevant results to identify student needs and target instruction. TerraNova Online is available in options to suit various district and diocese needs. For more information, call 800.538.9547 or visit www.CTB.com.

About CTB/McGraw-Hill

As the nation's leading publisher of standardized and standards-based achievement tests for pre-school, elementary, middle, high school, and adult education, CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC offers a broad range of assessments, software and services. CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC is part of the Assessment and Reporting group of McGraw-Hill Education (MHE), a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies . MHE is a leading global provider of instructional, assessment and reference solutions that empower professionals and students of all ages. McGraw-Hill Education has offices in 33 countries and publishes in more than 40 languages. Additional information is available at www.CTB.com.

Media Inquiries Kelley Carpenter Director, Communications (831) 393-7196 kelley_carpenter@mcgraw-hill.com