Doctor David Laird, assistant commissioner for assessment, accountability and research, told the Fiscal Review Committee that the department is amending two contracts following competitive procurements: one with Cambium Assessment for English-learner (EL) screening and summative assessments, and one with NCS Pearson for administration of the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP).

The department sought an additional $5,393,685.10 in maximum liability for the Cambium contract to account for increased demand following updated screener data and population trends. Laird described the screener as an initial step triggered when a student enrolls and indicates a language other than English is spoken at home; the centralized solution provides score reporting back to schools.

The department also requested $3,200,431.40 in additional maximum liability for the Pearson contract to expand scope for teacher participation in statewide assessment committees and to add a Lexile license that had been omitted from the original contract drafting. Laird said the Lexile license provides families a portable measure of reading level and had previously been included under a separate licensing agreement.

Representative John Bricken and other members asked whether prior arrangements placed screening burdens on local school districts; the department said districts previously printed, administered and scored screeners locally, and that this contract centralizes administration and reporting.

Both amendments were approved by voice vote.

Why it matters: The changes shift assessment screening and reporting responsibilities and increase state liability for testing services; the EL screener affects how districts identify students who may need language supports and how those needs are communicated to families.

What to watch: The department said it will monitor implementation and district feedback on centralized screener administration and the integration of assessment results with instructional supports.