CTB/McGraw-Hill Expands Assessment Relationship with North Dakota

CTB/McGraw-Hill, the nation's leading provider of assessment solutions, has been awarded a 3.5-year contract by the state of North Dakota to provide assessments in Reading, Language Arts, Mathematics and Science for the North Dakota State Assessment Program from 2004-2007.

The contract requires CTB to develop and score an augmented norm- referenced test for Grades 3-8, and another for Grade 11 in Mathematics and Reading/Language Arts beginning in 2004-2005. This new assessment will ensure greater coverage of state standards and meet federal NCLB requirements without a significant increase in overall test length. In addition, CTB will provide a Science assessment in Grades 4, 8 and 11 beginning in 2006-2007.

As the contractor for the North Dakota State Assessment Program for nearly 15 years, CTB has proven its ability to meet the state's assessment and reporting needs.

"Our ongoing relationship with CTB is a true partnership, one which allows us to work hand-in-hand as we address and meet the challenges presented by NCLB requirements," said Greg Gallagher, Director of Education Improvement, North Dakota Department of Public Instruction. "This newest contract with CTB benefits the students, parents, and schools of North Dakota by providing a streamlined testing solution in core content areas."

"We are pleased that North Dakota has affirmed their confidence in CTB's assessment products and services, and we look forward to our continued partnership throughout this program expansion period," said David Taggart, president of CTB/McGraw-Hill.

About CTB/McGraw-Hill

As the nation's leading publisher of standardized achievement tests for pre-school, elementary, middle, and high schools, CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC offers a broad range of assessments, software and services. CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC is part of McGraw-Hill Education and is owned by The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP), a global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor's and BusinessWeek. Founded in 1888, the Corporation has more than 322 offices in 33 countries. Sales in 2003 were $4.8 billion. Additional information is available at www.mcgraw-hill.com and www.ctb.com.

http://www.mcgraw-hill.com
http://www.ctb.com

SOURCE: CTB/McGraw-Hill

CONTACT: Media Inquiries:
Michael H. Kean
(831) 393-7816
michael_kean@mcgraw-hill.com
Program Inquiries:
David Breen
(831) 393-6203
david_breen@ctb.com

Web site: http://www.mheducation.com/