Amplify, the NewsCorp division that just unveiled a pedagogically questionable tablet and strategy to enter the school market, has just been granted a contract to develop “formative assessments” by the SMARTER Balanced consortium. SMARTER is one of two groups developing the next generation of state tests.

I had actually been feeling somewhat positive about SMARTER’s efforts (California is in the consortium). This move gives me pause, to say the least (conflict of interest, anyone?)

I’m adding this info to The Best Resources For Learning About The “Next Generation” Of State Testing.