RICHMOND, Va., and HADLEY, Mass. - Dec. 11, 2007 - The Virginia Department of Education and Pearson's teacher licensure testing group have collaborated to offer the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment™ (VCLA™) via computer-based testing. Launched in early 2007, now Virginia teacher license candidates have the option of taking the reading and writing skills assessment on a test date and time and at a test center that is convenient for them.

The VCLA was developed and is managed by the Evaluation Systems group of Pearson (formerly National Evaluation Systems) under a contract supervised by the Virginia Department of Education. Pre-service teachers who wish to take the VCLA via computer can register online anytime, 24 hours a day.

"Computer-based testing provides flexibility and convenience for pre-service teachers preparing for the VCLA," said Patty Pitts, assistant superintendent for teacher education and licensure, Virginia Department of Education. "We hope that candidates for Virginia teacher licensure will take advantage of this new mode of test delivery at the convenient testing locations near them."

"We are pleased that we can offer the VCLA on computers at Pearson VUE testing centers," said William Gorth, Ph.D., president of the Evaluation Systems group of Pearson. "Computer-based test delivery allows teacher licensure candidates to take the test at a nearby location when it fits their schedule."

Computer-based testing for the VCLA is available Monday through Saturday at Pearson VUE test centers nationwide, including five in Virginia and others in nearby Maryland and the District of Columbia. Pearson VUE (www.pearsonvue.com) is the global leader in electronic testing services for academic admissions, certification and licensure programs. Pearson VUE offers exams through the world's largest network of more than 4,000 test centers in 145 countries, providing testing services for information technology, regulatory and certification boards, academic, government and corporate clients.

For more information or to register to take the VCLA, visit www.va.nesinc.com . For more information about the Evaluation Systems group of Pearson, visit www.nesinc.com.

About Pearson

Pearson is the global leader in educational publishing, assessment, information and services, helping people of all ages to learn at their own pace, in their own way. For students preK-12, Pearson provides effective and innovative curriculum products in all available media, educational assessment and measurement for students and teachers, student information systems, and teacher professional development and certification programs. The company's respected brands include Scott Foresman, Prentice Hall, AGS, PowerSchool, SuccessMaker, TeacherVision and many others. Pearson's comprehensive offerings help inform targeted instruction and intervention so that success is within reach of every student. Pearson's other primary businesses include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.

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