Colton demands immediate approval of Pearson testing contract, as some groups await public hearings on matter

December 13, 2024 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

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BATH BEACH TO GRAVESEND — ASSEMBLYMEMBER WILLIAM COLTON (D-47) on Friday, Dec. 13, expressed concern over a delayed vote by the city’s Panel for Educational Policy on a new contract for the city’s Specialized High School Admission Test, and demanded an immediate approval of the contract with testing company Pearson. Colton signaled worry that the delay could impact the city’s ability to administer the SHSAT in the near future, potentially injuring students who rely upon the test to jumpstart their futures. Neither Colton nor the PEP have discussed the public hearing process since Nov. 25, when it was announced the vote was again being delayed until December. As of Friday afternoon, the Pearson contract was added to the agenda for an upcoming PEP meeting on Dec. 18.

Moreover, the Panel for Educational Policy has reportedly protested the $17 million cost of implementing the Pearson contract, which would come to $3.8 million annually. The PEP also has questions about equity in the exam, where a small percentage of Black and Latino students are admitted to the specialized high schools.

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