North Country Sen. Joseph Griffo is pleased the New York State Education Department will not renew a contract with a company he says fueled aggravation from educators, students and parents.

“I am pleased to hear that the State Education Department will not be renewing its multimillion-dollar contract with Pearson Education, a company with a lackluster record of missteps regarding its standardized tests that has fueled much aggravation among educators, students and parents throughout our state,” said Griffo, who represents a swath running through the middle of St. Lawrence County, from Massena to Fine, including Potsdam.

Griffo said he was upset with the Pearson tests, but is hopeful the damage can be repaired.

Minnesota-based Questar Assessments has received a five-year, $44 million state contract to do what Pearson is accused of failing to do.

“Earlier, we had urged that steps be taken to address this flawed testing. Now as the state continues to develop student Math and English tests for grades 3 through 8 that are age appropriate, I am hopeful that this new direction will include teachers in an active role in designing assessments that are in the best interests of student learning,” he said.

“It had become clear that Pearson was falling short of this important goal with its approach to testing, so I believe this is a positive first step toward rebuilding the public’s confidence in the future of our children’s education.”

Griffo represents the 47th Senate District. It includes a swath running through the middle of St. Lawrence County, from Massena to Fine, including Potsdam.