Local districts giving new test provider a big fat F

URBANA – School officials say area students who were psyched up to take Illinois Standards Achievement Tests this week did their best to measure up to standards.

But they say the test publishers flat-out flunked, a fiasco so extensive state Superintendent Randy Dunn said Thursday he's close to recommending Harcourt Assessment's new contract be canceled. He also said he'd hold the company responsible for extra expenses districts like Urbana incurred last weekend when officials frantically copied test-taking materials that failed to arrive on time.

Also on this date

• Provena Covenant still being kept in suspense
• Urbana residents favor smoking ban; bar owners have concerns
• Community college helped finalist take new path
• Search for new visitors bureau director narrowed to 4 finalists
• Obituaries

» More