Industry News

Illuminate Adds FastBridge Assessments to Portfolio

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 07/16/19

Nearly a year after Illuminate Education was formed out of the integration of five separate education companies, Illuminate has acquired another data operator in the education space. FastBridge Learning produces an assessment platform intended to help teachers measure and monitor student progress.

The merger a year ago brought together formative assessment and data platforms (Illuminate Education, IO Education, SchoolCity and Alpine Achievement) with a formative item bank provider (Key Data Systems). By merging the offerings, explained Adam Berger, chairman of the new entity, at the time, the integrated company would be able to deliver "'all the data' on a 'single pane of glass' — providing a holistic view of the child that efficiently and effectively informs instruction."

The addition of FastBridge has added "research-driven innovation to assessments while consistently providing exceptional attention to districts," added Christine Willig, CEO of Illuminate, in a statement.

FastBridge's Formative Assessment System for Teachers (FAST) combines curriculum-based measurement and computer-adaptive testing for reading, math and social-emotional behavior.

A school district that has been working with products from both organizations reported that the combination has proven valuable for its educators. "The amount of time spent collecting data has been drastically reduced which allows our teachers more time to analyze student performance, collaborate with other professionals and collectively develop a plan of support for students," said Crystal Steinmetz, director of curriculum and assessment at Garden City Public Schools.