Small Business Innovation Research Awardee Successfully Commercializes Computer-based Testing Tools

from U.S. Department of Education/National Center for Education Research

Finding the best way to administer standardized tests to students with disabilities and special needs is an ongoing challenge in the area of education assessment. Since 2004, a Massachusetts-based small business, Nimble Assessment Systems, has specialized in developing accessible computer-based testing tools for students who require accommodations. With awards in 2008 and 2009 from the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program at the Institute of Education Sciences, the firm successfully created the NimbleTools and NimblePad systems.

The Institute's SBIR program funds the full scale development and research of education technology products. The ultimate goal for the program is for developed products to be commercialized in the private sector. One measure of success in commercialization is the interest of other businesses in the products developed with SBIR funding.

Nimble Assessment Systems recently was acquired by Measured Progress, a New Hampshire-based not-for-profit organization. Measured Progress specializes in developing state- and district-level assessments and provides alternate assessments for students with cognitive disabilities. Measured Progress will incorporate the NimbleTools and NimblePad systems within its suite of products and services.