Testing & Assessment is biggest Moneymaker for Ed Tech Vendors

A recent article in T.H.E Journal highlights the summary findings of a SIIA Software Information Industry Association study that finds the market for digital testing and assessment software was $2.5 billion in 2014.  This was an increase of 15.5% over the previous year and 57% over 2010-2011.  Testing and assessment software was the largest category of any market segment in ed tech software.

I have no doubts that digital, online testing can improve efficiency for administering structured tests, but I have to seriously question if our priorities for educational technology are in the right place.  No surprise that the constant drumbeat for PARCC, Common Core testing, and others is so strongly supported by big software vendors.  Improvements in assessment methods are certainly needed, but I'd much rather see the growth emphasis on instructional technologies and content.  Besides, what level of knowledge can you realistically test with multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, and word banks?

See the executive summary (PDF).