Computer crash interrupts students' proficiency tests

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ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A computer system crash interrupted online proficiency testing for students across Minnesota.

The state Department of Education says the vendor, Pearson, has fixed the problem and the system should be running normally by Wednesday. Minnesota has a $38 million, three-year contract with Pearson to administer proficiency testing in math, science and reading. Students in third-grade to high school take the tests annually.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press (http://bit.ly/1HrGFyb ) says school officials across the state said students couldn't access the online tests Tuesday. State assistant education commissioner, Kevin McHenry, says he doesn't know how many students were affected by the crash.

A state law passed in 2013 requires nearly all proficiency testing to be done online.

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Information from: St. Paul Pioneer Press, http://www.twincities.com