Layoffs at ETS, nonprofit that administers SATs
LAWRENCE TWP. - The administrator of SAT exams for college-bound students has laid off 126 workers.
Educational Testing Service, or ETS, disclosed the companywide cutback in a notice filed with the state Department of Labor.
The nonprofit told employees of the staff reductions earlier this month, a spokesperson said in a statement Thursday.
“The announcement comes as we undergo a transformation to better serve our customers’ evolving needs amidst a changing education landscape,” the statement said.
Affected employees will remain employed until January “at which time they will receive a comprehensive severance package.
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“It's important to us that we communicated to staff with as much notice as possible to minimize disruption and foster a smooth transition,” the spokesperson said.
The statement offered no additional details about the cutbacks, which come as some critics question the value of standardized testing.
Finances have fluctuated at ETS
Founded in 1947, ETS administers the SATs and related tests for high school students under a contract with The College Board.
It also owns tests, including the GRE, that are intended to measure candidates’ qualifications for elementary, secondary and postsecondary education, as well as teacher certification and English language learning, according to its website.
ETS develops, administers and scores more than 50 million tests annually in more than 180 countries. It also conducts research, analysis and policy studies.
Its finances have fluctuated in recent years as ETS has faced criticism over the value of standardized tests.
ETS reported net income of $5 million in 2021, the last year for which its online tax returns are available.
That was down from $47.6 million a year earlier, and followed a deficit of $70.3 million in 2018.
Jim Walsh is a senior reporter with the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. Email: Jwalsh@cpsj.com.
This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: ETS, administrator of standardized tests, announces layoffs
