Lawmakers seek stricter checks on education contractors

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- State contractors with access to student information in New Jersey may soon have to undergo a criminal background check.

Democratic Assemblymen Ralph Caputo, Patrick Diegnan and Mila Jasey introduced the measure Monday. It would require the state education commissioner to have contractors with access to students' data undergo the same criminal history records check as public school employees.

Lawmakers say the bill is needed in light of reports that Pearson -- the education company administering the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers -- hired Caveon Test Security to monitor students' public social media posts

Pearson spokeswoman Stacy Skelly says the company has not reviewed the legislation, but said all students deserve a "fair testing experience."

A message seeking comment from Caveon was not returned.

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