This year, many students and educators are navigating new challenges brought on by changes and delays in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). As schools adjust timelines and students await financial aid information, the uncertainty has highlighted the importance of having reliable systems in place to support academic planning and student progress.

While FAFSA is primarily tied to financial aid, its delay can influence the broader college preparation process—especially when it comes to making informed decisions about admissions, scholarships, and academic readiness. In this environment, consistency and flexibility in assessment tools become more important than ever.

 

Supporting Students Through Reliable Assessment

Assessment is a core component of education. It helps educators understand student learning, track growth, and make informed instructional decisions. When testing solutions are dependable and accessible, they play a key role in supporting every student’s path forward—even during uncertain times.

At Scantron, our focus is on providing flexible, scalable solutions that help educators maintain momentum and support all learners, no matter the circumstances.

 

How Scantron TestFlex Supports Flexibility and Fairness

Scantron TestFlex is designed with today’s learning environments in mind. It’s a browser-based assessment platform that offers the flexibility schools and districts need—whether instruction happens in-person, remotely, or in a hybrid model.

Key benefits of Scantron TestFlex include:

Anywhere, Anytime Testing: Scantron TestFlex can be used in various settings, giving schools the flexibility to meet students where they are.

Works Across Devices: Compatible with most modern devices, Scantron TestFlex helps reduce technology access barriers.

Accessibility Features Built-In: Designed to support diverse student needs, Scantron TestFlex includes tools like extended time, zoom, and screen readers.

Real-Time Data: Educators gain immediate insights to help adjust instruction and support learning goals.

 

Listening to the Voices That Matter: Survey Solutions for Education

In moments of transition—like those prompted by FAFSA delays—it’s more important than ever for schools, colleges, and districts to listen. Understanding how students, families, and staff are being affected can help institutions respond with clarity and care.

That’s where Scantron’s survey solutions come in.

With products like EvaSys (for course and teaching evaluations), EvaExam (for exam management and feedback), and Class Climate (for institutional research and student experience surveys), schools can collect meaningful feedback and transform it into action.

Our survey solutions offer:

Customizable Surveys: Tailor content to capture exactly what you need—from student concerns to parent engagement or faculty input.

Flexible Delivery Options: Conduct surveys online, on paper, or both—depending on your audience and infrastructure.

Powerful Analytics: Turn raw feedback into clear, actionable reports to guide strategic decisions and improve the overall learning environment.

By combining our assessment and survey tools, Scantron provides a comprehensive framework for understanding student performance and the experiences that shape it.

 

The Continued Importance of Paper-Based Testing

While digital tools are expanding access to assessments, paper-based testing still plays an essential role in many schools. For environments where technology access is limited or where a traditional approach is preferred, Scantron’s scanners and forms remain a dependable solution.

Benefits include:

Simplicity and Familiarity: Easy to administer and use without the need for special training or equipment.

Efficient Processing: With high-speed scanners and automated scoring, results are delivered quickly and accurately.

Reliable Across Environments: Paper-based assessments work well in both high-tech and low-tech settings, offering flexibility for administrators and educators alike.

 

Moving Forward

In times of change, dependable tools can provide a sense of stability. Whether it’s navigating shifts in financial aid processes or managing a blended learning environment, having consistent, accessible solutions is key to helping students stay on track.

At Scantron, we’re proud to support educators with a comprehensive suite of tools—from Scantron TestFlex, to scanners and forms, to survey solutions—that promote progress, gather insights, and adapt to the changing needs of education.