The State of Ohio awarded Data Recognition Corporation of Minnesota, in conjunction with the American Institutes for Research, a $110 million, seven-year contract to print and grade the Ohio Graduation Test (OGT), beginning this month.

Data Recognition Corporation issued a press release via PRNewswire on Monday, touting the contract arrangement. The company will print, ship, retrieve and grade the Ohio Graduation Test, which covers reading, writing, math, science and social studies. The company will also issue report results to the school districts.

Beginning in spring 2007, all Ohio high school seniors must pass all five sections of the OGT in order to receive a diploma. Students get their first chance to pass the test during the spring of their sophomore years. Additional chances are offered throughout the remainder of their high school career.

According to Monday's press release, Data Recognition Corporation offers full-service educational testing and assessment programs, customized survey programs, scannable forms and digital printing and mailing services. Besides Ohio, the company has educational testing contracts with 11 other states. Corporate customers include Boeing, Subaru, The Hartford, Caterpillar, Hilton Hotels and American Standard.

The company says it has a 30-year history of customer satisfaction.

Regardless of where the test is printed and graded, preparation is key for student success. IQ-ity's preparation tool for the OGT is student-friendly - the only OGT prep tool designed by Ohio educators expressly for Ohio high schoolers.