Earning and revenue fell in the first half of the year for British educational publishing and services firm Pearson PLC compared to the same period on the previous year. Pearson on Monday reported profit before tax from continuing operations of £212 million ($272 million) for the first half, lower than £236 million in the same period a year ago, mainly due to lower virtual schools sales. Excluding one-time items, adjusted profit before tax was £229 million, down from £238 million in the previous year. Operating profit of £219 million was flat with last year. Adjusted operating profit remained …