Utah is hoping to avoid Internet-test pitfalls
Other states have been doing computer-based testing for years with mixed results.
While Oregon touts a story of success, Idaho has experienced some expensive mistakes.
"It was a difficult lesson learned, but we are very pleased with the tests we have now," said Mark Browning, spokesman for the Idaho State Board of Education.
As Utah acclimates to the 21st century, merging testing with technology, education officials in Oregon and Idaho advise the Beehive State to pay attention to the paths they have already cleared.
Utah is considering eliminating several of its tests in favor of Measures of Academic Progress, new testing from the Northwest Evaluation Association. The state is also considering using the ACT, Accuplacer, PLAN and EXPLORE exams to gauge student progress.
Utah's test revamping is expected to cost an estimated $45 million for support technology and up to $23 million in testing materials. The state would save an estimated $6 million by cutting three tests now in use.
Utah's northern neighbor launched the Idaho Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) under the vendor NWEA in 2002 when testing requirements came down with the federal mandated No Child Left Behind.
The ISAT could go up or down several grade levels.
In late 2005, the U.S. Department of Education audited Idaho's testing and deemed the ISAT was not aligned with state content standards — what Idaho students are supposed to know.
Idaho put out bids in 2006 and went with a new test vendor, Data Recognition Corp. The state's second version of its ISAT, another computer-adaptive test that can go up or down several grade levels, was launched in 2007. The test results were used to meet NCLB's adequate yearly progress requirements that year.
The new test costs the state $4.8 million annually, whereas the old test was slightly less, according to Browning.
Switching vendors cost Idaho approximately $1 million, he said.
The first test was extremely popular with teachers and legislators alike, Browning said.
"Some are very fond of the old test. That's all great, but we can't use it," he said. "It puts us in noncompliance with the feds, and that's not an option."
The new test is tougher. Many Idaho schools didn't do as well, and the 2007 AYP results show it. On the upside, educators now know where the students need to improve and can adjust their teaching strategies accordingly.
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But what authorizes the federal government to take the money in the…
3arwax | Sept. 1, 2008 at 6:16 a.m.
Education does indeed belong to the State. The Federal government…
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