Online Standardized Tests Merge Education and Technology

With the rising pace of technology information systems and the increase of technology intertwined with daily life, academic testing in California is in the process of being revamped. The Colton Joint Unified School District is among those in the process of getting ready for the new SBAC test, which is an online assessment test. The SBAC test stands for, Smarter Balanced Assessment System. The California Department of Education states, “The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium is a multistate consortium working collaboratively to develop a student assessment system aligned with a common core of academic content standards for English language arts/literacy and mathematics. As a Smarter Balanced governing state, California is a decision-making member. Smarter Balanced assessments are designed to measure student progress toward college and career readiness. The testing window for CJUSD began April 7th and will run through May 16th. Ernesto Calles is the Principal for Woodrow Wilson Elementary in Colton and says, “personally speaking, the SBAC test will be an online assessment, and with that comes many pro and cons. There is a benefit in that it is a breakthrough with regards to technology and formative assessment. Online testing, however, will make things challenging for our students since it requires not only knowledge of common core standards, but some very important computer skills, especially typing.“ Because the technology and format is new, there might be difficulties that arise and Calles states, “Ultimately, I see our students and teachers becoming increasingly proficient with regards to SBAC testing. It will be exciting to see their computer skills progressing as well." SBAC Testing Coordinator John Conboy, agrees that difficulties may arise, such as “technical issues related to passwords for Site Testing administrators (Teachers) and students overcoming their lack of computer skills.” Students not used to taking standardized tests online may not be prepared, however at Woodrow Wilson Elementary school, “...students have been receiving online access to the SBAC testing format in both the English Language Arts, and math, via pilot tests. The preparation can vary from school to school, and even district to district depending on technology availability, as well as, the coordination and logistics involved in preparing computer labs and/or iPads to administer the test. This has been challenging, but our District has been very supportive and I feel confident we will be prepared. At Wilson, our teachers have taken the SBAC practice test, and they have received online training to support the administration of the SBAC,” states Calles. Conboy states, “Students can prepare by being in class and participating each day. The best preparation is being delivered each day by the teachers in the school district. Teachers have received numerous hours of Common Core Professional Development over the last few years to make sure students are given the knowledge to be successful. Students have been given the opportunity to take practice tests this year." The new test will focus on students in third grade through 8th grade and the students will respond to 25 multiple response tests in both English and math. Students will then have a Performance Task in either of the two subjects that is a combination of classroom activities and computer-based answering. This year the field test will take between 3 and half hours to four hours for completion, per student. Next year the test will move up to about 7 and a half to 8 hours per student. Because students are growing up in a digital world and are becoming more proficient with computers and technology, it is important to keep students up to date and to incorporate those methods into teaching. Conboy says, “many teachers have websites or use curriculum management programs to help provide student support. Twitter, smart boards, Google docs and other programs exist that teachers and students use. Teachers and students will be using more classroom technology through iPads, tablets, and student response systems (Clickers) to get immediate feedback from one another.” Principal Calles shares, “Honestly, the past 12 months have been extremely exciting. The 21st century educator and student is here, and to be able to say I was a principal during this time is awesome. The inclusion of iPads, updated desktop computers, and other pieces of technology is great! Our IT department in the District has had a very challenging job installing all the various devices and pieces of technology throughout the District, but they have done an excellent job here at Wilson. As a principal, the challenging part is deciding what pieces of technology do we add to our campus, but by working with teachers and parents, I am confident we are getting it right and providing our students with the tools to reach their highest potential.”