The rub here - and the thing we need to pay attention to - is that these tests, or assessments, are transitioning too, and transitioning differently from state to state. That’s where testing transitions squared comes in. Since December 2008, fourteen months ago, twenty-four states have passed new laws that change their state testing requirements and programs. A total of forty-eight new laws are on the books and being implemented this spring. We will see more rigor in the tests as states strive to ensure that all students are college and workplace ready when they graduate. We’re still using paper and pencils but look for that to change as well. Some states are now requiring that students take tests on a computer to reduce testing cost and return results faster.
The Education Commission of the States (www.ecs.org) keeps track of assessment and other important education issues and you can take advantage of their research and keep up-to-date by taking a look. Here’s a link to all those laws passed by each state:
http://www.ecs.org/ecs/ecscat.nsf/WebTopicView?OpenView&count=-1&RestrictToCategory=Assessment . It may be useful to explore as you make your next transition.
Until next time: may your boxes all arrive when you do and may you bubble in your answer choices correctly!
- posted Dr. Dave Splitek, Vice President of Professional Development, MCEC