All Virginia Students To Use Computers For Standardized Tests

Virginia’s recent opting out of paper and pencil testing for a computerized approach to this year’s Standards of Learning tests is setting an example for the nation. Virginia is one of the few states that did not adopt national standards for the fear that it would be too disruptive in upending instruction and tests. Now, other states are scrambling to follow suit given the fast-approaching deadline to implement corresponding online tests.

The Washington Post shows us how Virginia pulled it together in orchestrating a totally paperless approach to state testing.

• Virginia’s push for online testing dates back to 2000 and has continued with the General Assembly dedicating nearly $60 million to school districts every year. 
• The state is contracted with Pearson, an education publishing and assessment company, which provides the online tests.
• Virginia has made gradual sweeping changes with online testing. By 2007, school districts administered 1.5 million online tests, 54% of tests statewide. By last year, that number has gone up to 2.7 million tests online, 94% of the total. 
• Regardless of the potential glitches and technical problems that can arise with computerized testing, Virginia has overlooked them for the benefits of faster test results, fewer opportunities for test tampering, and a more complex question bank.

With the increasing spread of high-speed Internet and better development of online testing means, we may see more states coming to Virginia’s conclusion. It will be most exciting to see how this movement spreads throughout the nation, given its potential of streamlining national education testing.

Read the full article at The Washington Post.

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