October 17, 2012
Digital Directions, Vol. 06, Issue 01
Standards
Adaptive Testing Evolves to Assess Common-Core Skills
As many states move to put in place online testing by the 2014-15 school year, at least 20 have indicated they plan to use new computer-adaptive versions of the tests.
Standards
Ready or Not, Here Come the Digital Demands of Common Core!
Digital Directions Executive Editor Kevin Bushweller writes about the technology demands of the standards and how schools are likely to cope with them.
Standards
Are You Tech-Ready for the Common Core?
Many school districts are worried that the standards' requirement for online testing is pushing them over the brink of their technological capacity.
Classroom Technology
Tactics for Securing Common Core Tests
Educational technology experts identify common management and security problems associated with online testing and what schools can do to fix them.
Teaching
Competency-Based Schools Embrace Digital Learning
Educators using competency-based education coupled with technology will have a head start in preparing for common-core assessments, experts say.
Curriculum
Common Core Drives Interest in Open Education Resources
Spurred by the adoption of common standards in nearly every state, educators are turning to open digital resources as they re-evaluate and realign curricula.
IT Infrastructure & Management
Bandwidth Demands Rise as Schools Move to Common Core
Putting online testing in place in 46 states and the District of Columbia will require technology capacity not currently available in many school districts.
Curriculum
Common Core Tech. Demands Raise Budget Worries
Experts say paying for the digital upgrades necessary to run common-core online testing will take a creative redistribution of resources.
Standards
Choosing Computing Devices for Common Assessments
Desktops, laptops, netbooks, smartphones, and tablets are all being considered by states and districts, but there are important questions to ask before making a decision.
Classroom Technology
Parents, Teachers Rate Benefits of Using Tech. for Learning
A national survey of more than 800 public school parents and teachers found especially strong support for digital learning was among parents.
Curriculum
Choosing Between Print and Digital
A survey of more than 800 public school parents and teachers around the country asked them to answer some important school budget questions.
Reading & Literacy
Latest NAEP Test Assesses Computer-Based Writing
The new version of the assessment found that most students lack writing proficiency.
Special Education
Common Adaptive Tests to Address Special Needs
Advocates for students with learning disabilities see benefits in adaptive approach, but are watching closely to make sure the assessments are structured appropriately.
Classroom Technology
Florida Officials Investigate Operator of Virtual Schools
The Fla. Department of Education is investigating for-profit online education provider K12 Inc for allegedly using uncertified teachers.
Standards
Common Core Raises Profile of Virtual PD
Ongoing and effective professional development is critical, experts say, and technology holds the key to providing deep learning experiences for teachers that can be scaled across state borders.
Teaching Profession
Pa. Cyber Charter School Fires Most Top Managers
Education experts characterize the near-sweep of the school's top management as highly unusual and potentially damaging in the long term.
Standards
Virtual Ed. Advocates See Potential in Common Core
Perhaps no segment of educators is more enthusiastic about the transition to the standards than those who work in virtual schools or blended learning environments.
Curriculum
Albuquerque, N.M., Schools Replacing Textbooks With 'Techbooks'
New Mexico's largest school district recently approved an $11.3 million contract with a company that provides web-based resources instead of paper educational materials.
Families & the Community
Parents See Benefit in Kids' Facebook Time
In a national survey, almost three-fourths of parents said social media prepare children for success in a digital society.
IT Infrastructure & Management
Durham, N.C., Students Can Now Text Anonymous Tips
The Text-A-Tip service can be used to report any safety-related concerns involving issues such as bullying, suicide prevention, sexting, or drug use.