Technology Counts 2003

Technology Counts 2003

Pencils Down: Technology’s Answer to Testing

Table of Contents
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

• *Tech’s Answer to Testing: School districts and states are turning to computer-based assessment for quicker results and to meet new federal accountability requirements.
  • Chart: Computer- based State Tests

FEATURE STORIES

• Legal Twists, Digital Turns: The “No Child Left Behind” Act of 2001 is having the unusual effect of both encouraging and discouraging schools’ use of computerized testing.
  • Table: State Initiatives
  • Sidebar:A Test- Taker’s Perspective
    • Chart: Computer vs. Paper Testing
• A Question of Direction: Computer adaptive testing, which adjusts questions’ level of difficulty based on how well a student answers them, is the source of much debate.
• Prepping for the Big Test: Students turn to test- preparation Web sites to help them prepare for high-stakes state assessments and college-entrance exams.
  • Chart: Computer- Based Practice
• Spec. Ed. Tech Sparks Ideas Testing tools for children with disabilities, such as digital video cameras and computer text readers, are attracting mainstream attention. Chart: Special Preparations
  
• The Teacher’s New Test: The use of computerized quizzes and exams for classroom testing is on the rise as teachers look for more efficient ways to evaluate students.
  • Chart: Teachers and Technology
• Marketing to the Test: Traditional test publishers and start-up businesses have developed a host of technology-based testing programs in the hope of cornering this new market.
• Essay Grading Goes Digital: Software that evaluates student essays has its share of critics, but some teachers say it has made it easier to add more writing exercises.

STATE DATA TABLES

• *Overview: Tracking Tech Trends: Student access to the Internet continues to improve, but schools are spending only a small percentage of technology dollars on professional development.
  • Access Charts:
    • Chart: Internet Access Improving
    • Chart: Wiring Schools and Classrooms
    • Chart: PDAs and Laptops
  • Capacity Charts:
    • Chart: Not Highly Qualified
    • Chart: Finding Computer Science Teachers
    • Chart: School Technology Coordinators
  • Use Charts:
    • Chart: Playing or Learning?
    • Chart: Virtual Instruction
    • Chart: Internet Use by Subject

• Analyzing the Tech Effect
  • Chart: Investing in Technology
• Tables:
  • Access to Technology
    • Sources and Notes
  • Capacity to Use Technology
    • Sources and Notes
  • Use of Technology
    • Sources and Notes
  • Map: Individual State Data (Web only) : Click on a state to see data from all three tables.
    • Text Index to Individual State Data (Web only)
  • Compare State Data (Web only) : Check one or more states to compare data.

STATE OF THE STATES

• Vital Statistics on U.S. Public Schools
  • Chart: United States
• Map: State profiles: Snapshots of what each state is doing in the area of computer-based testing, and how the states are using technology to improve schools.
  • Text Index to State Profiles

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