administration. Schools need more instructional and
heightened if students encounter technical difficulties
technical support to ensure a successful transition to
with their device, the Internet connection, or the
the new assessment.80
testing platform.84
Technology-Based Assessments. Both TNReady and
Student readiness for online assessments remains
Tennessee’s new social studies assessment will be
a concern among some educators. While some
administered online using the MIST testing platform.81
teachers feel that their students are comfortable with
Online assessments offer several advantages over
computers, many are concerned that their students
traditional paper-and-pencil tests, including the
lack the technology skills necessary to succeed
possibility of faster scoring, a wider range of question
on a computer-based test. Especially in the lower
types, and the ability to capture more detailed data,
grades, students need more opportunities to practice
such as how much time a student spent answering a
keyboarding and other essential computer skills.
particular question.82 Online assessments also help
Limited access to devices, however, has caused some
prepare students for college and the workforce, where
schools to find it difficult to provide this practice time.85
c omfort with technology is increasingly essential.83
However, these assessments come with their own set
Interim and Benchmark Assessments. Teachers
of challenges. With paper-and-pencil tests, it is usually
use interim and benchmark assessments to monitor
possible to test every student in the building at the
student learning throughout the school year. These
same time. Many schools do not have enough devices
assessments provide teachers with immediate
or Internet bandwidth to do the
feedback on which skills each student has mastered
same with online assessments.
and the skills for which a student needs additional
This means students must take
support to master. These timely data allow teachers
tests in shifts, which can be
to adjust their instruction to meet each student’s
disruptive to instruction without
needs. Teachers can make their own interim and
an intentional implementation
benchmark assessments, or districts can purchase
plan. This disruption is
them from a vendor. They may be taken with paper
and pencil or online.
Educators provided feedback on interim and
benchmark assessments during SCORE’s 2015
Listening Tour. Teachers and principals noted that
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