Making the Transition to Computer -Based Assessments PARCC Governing Board Meeting

1. Making the Transition to Computer-Based Assessments PARCC Governing Board Meeting Tuesday, April 3, 2012

2. Planning for Readiness TECHNICAL INFRASTRUCTURE • Devices and Networks • Bandwidth • Accessibility • Security • Interoperability • Data Storage and Reporting • Tech Support • User Training • Systems Testing LEARNING INFRASTRUCTURE • Standards • Curriculum • Pedagogy • Instructional Materials • Opportunity to Learn • Professional Development • Formative and Summative Assessments • Data Analysis

3. Technical Infrastructure Readiness • Current Practices in Computer-Based Assessment • Results of the June 2011 SETDA Survey • Baseline Infrastructure Inventory and Gap Analysis • Tech Readiness Tool • Challenges to Readiness by 2014-2015 • Perennial and Emerging • Strategies for Building Capacity • Lessons from the Field

4. Ten-year old national, non-profit member association Serve, support, and represent all 50+ state directors (SEA leadership) for educational technology Forum for: Research and best practices Inter-state collaboration Professional development Public-private partnerships State-federal relations www.assess4ed.net State Educational Technology Directors Association

6. SETDA Report: Technology Requirements for Large-Scale Computer-Based and Online Assessment: Current Status and Issues

8. PARCC/Smarter Balanced Technology Readiness Tool

9. Beginning to Measure Local Infrastructure Readiness • Computers & other devices • Minimum system requirements • Ratio of devices to test-takers • Including testing window and session scheduling • Network and infrastructure • Bandwidth, network utilization, size of content • Personnel (staffing & training)

10. Initial Data Collection – Spring 2012

11. Data Collection Windows

12. State & Local Participation • State Readiness Coordinators (SRCs) • Serve as primary point of contact for working with Pearson and the consortia • Communicate regularly to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) including technology personnel • Facilitate training of LEA technology personnel • Answer questions from LEA personnel • LEA Staff • Upload or enter data for each school • Communicate when they are “finished” with data entry for a particular readiness assessment window

13. Getting Results • Report modules open April 9, 2012 • Many specifications still TBD • Reports will be available for the different dimensions SAMPLE DATA

14. Data Collection Window #1 March 20-June 14 • Emphasis on baseline inventory over full gap analysis • Different models for roll out and data input • Most states defined a pilot period with limited initial deployment • States report tool functioning largely as planned • Training materials and user support mechanisms being revised based on early use • Next Step: planning for Window 1 data analysis and reporting (July), messaging around results (topic for June Governing Board)

15. Challenges • Broadband • Longer term fix • Devices • Old/new • Shorter term fix • Networks • Unequal distribution • More wireless • Shorter term fix • Data accuracy • Data interoperability

16. Challenges • Communications • Representative team • Roll out of tool • Messaging per window • Pro. Development • SRCs • Tech support • Test admin • Teachers • Administrators • CCSS vs. RTTA • Curriculum & Instruction • Teaching with the Common Core • Teaching with technology • Instructional materials alignment • Practice with new assessment types • Interpreting new formative data

17. Strategies • Leveraging Economies of Scale • Flexibilities in Existing State Aid/Spending • Public-Private Partnerships • Dedicated State Funding • Developing a Task Force and/or State Technology Plan • Changes in Online/Blended Learning

18. Dedicated State Funding Proposed Technology Bond in Rhode Island • Bond will invest $20 million over next three years • Aims to improve classroom and building infrastructure • Incorporated into the governor’s budget, currently awaiting legislative approval • There was strong state leadership to prepare and present this Bond to the governor and to legislative leaders

19. Developing a Task Force and/or State Technology Plan Idaho Technology Task Force • Created as a result of Senate Bill 1184 • Objectives were to study and develop plans for: • Online course requirements • 1:1 mobile devices • Improved classroom technology • Professional development • Helped provide vision, leadership, and direction for the state to move forward with statewide 1:1 plans

20. State Highlight: Alabama Alabama’s ACCESS Distance Learning Initiative • After former Governor Bob Riley’s Task Force on Distance Learning, launched initiative to expand access to digital learning courses across the state • Dedicated state funding of $20 million per year • Coordinated procurements to maximize program funding • Organizing joint E-Rate application for all school districts to help deliver broadband connectivity to all 371 high schools and 133 central district offices

21. State Highlight: Maine Maine’s Learning Technology Initiative • Coordinated procurements cost $242 per seat per year, compared to $500 or $600 • Includes devices, software, warranty, support, repairs, professional development, asset management, and replacements • Also using statewide procurements for Internet access • Between state funds and E-Rate, schools do not pay anything for Internet access

22. Key Lessons • Clear, Consistent, and Intentional Planning • State Leadership and Support • Intra-State Education Agency Coordination • Clear and Ongoing Communications • Technology for Instruction and Assessment • One Size Does Not Fit All