Some things to think about:
What do schools do that don't have the technology to test the kids?
How do we teach students to take a test on a computer?
NPR story
Links to PARCC Field Tests
I know that several of you teach at the post secondary level but one of the big changes is taking place in MO is the introduction of the Common Core standards. With the change to Common Core we also get to move away from the MAP test (with much rejoicing from many - we are in the throws of MAP testing right now and it is NOT fun). There are several tests out there for the Common Core. Listen to the story from NPR and then take one of the sample tests. I looked at the 3-5 English test and I know that when I think of my 8 year old sitting down to take this test I am not sure how well it would go.
Some things to think about: What do schools do that don't have the technology to test the kids? How do we teach students to take a test on a computer? NPR story Links to PARCC Field Tests
30 Comments
Carl Richburg
4/20/2014 12:34:03 pm
Schools that don't have the technology to test the kids, I think the state should be required to have a day in which they come in and bring their own equipment to test the students on that day. That is only fair, or provide transportation to bus the students to schools to take their tests where the technology is provided!
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Kennedy Seifert
4/21/2014 01:45:58 am
I feel like this is also true with anyone, adults too. I know my big certification test is all about how to take it. As practice we get online and do the practice tests provided by ACES workshop so that we can get comfortable with the format. A lot of the focus for kids is all about being familiar with it then they are able to focus on the question.
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Lyndsey Talbot
4/24/2014 01:42:46 am
The boards exam for athletic training is a great example of practicing on the technology that will used for the actual exam. I was able to use a computer program that mimicked the real exam, so when I took the test, I knew exactly how to time myself, skip question, maneuver the site and feel 100% comfortable. If I had not have had this opportunity, I know that I would not have done as well on my exam.
Jacque Cappuccilli
4/27/2014 10:01:11 am
I think that talbot shows a good example of why practice helps. She felt she was ready due to already being familiar with the formal, this is something that I think is important.
Dustin Ray
5/4/2014 02:27:13 am
I agree with kennedy here. Many of the tests we take now are online, and there are several that provide the practice exams. Teachers should use this for their students.
Travis Tompson
4/26/2014 01:53:32 am
I completely agree with you Carl, it is up to the state to help provide funding for schools who cannot properly train their students. Ultimately, it is a reflection on that state anyway so it shouldn't be a big deal for them to fund this. Of course, this is asking the state to give more money when they really do not have much to just give out....
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Tyler Reece
4/27/2014 08:15:26 am
Travis makes a good point. If doing well is important the school and for the state. Funding should be adequate to do so.
Shari Harrington
5/2/2014 10:43:22 am
I agree with you, Travis. The funding is the biggest problem because it's based on achievement in some areas. So, schools that fail receive less funding, and states' funding is already being cut by the federal government. There is just no way to expect all schools to be on a level playing field if the government can't provide it. After all, the government is requiring these things of the schools.
Brad Howell
4/27/2014 07:49:22 am
Carl,
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Gino Bullock
4/29/2014 11:58:15 am
Carl I agree with you. We cant expect these students to be successful unless we are consistent across the board.Its unfair to expect success without the tools to create the success. That is the thing about technology its great to have but its expensive and requires a long term commitment to it for it to be successful.
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Kennedy Seifert
4/21/2014 12:25:08 am
I think the best way to attack this problem is to practice it exactly how it is presented in real life. Students should be able to do practice tests and learn how to take the test. That is the best way to know when they take the real test if they know the material and are able to use the resources and pull information. Or like Carl said they are just surprised and not able to take the test properly because they are not used to it.
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Chris Doak
4/23/2014 01:08:03 am
Kennedy,
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James French
4/26/2014 10:55:21 am
I know the drivers exams in my town have been switched to completely computer unless a medical reason makes it necessary to use a written or verbal test. I believe this has made it much easier to pass as students don't even have to complete the entire test. Once they get 80% correct the test stops and they are provided a drivers permit. I believe students like this type of testing in which they can use a computer to submit answers. I don't feel it takes a great deal of time to get used to they just have to be properly introduced and told what to complete.
Chris Doak
4/23/2014 01:06:18 am
I think that there are some schools that do not have this technology. I agree with some of my classmates that the only way for them to get better would be practice. If they practice they can only get better and then It would only enhance their skills on the computer. The way to solve the problem of them not having a computer or and type of technology is try to budget them in or do some sort of school fundraiser to help purchase some of the equipment.
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Kim Holifield
4/30/2014 12:22:10 am
For a parent that has a family limited on funds, I am always for fundraising. I think for the schools that do not have the funds for the technology, trying to work it into their budget would be the first step. But if that option doesn't work, doing a fundraiser would be a great thing. I feel that getting the community involved would benefit the school in their funding as well as encourage more people to help toward the funding project.
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April
5/1/2014 01:26:36 am
I agree also. It seems if we do not allow them to practice on this technology then we are setting them up for failure. It is sad but I know a lot of schools do not have the technology they need.
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Kim Holifield
4/23/2014 02:03:39 am
I have observed the stresses from the lower level elementary teachers for the past two years: the stresses of the Common Core coming into action. I can remember a few years back, before I graduated with my Bachelor's in Education, being told about the Common Core. Okay, so it was more of a warning! But I knew it was coming, and it was coming soon. I expected the schools to be a lot more prepared than they seem to be. Here lately, I have experienced teachers giving their students sample problems that are based on the common core standards and from the discussion I have heard from the teachers, the students are really struggling with them. From the 3rd grade sample I did, I was in awe at what was being expected of that age group.
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Lyndsey Talbot
4/24/2014 01:40:00 am
I am not very familiar with this subject on a personal level, and I do not remember ever being stressed due to standardized testing at such a young age. However, after reading and listening to this story, I agree with the majority of the class-- we must find a way to get the technology to students or the students to the technology. It is only fair to let them practice and take the test with the same opportunities as the schools that can afford and have the technology.
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Travis Tompson
4/26/2014 01:51:19 am
With new methods always comes a struggle at first. Of course these new tests are going to be harder, that just means we as teachers need to step up our game. The first few years of this is going to be difficult, but once we understand what they are looking for we can prepare accordingly. For schools with proper technology, I think their students should be taking these practice tests until they are quite frankly tired of taking tests. They need to understand that more practice helps in the long run. I could see schools having a weekly test prep that makes them take an online test, even if it is not common core. They should get used to taking a timed online test, and practice writing essays in a fast and meaningful manner. For schools without technology, it is essential to have students go somewhere to practice these online tests. If that requires schools taking field trips to the local library or maybe to a school that does have the technology, then the state should help provide funding for transportation. Once again, these tests might seem really hard at first, but lets face it, we need a bit of a challenge or there would be no point.
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James French
4/26/2014 11:00:09 am
I agree completely that we need to challenge ourselves and our students. I have often wondered why schools do not have quality improvement departments such as factories do. I am afraid schools have become stagnate. Teachers are going to have to change their expectations in regards to what students are learning and doing. I think it will be hard at first and I believe a lot of the details were not completely thought of but the goal is worthwhile. I am not sure schools should always rehearse this because that will only be what the students are good at. Students who actually know the material will be able to score well on the tests.
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James French
4/26/2014 10:51:01 am
I like the idea behind Common Core. Get American students back towards the front of the class in education. this is a very worthwhile goal. In regards to funding and equal opportunities this is not the current state of education. I can remember when voting machines came on line and remember how fast the American people were allowed to use them even in remote locations with populations of less than 100 people. This was something that the powers that be seen as important to avoid chad. Since it was important funding was put into action and voting machines were implemented. I believe education is equally important as avoiding chad. Therefore traveling testing sites would be a positive solution. I think this could be approached as the American Red Cross does mobile blood drives. Students could use the. "testing bus"
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Bradley Howell
4/27/2014 07:45:20 am
For the most part, I do not think having a computer based test is the worst thing to have to make accommodations for the students who may have vision problems. There are a lot of people that cannot stare at a computer screen for an extended period of time. I know of several students that get headaches by being on a computer. How will a school handle this situation? will they just have the student tough it out or will they make a printout version for them?
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Tyler Reece
4/27/2014 08:11:45 am
This new form of testing may be the best thing to get technology to students who did not have it before. Adopting this form of testing will put a stress on the school to supply their teachers and students a way to perform better on this test as well as just be able to administer the test. If the school wants their students to be successful they will need a way to practice for this test in the testing scenario. As confusing as this test is I think that is the only way to prepare them for it.
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Gary Jones
4/27/2014 10:03:30 am
I think it would be hard for kids to take tests on a computer when they may not have access to a computer on a daily basis. If you’re not preparing yourself on a computer it’s harder to make that transition. Staring at a screen is a lot different than looking at some paper. You could try to set something up that would challenge them like a computer would. Maybe the could do a test that was shown over a projector and then they fill out a sheet. But to make a computerized test for everyone and everyone doesn’t have a computer seem like it puts them back at the disadvantage.
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Jacque Cappuccilli
4/27/2014 10:03:46 am
I think that if computers are going to be used for testing there will need to be training as well as practice to get used to it. I know whenever I take test on a computer I like it more, but only because I know how to navigate through it. I think in order to do this someone needs to be taught prior to test taking.
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Gino Bullock
4/29/2014 11:51:28 am
Because of my teaching experience I find this subject to be one that must be addressed and fixed. Like the rest of the class I think the technology must be made available to all students regardless of where their school is located or how financially stable the school is. We train and practice on all of this equipment but only certain students have access to it , that's not fair on any level.
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April Young
5/1/2014 01:31:12 am
Common Core is not something I work with but have read and discussed this is other classes. If the government wants common core to work they need to help supply the appropriate technology to the schools that cannot afford it. All students should be given the same "playing field" to accomplish common core.
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Carl Richburg
5/6/2014 12:56:56 am
I agree April. The level playing field is the thing that the goverment needs to help take accountability to across the board, especially if they want the schools to administer it. Students can live right across the street from each other and have totally 2 different experiences growing up, based on technology and equipment in their school.
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Shari Harrington
5/2/2014 10:41:33 am
I've always like the premise of Common Core--getting all students across the nation on the same page and getting the US' students back on the competitive level globally--but there are so many flaws and issues with things that the government implements without the expert opinions of educators. If the tests are going to require certain things of students, the students should have access to the resources so that they can learn and master it. But what ends up happening is that schools who don't meet test scores are penalized by loss of funding, and then students are penalized. How in the world is the school EVER going to be able to catch up? They can't! The government needs to get ALL of the schools on an equal level before it can expect it to just happen because a set of standards requires it.
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Dustin Ray
5/4/2014 02:26:07 am
Students need to be prepared for this type of thing. If you just throw it at them without time to practice they will struggle. I do however believe taht student can be more comfortable with using this if it is not sprung on them. Teachers should give short five to ten question quizzes, and tests in this manner.
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Class BlogThis blog is for class conversations for Ed 514 at Central Methodist University. We invite input form other teachers about how they use technology in their classrooms. Archives
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