SETDA Launches Web Resource to Aid Transition to Online Assessment

• By Kanoe Namahoe
• 10/10/13

The State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) has launched a new Web tool designed to help states and school districts prepare for online assessment.

Implementing Online Assessments: Pathways to Success outlines the steps that four states -- Delaware, Idaho, North Carolina and Virginia -- took to migrate their school districts from traditional student evaluation to online assessment. The case studies include details on how each state prepared its technology infrastructure, trained districts, and an example of one district's implementation process. Along with the case studies are a number of downloadable resources – checklists for technology upgrades, training agendas, and sample letters to districts – that the states used to launch their new assessment platforms.

"There are compelling advantages to technology-based assessment systems, when compared to current paper-and-pencil approaches," said Douglas Levin, SETDA executive director, in a prepared statement. "Indeed, if the aim is to implement better tests aligned with higher college- and career-ready standards, it is sound policy to accelerate the trend toward online assessment. SETDA is pleased to profile the leadership roles that states like Delaware, Idaho, North Carolina and Virginia are taking to pave the way for broader efforts at school reform and improvement."

SETDA will host a free webcast October 15 at 3:00 PM Eastern time to demonstrate the tool. The one hour discussion will include participation from school districts profiled in the case studies. No pre-registration is required to attend the webcast.

For additional information on SETDA's new resource, please visit the organization's Web site.