Assessment & Accountability


Orchard Now Takes Targeted Instruction Online

Orchard Learning, developer of the Orchard Software school improvement Suite, has launched a new targeted assessment and instruction tool called Orchard Now.

South Dakota Adopts Web-Based Writing Assessment Statewide

After a successful pilot program in the spring, the South Dakota Department of Education (SDDOE) has adopted Pearson's WriteToLearn software formally as its statewide student writing assessment. Students throughout South Dakota in grades 5, 7, and 10 will take the State Writing Assessment three times per year using the software.

iPad App Lets Teachers Access PowerSchool Gradebook

Pearson recently launched a free gradebook tool designed for iPad. Called PowerTeacher Mobile, the app is designed to integrate with Pearson's student information system, PowerSchool.

ExamView Learning Series Aligns with Common Core State Standards

Ed tech developer eInstruction has announced that its ExamView Learning Series is now aligned with Common Core State Standards.

Adobe Project Rome Brings Multimedia Authoring to Education

Adobe has launched a new multimedia authoring tool for education. Dubbed Project Rome, the hosted service (also available as a desktop AIR app) went into public preview Sunday morning. Adobe said it's looking for schools to participate in pilot programs using the software, especially those schools that have adopted Google's Apps for Education or the open source learning management system Moodle.

Brief: Orchard 4.5 Expands OS Support

Ed tech developer Orchard Software has released Orchard 4.5, an update to the company's tool for differentiated instruction, student assessment, and data management.

Wikis: Pulling It All Together Online

Elementary teachers are using wikis in and out of the classroom. The collaborative, teacher-moderated technology allows educators to set up sites quickly and at little or no cost, creating instant learning resources for students. But wikis aren't without their challenges.

InFormative Assessment Gains Automatic Assignments, Teacher Training Videos

Acuity InFormative Assessment Solution has received several upgrades to give users more data-driven utility and allow the software to assign targeted tools and exercises based directly on assessment results.

OLAT 7.0 LMS Improves Integration with External Apps

The free and open source learning management system OLAT has been updated to version 7.0. The latest release, which rolled out in late September, has gained a new course creation wizard and enhanced integration with external tools.

Acrobat X Pro Gains E-Portfolio Wizard, SharePoint Integration

Adobe has introduced Acrobat X Pro, the latest version of the company's document creation, portfolio, and collaboration tool for Mac OS X and Windows.

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