Common Core Testing: SBAC and PARCC

States will begin testing students under the Common Core State Standards in 2014. PARCC and SABC are the testing consortiums developing online or computerized tests. Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium or SBAC. At $31/student, SABC provides testing services to thirty-one member states (links are to state departments of education): California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, [...]

Technology Readiness Tool: Is Your District Ready to Test CCSS Online?

The web-based Technology Readiness Tool is a project that allows schools to survey their current state of technology. By 2014-25 school year, school who have adopted the Common Core must be ready to do online assessments. But do they have enough computers (laptops, netbooks, iPads) with the right operating system and right software? The first [...]

SBAC and PARCC: Common Core next generation assessments

by Andrew Foster Twitter @abfosEd In the district where I teach, we are in the process of finding a new superintendent. The departing superintendent is loved by most and has positively affected our schools. The search has been extended into the summer and an interim superintendent has been named. The delay has taken its toll [...]

CCSS Assessment: Change for the better or more of the same?

by Andrew Foster Twitter @abfosEd “Test, test, test.  That’s all we ever do.  These kids are overloaded with tests!”  Ever heard that comment or a similar variation?  Of course you have!  Maybe the words came from your own mouth!  One of the frustrations of teachers, principals, and coaches is the frequency and duration of assessment [...]