Computer Based Assessment The Journey

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Computer Based Assessment The Journey

• CCSSO Large Scale Assessment Conference
• San Francisco - June 2006

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ExpectationsBalance Boldness and Realism

• Clarify long and short term goals for
  implementation
• 5 year implementation plan
• 1st year start up requirements
• Assess capacity to support the emerging system
  implementation
• State staffing and infrastructure
• Local school connections, equipment, and
  readiness

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New Working RelationshipsCBA is not just an
assessment endeavor!

• Form an internal SEA implementation team to
  provide operational direction
• Assessment director
• CBA program coordinator
• Technology director
• Content specialists for areas included
• Special needs specialists
• Include contractors key program and technology
  staff to inform direction.

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Utilize School Experience to Advise the CBA
Implementation Strategy!

• Form a local/state advisory committee that
  includes the primary stakeholders
• Local Representation
• Teachers
• Technology coordinators
• Principals
• Special education directors
• Curriculum specialists
• SEA Representation
• Assessment program staff
• Technology program staff
• Content specialists
• Special needs staff

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Local ReadinessBelieve but Verify!!!

• Develop a system to support schools in getting
  ready to participate
• Publish local technical specifications and
  requirements
• Conduct regional training sessions on the CBA
  administration and technical characteristics
• Utilize an assessment certifying process as
  requirement for participation
• Support schools readiness efforts with online and
  phone technical support
• Monitor the readiness process
• Conduct field testing of local capacity
• Do site visits in selected schools (particularly
  schools with limited capacity)

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New Work New RelationshipsHow or Why Did That
Happen?

• Expect Implementation Issues
• Remember paper implementation is never flawless!
• Keep in mind the differences in the
  administration work
• Teacher hesitance
• Equipment failure
• Student impatience
• Principal anxiety
• Mysterious intrusions human and technical
• Provide nurturing for failure of spirit,
  competence, or technology

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Is the CBA endeavor worth the effort?

• Initial Goal Implement the current assessment
  program using a CBA Strategies.
• Vision Creating CBA assessment strategies that
  provide a clearer picture of student ability to
  apply knowledge and skills than is possible in a
  paper and pencil environment.

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Need Additional Information?Horace Brud Maxcy,
Ph.D.maxcy_at_midcoast.com