1. North Carolina Computer Skills Tests CTE Summer Conference Koury Convention Center Greensboro July 27, 2005 Presenter: Randy Craven Information Technology Manager, Technical Outreach for Public Schools NC State University

2. Session Purpose This session will provide an overview of the North Carolina Computer Skills Tests to be used during 2005-06 including:  1992 & 1998 Curriculum Tests  2004 Curriculum Online Test  2004 Curriculum Alternate Assessment

3. CAUTION This session will contain factual information concerning an actively developing process. Statements made will be representations of current plans for the near future. End results may turn out to be different.

4. The Requirement In May 1991, the North Carolina State Board of Education (SBE) adopted a policy which required that all students, beginning with the class of 2000, demonstrate computer proficiency in order to receive a high school diploma (Feature C of the Quality Assurance Program). In October of 1995, the SBE modified the requirement which made it effective beginning with the graduating class of 2001. In May 1991, the North Carolina State Board of Education (SBE) adopted a policy which required that all students, beginning with the class of 2000, demonstrate computer proficiency in order to receive a high school diploma (Feature C of the Quality Assurance Program). In October of 1995, the SBE modified the requirement which made it effective beginning with the graduating class of 2001.

5. Curricula - Tests 1992 Curriculum Tests for Students Who Entered Grade 8 From 1996-1997 through 1999- 2000 1992 Curriculum Tests for Students Who Entered Grade 8 From 1996-1997 through 1999- 2000 1998 Curriculum Tests f 1998 Curriculum Tests for Students Who Entered Grade 8 from 2000–2001 through 2004- 2005 2004 Curriculum Tests for Students Who Entered Grade 8 from 2005-06 and beyond

6. One Requirement 1992 & 1998 Curricula 1992 & 1998 Curricula –Passing two separate tests needed to fulfill computer proficiency requirement for students entering 8 th grade during school years 1996- 97 to 2004-05 Multiple-Choice Multiple-Choice Performance Performance 2004 Curriculum 2004 Curriculum –Passing only one test required

7. What - Tests 1992 Curriculum Multiple Choice Scored Locally 1992 Curriculum Multiple Choice Scored Locally 1992 Curriculum Performance Scored Centrally 1992 Curriculum Performance Scored Centrally 1992 Portfolio Scored Locally 1992 Portfolio Scored Locally 1998 Curriculum Multiple-Choice Scored Locally 1998 Curriculum Multiple-Choice Scored Locally 1998 Curriculum Performance Scored Centrally 1998 Curriculum Performance Scored Centrally 1998 Portfolio Scored Locally 1998 Portfolio Scored Locally 2004 Curriculum Online Combination Scored Centrally 2004 Curriculum Online Combination Scored Centrally 2004 Curriculum Alternate Assessment Field Test Scored Centrally 2004 Curriculum Alternate Assessment Field Test Scored Centrally 2004 Curriculum Alternate Assessment Scored Locally 2004 Curriculum Alternate Assessment Scored Locally

8. When - Schedule Now - 2005-06 School Year Now - 2005-06 School Year 2004 Curriculum Alternate Field Test – ASAP at the beginning of the school year for 9 th Graders 2004 Curriculum Alternate Field Test – ASAP at the beginning of the school year for 9 th Graders 1992 & 1998 Curriculum Tests – Early October - Mid November 1992 & 1998 Curriculum Tests – Early October - Mid November 2004 Curriculum Online Primary Window – Mid October – Mid January 2004 Curriculum Online Primary Window – Mid October – Mid January 2004 Curriculum Alternate – Early November – Mid January 2004 Curriculum Alternate – Early November – Mid January 1992 & 1998 Curriculum Tests – Early February – Mid March 1992 & 1998 Curriculum Tests – Early February – Mid March 2004 Curriculum Standards Analysis – Mid January – Mid February 2004 Curriculum Standards Analysis – Mid January – Mid February 2004 Curriculum Standards Set By SBE 2004 Curriculum Standards Set By SBE 2004 Curriculum Results Reported Early March 2004 Curriculum Results Reported Early March 2004 Curriculum Online & Alternate Secondary Window – Late March – Mid June 2004 Curriculum Online & Alternate Secondary Window – Late March – Mid June

9. Grades Affected Grade 8 Grade 8 –Online Test –Alternate Assessment Grade 9 Grade 9 –Alternate Assessment Field Test Grades 9 – 12 (for those not yet meeting the standard) Grades 9 – 12 (for those not yet meeting the standard) –1998 Curriculum Tests –1998 Curriculum Portfolio Students who entered grade 8 between 1996-97 through 1999-2000 (seeking diploma – not yet meeting the standard) Students who entered grade 8 between 1996-97 through 1999-2000 (seeking diploma – not yet meeting the standard) –1992 & 1998 Curriculum Tests –1992 & 1998 Curriculum Portfolio

10. Administration Times* 1992 curriculum 1992 curriculum –Multiple Choice – 105 minutes –Performance – 90 minutes 1998 curriculum 1998 curriculum –Multiple Choice – 110 minutes –Performance – 133 minutes 2004 curriculum 2004 curriculum –One Online Test Estimated 120 minutes –One Alternate – Time not known currently *Note: Administration times do not include distribution of material, printing and organizing of student printouts [performance], packaging, shipping, and other logistical activities

11. More About… 1992 & 1998 Curricula Tests 1992 & 1998 Curricula Tests 1992 & 1998 Curricula Tests 1992 & 1998 Curricula Tests 2004 Curriculum Online Test 2004 Curriculum Online Test 2004 Curriculum Online Test 2004 Curriculum Online Test 2004 Curriculum Alternate Test 2004 Curriculum Alternate Test 2004 Curriculum Alternate Test 2004 Curriculum Alternate Test NCDesk NCDesk NCDesk NCRegistration NCRegistration NCRegistration 2004 Curriculum Test Development History 2004 Curriculum Test Development History 2004 Curriculum Test Development History 2004 Curriculum Test Development History Other Items Other Items Other Items Other Items

12. Menu 1992 & 1998 Test Details Pencil-Paper-Computer-Printer processes Pencil-Paper-Computer-Printer processes 2 Separate Tests with different standards to be passed 2 Separate Tests with different standards to be passed Multiple-Choice Scored Locally Multiple-Choice Scored Locally Performance Scored Centrally Performance Scored Centrally Must be given once per year to students who have not yet met the standard Must be given once per year to students who have not yet met the standard

13. Menu Old Paper Trail Printing of test materials Printing of test materials –Test booklets –Answer documents –Header sheets and shipping lists Excess Ordering (~100% overage) Excess Ordering (~100% overage) Printing of student work for performance Printing of student work for performance Handling of materials Handling of materials

14. Menu Test Files Support Currently supporting 23 different software packages for performance test Currently supporting 23 different software packages for performance test Distribution of test files to field Distribution of test files to field Equity of administration questionable Equity of administration questionable Online Test delivers required files to students as test is in progress Online Test delivers required files to students as test is in progress

15. Menu Scoring Performance Currently performance test booklets are hand scored by a scoring contractor at a central location Currently performance test booklets are hand scored by a scoring contractor at a central location –Time Fall administration – approximately 2 months Fall administration – approximately 2 months Spring administration – approximately 1 month Spring administration – approximately 1 month –Costs High High Scorers, staffing, spacing, supplies Scorers, staffing, spacing, supplies

16. Menu Scoring Performance (cont.) Scores are reliable and valid Scores are reliable and valid Inter-rater reliability is high [93% +] Inter-rater reliability is high [93% +] Reliability monitoring, qualified scorers Reliability monitoring, qualified scorersBut… Potential for human error still exists Potential for human error still exists Student work does not always provide evidence that student used correct methods to accomplish task Student work does not always provide evidence that student used correct methods to accomplish task

17. Menu 1992 & 1998 Test Details End of Section End of Section 2004 Curriculum Online Test 2004 Curriculum Online Test 2004 Curriculum Online Test 2004 Curriculum Online Test 2004 Curriculum Alternate Test 2004 Curriculum Alternate Test 2004 Curriculum Alternate Test 2004 Curriculum Alternate Test NCDesk NCDesk NCDesk NCRegistration NCRegistration NCRegistration 2004 Curriculum Test Development History 2004 Curriculum Test Development History 2004 Curriculum Test Development History 2004 Curriculum Test Development History Other Items Other Items Other Items Other Items

18. Menu 2004 Online Test Details Tests the adopted 2004 curriculum Tests the adopted 2004 curriculum Uses NCDesk as the client interface Uses NCDesk as the client interface Delivered through the Internet from central testing server Delivered through the Internet from central testing server

19. Menu Goals of the Online Test Merge two tests into one… Merge two tests into one… Reduce the administration, testing, scoring, and logistical time required… Reduce the administration, testing, scoring, and logistical time required… Provide a universal delivery to increase equity for a “standardized” test… Provide a universal delivery to increase equity for a “standardized” test… Eliminate costs of printing and reduce paper waste… Eliminate costs of printing and reduce paper waste… Decrease handling so much paper… Decrease handling so much paper… Maximize reliability and validity of scores… Maximize reliability and validity of scores… Return scores more efficiently and timely… Return scores more efficiently and timely… Keep pace with the changing face of technology, testing, and scoring… Keep pace with the changing face of technology, testing, and scoring…

20. Menu The Online Test 72 items total 72 items total 4 sections 4 sections 18 items per section 18 items per section Items not delivered randomly Items not delivered randomly Not divided into strand specific sections Not divided into strand specific sections Not divided into performance and multiple-choice sections Not divided into performance and multiple-choice sections

21. Menu The Online Test Different forms automatically delivered to each student Different forms automatically delivered to each student Performance vs. Multiple-Choice Performance vs. Multiple-Choice –50% performance based –50% multiple-choice based Embedded field test items for future test development Embedded field test items for future test development

22. Menu NCDesk Client NCDesk Integrated Java Applications Suite NCDesk Integrated Java Applications Suite –Delivery of multiple-choice items –Delivery of performance items within testing environment –Includes: editor/word processing application editor/word processing application database application database application spreadsheet application spreadsheet application e-mail composer application e-mail composer application window management application window management application

23. Menu Online Test Environment Secure Secure –Encrypted –Save function disabled in NCDesk during test Self-contained Self-contained –No “surfing” of Internet within NCDesk –No “cut, copy, paste” functionality outside of test Data Warehousing Data Warehousing –Student responses stored on server when moving between sections and questions –Allows for recovery of test and data if workstations crash or other technical problems are encountered

24. Menu Online Test Screen Restore, flag control and position text Restore, flag control and position text Item stem Item stem Foils [multiple-choice] or application [performance] Foils [multiple-choice] or application [performance] –Separate scroll bars for each Navigation buttons Navigation buttons Pause button Pause button

25. Menu Online Test Navigation Section number identified on each item page [i.e., Section 1] Section number identified on each item page [i.e., Section 1] Item number within section identified on each item page [i.e., Question 2 of 18] Item number within section identified on each item page [i.e., Question 2 of 18]

26. Menu Online Test Controls Restore Restore –Clears item of changes and restores to original format Flag Flag –Identifies item on navigation bar at section end with a red question mark as an indicator that student may need to re-visit prior to exiting section –Student can still exit a section if items are flagged

27. Menu Online Test Navigation Students can move forward and backward within a section Students can move forward and backward within a section Returning to section is not permitted once section is completed Returning to section is not permitted once section is completed Navigational buttons [PREV (previous), NEXT] Navigational buttons [PREV (previous), NEXT] Linear movement backwards or forwards within section Linear movement backwards or forwards within section

28. Menu Online Test Functions End Section End Section –Links to section summary page Pause Pause –Pauses the test at the immediate location for recovery without exiting test environment –15 minute timeout – test administrator will have to log student back into the test if paused longer than 15 minutes.

29. Menu Online Test Navigation Section Summary Section Summary Navigation bar at end of section Navigation bar at end of section Non-linear movement to any item in section Non-linear movement to any item in section Displays which items have been flagged Displays which items have been flagged Displays which items have been answered Displays which items have been answered Moving to next section displays warning Moving to next section displays warning

30. Menu Online Test Details End End Section End Section 1992 & 1998 Curricula Tests 1992 & 1998 Curricula Tests 1992 & 1998 Curricula Tests 1992 & 1998 Curricula Tests 2004 Curriculum Alternate Test 2004 Curriculum Alternate Test 2004 Curriculum Alternate Test 2004 Curriculum Alternate Test NCDesk NCDesk NCDesk NCRegistration NCRegistration NCRegistration 2004 Curriculum Test Development History 2004 Curriculum Test Development History 2004 Curriculum Test Development History 2004 Curriculum Test Development History Other Items Other Items Other Items Other Items

31. Menu Online Test Development History Feasibility Study/Trial Fall 2003 Feasibility Study/Trial Fall 2003 Feasibility Study/Trial Fall 2004 Feasibility Study/Trial Fall 2004 Spring 2005 Field Test Spring 2005 Field Test

32. Menu Feasibility Studies Conducted research into feasibility of delivering Internet- based test environment Conducted research into feasibility of delivering Internet- based test environment Fall 2003 Fall 2003 Fall 2004 Fall 2004 Conducted research into performance of local and central technology during delivery Conducted research into performance of local and central technology during delivery Conducted research into overall performance of test environment and applications Conducted research into overall performance of test environment and applications Conducted research into item performance within test environment and applications Conducted research into item performance within test environment and applications Received feedback and implement debugging, redevelopment, or new development Received feedback and implement debugging, redevelopment, or new development

33. Menu Feasibility Studies Fall 2003 Fall 2003 Volunteer sites Volunteer sites Adults only Adults only 1,926 starts: 1,351 finishes 1,926 starts: 1,351 finishes 62 LEAs represented, 193 schools 62 LEAs represented, 193 schools Fall 2004 Fall 2004 At minimum, 10 locally chosen students per school containing eighth-grade students At minimum, 10 locally chosen students per school containing eighth-grade students 5,620 starts: 4,783 finishes 5,620 starts: 4,783 finishes

34. Menu Field Testing Spring 2005 Spring 2005 Continued research into overall performance of test environment and applications Continued research into overall performance of test environment and applications Conducted research into item performance Conducted research into item performance Data used to construct operational form(s) Data used to construct operational form(s) Receive feedback and implement debugging or redevelopment where needed. Receive feedback and implement debugging or redevelopment where needed. Note: implementation of change can only occur where not affecting performance of item Note: implementation of change can only occur where not affecting performance of item

35. Menu Spring 2005 Field Test Sampled population of schools and students Sampled population of schools and students Window: April 11 – June 15 Window: April 11 – June 15 8,510 students chosen for sample 8,510 students chosen for sample 6,361 starts: 6,198 finishes 6,361 starts: 6,198 finishes Alternate Assessment also field tested Alternate Assessment also field tested –Window: May 9 – June 15 –2000 students chosen for sample

36. Menu Online Test Development History End End Section End Section 1992 & 1998 Curricula Tests 1992 & 1998 Curricula Tests 1992 & 1998 Curricula Tests 1992 & 1998 Curricula Tests 2004 Curriculum Online Test 2004 Curriculum Online Test 2004 Curriculum Online Test 2004 Curriculum Online Test 2004 Curriculum Alternate Test 2004 Curriculum Alternate Test 2004 Curriculum Alternate Test 2004 Curriculum Alternate Test NCDesk NCDesk NCDesk NCRegistration NCRegistration NCRegistration Other Items Other Items Other Items Other Items

37. Menu Computer Skills Alternate Assessment Results of feasibility study and Federal mandates required development of an alternate assessment instrument for two distinct populations: Results of feasibility study and Federal mandates required development of an alternate assessment instrument for two distinct populations: Students with special needs who could not access the online test using available accommodations Students with special needs who could not access the online test using available accommodations Students who could not access the online test as a result of technical/technology limitations [i.e., unable to meet minimum requirements for bandwidth, computer, etc.] Students who could not access the online test as a result of technical/technology limitations [i.e., unable to meet minimum requirements for bandwidth, computer, etc.]

38. Menu Computer Skills Alternate Assessment Field tested Spring 2005 Field tested Spring 2005 –~2000 students sampled –1338 total documents processed –1323 contained multiple choice data –765 contained performance data Different delivery from online test, but equal rigor of standard [item difficulty level, thinking skills, etc.] Different delivery from online test, but equal rigor of standard [item difficulty level, thinking skills, etc.] One test consisting of two distinct sections One test consisting of two distinct sections

39. Menu Computer Skills Alternate Assessment Multiple-Choice Section Multiple-Choice Section –36 items –Traditional Performance Section Performance Section –27 total items 26 performance-based, administrator rated [yes or no] items 26 performance-based, administrator rated [yes or no] items 1 administrator rated [yes or no] item evaluating student proficiency with computer over course of time 1 administrator rated [yes or no] item evaluating student proficiency with computer over course of time –Computer-based –Individualized administration –Use supplied files and local applications [i.e., word processing, database, etc.] to complete tasks required by items –Files provided in text format for conversion into local applications [PDFs provided to serve as blueprints]

40. Menu Computer Skills Alternate Assessment Item performance, results, and feedback being analyzed at this time Item performance, results, and feedback being analyzed at this time Highly likely to be field tested again in early Fall 2005 to 9 th graders Highly likely to be field tested again in early Fall 2005 to 9 th graders Test files will be provided for State supported platforms/packages in future administrations Test files will be provided for State supported platforms/packages in future administrations

41. Menu Computer Skills Alternate Assessment End End Section End Section 1992 & 1998 Curricula Tests 1992 & 1998 Curricula Tests 1992 & 1998 Curricula Tests 1992 & 1998 Curricula Tests 2004 Curriculum Online Test 2004 Curriculum Online Test 2004 Curriculum Online Test 2004 Curriculum Online Test NCDesk NCDesk NCDesk NCRegistration NCRegistration NCRegistration 2004 Curriculum Test Development History 2004 Curriculum Test Development History 2004 Curriculum Test Development History 2004 Curriculum Test Development History Other Items Other Items Other Items Other Items

42. NCDesk Center of the Universe Center of the Universe –Test Access test at Log in page [School code, User name, Password] Access test at Log in page [School code, User name, Password] –Test Simulation Practice activity to simulate real test environment Practice activity to simulate real test environment –Verify Connection Runs test to verify if secure connection to test server is established Runs test to verify if secure connection to test server is established –Documentation Links to website for information, updates, etc Links to website for information, updates, etc –Applications Access to all applications integrated in test environment for use and familiarization Access to all applications integrated in test environment for use and familiarization

43. Technical NCDesk is a locally installed client Java application NCDesk is a locally installed client Java application –Client computers must have Java runtime installed Quality Internet connection required for accessing test environment Quality Internet connection required for accessing test environment –Internet connection not required for NCDesk applications when used for learning and practice NCDesk communicates with a central server for testing [not hosted locally] NCDesk communicates with a central server for testing [not hosted locally] Auto-update system check for current NCDesk version Auto-update system check for current NCDesk version Sufficient RAM recommended Sufficient RAM recommended CPU of good clock speed and recent vintage recommended CPU of good clock speed and recent vintage recommended Minimum amount of drive space available Minimum amount of drive space available Sufficient amount of bandwidth required during testing Sufficient amount of bandwidth required during testing Best Resource for technical recommendations Best Resource for technical recommendations –http://ncdesk.ncsu.edu/ncdesk/technote.asp

44. Technical Notes - Proposed Client Computer Requirements Special Note: Client computer systems running the minimum 128Mb RAM need to reduce the number of background applications running when trying to use NCDesk. Background applications consume memory resources that can become critically low when other applications are running. These types of applications include hidden applications, system inits (Macintosh) and system tray applications (Windows). The following proposed client computer requirements are posted with the assumption that currently active background applications are at a minimum. Supported PlatformMinimum Java Runtime Oldest OS Version Minimum Processor Minimum Free Hard Drive Space Minimum RAM NoMicrosoft Windows 95NA YesMicrosoft Windows 98Java 2 Runtime Environment (JRE) Version 1.4.2_06 1 1 1st Edition Pentium 166 MHz 57 Mb128 Mb Yes Microsoft Windows Me Java 2 Runtime Environment (JRE) Version 1.4.2_06 1 1 Me Pentium 200 MHz 57 Mb128 Mb NoMicrosoft Windows NTNA Yes Microsoft Windows 2000 Pro Java 2 Runtime Environment (JRE) Version 1.4.2_06 1 1 SP3 Pentium 233 MHz 57 Mb256 Mb Yes Microsoft Windows XP Java 2 Runtime Environment (JRE) Verstion 1.4.2_06 1 1 SP1 Pentium 200 MHz 70 Mb256 Mb No Macintosh "Classic" NA Yes Macintosh OS X Java 2 Runtime Environment Version 1.4.1 Update 1 Jaguar OS X 10.2.xPowerPC x26 Mb128 Mb Yes Macintosh OS X Java 2 Runtime Environment Version 1.4.2 Update 2 (based on 1.4.2_05 SDK) 2 2 Panther OS X 10.3.3 PowerPC x26 Mb128 Mb Yes Macintosh OS X Java 2 Runtime Environment Version TBA Tiger OS X 10.4 PowerPC xTBA

45. NCRegistration A test registration system (NCRegistration) is being developed to work in conjunction with any of the online testing programs being developed/offered to public schools in North Carolina. School systems and schools will use the system to indicate students who are eligible for testing within a testing window and schedule test administrations within predefined testing sessions for groups of students. NCRegistration

46. NCRegistration Functions Administrative - User access rights functions. Users are state level administrators, regional level administrators, local district test coordinators, school test coordinators, test administrators, and possibly teachers. Administrative - User access rights functions. Users are state level administrators, regional level administrators, local district test coordinators, school test coordinators, test administrators, and possibly teachers. Bulk Registration - Function to allow bulk file uploads of student records to register large groups of students to a testing window. Bulk Registration - Function to allow bulk file uploads of student records to register large groups of students to a testing window. Single Registration - Function to allow registration of single student to a testing window. Single Registration - Function to allow registration of single student to a testing window. Test Session Scheduling - Indicating numbers of students at a school per test administration Test Session Scheduling - Indicating numbers of students at a school per test administration Student Information Questions (SIQ) -- additional data collection process Student Information Questions (SIQ) -- additional data collection process Reports – Test Results Reports – Test Results

47. Other Items Current Activities Current Activities Accessibility Issues Accessibility Issues Helpdesk Helpdesk Mobile Labs Mobile Labs Future Plans Future Plans Necessities for Success Necessities for Success Web Site Reference Web Site Reference Contact Information Contact Information

48. Current Activities Analysis of field test data Analysis of field test data –Item performance, results, feedback from field Development and implementation of scoring parameters for items Development and implementation of scoring parameters for items Analysis of technical issues arising during field testing Analysis of technical issues arising during field testing –Ongoing debugging and development of technology and test environment Creation of operational form(s) based on analysis of field test data Creation of operational form(s) based on analysis of field test data Development of new items [item writing] for embedding in the future Development of new items [item writing] for embedding in the future Additions and testing of NCDesk & NCRegistration Additions and testing of NCDesk & NCRegistration

49. Accessibility Issues Definite accessibility issues with online testing! Definite accessibility issues with online testing! Standard accommodations are still available Standard accommodations are still available Choice of large or regular font size for NCDesk Choice of large or regular font size for NCDesk Keyboard and mouse actions functional Keyboard and mouse actions functional Currently developing the ability to integrate and support assistive technology [i.e., screen readers - JAWS] Currently developing the ability to integrate and support assistive technology [i.e., screen readers - JAWS] Exploring multiple options for accessibility [zoom functions, etc.] Exploring multiple options for accessibility [zoom functions, etc.] Implementation of additional assistive technology likely an extended process Implementation of additional assistive technology likely an extended process

50. Helpdesk Activated for feasibility studies/trials, field testing, and will be available for operational administration Activated for feasibility studies/trials, field testing, and will be available for operational administration Assistance provided prior to, during, and after testing Assistance provided prior to, during, and after testing Addresses NCRegistration, NCDesk, Computer Skills Alternate Assessment, and any other issues involved in delivery and implementation of online test Addresses NCRegistration, NCDesk, Computer Skills Alternate Assessment, and any other issues involved in delivery and implementation of online test http://cskills.ncsu.edu/ncdesk/helpdesk.asp http://cskills.ncsu.edu/ncdesk/helpdesk.asp http://cskills.ncsu.edu/ncdesk/helpdesk.asp Email cskills@ncsu.edu to request assistance Email cskills@ncsu.edu to request assistancecskills@ncsu.edu

51. Mobile Labs Available for schools/systems unable to test because of technical limitations Available for schools/systems unable to test because of technical limitations By request only [actual process for requests still in development] By request only [actual process for requests still in development] Availability issues and division of time Availability issues and division of time

52. The Future Online testing is the future Online testing is the future –Most states are in the process of either implementing or maintaining an online testing program –North Carolina is moving forward with online testing…this is only the beginning Students are more positive about online testing than administrators/teachers/staff Students are more positive about online testing than administrators/teachers/staff –Trends suggest students more comfortable and engaged with online testing…overwhelming support from them Technology concerns are warranted, but… Technology concerns are warranted, but… –Implementation of technology will become seamless over time as traditional options for testing are exhausted –Systems/schools have been successful in implementing this test

53. Necessities for Success Dissemination and sharing of information Dissemination and sharing of information –Local, State, National, International –Use resources available and act as a resource Question Question –Online testing is a new world so do not be afraid to question things or offer your opinion Support Support –There will be some growing pains, but never waver in your support –Support at all levels, between all divisions and peoples is absolutely required Learn Learn –Do not be complacent in your knowledge, always seek more

54. Questions???

55. Web Sites Reference http://cskills.ncsu.edu http://cskills.ncsu.edu http://cskills.ncsu.edu –Link to home page of the North Carolina Online Test of Computer Skills http://ncdesk.ncsu.edu http://ncdesk.ncsu.edu http://ncdesk.ncsu.edu –Direct link to the home page for the NCDesk application suite http://www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum/computerskills http://www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum/computerskills http://www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum/computerskills –Link to Computer/Technology Skills Standard Course of Study on the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction website http://community.learnnc.org/dpi/tech http://community.learnnc.org/dpi/tech http://community.learnnc.org/dpi/tech –Link to Computer/Technology Skills page for Curriculum and School Reform on the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction website http://www.ncpublicschools.org/accountability/testing/computerskills http://www.ncpublicschools.org/accountability/testing/computerskills http://www.ncpublicschools.org/accountability/testing/computerskills –Link to computer skills testing information on the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction website http://tps.dpi.state.nc.us/ http://tps.dpi.state.nc.us/ http://tps.dpi.state.nc.us/ –Link to Technology Implementation & Planning Services page on the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction website http://www.ncpublicschools.org/techservices http://www.ncpublicschools.org/techservices http://www.ncpublicschools.org/techservices –Link to Technology Services page on the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction website

56. Contact Information Scott Ragsdale Project Manager, North Carolina Computer Skills Assessments scott_ragsdale@ncsu.edu Randy Craven Technical Manager randy_craven@ncsu.edu Jim Kroening Program Manager, Performance Assessments jkroening@dpi.state.nc.us