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[quote=Anonymous][quote]The technology enhanced questions on the test were "Field Test" questions. Students were made aware of the changes they would be seeing on the test and were given multiple opportunities to practice on EPat and use the online tools.[/quote]

I think the whole idea of using a computer for this type of test is ludicrous.  For third graders, especially.  We have mini-computers whereby you can't always see the question and all of the answers at the same time.  The kids have to select a ruler from a toolbar (the RIGHT ruler -- either the inches or centimeter ruler), drag it down, rotate it to fit the object they are measuring -- then remember to click on another button to record their answer.  If they have a question about one of their answers, they can "flag" it for later review (with another button).   Bar graphs aren't just on the screen to be interpreted; the kids have to use tools to pull up the various bars to get the right answer.  In my opinion, a simple paper/pencil test would much more accurately measure the MATH skills (as opposed to the technology skills) the students possess.  But then, if it were a simple paper/pencil test then Pearson (who has the contract for Virginia's Department of Education) wouldn't be able to charge the big bucks for developing and "enhancing" the tests every year, would they?  And no one (teacher or student) would need to be instructed in how to answer questions, would they?  The book that was given to teachers to explain how the test should be administered was about 100 pages long, which seemed absolutely ridiculous to me.  Bet Pearson charged a lot for those books too.  I had kids who took literally hours to answer the questions.  I had other kids who were so distracted by the "technology-enhanced" items that they could not focus on the material.  At least this year some kids had the option of taking the test using paper and pencil; that will be phased out next year.  So much for our much-vaunted concern for differentiation.[/quote]

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