Above poster- meant computer test not standardized

^^39% on the iReady screener

No more DRA! That is why I would like to opt out and have my child given the DRA.

I'm PP concerned about using computer based testing. I think computer based testing is a bad idea (whether for standards based SOLS or for classroom diagnostic purposes) because kids don't do as well- again especially at the grade 1 and 2 level)
A first grader should not be placed in a reading group based upon a standardized test which is what this test will be used for. No more DRA
Yes, I know teachers CAN give the DRA, but if the child is testing at or above grade level, they most likely won't.

How can I opt out?

Anonymous wrote:Is this in place of the DRA, or in addition to? I assumed that teachers would continue to do the DRA test 2 or 3 times a year in the lower grades.

For kids who are new to the county and who score below 39%, the DRA has to be given. Optional for all others.

Is this in place of the DRA, or in addition to? I assumed that teachers would continue to do the DRA test 2 or 3 times a year in the lower grades.

Anonymous wrote:Yes got the letter went online looked at the research kids do worse on tests given on the computer.

https://dianeravitch.net/2016/06/13/kids-do-worse-on-computers-when-taking-tests/

http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2016/02/kids_do_worse_on_online_tests_in_some_states_than_with_paper_and_pencil_but_ohios_not_checking.html

http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2016/02/23/comparing-paper-and-computer-testing-7-key.html

The assessment that students are taking in FCPS are not achievement tests. They are meant to serve as a screener to see where an intervention may be needed. If a student does not score well, additional assessments such as the DRA2 (administered one on one with a teacher, no computer) is given.
Your argument and research makes more sense when talking about using computers for tests like the SOL.

Yes got the letter went online looked at the research kids do worse on tests given on the computer.

https://dianeravitch.net/2016/06/13/kids-do-worse-on-computers-when-taking-tests/

http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2016/02/kids_do_worse_on_online_tests_in_some_states_than_with_paper_and_pencil_but_ohios_not_checking.html

http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2016/02/23/comparing-paper-and-computer-testing-7-key.html

OP here - pic was supposed to be PC

Anonymous wrote:I'm so against this- kids do worse on computer based testing. Especially when they are young. Does FCPS offer any way to opt out and only take paper and pencil?

Nope. It's an adaptive test meaning that it adjusts as the student answers correctly or incorrectly.
Are you an FCPS parent, because you should have received a letter about this.

I'm so against this- kids do worse on computer based testing. Especially when they are young. Does FCPS offer any way to opt out and only take paper and pencil?

Are parents going to get the results? Or is this like the math test (MAP?) that parents never see?

Anonymous wrote:Kindergarten testing with iReady doesn't begin until mid-October for all schools. On Grades 1-6 can begin testing next week.

And yes, they use a laptop. Younger grades will be tested in small groups, so you don't need to worry about your kid not knowing how to use it. Teachers will be right there.

I know our 1st through 3rd grades are not testing in small groups.

Kindergarten testing with iReady doesn't begin until mid-October for all schools. On Grades 1-6 can begin testing next week.

And yes, they use a laptop. Younger grades will be tested in small groups, so you don't need to worry about your kid not knowing how to use it. Teachers will be right there.

Laptop or desktop with a mouse.

I don't know what you mean by "pic".

A paper came home talking about testing - it is a computerized test. For Kindergarten do they use laptops (with touchpad or mouse?) an iPad or a pic?