SMART+TESTING

=Smart and Open Testing=

Testing is now used as a once-in-a-year assessment instrument that ranks schools and provides little guidance to teachers, parents, or students. Testing is necessary but with the advances of technology it should be smarter. Smart testing is readily understandable and informs educators, teachers, and students. Rather than measuring student achievement at a single point of time, it uses technology to frequently measure levels of student accomplishment on a real time basis.

Clear Standards
Rather than using extrapolated notions such as "grade level," HOPE calls for the setting of real bands of standards for reading and math: Testing is geared to specifically credential students at each of these levels. Schools are rated by the levels of students who manage to gain each certification level.
 * //Basic// (an understanding of the building blocks of letters, numbers, and sounds);
 * //Elementary// (an ability to read chapter books and perform basic arithmetic);
 * //Citizenship-ready// (an ability to read newspapers, serve on juries, and handle all aspects of math in daily life); and
 * A//dvanced// (the ability to perform at college-ready levels).

"Open Testing" and Technology
We are currently just scratching the surface of the promise of using web technology to organize testing. We propose the establishment of an extensive database of questions that will permit on-demand tests for students to demonstrate mastery of standards. We propose the establishment of secure testing centers where students have multiple opportunities to take tests and that that students, with the help of their parents and teachers, have ample opportunity to practice tests online. In all of these cases the results of testing should be clear and immediate so there is rapid understanding of the skill level of students and how they are progressing towards benchmark levels; students, families, and schools should all have secure accounts to view student progress at all times. Through this methodology students, families, and schools can work together to devise targeted assistance to identified students.

Imagine if driving tests were given only once a year! The point of driving tests is not when they are taken but that potential drivers can demonstrate their ability to take the road test when they are ready. An "open testing system" would, in the same manner, give students multiple opportunities to demonstrate their capability. Classroom instruction would then be specifically geared to the needs of students while avoiding the crescendo of kill-and-drill activities associated with test preparation.

The Open Testing system should also be open to individuals after they leave K-12 schools. In this way Open Testing provides life-long opportunities for people to demonstrate new and higher skill levels.

Testing and Follow-through
Smart testing also includes technology applications to help educators target assistance to students in need. In the course of busy school days, a crowded curriculum, and conflicting demands educators need ways to constantly keep in mind students who have not performed well. Technology applications can send out reminders and prompts to teachers and school leaders parents. In this way numerous resources can be directed towards targeted students and they will not so easily "fall through the cracks."

Parents can become better partners in their children's education through Smart and Open Testing. With access to student accounts, the database of questions, and testing centers parents will have the opportunity to learn more about standards and testing. Parents should be included in the follow-through loop and receive resources and practical advice on how to create a positive learning environment for their children at home and assist in all aspects of instruction.

Testing of Special Education Students and English Language Learners
Special education students and English language learners have unique learning curves so great care must be taken to derive testing policies that do not interfere with the priorities of classroom instruction. Schools should be given a menu of ways students can demonstrate academic growth before they are invited to participate into the regular testing program.