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District: New York State ELA computer tests saw login and submission issues; most students completed the exam the next day
Summary
West Irondequoit educators reported technical problems during the April administration of New York State English language arts computer-based assessments; most students were able to finish on the following day and the district plans to share feedback with the state.
Instruction staff told the board on April 10 that the district experienced technical issues when New York State’s computer-based English language arts assessments began this week, with the worst problems occurring on Tuesday.
According to the presentation, some students were unable to log in, some were partway through the test and could not submit answers, and others completed the assessment without issues. District staff kept affected laptops because the test files remain on those devices during administration. On Wednesday, staff reported that most remaining problems were minor and all students were able to complete the exam.
The district praised support from Monroe 1 BOCES and said it will send feedback to the state about the administration. Instruction staff said they received an email from the vendor indicating the vendor does not anticipate the same issues for remaining test administrations.
District officials also reminded the board that third grade students are still using paper-based assessments this year and that the state is on a multi-year timeline to move all assessments to computer-based delivery.
Why it matters: State assessment results feed district program decisions and family communications. Officials said results are typically embargoed and released to families the following fall; the district said it will note the administration issues in any communications so families understand the testing conditions.
The board asked about timelines for sharing scores with families; instruction staff said district results are typically released to families in September or October, and the district will consider additional explanatory notes when scores are distributed.
