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House approves shift to online writing assessment after debate on access and grading
Summary
House Bill 334, to change Utah’s direct writing assessment to an online adaptive test and classroom tools, passed the House 69–4 on March 3, 2009 after debate about computer access and whether human grading would be supplanted.
The Utah House voted on March 3 to pass House Bill 334, which replaces the current direct writing assessment with an online writing-assessment platform intended for practice and instruction as well as assessment.
Representative Bogleman (sponsor) explained the proposal to convert the direct writing assessment into an online adaptive system available to students 24/7. He said the platform would allow students to practice writing at home and school, provide immediate feedback, and serve as a teaching tool to improve writing performance across grades. The sponsor described the software as cost-effective and adaptive and suggested the program could be extended to additional grades.
Representatives raised concerns about uneven computer access across districts and whether younger students had the keyboarding skills for online composition. Representative Moss noted disparities in the number of computers in schools and flagged the need for technology funding; sponsor and supporters pointed to available federal stimulus technology funds and stressed that human grading would remain part of the overall assessment program.
Representative Bogleman said pilot districts using the software reported measurable gains and that computer vs. teacher grading resulted in similar scores at the secondary level, though he acknowledged that highly skilled writers may still 'outsmart' machine scoring. After floor debate the House recorded a vote of 69 yes and 4 no; HB334 will be transmitted to the Senate for consideration.
Next steps: Senate consideration; implementation details such as grade coverage and district technology capacity will require follow-up during enactment and rulemaking.
