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District emphasizes guided classroom technology and previews spring testing schedule
Summary
Staff described an instructional-first approach to classroom technology—training for teachers, device use guidelines and digital-citizenship goals—and Dr. Small outlined spring statewide assessment windows, with most testing scheduled in May and end-of-course exams comprising 30% of course grades.
Okaloosa County School District staff told the board they are prioritizing guided, instructional use of classroom technology alongside broad professional learning for teachers, and provided a schedule and readiness report for spring statewide assessments.
Ms. Ross described the district's approach as "technology is a means" to student success, not an end. She emphasized structured, teacher-led use of devices across K–12 (iPads, Chromebooks, ClearTouch panels, prism VM goggles), digital citizenship training and differentiated instruction. Ross said more than 400 teachers have taken part in after-school, Saturday and summer professional learning focused on technology integration.
Dr. Small presented the spring assessment calendar: elementary writing was largely complete with about 95% participation; FAST/PM3 reading and math windows for K–10 and grade-specific science and end-of-course exams are scheduled through May, with summer retake schedules in July. She noted that end-of-course exams count for 30% of the student's overall grade in the course.
Board members asked whether all exams are device-based; staff confirmed most assessments are administered on devices except for accommodations where paper is required. Staff said they will continue to monitor device and network capacity during the testing window.
