As technology has taken on a bigger role in schools, standardized tests such as the SAT and AP tests have moved from paper to the computer. With a new method of testing comes new possible opportunities and setbacks in schools.
Testing coordinator Kristen Lybrand said students have already begun taking some tests online such as the interim and MAP tests. These tests are training students for online standardized testing they will see toward the end of the year.
“Transitioning standardized tests on paper to online is really, really helpful because you’re used to the support there,” Lybrand said.
Students have their own opinions about tests being online, and senior John Mikal said it has been beneficial to his learning.
“I feel that online tests are way better because I can’t do the paper ones as well,” Mikal said. “I love highlighting online rather than on paper and typing is way better than handwriting.”
If students attend college after high school and they attend college, their tests will primarily be online. Teachers and administrators said that online testing in high school is better at preparing students for college.
“I feel like in the colleges which most of these tests usually are gearing us toward are doing online testing as well, and so I feel like we want to be as much in line with them as we can be,” AP English IV teacher Sarah Milosh said.
As tests are moving to an online format, students are trying to adapt to the new way of testing without letting it affect their scores.
“I think there may be a transition period, but I think we will adapt,” Milosh said. “In the classrooms, we will probably allow kids to work and practice a little bit.”
Milosh and AP chemistry teacher Shayna Reasoner both said they believe switching to online testing could cause a dip in students’ scores, but it will even out as students get used to the new format.
“The state needs to recognize that and not penalize schools if their scores do dip a little bit because it’s a new process,” Reasoner said. “Overall, I think the online testing will be pretty reflective of what the students know. I don’t think it will change that much.”
