Computer based testing environments: The development of a protocol for schools
說明
176 p
附註
Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 74-07(E), Section: A
Adviser: Elizabeth Farley-Ripple
Thesis (D.Ed.)--University of Delaware, 2013
More and more students are taking high stakes tests in computer based testing environments each year. These assessments are being used to determine the academic progress of students and the success of schools and/or school systems where they are attending. To provide students with an environment conducive to high achievement, students need to be provided with a structured testing environment during the test administration. The purpose of the project is to design a protocol for schools that describes areas, identified as dimensions, to be considered for an optimal testing environment during administration of the Delaware Comprehensive Assessment System (DCAS)
The testing environment is defined as having six dimensions: testing locations, scheduling, hardware, staff training, student preparation, and proctoring and staff support, which are studied by pulling from multiple data sources. Data sources informing the design of the protocol include academic research, a survey of teachers, a survey of students, an interview with a local administrator, interviews with State of Delaware and District Administrators, a Testing Narrative from the local institution, and multiple DCAS resources published by the State of Delaware. Each of these data sources was analyzed according to each dimension. Results suggest that smaller testing groups, in more locations, using available hardware, regardless of type, is favorable. Additionally, findings confirmed the benefit of having all staff at an institution complete staff training regarding the testing process and their role in it. During testing administration, if both students and staff effectively participate in the process, students will have the best possible chance of performing to their maximum potential. Based on these findings, a test preparation checklist and training presentation were created for use by stakeholders in the State of Delaware, including Department of Education officials, district level administrators, and building level administrators
