School Districts Work To Balance Use Of Computers For Testing, Instruction

The Oregonian (7/24, Owen) reported that "mandatory computerized state testing" and federal requirement that "students to be 'technologically literate' by the end of eighth grade" has created a dilemma "for schools as educators try to teach" technology "but find computer labs consumed for days or weeks at a time throughout the year for state testing." Carla Wade of the Oregon Department of Education said that "ten years ago, Oregon received about $6 million in federal funding for technology, but it has declined every year since." Some districts "are trying out smaller, less expensive laptops" and asking students to bring their own laptops to school to use. Others concerned about "the liability issue of broken or lost equipment" will consider whether "computer use for assessment tests should continue to trump technology education."