LONG VALLEY, NJ — The Washington Township Board of Education is calling for a closer look at New Jersey's reliance on computer-based standardized testing, arguing that the technology used to administer exams could affect results in ways unrelated to what students actually know.
The board approved a resolution during its first meeting of the school year seeking changes to the New Jersey School Boards Association's (NJSBA) position on statewide testing. It also asks the NJSBA to advocate for a state review comparing digital assessments with paper-based testing.
In its resolution, the board raised concerns about standardized tests administered through digital devices, including Chromebooks, beginning as early as third grade. Officials say factors including typing and keyboarding skills, scrolling fatigue, trackpad dexterity, screen glare, device response times, and digital eye strain are variables that could potentially influence test results independently of a student's academic knowledge.
The board also argued that districts may have to devote instructional time to teaching younger students how to use these devices and testing programs to prepare for state testing.
The resolution is specifically proposing that the NJSBA adopt language stating that assessments should measure academic achievement independently of the medium used to administer the test.
It also calls for the association to advocate for the New Jersey Department of Education to conduct a review of statewide testing data to determine whether there are significant differences exist between digital assessments and paper-based tests.
The proposal is slated to be considered at the NJSBA's Delegate Assembly on Nov. 21, according to district documents.
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