Assessment
EdTech
ASAP Case Study
A Getting Smart case study on the Automated Student Assessment Prize (ASAP) that invited teams to build software systems that could grade written responses on state standardized tests as accurately as trained experts.
Personalized Learning
Preview of Back to School Week on GettingSmart
We have a great line up of blogs for next week, join the conversation. We'll review Michael Fullan's new book, find out why Cal St asked Pearson to help expand online options, study blended learning modes, learn about online speech therapy, find out how Common Core standards are different, and contemplate new approaches to research
Personalized Learning
Building the Digital Learning Superhighway
Next month there will be a lot of U.S. students holding an iPad looking at a spinning wheel. Cheaper devices, powerful apps, successful school models, and preparation for online assessments is boosting student access to technology. But in most places, the pipes won't be ready for all the traffic.
Personalized Learning
Placement Exams: The Hidden Gateway
While many have focused on ACT and SAT, the tests that drive attendance at selectives (a small percentage of post secondary students), there has been little attention paid to placement exams—the real hurdle in the system for young adults that want to earn college credit. JFF just released a must read report, Where to Begin? The Evolving Role of Placement Exams.
Personalized Learning
NRC Report Highlights Importance of Deeper Learning
While the NRC definition of deeper learning purportedly shifts from "21st century skills" to broader "21st century competencies" including skills, knowledge, and expertise, the definition seems accurate - but a bit shallow.
EdTech
NAF Launches Student Certification Assessment System
National Academy Foundation announced a new certification system today. We think it signals a real commitment on NAF's part to getting serious about outcomes. We are bullish on certification systems as market signaling strategy that will grow in importance over time. We like the way NAF approached the design of this system. They are one of small handful of organizations that has the reach to do this at scale. In other words, we think this is a pretty big deal.
Personalized Learning
Curriculum Associates: Leveraging For-profit Power With a Nonprofit Purpose
For-profit giants are often viewed with skepticism in education. Nonprofits generally focus on impact but move at a slower pace and struggle to raise donations to fund growth. Is there there a better model?
Personalized Learning
Hewlett Foundation Launches Prize for Short Answer Scoring
The Hewlett Foundation launched a $100,000 prize for scoring short answer student responses today on the Kaggle platform. After successfully tackling essay scoring, this prize takes on the more difficult challenge of scoring, with a high degree of accuracy, constructed responses of less than 150 words.
Personalized Learning
Policy Implications of Online & Blended Learning
At the National Charter School Conference (#NCSC) in Minneapolis yesterday, I participated in a discussion of the Policy Implications of Online & Blended Learning with Jim Griffin, Colorado Leage of Charter Schools, Mickey Revenaugh, Connections Learning, and David Hanson. I told the audience of school heads, authorizers, network leaders and district…
EdTech
Does Online Assessment Increase or Reduce Bias?
Dr. Mark Shermis addressed a question about the possible bias of online assessment and said, "Automated essay scoring software will ultimately make it easier to administer more writing assignments, raising the literacy bar for all school children."