Dive Brief:
- Kansas officials may not release the results of the state's new standardized tests following a myriad of computer glitches and cyberattacks that made the testing process nearly impossible.
- Last month, Kansas officials extended the testing period by two-weeks after school districts reported numerous technical difficulties, which led to test delays and interruptions.
- While the data will be analyzed and scored after the May 16 deadline, the state is considering asking for federal exemption from publicly releasing the scores.
Dive Insight:
Kansas Deputy Education Commissioner Brad Neuenswander said the results of the trial run will not be used or published if officials feel they don’t accurately portray the achievements and realities of Kansas students. Many school administrators feel strongly against the use or publicizing of the scores.
“Even if they're accurate, they're not valid," one superintendent told Education Week. "When you disrupt the testing situation, you disrupt the validity."
As many states try out new tests — many of which are now computerized — Kansas’s experiences should be an example of the downside of technology and why it's always important to have a plan B. Good thing this is their trial run.