1. Assessing the validity of Technology Application Assessments.
The validity of assessment is very dependent on strong the assessment is. The
National Education Technology Standards for Students (NETS*S) are very good at
assessing what makes a good learner. These “standards now emphasize the wide range of
skills that are required to learn and live in an increasingly digital world.” Boss & Kraus.
(2007) Real Projects in a Digital World. These skills include creativity, imagination,
communication, collaboration, and an ability to research and find information. An
assessment that measures these goals is worth the expense and time needed to gain the
data. This is a good indicator of the skills that our students need to succeed in the 21st
century. By assessing our students, we can learn what is and is not valid in the approach
to education.
The Texas STaR Chart is another form of assessment. This one measures the teachers,
administrators, and educators. It addresses areas of teaching and learning, teacher
preparedness, leadership and administration, and the infrastructure of technology. Part of
this survey is a self-assessment. This assessment is useful in measuring areas that are not
addressed by student scores on assessment. The STaR Chart organizes results into
classifications. These are level 1 through level 4. 1 is Early Tech , and 4 is the Target
level. Based on the results of this survey, the State of Texas is able to compare the annual
results with previous years to see the gains or losses of that year in technology
applications.
Some assessment is necessary to address the success or failure of some programs, and
helps the districts and schools maintain healthy programs and infrastructures. They are
also needed to generate funds to pay for those programs. Grants are given out many times
based on the merit of the documented need. This does not suggest that every test is
appropriate or necessary. Standards and Applications for programs often require
assessments for documentation. NETS*S and The STaR Chart are two ways to help
address these needs.