Evaluation, Grades and Testing

Will gamification replace paper tests?

eSchool News

MAY 2, 2022

Nearly everyone remembers the stress of taking a test in school. In fact, around 40 percent of students regularly report experiencing moderate to severe anxiety over tests. Unfortunately, that stress isn’t limited to students in higher grades.

Gamification

Gamification Testing Exams Elementary School

Rethinking student assessment: Tools and strategies for meaningful evaluation

eSchool News

APRIL 10, 2025

Here are five powerful resources that can transform how you evaluate student progress. Unlike traditional tests, Wakelet empowers students to demonstrate understanding in a personalized and reflective way. Reviewing their collections provides a richer, more comprehensive view of their understanding than a standard test would.

Evaluation

Evaluation Quizzes Critical Thinking Feedback

Test: The four-letter word that works with GPA for college admissions

eSchool News

SEPTEMBER 9, 2024

College admissions trends have followed suit, especially regarding standardized testing. The debate over using test scores in college admissions has oscillated between requiring them and questioning their necessity in favor of relying more on student grade point averages (GPAs).

Testing

Testing Exams Evaluation History

A new ‘Seal of Endorsement’ for teachers evaluating ed-tech

eSchool News

OCTOBER 22, 2015

GEI’s seal of endorsement process conducts product evaluations by teachers based on real-world use in their classrooms. Created specifically to serve the educational market, GEI places learning products into the hands of teachers, who evaluate them based on classroom use and a vigorous assessment process.

Evaluation

Evaluation Teachers Feedback Instructors

Building Better Rubrics: Empowering Learners Through Effective Rubric Design

Catlin Tucker

FEBRUARY 26, 2023

Rubrics identify specific criteria relevant to the assignment, along with corresponding levels of performance that allow for more precise grading. Using rubrics helps teachers stay focused during the grading process and ensures that grading is objective, consistent, and fair. How does using rubrics benefit students?

Fairness

Fairness Assignments Feedback Evaluation

How the COVID crisis caused K-12 to rethink testing

eSchool News

MARCH 21, 2022

The pandemic reignited the debate over shifting away from high-stakes testing to a more balanced assessment approach that’s part of the regular instructional cycle. States did without the data used for high-stakes decisions such as A-F grading of individual schools, and educators were left to look to other methods to evaluate learning.

Testing

Testing Evaluation Grades Teachers

U.S. 8th grade scores decline on critical computer and information literacy skills

eSchool News

DECEMBER 31, 2024

They were able to iteratively test and refine blockbased coding solutions to address real-world problems, resulting in solutions with moderatetohigh levels of both precision and efficiency. 8th-grade female students average CIL score (493) was higher than that of their male counterparts (468) in 2023 Computational thinking The average U.S.

Skills

Skills Grades Internet Participation

Poll: Americans oppose linking teacher evaluations with student performance

eSchool News

AUGUST 24, 2015

Latest Gallup Poll reveals that many public school parents are not in favor of using student performance in teacher evaluations. Many Americans, especially public-school parents, give low marks to rating a teacher based partly on how students perform on standardized tests, according to a survey.

Evaluation

Evaluation Teachers Testing Students

Shift to Self-assessment

Catlin Tucker

SEPTEMBER 18, 2023

Who decided that grading and assessment should be the exclusive responsibility of teachers? Self-assessment shifts the focus from a grade-centric perspective to a learning-centric one. When students evaluate their own work, they gain invaluable insights into themselves as learners.

Evaluation

Evaluation Assignments Failure Discussions

Arizona Department of Education Selects Riverside’s CogAT for Statewide Universal Screening of all Second-Grade Students for Gifted Education Services

eSchool News

FEBRUARY 23, 2022

23, 2022 – The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) selected Riverside Insight’s Cognitive Abilities Test ( CogAT ® ), the most respected and widely used test of student ability, to screen Grade 2 students state-wide for gifted programs. ITASCA, Ill. – CogAT in Arizona Schools.

Grades

Grades Fairness Disabilities Education

Standards-Based Grading: Hope vs. Reality

Edsurge

JANUARY 20, 2020

Standards-based grading (SBG)—or competency-based grading—measures student progress relative to specific learning standards. This system of evaluation isolates the learning of content and mastery of skills from other factors, such as behavior.SBG takes on many different forms across the country.

Grades

Grades Math Culture Achievement

The math anxiety equation: How to solve for confidence in math class

eSchool News

MAY 5, 2025

Key points: Creating a culture where all students see themselves as capable math thinkers starts with leaders Key questions that unleash powerful PLCs Ethical PD: Doing right by the teachers who do right by the world For more news on teachers PD, visit eSN’s Educational Leadership hub One of my first vivid memories of math is of timed tests.

Math

Math Beliefs Culture Ethics

AI is the solution to costly and ineffective dyslexia programs

eSchool News

JUNE 18, 2024

These brief screeners use a sample of disconnected test items that are just as likely to miss a student’s problem areas as to find them. Even lengthy evaluations by specialists have all the same limitations. Even lengthy evaluations by specialists have all the same limitations.

Disabilities

Disabilities Learning Disabilities Evaluation Languages

After COVID, high school GPA isn’t a sure predictor of first-year college GPA

eSchool News

OCTOBER 22, 2024

Key points: A study offers important considerations for how colleges can best evaluate student performance Test: The four-letter word that works with GPA for college admissions What data is necessary to help students succeed? Key findings: The onset of the pandemic saw significant grade inflation in high schools.

High School

High School High School Evaluation Schools

Teaching Partner, Grading Assistant or Substitute Teacher?

Edsurge

MARCH 1, 2023

ChatGPT adds to the suite of AI tools that might be encountered in an ELA classroom, along with automated essay scoring, writing evaluation and feedback. We evaluated one writing platform that gave students immediate, AI-generated feedback, with unlimited opportunities to use the feedback to revise and resubmit their essays for better scores.

Grades

Grades Teaching Teachers Essay

How Do You Grade a Creative Assignment?

Edsurge

JULY 21, 2022

Seeing as how art has been such a big part of Irish history and culture, I was thinking about something artistic in some way, but how on earth do I grade something creative? Do I grade a student lower if she/he isn't able to write a song or create some kind of representative artistic element? What do I do?

Assignments

Assignments Grades History Ethics

Understanding dyslexia: Why early diagnosis and intervention matter

eSchool News

NOVEMBER 20, 2024

It wasn’t until I shared my worries about my son’s reading ability countless times throughout kindergarten and into first grade that his school finally acted. Some researchers have found interventions are twice as effective if they are made before fourth grade. After my son’s evaluation, I knew I had to take action.

Evaluation

Evaluation Learning Disabilities Disabilities Reading

Is Assessment Ready to Move Beyond Standardized Tests? These MIT Researchers Think So.

Edsurge

DECEMBER 10, 2018

But it’s a tough nut to crack, because many of the skills and characteristics treasured most are in fact the hardest to evaluate. The beauty of playful assessment, she says, is that it can be done without interrupting the rhythm of learning, thereby alleviating student anxiety around testing. They have high anxiety about it, too.

Testing

Testing Evaluation Gamification Middle School

How to Evaluate Programs You’ve Never Used in Less Than Seven Minutes

Ask a Tech Teacher

MAY 22, 2020

The first evaluates the big picture. If the program gets past Step One, I test it. It will stand the test of time. Most of these perform multiple functions such as assigning homework, planning lessons, collecting work, and grading it. What’s your secret for evaluating new webtools, apps, or programs?

Evaluation

Evaluation Assignments Testing Critical Thinking

Meteor Education Offers Medical-Grade Pathogen Reduction Technology for Schools

eSchool News

DECEMBER 17, 2020

With school disinfection and pathogen reduction rising to the top of district priorities nationwide, MeTEOR Education announced today that it is making medical and industrial-grade Continuous Air & Surface Pathogen Reduction (CASPR) technology available for schools. About Meteor Education.

Grades

Grades Technology Laboratory Education

Book Talks with Benny Launches as AI-powered Teacher’s Assistant

eSchool News

JANUARY 6, 2025

Today, Beanstack announces the addition of Book Talks with Benny, an AI-powered teachers assistant that promotes reading integrity without the need for quizzes or grading. This information allows educators to evaluate the conversation and make the final decision about how best to ensure reading accountability.

Quizzes

Quizzes Ethics History Intelligence

ACT Says Grade Inflation Is a Serious Problem. It’s Probably Not.

Edsurge

MAY 16, 2022

At a time when more colleges and universities are taking tentative steps away from standardized tests , ACT is not only recognizing the threat, but urging caution. Last year, the number of ACT test takers declined 22 percent, even as the number of test optional schools grew to include a slew of public state school systems.

Grades

Grades Testing Interdisciplinary STEM

This Toolkit Helps Take the Stress Out of State Testing

Edsurge

FEBRUARY 19, 2019

If you’re an educator, the weeks leading up to state testing are likely some of the most stressful and demanding days in your year. You’re focused not only on test preparation, but also on each student’s specific needs. We know that educators at all levels are responsible for making big decisions based on student evaluation outcomes.

Testing

Testing Exams Peer Review Study

Smithsonian and Carolina Biological Announce New Study Results and Effectiveness of their K – 5 Science Curriculum

eSchool News

JANUARY 8, 2025

Together with professional development, S mithsonian Science for the Classroom , which is published by Carolina Biological, the leading school science supplier, was shown to raise science, math and reading performance for grades 3 to 5. Students in grades 3 through 5 were part of the study from rural and diverse North and South Carolina.

Study

Study Science Curriculum STEM

4 lessons learned about AI in 2023

eSchool News

JANUARY 8, 2024

In January 2023, about one month after the release of ChatGPT, there were already stories about colleges switching to “pen-and-paper” tests to battle the AI bots. The larger problem is that grading overemphasizes students’ final product of learning instead of their process of learning. If so, why? Why not just have AI do everything?”

Quizzes

Quizzes Learning Testing Intelligence

3 tips to authentically engage students in real-world STEM learning

eSchool News

DECEMBER 4, 2024

For the summer program, I created an experiment in which students got to test out different types of road salts. In my experience, even reluctant students become interested in setting up a science experiment when they have some level of agency over what they will be testing. Both are readily available on Amazon. Give students agency.

STEM

STEM Learning Science Students

1,600 Colleges Are Now Test-Optional. How Many Will Go Back?

Edsurge

SEPTEMBER 25, 2020

The University of Massachusetts Amherst has historically required prospective undergraduate students to submit a standardized test score as part of their applications. Even now, as testing has resumed—albeit with social distancing, face coverings and limited seating—access to testing centers is not equal, nor equitable.

Testing

Testing Exams Internet Fairness

Getting started with early literacy

eSchool News

FEBRUARY 6, 2020

In Cobb County School District , we strive to ensure every student is reading on or above grade level by grade 3. In some schools, however, our data and test scores indicated that students were struggling. Developing robust literacy skills empowers children to succeed in school and life. Addressing early literacy learning.

English

English Languages Language Evaluation

Our research shows that when students work on projects, they learn more

eSchool News

NOVEMBER 1, 2016

Past research reviewed in the report also suggests that PBL students perform better on a wide range of assessments including standardized testing. The full report includes quantitative and qualitative evaluations of students’ problem-solving abilities after implementation of a pre-built, project-based STEM curriculum in science class.

STEM

STEM Textbooks Learning Students

New Partnership Provides Texas Educators Easy Access to Critical Data

eSchool News

JUNE 7, 2022

This allows for more time with students and less time planning, testing, grading, and disaggregating data. MAP Growth is an interim (given multiple times a year), computer-adaptive assessment that measures student academic growth with a continuous scale for mathematics and English in grades K-12 and science in grades 2-8 and Biology.

Accessibility

Accessibility Education English Testing

Advancing educational equity with UDL and generative AI

eSchool News

JANUARY 12, 2024

When we pair a tested, research-based framework like UDL with AI, it brings us a step closer to the goal of true inclusion of all learners in CS classes. Valid Does my assessment evaluate the specific learning objective I am attempting to assess? Implementation of UDL requires rethinking the development and planning of lessons.

Education

Education Evaluation Science Accessibility

What data is necessary to help students succeed?

eSchool News

SEPTEMBER 4, 2024

Typically, information presented to students is either qualitative or too broad, such as during parent-teacher conferences or through course grades. This idea is well understood in grading, but not as so in feedback to students. Concept mapping can be particularly beneficial in subjects like history and science.

Multiple Choice Questions

Multiple Choice Questions Feedback Students History

Beyond the Test: How Have We Learned This Decade?

Edsurge

DECEMBER 31, 2019

According to that “big” test, the PISA, math and science test scores of all U.S. Parents can digitally tap into not just grades but assignments. So have students learned more? students have been largely flat since about 2000. But is asking how much students have learned the right question? The experience is sometimes chaotic.

Testing

Testing Learning Social Studies Evaluation

Can assessments be used to eliminate inequities in education? AI could help

eSchool News

JULY 16, 2024

Test-optional and test-blind admissions in recent years could mean a radical expansion of access to selective colleges. The patchwork of admission test policies in college admissions underscores a larger challenge—and opportunity—for both K-12 and higher education.

Education

Education Testing Feedback English

Parallel Learning—Psychoeducational Telehealth Platform—Announces Official Launch Alongside $2.8m In Funding

eSchool News

DECEMBER 28, 2021

With Parallel, evaluations begin within days instead of waiting months and cost a fraction of the price of traditional evaluations which can be upwards of $5,000. This proprietary technology cuts the evaluation time in half, allowing students to receive a full report within just two weeks.

Evaluation

Evaluation Learning Learning Disabilities Disabilities

7 ways AI will make a positive impact on classroom teaching

eSchool News

AUGUST 14, 2024

Most tools that teachers have for this purpose are lagging indicators such as tests, quizzes, and homework. By analyzing patterns in students’ grades, attendance, participation, and other behavioral indicators, AI algorithms can predict potential academic risks and learning disabilities. First, outside-in.

Teaching

Teaching Gamification Feedback Intelligence

AEF Schools: Empowering Students with Individualized Learning, Social Growth, and Real-World Skills

k12 Digest

MAY 28, 2025

That vision became AEF Schools , a place designed for students who needed something differenta structured, supportive environment where learning goes beyond textbooks and tests. The Preparatory Programs support students who thrive in a structured setting without the added stress of homework or standardized testing.

Skills

Skills Schools Learning Students

Taking Grades (Stress) Out of Learning

Faculty Focus

APRIL 17, 2025

I found myself sitting in a classroom, staring at a test I couldnt answer. In my mind, the purpose of learning was to get good grades. Grades were everythingsymbols of success and a source of validation. This fear intensified in high school, where frequent tests ranked students publicly. Where was my future?

Grades

Grades Social Studies Learning Feedback

Newark Public Schools considers new AI tutor chatbot for districtwide use

eSchool News

MAY 28, 2024

The district was among the first in the country to test the chatbot called Khanmigo, an AI program developed by online learning giant Khan Academy that is designed for classrooms and acts as a tutor for students and an assistant for teachers. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is a Chalkbeat funder. Learn more about our funding here.)

Schools

Schools Math Testing Intelligence

Florida Department of Education Approves Lexia Learning for ELA Intervention Courses

eSchool News

JUNE 9, 2021

Lexia® PowerUp® Literacy (PowerUp) has also been approved for intervention courses in grades six and above. Finally, the Commissioner of Education assessed the state and district reviewer evaluations, public feedback and cost of the materials before giving approval.

Education

Education Blended Learning Learning Peer Review

Taking K-12 education transformation from pipe dream to pipeline

eSchool News

JULY 2, 2024

It’s about getting rid of the idea that everyone receives the same lesson at the same time; that what you learn should be based on your age; that students need to be in classrooms to learn; and that standardized test scores are the best way to gauge success and potential.

Education

Education Internet Interdisciplinary Testing

How we turned around our English language learner (ELL) program

eSchool News

APRIL 16, 2019

serves more than 2,000 students in grades nine through 12. Biggest challenge: Results on standardized tests revealed that about a quarter of our 9th- and 10th-grade students weren’t reading at grade level. After enrolling in the class, students take a test to establish their baseline Lexile score.

English

English Language Languages Learning Disabilities

4 educator reflections on the 2023-2024 school year

eSchool News

MAY 15, 2024

Here’s what educators have to say about the 2023-2024 school year: Improving engagement and test scores with phenomena-based curricula April Pence, Edison High School Last year was my first time using phenomena-based units aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in chemistry. Learning can happen in many ways!

Education

Education Schools Math Science

Five years on: COVID’s impact on schools–and what’s next for education

eSchool News

MARCH 27, 2025

The most recent collection of evidence evaluating recovery trends since 2022 highlights that our students are still far off from recovering academically. Across national assessments, like the Nations Report Card, interim assessments, and state summative tests, data shows a continued decline in reading scores between 2022 and 2024.

Education

Education Schools Testing Evaluation

Will gamification replace paper tests?

Rethinking student assessment: Tools and strategies for meaningful evaluation

Trending Sources

Test: The four-letter word that works with GPA for college admissions

A new ‘Seal of Endorsement’ for teachers evaluating ed-tech

Building Better Rubrics: Empowering Learners Through Effective Rubric Design

How the COVID crisis caused K-12 to rethink testing

U.S. 8th grade scores decline on critical computer and information literacy skills

Poll: Americans oppose linking teacher evaluations with student performance

Shift to Self-assessment

Arizona Department of Education Selects Riverside’s CogAT for Statewide Universal Screening of all Second-Grade Students for Gifted Education Services

Standards-Based Grading: Hope vs. Reality

The math anxiety equation: How to solve for confidence in math class

AI is the solution to costly and ineffective dyslexia programs

After COVID, high school GPA isn’t a sure predictor of first-year college GPA

Teaching Partner, Grading Assistant or Substitute Teacher?

How Do You Grade a Creative Assignment?

Understanding dyslexia: Why early diagnosis and intervention matter

Is Assessment Ready to Move Beyond Standardized Tests? These MIT Researchers Think So.

How to Evaluate Programs You’ve Never Used in Less Than Seven Minutes

Meteor Education Offers Medical-Grade Pathogen Reduction Technology for Schools

Book Talks with Benny Launches as AI-powered Teacher’s Assistant

ACT Says Grade Inflation Is a Serious Problem. It’s Probably Not.

This Toolkit Helps Take the Stress Out of State Testing

Smithsonian and Carolina Biological Announce New Study Results and Effectiveness of their K – 5 Science Curriculum

4 lessons learned about AI in 2023

3 tips to authentically engage students in real-world STEM learning

1,600 Colleges Are Now Test-Optional. How Many Will Go Back?

Getting started with early literacy

Our research shows that when students work on projects, they learn more

New Partnership Provides Texas Educators Easy Access to Critical Data

Advancing educational equity with UDL and generative AI

What data is necessary to help students succeed?

Beyond the Test: How Have We Learned This Decade?

Can assessments be used to eliminate inequities in education? AI could help

Parallel Learning—Psychoeducational Telehealth Platform—Announces Official Launch Alongside $2.8m In Funding

7 ways AI will make a positive impact on classroom teaching

AEF Schools: Empowering Students with Individualized Learning, Social Growth, and Real-World Skills

Taking Grades (Stress) Out of Learning

Newark Public Schools considers new AI tutor chatbot for districtwide use

Florida Department of Education Approves Lexia Learning for ELA Intervention Courses

Taking K-12 education transformation from pipe dream to pipeline

How we turned around our English language learner (ELL) program

4 educator reflections on the 2023-2024 school year

Five years on: COVID’s impact on schools–and what’s next for education

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