Dillon School District Four began getting ready for online testing several years ago by providing keyboarding software to all students from Pre-K – grade 12 and began upgrading the infrastructure and computers as funds allowed. Last year the district was one of the first districts to be part of the “Online Testing Technology Readiness Analysis” provided by the State Department of Education.  This comprehensive analyses in the areas of: Facilities, Infrastructure, Hardware, Teacher Readiness, Student Readiness, Funding Mechanisms, Strategic Planning and Technology Support provided an independent analysis so that the district could be more proactive in getting ready to do online testing.
The district has been offering workshops and individual assistance to teachers for online testing. Weekly testing tips are sent to teachers highlighting programs and devices to help them get students ready for online testing.
The technology department has installed in labs practice tests to allow students to practice the needed skills. Software programs that utilize the use of the specific technology skills needed such as “Study Island” have been highlighted. Other programs that utilize practice for online testing such as Learning Express, available through DISCUS have also been utilized. Students have become more familiar with online testing with MAP testing and EOC (End of Course) exams. Computer memory has been added and computers been upgraded in labs at all schools. 1:1 tablets are provided for grades 3 and 4 with plans to expand this program. Carts of tablets are in the process of being provided to every school. New labs have been installed in several schools and plans are to add more as funds allow. Through funding from the state and Erate, the district has been able to upgrade all wireless, fiber cabling, switches and UPS systems to ensure that testing will be able to be run smoothly.
The district is utilizing funding from a variety of programs to be able to provide the best experience for our students as we move forward with online testing.