Dear Superintendent,

The window for state testing opens on April 4, 2016. Recently, we have received requests from school districts to change their previously selected mode of test administration. As you know, districts indicated their plans for test administration last October and placed paper test orders in January. Districts should plan on proceeding with the mode that they have previously selected. No changes will be allowed for this school year.  

Technical analysis from state and national experts, including individuals from top universities and NASA, have reviewed last year’s tests and determined the online and paper tests were comparable. There were no consistent patterns of differences between paper/pencil and online test results over grade levels or content areas. There were no recommendations from the national PARCC Technical Advisory Committee or Ohio’s Technical Advisory Committee for any adjustments in the results. To our knowledge, no other states that used PARCC testing have needed to make any adjustments.

We believe that moving to online testing is the right direction for our students. Ohio’s Learning Standards require students to demonstrate appropriate use of technology because it is important that our graduates are prepared for college and the workforce where these skills are necessary. Ohio’s State Tests were designed to be administered online, taking advantage of the opportunities and accessibility features available in this testing mode.

I know you appreciate the crucial importance of measuring student progress in an effective education system — for students, their parents, teachers, school administrators and the taxpayers who support your district. Results of these assessments provide the whole community perspective on what their students are able to retain and apply long term, allowing for reflection and improvement. Especially at a time when we must prepare our students for the high-skill demands of today’s workforce, testing — and test results — help you determine how to best prepare your students to succeed.

Thank you.

Lonny J. Rivera

Interim Superintendent of Public Instruction