By Richard Bammer
When they meet tonight, Dixon Unified leaders will hear an update on new all-computerized state tests and they may approve a “constitutional advance” from the county.
Public schools countywide have begun giving online exams in English language arts and mathematics based on the state’s new academic standards.
Exact testing dates are determined by each school and local school district officials, but it was unclear from agenda documents when they would occur in Dixon.
Mike Walbridge, assistant superintendent of educational services, will make the presentation to the five-member governing board.
With the new tests — called Smarter Balanced and developed by the Educational Testing Service — students in grades three through eight and 11 will take the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP), replacing the paper-based, multiple-choice Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) program. They will take the tests using desktop computers, Chromebooks, and tablet computers.