ATI In the News
Arizona Schools Progress with Online Testing for Instructional Decision Making
TUCSON, AZ/ February 28, 2003 - As our nation’s schools are meeting the challenge of comprehensive school reform, Assessment Technology, Inc. (ATI) a leading provider of high-quality assessment tools in the Pre-K arena since 1987, is making Galileo technology available to K-12 administrators, teachers, parents and students. Galileo’s Online Testing capability is appealing as a fast, accurate, cost-effective solution supporting schools as they meet the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act and Arizona Academic Standards.
Galileo Online K-12 links assessment to instructional delivery. This patented technology appeals to Arizona educators as it is adaptable for districts of all sizes. Galileo technology provides reliable, real time data for decision-making which can lead to increased student achievement.
“Galileo Online K-12 was built on the principles of science with a vision that everyone should benefit from the opportunities and transformations of technology. Our assessment technology is research–based. We’ve been doing it that way for years – even before the No Child Left Behind Act,” comments ATI President, John R. Bergan. “We call it EML (the Electronic Management of Learning). It’s a flexible system to fit local district needs, and provides immediate access to data for educational decision-making, anytime-anywhere.”
Galileo’s EML has several things in common with the No Child Left Behind legislation:
- It’s foundations are in the scientific approach in which decisions are based upon empirical observation and instruction is linked to assessment with the ability to individualize and provide targeted educational support.
- It expands the opportunity for parent/school communication including prompt electronic posting of grades, assignments and reports that link assessment results to standards by performance objectives.
- It maximizes local control by design – giving schools flexibility on assessment design, customized assessment scales, choice of curriculum and teaching methods, report filters and aggregation options and much more.
- It tracks student performance aligning reliable and valid assessment methods with curricular performance for overall accountability.
Southern Arizona school districts are currently using Galileo Online as one tool to address government requirements and ensure student success. “We are using (Galileo) Online Testing and a standards-based reporting system at the elementary level that communicates to parents what standards have been mastered by students,” says Marana School District Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Ron Rickel. “As NCLB is fully implemented, it will be important to continue with these efforts as well as to provide professional development for our teachers, utilize data driven decision making… and increase parent awareness and involvement.”
Dr. Jason Feld, Assessment Technology Vice President, has been working with school districts in southern Arizona addressing their individual needs. “Most schools are looking for fast access to information which can best be provided through web-based assessment tools. We found that when addressing accountability initiatives a priority for schools is building partnerships and getting the right information at the right time to the right people. It takes everyone involved in an eLearning Community to interact and become a part of the learning process.” says Dr. Feld.
With Galileo Online K-12 administrators, teachers, parents and students can access real time data on academic progress throughout the school year. The assessment data can target areas for instructional improvement and can be used to make decisions crucial for student achievement.
- Administrators use customized research-based assessments for measuring progress towards performance objectives reflecting standards prior to state testing; apply customized filters to disaggregate data for groups of students to determine sources of variability in students learning; and make data driven decisions to promote district learning goals.
- Teachers can adapt instruction to meet students needs; construct and administer classroom tests online or offline; create and edit assignments linked to standards automatically intergraded with the Galileo Gradebook; and demonstrate attainment of academic skills articulated in state standards.
- Parents communicate with teachers to stay informed and engaged in their child’s education; access activities and resources for family support; and view assignments and grades promptly posted online.
- Students access assignments and grades posted online; take tests online; and can gain individual instruction.
Galileo technology is currently used is several hundred educational programs across 30 states. ATI’s mission to create, distribute and support the use of technology to promote learning is accomplished through a powerful line of technology products. Galileo K-12 Online includes Assessment, Reporting, Curriculum and web-based Gradebook/Report Cards. Galileo Online early childhood products include Galileo Preschool, Merlin (family and child information management) and Storyteller (computer-based language and literacy assessment and instruction). Galileo technology solutions provide secure data with automatic back-ups daily, multi-level password protection system and information encryption. Software updates are available through the Internet, meaning users don’t need to install or maintain on-site software and database systems. To learn more about ATI products and services, please visit our web site at www.ati-online.com.
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Call 1-800-367-4762 or 520-323-9033.
Contact:
Jody E. Jepson
Public Relations Specialist, ATI
1-877-358-7615
Fax: 520-323-9139
jody@assessmenttech.com