Computer-adaptive testing is likely to be the hot discussion item for educators and lawmakers this fall. And if school districts that test-drove the program last year have any say, schools statewide would jump aboard to better educate Utah schoolchildren.

"We know how well every student is doing," said Sevier District Superintendent Brent Thorne. "I have been in the education business for 40 years and this is by far the best thing to help student achievement."

A computer-adaptive exam changes to fit a student's ability. For example, if a student answers a question correctly, the next question is different than it would have ben if the previous question had been answered wrong. Sevier and Juab school districts spent last year piloting the computer-adaptive testing program while also meeting state testing requirements.

The test is given three times a year so as to better track students academically as opposed to end-of-level testing that reveals academic needs and achievement when the school year is nearly over. Not only can teachers see that a child needs help in math, for example, they can pinpoint specifically whether it's fractions or long division, said Millard District Superintendent David Taylor.

"We can see exactly where the students are having trouble," he said.

Furthermore, regular results of the exams can show teachers how to "challenge the high fliers," Thorne said. "Some students could pass their end-of-level tests the first day of class."

State Board of Education Chairwoman Debra Roberts said the computer-adaptive testing issue is part of the accountability and assessment segment of the board's long-term plan. She is looking forward to discussing the testing method with lawmakers.

Roberts especially likes the availability of the test results.

"It brings assessment to the classroom level. Teachers and parents can track how the kids are doing academically," she said.

The state board is scheduled to meet Sept. 11 to hear the results of an external audit of Sevier and Juab school districts' use of computer-adaptive testing during the 2008-2009 school year. The Legislature's Education Interim Committee may devote a portion of its Sept. 16 meeting to discussing the program.

The purpose of the evaluation is to "examine the effectiveness of the pilot and see if it should be continued or expanded," said Judy Park, state education associate superintendent of data, assessment and accountability.

Many Utah schools will conduct computer-adaptive testing for the upcoming school year.

The state board recently approved the program for Sevier, Juab and Millard school districts; Cherry Hill and Meadow elementary schools in Alpine School District; John Hancock Charter School in Pleasant Grove, and Summit Academy Charter School in Draper. The schools will be exempt from state-required testing.

During a special session last September, the Legislature approved the pilot program for three rural school districts; two urban school districts; and five charter schools. The pilot program will end June 30, 2010.

e-mail: astewart@desnews.com