[Kan-ed_members] LearningStation Test Builder Equips Kansas Schools with Online Testing

[Christina Madden]

LearningStation Test Builder Equips  Kansas Schools with Online Testing Capabilities

LearningStation Test Builder, the producer and distributor of the KS Formative Test Builder, was selected this week by the Software & Information Industry Association as a Codie Award Finalist.  This awarded version will
be delivered to all Kansas schools on January 30 through the Empowered Desktop by Kan-ed.  
   
According to LearningStation, the tool is designed to support teachers as they prepare students for state-mandated tests and provide an intuitive online  environment for creating, delivering and assessing practice tests in reading and  mathematics for grades three through high school.  This tool is available  as  follows:
   
Who:                All Kansas schools who have  deployed the Empowered Desktop by Kan-ed (Available free of             
                        charge to all public  and private schools)
   
What:              An easy-to-use online test application  for teachers and students  
   
Why:                Support the efforts of  Kansas schools  to leverage the KSDE formative test items for reading 
                        and  math
   
When:              Available for both teacher and student  access on January 30,  2006
   
Where:            Accessible via any internet-connected computer via the Empowered Desktop by  Kan-ed
   
How  much:    No charge *  subsidized by Kan-ed for access by all Kansas schools

With the LearningStation Test Builder, Kansas schools will be able to:  

Create  and save standards-based  formative practice tests using the KSDE formative test items    
Share  a library of tests with other teachers school-wide
Group students into classes and assign tests to them 
Deliver online tests to students via an  easy-to-use student interface on the Empowered Desktop    
Students answer tests on-line via access to an internet connected computer at school, library or home    
Score tests automatically, enabling the  teacher to focus on teaching not grading 
Assess and report student and class performance  via a variety of reports

The LearningStation Test Builder will allow teachers to  manage the entire testing process online.  Please note that the  existing KSDE Formative Test Builder application will remain accessible via the  Empowered Desktop, providing a PRINTED TEST ALTERNATIVE for teachers who choose  not to use the online tools described above.  If you haven't already deployed the Empowered  Desktop in your school or district, please contact them at lscsupport at learningstation.com or  888-705-3276.
    
Alexa Posny, Ph.D. Deputy Commissioner 
Kansas State Department of Education 
120 S.E. 10th Avenue   Topeka, KS   66612
Phone:  (785)  296-2303 
Fax:       (785) 296-1413 
E-mail:   aposny at ksde.org 


Chrisy Madden
Membership Services Coordinator
1000 SW Jackson, Suite 520
Topeka KS  66612
785-296-2238
www.kan-ed.org