The move to all-computer testing = start of a boondoggle

Sent to the Los Angeles Daily News, January 10

The move to all-computer testing (“State schools chief proposes replacing paper Scantron tests with computer-based ones,” January 8) is the start of a huge boondoggle. After every student is connected, the set-up will be declared obsolete and need to be upgraded or replaced. The schools will cheerfully pay up, eager for the "newest" technology, and computer companies will cheerfully accept their money.

I have nothing against private enterprise making an honest profit for providing a needed service or useful product. But in this case there is no evidence that the product is needed or useful. We are about to waste a gigantic amount of money that is badly needed elsewhere, and where it can be put to much better use.

Stephen Krashen
Original article: http://www.dailynews.com/ci_22333360/state-schools-chief-proposes-new-statewide-testing-system?source=most_emailed

HT: Anna Koval (hat-tip)