Computerized tests pose challenges for Mo. schools

KANSAS CITY (AP) - Missouri school districts say they are facing challenges while students transition from taking state tests on computers instead of with No. 2 pencils and bubble sheets.

Missouri districts will be required to use computer-based assessments by the 2014-15 school year.

The Missouri Association of School Administrators said Tuesday only 13 percent of districts said the switch would not pose obstacles. The state says 358 of Missouri's 520 districts participated.

Bandwidth and hardware issues are among the concerns. With state tests given to students as young as third grade, some administrators fear young students' test scores will reflect their lack of computer skills rather than their knowledge of the content.

The school administrator association's executive director, Roger Kurtz, says schools need more money for technology upgrades.

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