In mathematics education, assessment is increasingly conducted using computer- or tablet-based technologies as alternatives to the traditional paper-and-pencil format. Several studies have examined the impact of test mode (computer vs. paper) on test performance in mathematics, but these studies have produced mixed results and few studies…

The purpose of this qualitative research study is to understand the process used for teacher-created online math assessments and the effect that online math assessments have on student engagement. Data for this qualitative study was collected and analyzed using Braun and Clarke's (2006) thematic analysis which uses key conceptual foundations in a…

McMillan-Dorman, Stephanie Michelle. Examining the Relationship Between Middle School Students' Participation on i-Ready Computer Adaptive Tests and Math Achievement Scores (Under the direction of Theodore Kaniuka, Ed.D.) Despite over 50 years of effort, educators have witnessed a multiplicity of educational reforms make little to no effect on…

This study highlights the role and importance of advanced, machine learning-driven predictive models in enhancing the accuracy and timeliness of identifying students at-risk of negative academic outcomes in data-driven Early Warning Systems (EWS). K-12 school districts have, at best, 13 years to prepare students for adulthood and success. They…

This study examines the impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) on teacher workload, burnout, and well-being at a large K-12 independent school in Hawaii. The research focused on teachers identified as innovators and early adopters to understand their experiences with GAI. A qualitative, phenomenological design was employed, using…

This non-consecutive, three-year qualitative study explored the testing experiences of high school juniors who used Chromebooks to take their Smarter Balanced Standardized Assessments (SBAC) in English Language Arts and Mathematics. The study began in 2015, the first year in which SBAC was administered to students across California and other…

The purpose of this Action Research study is to examine the current teaching methods in the virtual education setting and see how professional ideologies of educators may be influenced when introduced to new knowledge. The current education model heavily favors preparing for standardized tests, which the researcher contends is not an accurate…

This study explores using transfer learning in machine learning for natural language processing (NLP) to create generic automated essay scoring (AES) models, providing instant online scoring for statewide writing assessments in K-12 education. The goal is to develop an instant online scorer that is generalizable to any prompt, addressing the…

Computer-based technological tools can be an efficient and effective way to enhance mathematics classroom activities like formative assessment. Whilst there are a number of theoretical frameworks and standards to help pre- and in-service teachers understand the individual complexities of mathematics pedagogy, technology integration, and formative…

This dissertation focuses on three manuscripts all related to bolstering science achievement through recommendations from the National Research Council (NRC) regarding the teaching and learning of science. The manuscripts address meeting the NRC's call to incorporate curriculum and assessment that lead to more in-depth knowledge that can be…

The purpose of this ethnographic study was to examine the relationship between focused keyboarding instruction and the required standardized assessments mandated by Federal and State authorities. Initial mandates required that the first assessment to be administered online would be the Writing Assessment by year 2014. The assessment given in…

Millions of public-school students in the United States are identified as English language learners (ELLs), whose academic success is tied to their second language (L2) English education. Previous research in adult populations indicates that L2 proficiency is related to the contextual variable of the prevalence of one's first language (L1) among…

This research study investigates the impact of the rapid transition from paper-based to online administration of the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) exams on student performance in a South Texas school district. The transition, mandated by House Bill 3261, presented Texas public schools with a tight timeline for adapting…

This study's primary purpose was to determine how students with a learning disability (LD) in mathematics react in different testing environments, and whether changing the testing parameters can improve the outcomes. Quantitative data was collected through questionnaires, heart rates, and math fluency probes. These data were used to test the…

With the wide introduction of English-medium instruction (EMI) to higher education institutions throughout East Asian countries, many East Asian universities are using English proficiency tests that were not originally designed for this context to make admissions and placement decisions. To support the use of these tests in this new EMI context,…