Keshia Clukey is reporting at Politico New York students in grades 3 through 8 statewide could be completing standardized tests online by the 2016-17 academic year. The state began the push toward computer-based testing in 2012, but is now setting the timeline for implementation as part of its $44-million, five-year contract with Minneapolis-based testing company Questar Assessment, Inc. The education department sent out a memo to all school districts Tue., Sept. 22, soliciting volunteers to have some students complete the math or English language arts field tests online instead of on paper this spring. Districts will have the option of offering online testing for the actual state exams in the 2016-17 school year. The roll-out will be slow so that logistical issues can be worked out, and allow for feedback from districts. Though it will take major planning on the part of the education department, the move to online testing would be beneficial in a number of ways, including allowing teachers to have almost immediate feedback rather than waiting several months for test results. Read the full story at Politico New York.