MCA Tablet Size Comparability Study

[Brian Norman]

Minnesota Tablet Size Comparability Study

This fall a research study will be conducted to compare student performance on full size tablets (those that are about 10”) with student performance on “mini” tablets (those that are about 7”–8”).

The Minnesota Tablet Size Comparability Study will look at the impact of tablet size on student test scores to inform a future decision about allowing testing on mini tablets. A total of 1,000 students in 6th and 11th grade (500 students at each grade level) will respond to a set of questions in reading, math, and science. The study will be conducted in a three-week window from September 26 through October 19, 2016. Student participation time for each student will be approximately 90 minutes.

Pearson will work with participating schools to determine logistics for scheduling testing sessions at your schools across one or more days. Participating schools should be those where tablets (of any size) are currently used for academic work, either through a 1:1 or bring your own device (BYOD) initiative or through classroom sets/carts. It is not necessary for the school to currently use mini tablets to participate. Within each participating school, students will be randomly assigned to take the questions on either a full-size or a mini-size tablet. Pearson will provide tablets for the study or will work with the school to determine the feasibility of using school-owned tablets. For further details or to sign up for the study, please contact Kathy Shannon ([e-mail]).