Baltimore County Introduces Pencil Free Tests

BALTIMORE (AP) -- Eleven schools in suburban Baltimore are starting a pilot program to test students on hand-held devices instead of with traditional pencil and paper to cut teacher workloads and engage students.

Mandi Dietrich of Baltimore County schools says they expect the iRespond devices will expedite testing and allow more time for classroom instruction.

The devices look like a TV remote control with a small screen. Teachers can access test results immediately and create their own tests.

A Georgia school system also plans to try the devices.

For Baltimore County, the small pilot program is estimated to cost $25,000.

If the school district eventually uses the devices more widely, officials expect to save money on paper tests and scan sheets.