Generation YES

New York Technology Literacy Assessment (NYTLA)

Generation YES is pleased to introduce a new technology based literacy assessment system that we have been contracted to develop for use in New York State, This system, called the New York Technology Literacy Assessment (NYTLA) is a first in the nation project-based technology literacy assessment tool. It supports project alignment to Common Core and technology literacy standards and gives teachers and students access to an easy-to-use online support system for authentic project-based, standards-aligned learning and assessment.

In the 2011/12 school year, NYTLA is in the pilot phase, with 36 New York middle schools participating. The students and teachers at these schools are testing the hosted, secure system and offering feedback to evolve and expand the capabilities.

The advanced features of NYTLA will support hands-on project-based learning in all academic areas:

Common Core standards alignment
Project management tools, including student e-portfolios, teacher management, and collaborative messaging
Technology literacy assessment and certification based on ISTE NETs standards for students
Online student and teacher resources, including guides, curriculum, and planning tools
Administrative tools and reports
Peer mentoring and assessment tools

Generation YES is designing NYTLA to be the online assessment tool for the future of learning. It helps teachers create authentic learning opportunities aligned with the Common Core standards, technology literacy standards, and provides a showcase of best practices statewide. This teacher-friendly system is part of the continuing efforts of educators across New York State to lead the nation in advances in teaching and learning in the 21st century. Ongoing support and enhancements of the NYTLA system will be lead by the Eastern Suffolk BOCES in cooperation with a consortium of other partners from New York districts and BOCES.

Generation YES has more than a decade of experience creating online tools that support project-based, technology infused schools, and NYTLA is the culmination of all that experience. It's simple, easy to use, and supports authentic assessment the way authentic assessment is really done. We are proud to partner with the New York State Education Department to create this innovative system.

As with all Generation YES projects, students are at the heart of the matter. The NYTLA system supports the whole process of project-based learning, including reflection by the student themselves, the role of a student peer mentor to assist with project completion and assessment, and finally the teacher themselves.

Research shows that project-based learning (PBL) creates in-depth, engaging, and relevant learning, but schools need to use authentic assessment strategies to complete the PBL process. Unfortunately most schools use 19th century factory models of education that can make project-based learning difficult to implement. By creating the NYTLA system, New York will be the first state in the nation to offer a comprehensive tool that supports teachers and students as they transition to high-tech projects in every subject area.