The Writing Computer-Based Assessment (WCBA) platform was updated following the usability study for the Grade 4 WCBA pilot assessment. The pilot investigated students’ ability to compose typed responses to different prompts under 30- and 20-minute conditions.
About 80 percent of students were given two 30-minute prompts. Responses were scored with a six-point rubric.
- Almost 39 percent of the responses received a score of 1 or 2. These responses showed low to marginal writing skills. They provided insufficient supporting statements and were not consistent in their use of proper grammar and mechanics.
- About 47 percent of student responses received a score of 3 or 4, indicating that they demonstrated some control of writing, most of their ideas were on topic, and they used simple organizational strategies in most of their writing.
- Approximately 14 percent of the responses, under the 30-minute conditions, demonstrated competent or effective writing skills and received a score of 5 or 6. These responses showed more control in their writing, were fairly balanced, and reflected some awareness of audience and voice as well as control of grammar and mechanics.