The state got it half right when it decided to require Kansas students to use computers to take annual tests in reading and math.

Computerizing the tests will make the system more efficient and get results back to local school districts faster so they can take remedial action if needed. The state got the end goal right, but it hasn’t given local districts adequate support to achieve that goal.

States have grumbled for years about “unfunded mandates” from the federal government. That’s when the feds order a change, but don’t allocate any funding to facilitate the change. Apparently, Kansas state officials recognize unfunded mandates when they are handed to them, but not when they are passing responsibilities on to local governments.

By fall 2005, school districts across the state must have the equipment and be prepared for all of their students to take the state’s standardized tests for reading and math by computer. For the Lawrence school district that translates into 650 new laptop computers, software, support staff and a cost of $1.6 million — just for starters. The district’s supervisor of instructional technology said ongoing maintenance of the testing system could cost the district as much as $400,000 a year.

The end goal of this mandate is good, but there are many obstacles for school districts to overcome by fall 2004. Purchasing equipment is one. Because the window for testing students is short, it would be difficult to rotate computers from one school to the next for use in the testing. The district might not need one computer for every student taking a test, but it would be impractical for all the schools to use a single set of computers.

All of the computers would have to be well maintained so they would be in good working order on test day. Imagine the effect malfunctioning computers could have on the district’s test scores.

Both students and teachers will have to be proficient in using the computer system before tests are administered. With the pressure of federal No Child Left Behind mandates to produce improved test scores, local districts can’t afford for computers to hamper students’ performance on state tests. In addition to teaching the material to be covered on the tests, teachers will have to make sure students are comfortable with the technology.

Not only will Kansas school districts have to spend thousands to millions of dollars setting up the computer test-taking system, they will have to maintain it through the years. How often will those laptops have to be replaced? When will software have to be updated?

Many state legislators are adamant about not raising taxes to increase funding for public schools. But while funding is remaining stagnant or even declining, state officials are creating additional mandates that will require school districts to spend more money. Providing the financial assistance to enable districts to meet the mandates also is a state responsibility that legislators shouldn’t shirk.