It takes time to get transfer students on the academic track. But that process could become smoother in the Lawrence school district.

Administrators this fall want to launch a new online test that gives elementary school teachers fast feedback about new students’ reading, math, and language skills.

Lawrence would join 18 districts statewide that use the test lauded by some for its convenience and quick results. Officials say it’s just one way the district is trying to meet students needs and improve student achievement.

“What we want to do is get a running start,” said Paulette Strong, principal of Quail Run School. “I really see this system as something that’s going to be very efficient and very effective.”

The move needs school board approval. District staff have requested $11,900, which includes software, the rights to test 300 eligible students and professional development.

Tom Christie, the district’s educational programming executive director, said he was optimistic that the new test would be funded.

“There’s a better chance that it will than it won’t,” he said.

Many teachers haven’t heard about the testing because plans are in the early stages.

It sounds like a good idea to Gerry Bukaty, a third-grade teacher at Sunflower School.

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“I think that sounds wonderful,” Bukaty said. “I hope it starts next year.”

Some students may be out of school for days or weeks before moving to a new school, said David Williams, principal of Prairie Park School. Then, school officials must scramble to find out the student’s needs with very little documentation.

“Oftentimes kids start with nothing,” Williams said. “At that point, the teacher does a little bit of assessment and tries to figure out where the child is at.”

Bukaty said that research includes several tests, calls to a student’s former school and a review of available records.

“It’s hard to know what they have done and what they haven’t done,” Bukaty said. And this comes atop other duties.

“It’s hard finding the time to do this stuff ,” Bukaty said.

District officials like how the MAP testing gives results quickly. Preliminary scores are available immediately. The final results come within 72 hours.

Currently, the test is used in districts in 43 states, including Idaho where it is the state’s assessment.

The Lawrence district is working to streamline its assessment system. If the new testing yields good results, it could be expanded, said Kim Bodensteiner, Cordley School principal and an administrator working to bring the test to local schools.