Answer to Question 1
Rather than subjecting every student to the same sequence of test items, computer adaptive testing (CAT) adjusts item difficulty and the sequence in which items are presented to the ability level and response pattern of the examinee. It is a personalized approach to testing that would be too complex and time consuming for a teacher to develop. CAT provides immediate feedback and developmentally appropriate assistance, which allows students to exhibit abilities that would ordinarily be overlooked by traditional tests.
Answer to Question 2
NCLB allows states to formulate their own content and performance standards for math, English, and science. Because school districts are punished for not achieving adequate yearly progress, many states have lowered their standards by lowering the cutoff score for the proficient category and/or making the items less difficult.