Consider Additional Variables Several researchers suggest the impact of technology may be measured by observable variables such as changes in disciplinary referrals, homework assignment completion, college attendance rates, and increases in job offers. 20 These variables may be too global, however, and difficult to correlate directly to technology initiatives. Variables related specifically to networked technologies that have a direct correlation to technology use include the number and roles of people who become involved in the school system and changes in times and places of instructional activities. 21 Other variables may be less tangible. In a review of district technology plans, Charles Mojkowski noted that many proposed evaluation indicators are based on measuring student test results or related to components of the technology infrastructure, such as counting the number of computers and Internet connections. He suggests that more valuable indicators are changes in student learning opportunities, engagement in learning activities, and attention to higher-order or complex thinking. He contends that districts should focus on developing a deeper understanding of the impact technology has on students' experiences. 22 Did You Know? Despite the call for additional measures, schools face the reality of being held accountable for student test scores. For most states, these test scores comprise the main component of the School Report Card—the state assessment measure that attempts to quantify school performance through student performance on large-scale, high-stakes tests. School report cards rarely address the impact of technology except in superficial terms, such as student-to-computer ratio or the number of computers connected to the Internet. Rarely do they consider proficiency level with technology, integration skill level, or the stage of adoption of the participants. There are attempts, however, to develop models for these higher-level impact measures. Links to statewide School Report Cards can be found at the National Center for Education Statistics: http://nces.ed.gov/forum/performance.asp