This PowerPoint was created to support training of test coordinators and administrators. Please supplement information in this PowerPoint slide deck with information specific to your district and schools. Considerations During your training, you can demonstrate the WCAP-portal “User Cards” and the Washington Assessment Management System (WAMS) by accessing the systems online and sharing the purpose of each page as you are walking staff through it.
1
You may want to consider including an introduction to each team member presenting this training. This may also include making note if you have an assistant superintendent attending.
2
This is a list of acronyms and the definitions that will be found during your review of information within this PowerPoint.
3
•
•
It is required to read the testing and training materials in support of the Winter Retake Administration. This will help to ensure successful testing sessions with the outcome of valid student test results. ‒ Support materials include the TIDE User Guide, the Test Coordinators Manual, the Professional Standards, Incident, and Reporting Guidelines, as well as the Guidelines on Tools, Supports, and Accommodations. Understand your role in TIDE. The TIDE User Guide includes a list of roles and permissions and supports you in: ‒ Understanding user roles and permissions ‒ Adding and Managing users ‒ Working with and verifying student information
•
Understand your responsibilities through the TCM and the Professional Standards, Incident, and Reporting Guidelines. ‒ Review the testing schedule section of the TCM prior to setting testing locations and schedules. DCs must approve all school’s testing schedules prior to testing. It is important to verify that your testing dates align within the state mandated testing windows and also do not interfere with your districts late arrival or early releases. ‒ When scheduling also keep in mind that the EOC administration does not permit makeup testing sessions.
•
Become familiar with your school’s Test Security and Building Plan – much of what is covered
4
in this PowerPoint should be included in the plan. Report any concerns or updates to your DC. •
Plan how you will manage the printing of test labels and rosters. ‒ Rosters can be printed from TIDE for paper testers. This allows students to be linked to test security barcodes on the booklet they tested in.
4
Tools and manipulatives can provide students with the support needed to access assessments. Prior to testing, identify with special services teams any students that may require tools, supports, or accommodations. • Refer to the Guidelines on Tools, Supports, & Accommodations for specific questions about appropriate use of tools. Supports not listed are not allowed unless prior approval is granted through the Non-Standard Accommodation & Designated Support Use form. • The Materials Available for Student Access document provides specific details as to what is permitted for each assessment. Locate this document on the WCAP Portal, under the Test Administrator > General Information Tab • The Calculator Policy must be reviewed when administering assessments where calculators are permitted. Locate the policy on the WCAP Portal, under the Test Administrator > General Information Tab. • Students should be familiar with the tools, supports, or accommodations used on state assessments. • Even for paper testers, non-embedded student settings (supports and accommodations) should be entered in TIDE under the non-embedded lists for math and science. Prior to testing, verify student test settings are entered correctly in TIDE. You can view online or export lists for verification. • Testing students with non-approved supports or accommodations is a testing irregularity and could result in an invalidation of the student’s test results.
5
•
Implement your communication plan according to your Test Security and Building Plan.
•
It is important to know who your testers are. This includes any Online School Program Students testing at one of your sites.
•
If needed, place orders for accommodated forms through the TIDE Additional Order system beginning December 16. This includes Braille, large print, and translated CDs.
•
Students requiring a translated math or science CD can practice using the math and science demo on the WCAP Portal.
•
Train TAs prior to the administration of any state assessments. Full training is required prior to each spring test administration. This can be followed by supplemental training for each retake administration. It is a good idea to reach out to staff to see if they are comfortable with a supplemental version of a training session. Verify and modify any needed designated supports or accommodations (embedded and nonembedded), prior to testing students.
• •
Beginning December 16, districts may submit requests through TIDE for braille, large print, and translated math and science CDs.
6
• • • •
The WCAP Portal is your source for information about the Washington Comprehensive Assessment Program (WCAP). The portal gives students and families, Test Administrators, Test Coordinators, Technology Coordinators, and other key assessment personnel access to relevant testing information. The portal consists of several User Cards and resources. Register for email alerts regarding newly posted information by clicking on the “Register for email alerts/Manage Account” link in the upper right-hand corner, on the WCAP-portal homepage. Through the Resource tab on the top toolbar, select the appropriate user card, and enter Search Resources. Items are stored differently in each of the four access points (Students & Families, Test Administrators, Test Coordinators, and Technology Coordinators) but all roles can access any of the materials, making the search option a great resource.
7
• •
• • •
•
•
The rules for each administration may differ slightly. Please be sure that TAs are provided with clear instruction for each administration. All instructional materials related to the test content must be covered or removed from each testing location. Retaining materials within testing locations may invalidate student test results. Refer to the: ‒ Materials Available for Student Access on the WCAP Portal, under the Test Administrator User Card, General Information subfolder for a list of permitted materials. Materials not outlined in this document or the GTSA should be considered as not allowed. ‒ The GTSA provides detailed information on what is permitted for student access in the form of tools, supports, and accommodations. Ensure student seating is arranged in a way to retain focused testing sessions. An exam type layout as opposed to a collaborative setting. All test materials must be accounted for and secured prior to, during, and after testing. Glossaries and ancillary paper provided during the testing session are considered secure and must collected and accounted for after each test session. Students should be directed to write their names in the upper right corner of the paper. Return materials to your DC according to your school’s Test Security and Building Plan. Student electronic devices must be turned off and moved away from view and reach of students until the testing session has ended and all secure materials have been collected, accounted for. Student access to personal electronics during testing sessions is considered a testing incident that must be recorded and may invalidate student test results. Prepare TAs for responding to students who are requesting support. TAs should follow a generic script by responding with • “I can’t help you with your test”
8
• • • •
“Always try your best.” “Read the question again” “Think about what your question is asking you to do” “Use your pencil to underline key words in your test question”
8
•
•
•
•
There are several types of testing incidents/irregularities. Each type may be addressed differently, but all must be reported to your DC as soon as reasonable possible, but no later than the end-of-the day. Prompt notification may allow a student access to their testing opportunity where reporting at the end of the day may limit a students access. When a testing situation occurs, promptly address the issue according to your communicated plan. This may require moving a student, or taking away a non-approved electronic device. • When a student accesses a non-approved electronic device it will invalidate the students test results unless it has been identified that the use did not impact the security of test content or provide test support to or from another user • When possible, continue with testing Most frequent incidents reported include: ‒ Students having access to non-approved personal electronics, such as cell phones ‒ Instructional materials being left in classrooms or posted to walls for student access ‒ This also can cause test results to be invalidated. ‒ Students not being provided the necessary settings as identified in the student plan ‒ TAs deviating from the prescribed student directions ‒ Paper test materials being returned without correct labeling or transcription of student information or being returned after prescribed schedule. Refer to the Professional Standards, Incident, and Reporting Guidelines for additional details and support.
9
• •
When a testing issue is reported (damaged test booklet, or otherwise reported by students): Establishing a plan prior to testing students is critical. Ensure that those involved understand the plan and how to address an issue being reported. ‒ Sometimes a situation may take a little longer to resolve. Work with your DC, and/or the State Test Coordinator to determine if students need to leave the testing location while the issue is being resolved.. ‒ Follow the guidance in the Professional Standards, Incident, and Reporting Guidelines for processing and documenting incidents.
•
Instruct TAs to take careful notes, including as much detail as possible such as date, time of day, who was involved, the item number (when applicable) and details of the incident. This information can be outlined in your school’s Test Security and Building Plan.
•
DCs working in consultation with the OSPI State Test Coordinator, Kimberly DeRousie, may defer the decision on invalidation until after the conclusion to investigation or until a score has been generated.
•
Invalidation ‒ The test will not be scored and the student will not have another opportunity to test during the current administration window. ‒ Invalidations must be reviewed by your DC and approved by the State Test Coordinator.
10
11
•
Maintaining test security is critical to ensuring confidentiality of test content and the validity of student’s results.
•
Staff must be trained and have a clear understanding of who should and should not be in the testing environment and what the plan is for students who have completed testing.
•
Monitoring of students must be maintained throughout testing.
•
Allowable and prohibited behaviors are detailed in the Policies, laws, practices, and prohibited behaviors section of the Guidelines on Tools, Supports, & Accommodations.
•
A complete list of rules and regulations can be found online: www.k12.wa.us/ProfPractices/CodeConduct.aspx
12
•
DCs must become proficient with training guides, manuals, modules, and PPTs. To keep upto-date, it is important to attend required trainings and webinars. Current updates and new information is communicated through the WAW newsletter
•
It is up to the DC to ensure staff have appropriate access to systems and that they are trained and have the information needed to implement assessments effectively.
•
Each school is required to provide proposed testing schedules for DC review/approval. Verify that schedules do not fall outside of the guidelines set by the state.
•
Communication of schedules, attendance, and reporting is important to school staff, students, and families. Outline your training plan and communicate with appropriate staff. Report any applicable testing irregularities or submitted appeals to the State Test Coordinator.
•
Have a tracking process to inventory and account for secure materials transferred to schools and being shipped to the contractor.
•
Verify that each school’s Test Security and Building Plan has been implemented and that security protocols are followed.
•
Verify that the appropriate tools, supports, and accommodations have been accurately entered in to TIDE for students. Changes may take up to 24 hours to appear.
•
Actively monitor testing locations during the assessment window.
13
•
Appoint SCs and assign TAs.
•
Attend all required trainings and ensure that all applicable staff, as their responsibilities support state testing, have also attended required trainings.
•
When assigning testing areas, ensure sufficient space for students and the security of test materials. Provide adequate staff to support testing locations.
•
Communicate with parents, staff members, and departments regarding testing schedules, importance of attendance, and how test results will be reported.
•
Implement your school’s and district’s policies and procedures. Review the approved Test Security and Building Plan for each school and ensure staff are familiar with content.
•
Each school’s testing schedule must be approved and align to the state guidelines.
14
•
SCs must become proficient with training guides, manuals, modules, and PPTs. To keep upto-date, it is important to attend required trainings and webinars.
•
It is the responsibility of the SC to ensure that TAs, individuals supporting testing accommodations, and other staff who process materials attend required trainings and have the information they need to administer the test. Ensure staff are familiar with your school’s Test Security and Building Plan and that security protocols are followed.
•
Make sure all TAs have appropriate access to TIDE.
•
Encourage a positive testing environment for students and staff.
•
Communicate with parents and staff members regarding schedule, attendance, and reporting.
•
It is important to work with your Special Education department to upload all supports and accommodations needed for each student during testing. Provide TAs with the student accommodation lists to support testing.
•
Inventory materials immediately upon arrival and order additional materials if necessary. Include inventory of district specific materials (i.e., pencils, paper).
•
Verify that TA rosters are set up correctly. New or non-enrolled students must have the SSID issuance (include school and grade) in CEDARS to display in TIDE.
•
Print any necessary student pre-ID labels for test booklets.
•
Verify that tools, supports, and accommodations have been accurately entered in TIDE for
15
students. •
Some issues we commonly see include: not ordering accommodated materials in advance of testing, not documenting the irregularity, not verifying that students are in TIDE before testing day, or not keeping adequate records of who has the testing materials.
•
Taking the time to document the process can help to ensure that testing goes smoothly.
15
•
Follow your school’s Test Security and Building Plan for processing of secure materials. All secure materials are required to be inventoried and returned on schedule. This includes all ancillary papers (glossaries, scratch paper, graph paper, etc.). All materials provided during testing sessions must be securely destroyed, as per the state and district policy.
•
Have a tracking process to account for secure materials while transferring to testing locations and back at completion of each testing session.
•
Actively monitor testing locations during the assessment window.
•
Be sure to report all testing irregularities to your DC. Include in your report any recommendations for invalidations.
16
•
TAs must become proficient with training guides, manuals, modules, and PPTs. Attend required trainings and webinars.
•
Become familiar with your school’s Test Security and Building Plan and ensure that security protocols are followed.
•
Verify that tools, supports, and accommodations are available for students.
•
Encourage a positive testing situation for students and staff.
•
All test materials must be accounted for. It is advised to have a tracking method for distributing and collection of materials. Each students testing materials must be accounted for prior to releasing the student from the testing location. This includes ancillary materials passed out during testing and the clearing of calculator memories.
•
All testing materials must be promptly returned to the SC after the completion of each testing session.
17
•
Become proficient with training guides, manuals, modules, and PPTs as they align to your responsibilities.
•
Attend trainings and webinars, when required.
•
Work with your SC and TAs to ensure that the appropriate tools, supports, and accommodations are available for English language learners.
18
•
•
Maintaining careful records helps to ensure that there are no missing secure materials. Tracking must take place from: •
district to school
•
SC to TA
•
TA to student
•
Student to TA
•
TA to SC
•
SC back to DC, and
•
DC to Measurement Inc.
•
This level of tracking helps to ensure test security and also supports the timely delivery of test materials back to the scoring contractor.
Documentation for retention should include: ‒ Staff training logs ‒ Test Security Assurance and Security Report forms ‒ Test Incident Reports, when applicable ‒ Material tracking and inventory log
19
•
Test Administrators complete the Test Security Staff Assurance Report and return it with signature to the SC along with the secure testing materials.
•
School Test Coordinators complete the School Test Administration Security Report and return it with signature to the DC along with the secure testing materials. DCs complete the District Test Administration Security Report and return it, with both DC and Superintendent signatures, to the OSPI Assessment Operations office within two weeks of the end of testing.
•
19
20
This slide provides an overview of key dates for delivery and return of materials, ordering additional materials, and training and reporting timelines. ‒ Training, Security, and reporting documents are available from the WCAP-portal at: http://wa.portal.airast.org (Test Coordinators>General Information)
21
• • • •
Please read through the list of who needs to take which exams. Know who your testers are and verify that test completion occurs on schedule. When scheduling, remember that makeups are not allowed for EOC assessments during a one day administration. Students who miss day three are not allowed to make up the assessment. Students who have missed day 1 and/or day 2 of a three day administration can complete all three sessions on day 3 of the assessment.
22
•
DCs please remove OSPI contact information prior to sharing this PPT with school staff.
•
SC’s contact the appropriate person in your district if you have questions. OSPI will refer all school staff to the DC.
23
