STAAR Security Brief for Spring 2019

Web-based Texas Test Administrator Online Training Modules Security Training Modules Web-based Texas Test Administrator Online Training Modules www.TexasAssessment.com/TAonlinetraining All three modules must be completed by certified campus personnel if they: - took an incident in spring 2018 - new to district - are directed by the campus Principal

It’s the law! Procedures for maintaining the security and confidentiality of assessments are specified in the Test Security Supplement, the District and Campus Coordinator Resource, and in the appropriate test administration materials. https://txassessmentdocs.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/ODCCM/overview#!spacehome

State and Security Maintaining the security and confidentiality of the Texas student assessment program is critical for ensuring fair and equal testing opportunities for all students. Given the high stakes associated with student performance and the need to assure parents, students, and the public that test results are meaningful and valid. It is imperative that individuals participating in the program preserve the integrity of all test content and student data through strict adherence to the instructions and procedures contained in this resource and the test administrator manuals.

The following govern test security General Security Information The following govern test security Texas Education Code (TEC) Chapter 39, Subchapter B Texas Administrative Code (TAC) 19 Subchapter 101, Assessment Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) Texas Penal Code 37.10 - Tampering

Penalties for Prohibited Conduct Placement of restrictions on the issuance, renewal, or holding of a Texas educator certificate, either indefinitely or for a set term Issuance of an inscribed or non-inscribed reprimand Suspension of a Texas educator certificate for a set term; or Revocation or cancellation of a Texas educator certificate without opportunity for reapplication for a set term or permanently Release or disclosure of confidential test content is a Class C misdemeanor and could result in criminal prosecution under TEC ξ39.0303, Section 552.352 of the Texas Government Code, and Section 37.10 of the Texas Penal Code. Impose any additional conditions or restrictions upon a certificate that the State Board of Educator Certification deems necessary to facilitate the rehabilitation and professional development of the educator or to protect students, parents of students, school personnel, or school officials SBEC may take any of the above action if a educator fails to cooperate with TEA in an investigation

What is NOT active monitoring? Monitoring during test administrations is the responsibility of the test administrator, the campus test coordinator and administrators. What is NOT active monitoring? Anything that takes the test administrator’s attention away from the students during testing. Examples include: Working on the computer, using cell phones, or checking email Reading a book, magazine, or newspaper Grading papers or working on lesson plans Leaving the room without a trained substitute test administrator in the room Leaving students unattended during meals or breaks

Secure Information Content of the test is secure and confidentiality must be maintained All student data in the STAAR system or entered into the system is confidential Passwords and user IDs are secure and should be kept confidential. DO NOT SHARE! Student scoring documents and booklets are secure materials All reference materials and/or supplemental aides must be collected and returned to the CTC after the completion of the test. Shred any material written on that is not required to be returned to the vendor

BEFORE Testing Emphasize the importance of reading all manuals and attending training Account for all test material daily Designate an area with limited access to store testing materials Verify the accuracy of student information Verify testing requirements for students Verify each student’s testing needs and accommodations

Assessment Technology For a device or software to be considered appropriate for state assessment use, it must: be set in a mode that locks the user into a specific software program; block the user from accessing functionality that may violate test security, such as the ability to send secure test content (e.g., messages, captured images, videos); the ability to send or receive any person-to-person communication about secure test content (e.g., chat, video); or the ability to save secure test content. When using applications on a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer districts must ensure the application does not provide functionality that compromises the curriculum assessed.

Test Security for any Oral Administrations All security measures outlined in the STAAR Test Administrator manuals must be followed. Any type of oral administration in which the test administrator has to view a secure state assessment, requires that the test administrator has completed the “authorized to view” section of the oath. Train all TAs because they will have the ability to provide “oral” assistance in the following; writing prompts, partials, and 3rd grade mathematics. Responding to test questions, making notes about test questions, and discussing the content of the assessment at any time are prohibited. Test administrators must not rephrase, clarify, or interpret any test content. Unauthorized verbal and nonverbal assistance may not be provided to students.

DURING Testing Ensure each student receives the correct assessment(s) and accommodation(s) Emphasize and verify active monitoring Ensure only trained test administrators are allowed access to secure materials Ensure all testing personnel understand that they may NOT: - provide unauthorized assistance (example patting, tapping, or having a known saying that notifies students that their answers are incorrect) - view the tests without authorization - discuss confidential student information - check for strategies or remind students to use strategies on testing day

AFTER Testing No unauthorized viewing (other than the assigned TA) No falsifying scoring of student responses No discussion of confidential student information Account for all test materials daily Ensure an answer document has been submitted and coded correctly for all students that tested for each subject (verify codes for online testers) Ensure that all materials have been returned to the CTC per the MCF Ensure that the seating chart has been completed with all information

Testing Irregularities Incidents resulting in a deviation from documented testing procedures are defined as testing irregularities.

Testing Irregularities We view the following as a “procedural” irregularity improper accounting of secure materials eligibility error monitoring error accommodation error test procedural error The CTC investigates as directed by DTC

CTC will notify the DTC. DTC will investigate with HR oversight. Testing Irregularities Serious irregularities must be reported to the CTC as soon as they occur or are discovered. CTC will notify the DTC. DTC will investigate with HR oversight. Examples of Serious Testing Irregularities: Directly or indirectly assisting students with responses to test questions Tampering with student responses Viewing secure content unless specifically authorized Discussing or disclosing secure test content or student responses Formally or informally scoring student tests

Testing Irregularities Duplicating or recording test content Falsifying TELPAS holistic ratings or STAAR Alternate 2 student responses Fraudulently exempting or preventing a student from participating in the administration of a required state assessment Receiving or providing unallowable assistance during the TELPAS calibration activities Encouraging or assisting an individual to engage in conduct described above Failing to report

Top Testing Irregularities Students were not provided an accommodation or a test version that they were assigned Students were given the wrong answer document Secure material (including secure test administration manuals) were left unattended Students were allowed to leave testing environment without filling in bubbles on an answer document Failure to report a suspected violation Students worked on the previous day’s test and changed answers Directly or indirectly assisting students with responses to test questions Providing students with answers Reading the reading passages aloud to students Working the problems for students

Reporting Irregularities A test irregularity is reported If the irregularity is ruled an incident, you will submit a statement in accordance with directions from the CTC A copy of the incident form and statements will be kept in the Campus testing binder Remain calm and contact the CTC CTCs will obtain the facts, secure any evidence and determine the necessary steps CTCs will scan statements and incident form to the DTC by the end of the day the incident occurred Statements must be typed, role during testing, dated and signed Do not discuss with anyone until cleared by the CTC Testing binders are kept on campus for 5 years and are TEA auditable CTC will assess the situation, investigate and contact the DTC

Reporting & Documentation If you become aware of any irregularities, you must notify the CTC immediately with the who, when, where, what and why. If the irregularity is deemed an incident the following is required: Incident report including a plan of action (local form and district plan of action). (Done by CTC) Signed statement(s) from individual(s) involved (typed, printed and signed name, role during testing, and dated) Statements will not include names or IDs of students The local disciplinary referral form used to report disciplinary actions taken against students for cheating, cell phone issues or disruptions. (Done by Administrators)

Security Oaths TEA requires that everyone be trained and sign a security oath before handling secure testing materials or participating in the administration of a state test The ability to view a test booklet for STAAR and an oral accommodation requires TAs to complete the bottom statements of the oath prior to testing. THIS INCLUDES READING THE WRITING PROMPT and 3rd grade mathematics accessibility feature!!!

Security Oaths General oath - signed after training and prior to administrating the test Non-Certified personnel oaths- signed by all campus non-certified personnel

Security Oaths Check each line Check here for oral administration Sign and clearly print name

Non-Certified Personnel Oath Security Oaths Non-Certified Personnel Oath For Custodians, Cafeteria, Maintenance and Nurses to sign prior each year. Initial each line Sign and clearly print name

Administrative Procedure E11 Highlights from Administrative Procedure E11 No field trips during programmatic or state assessments Use of Test Hound and accommodations No use of cell phones by staff Compliance of assignment of accommodations and test versions by E11 deadlines Handling of materials Communication with stakeholders on student results

E-11 Deadlines Assessment E-11 Date TELPAS February 1, 2019 STAAR ALT 2 March 1, 2019 April STAAR & EOC March 8, 2019 May EOC April 12, 2019 May STAAR April 18, 2019

Questions