Test Security Laws and Best Practices Testing: It’s the Law Test Security Laws and Best Practices

Today’s Topic Security Measures for Building Administrators / Teachers / Proctors 3

TN Test Security Law Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.) 49-1-607 Any person found to have not followed security guidelines for administration of the TCAP test, or successor test, including making or distributing unauthorized copies of the test, altering a grade or answer sheet, providing copies of answers or test questions, or otherwise compromising the integrity of the testing process shall be placed on immediate suspension, and such actions will be grounds for dismissal, including dismissal of tenured employees. Such actions shall be grounds for revocation of state license. 3

Scope of the Law Standard copyright laws must be maintained at all times. Secure assessment materials may not be reproduced, duplicated, or paraphrased for any reason, by any person. Camera cell phone use is considered reproduction or duplication of secure test materials. Discussion of test content or specific test items with students, parents, or professional colleagues is prohibited. This is to protect the validity of the test. 3

Responsibility of the System The system must investigate, document, and report any security concerns. 3

Breach of Test Security Procedures All Test Administration Manuals contain a flowchart provided for guidance in handling potential breach of testing security concerns. 7

Security Guidelines Standard copyright laws must be maintained at all times. Secure assessment materials (including pilot or field test materials) shall not be read, reviewed or analyzed at anytime; before, during or after test administration. Test materials shall not be copied, filed or used directly in instructional activities. Specific excerpts from test or paraphrased portions of the test may not be used to create study guides or classroom resources. Discussion of the test content or specific items with students, parents or professional colleagues is prohibited, to protect the validity of the test. 3

School Security Measures Documentation should be maintained at each school, confirming that teachers & proctors have been informed of state and district testing procedures. Sample Forms: Acknowledgement Form SCS Board of Education Test Security (Policy 5037) State Testing Security Guidelines 3

Test Audits State Test Security Measure: Conduct random visits during testing to ensure test security and consistency of administration. Random audits may take place during any test administration 3

Test Security It is each school district’s responsibility to develop and implement clear policies to detect educator and student cheating. District and state policies and procedures should take place if a breach of testing security is found to have occurred. 3

Test Materials All test materials must be kept secure by implementing check-in, check-out and quantity verification procedures for all test materials at the system level, at the school level, and for each test session. Handling of test materials must be restricted to authorized personnel at all times. Materials should not be read, reviewed, or analyzed before, during, or after test administration unless indicated in test instructions or special accommodations. 3

Testing Environment Test Administrators (Teachers) must: ensure a secured environment during testing be sure to follow all test specific directions and time limits ensure that all students receive the correct test materials and appropriate accommodations ensure that appropriate monitoring does not include coaching or illegal assistance 3

Testing Environment Turn off all electronic communication devices (cell phones, pagers, PDAs, etc.) in the test setting. Conceal all instructional or reference materials in the test setting which are related to the content area being assessed, such as maps, posters, student samples, bulletin board items, etc. Remove from the testing area any familiar study aids such as graphic organizers, models, or number lines that relate to subject content. 3

Secure Testing Environment Testing Materials Secure Testing Environment Any information regarding the content being measured on the test MUST be concealed during the test administration. Including but not limited to the following: Maps Charts Posters Student Work Bulletin Board Items Writing Formulas Word Lists Parts of Speech Graphic Organizers Number Lines Definitions Word Walls Displays Models 5

Calculators Calculators may be used on Math subtests (Achievement, Gateway, & End of Course) They must be cleared before and after each test administration. Sharing calculators during testing is not permitted. 3

Calculators Students may not use the following types of calculators: Pocket organizers Cell phones, PSPs, & IPODs Electronic writing pads or Input devices See the Test Administration Manual for a list of unacceptable calculators. 3

Proctors Any responsible adult can serve as a proctor, including instructional assistants, retired teachers, and parents. However, no parent shall serve as a proctor in her/his own child’s or relative’s classroom. Proctors shall serve under the guidance and direction of the test coordinator and test administrator, shall receive instruction on test administration and test security procedures, and shall be held accountable under all test security guidelines. Proctors should be appointed and trained by the principal/test coordinator to handle the following tasks: ensure students are following directions and writing responses on the appropriate area of the answer sheet and monitoring during testing. 3

Outcome of Successful Testing State mandated testing is a chance for our students to showcase their knowledge. Administrators and proctors are essential in creating an environment where students can do their best. 3

Resources Test Talk!: Understanding the Stakes and Helping Your Children Do Their Best (School Talk series) C. Cheli & J. Ruth Scenarios 3