Test Monitor Training Administering Minnesota Assessments

2 Purpose To provide an overview of test security and administration procedures required by MDE. To reduce the number of security and administration problems during testing.

Test Security Important Points, Problems & Causes

4 Test Security: Why Is It Needed? Maintain the integrity of the: Tests Test results Support fair comparisons among districts Protect the state’s financial investment Test items are expensive

5 Test Security: Non-Disclosure Agreement Anyone involved with the packaging, security, or administration of statewide tests must complete a new Non-Disclosure Agreement.

6 Non-Disclosure Agreement

7 New This Year The MCA-III math test will be online. (Note: The MCA-II reading test will be paper and the same as past years.)

8 New this year MCA-Modified (MCA-M) Students will test as normal but student booklets will be modified in content, etc. Selection is based on: Having an IEP Performing persistently-low on past assessments

9 Test Security: Test Monitor Security Checklist Test Monitors will have a document that lists which test booklets are assigned to which student (for determining if all tests and answer books were returned daily). Every time materials change hands – double check that all materials are accounted for. Make sure any special education and 504 students receiving “accommodations” use Form 1 booklets and materials.

10 Test Monitor Security Checklist

11 Test Security Issues Viewing or examining test items by staff. Reproducing any part of a test or viewing items online Failure to follow the Test Monitor Directions script, including translations (e.g., providing assistance to students). Failure to follow test manual and district guidelines for taking restroom or water breaks during the testing session. Failure to follow emergency procedures. Cheating by a staff person or student. Inappropriate materials posted on walls. Unused secure materials not returned to test coordinator. A test book removed from the testing session by staff or a student. Failure to sign the Non-Disclosure Agreement prior to the testing session. Inadequate staffing of testing rooms (student to test monitor ratio is greater than 30:1).

Test Monitor Responsibilities Before, During, and After Testing Sessions

13 Test Monitor: Before Testing Day Read, understand, ask questions to clarify, then sign the Non-Disclosure Agreement. Review the Test Monitor Directions and be certain of all administration procedures. Know your starting and stopping points. Paper will differ from online. Contact your School Assessment Coordinator if you have questions. Test Monitor Security Checklist to document the inventory and handling of testing materials. Each day testing materials should be picked up and returned to the designated secure area.

14 Test Monitor: Before Testing Day Bathroom breaks – only one student at a time may leave the classroom must be escorted. Emergency situations – books face down, lock room, do not allow students to talk about the test when out of the testing area. Weather concerns: Do not begin if threatening weather is imminent. After testing begins use emergency procedures. Student illness – escort to health room. Destroyed booklet – transfer to new booklet, return damaged booklet. Student discovers a printing error in a test book. – Do not make corrections on answer documents! Let your SAC know what is incorrect and we will make the changes electronically.

15 Test Monitor: Before Testing Day Absent students on day one will test on day two (sections 3 and 4). Students will make up sections 1 & 2 on test make up day the following week. New this Year: All instructional posters/graphics MUST be removed or covered that are in any way related to the subject being tested.

16 Activities Prohibited During Testing Posting visual aids that directly relate to test content. Revealing test items (from sections of the test not yet taken). Reading test items to students. Copying test items. Helping a student answer test items. Changing a student’s answers. Defining terms used in test items.

17 Activities Prohibited During Testing Mechanical pencils. All cell phones must be turned off. Headphones except for online testing or special ed accommodation.

18 Test Monitor: Testing Day – After the Test Use Test Monitor Test Materials Security Checklist to verify receipt of all test books and answer books from the assigned students (check off for each test). Red stickers are used to seal a section when completed. On day one after section two is completed and sealed, the student will need to hand in their test. Not 3 rd Grade! RED STICKER

19 Summary Points Follow the Test Monitor Directions carefully. Keep your testing materials secure at all times. Sign-in your secure test materials with your School Assessment Coordinator. Double check materials on every hand off of materials.

20 If a Security Issue arises? Complete Test Security Notification Form

Test Security Violations Possible Consequences

22 Test Security Violations: Possible Consequences MDE may require district to– Develop or amend its test administration/security plan. Clarify roles and responsibilities of staff; establish better tracking mechanisms. Order training of staff or send memo to staff. Refer the matter to the Board of Teaching for possible teacher licensure sanctions.

23 Test Security Violations: Possible Consequences MDE may– Send a copy of its decision to the Minnesota Department of Administration – Data Privacy Violations. Invalidate a test score – student, class, school, or district. Withhold state educational aids.

24 Resources for Students Item samplers Contact Kate Pechaceck, Amy Jones or Cheri Cooke if you need help. Use Epat Launcher. Labs are configured. Contact Chris Balow if you would like info.

25 Important Dates Materials arrive at the schools on 3/21 March 7 th – 25 th ELL testing window April 12 & 13 – Reading (all grades) April 12 & 13 – (Math - High School only) April 12 – Writing (9 th grade only) Make up dates until April 22 nd March 28 to May 20 – Math Online window March 28 to May 20 – Science Online window (grades 5, 8, 10) March 28 to May 20 – MTAS window

26 On the horizon…