New England Common Assessment Program Test Coordination Workshop September 5 and 6,

Goals of this Workshop Prepare principals and test coordinators so that they may ensure a positive and productive assessment experience for test administrators and students Review NECAP standardized testing procedures to ensure consistency and test security Review and clarify appropriate use of accommodations for students who need them Address any outstanding questions or concerns from principals and test coordinators 2

Important Dates Before and During Testing September 21All NECAP test materials delivered to schools by this date September 27Last day to update Infinite Campus State Edition to receive additional student labels October 1-23Test administration window October 5Additional labels shipped to schools based on ICSE enrollments as of 9/27/12 3

Important Dates During and After Testing October 23Last day for schools to request special considerations October 24Last day to complete on-line Principal Certification of Proper Test Administration and Principal/Test Coordinator Questionnaire October 24UPS pre-scheduled pickup of test materials for return to Measured Progress. Materials need to be ready at 8:00 A. M. 4

NECAP Service Center Monday-Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm 5

 Test Coordinator & Test Administrator Training Webinars:  Online Writing Test at Grade 8 for participating schools  Not new this year, but remember: No part of the Reading test can be read aloud! New This Year 6

Your Primary Responsibilities Serve as the school’s contact person for Measured Progress Coordinate all test-related activities Prepare test administrators to administer the NECAP tests according to the directions in the Test Administrator Manual – you may choose to use the prerecorded Test Administrator Webinar 7

Your Primary Responsibilities ALL Oversee the inventory, distribution, collection, and return of ALL secure test materials Observe and monitor test administration in your school Ensure the security of all test materials and compliance with test administration procedures 8

Test Security  Test security relies on the professional integrity of everyone in our schools across all four states.  All test booklets and answer booklets are secure and may not be copied or duplicated in any way or kept by the school after testing is completed.  Using secure test material to prepare students in any way for this test administration is a violation of test security and testing procedure. 9

Breaches in Test Security Any concern about breaches in test security or noncompliance with test administration procedures must be reported immediately to the test coordinator and/or principal, who is then responsible for immediately reporting the concern to the district superintendent and the department of education testing coordinator. Susan Fossett, Interim MEA/NECAP Coordinator

Structure and Format of the Test The NECAP is a comprehensive set of tests that cover a broad range of learning expectations in reading and mathematics administered at grades 3 through 8 and writing at grades 5 and 8. NECAP tests include the following types of items:  Multiple-choice items  Short-answer items  Constructed-response items  Writing prompts 11

Before Testing  Read the Principal/Test Coordinator Manual thoroughly (and the Test Administrator Manual to be fully prepared for training staff)  Utilize Checklist for Principals and Test Coordinators (page iii )  Create a schedule for Test Sessions (pages 5-7)  Designate and Train Test Administrators (pages 15-16)  Prepare Students and Families (page 17) 12

All students enrolled in the school as of October 1, 2012 are required to participate with the following exceptions:  Students who completed the alternate assessment during the school year. NOTE: Students who were enrolled in school prior to Oct. 1, 2011 and did NOT complete a PAAP last year MUST participate in the NECAP in  Students who have state-approved special considerations. Determine who should be tested 13

 Recently arrived LEP students first enrolled in any U.S. school after October 1, 2011 are not required to take the NECAP reading and writing tests, but are required to take the mathematics test. A student may be exempted from the reading and writing tests one time only. NOTE: All LEP students must also take a yearly English Language Proficiency test. Determine who should be tested 14

Special Considerations Conditions for Approval of Special Considerations Requests Contact ME state-approved special considerations are for medical reasons, personal crisis, family emergency, and court order Each student must be enrolled in Infinite Campus State Edition A Request for Special Consideration form, signed by your principal, must be submitted to MDOE for approval. This form is available on the MDOE website. Requests are due no later than 10/23/12 Schools will receive written notification of approval or denial. Susan Fossett

Testing accommodations are meant to remove barriers that may exist due to a student’s learning style or disability. Students must have had experience using an accommodation in the classroom (during routine instruction and/or test taking) prior to using it on a NECAP test. The NECAP Accommodations Guide has a lot of useful information on accommodations. Accommodations 16

Tips on Accommodations ALL students are eligible to utilize appropriate assessment accommodations. Any accommodation(s) utilized for the assessment of individual students must be:  the result of a decision made by the IEP, Section 504, or other school team that includes, whenever possible, the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) and documented.  determined prior to testing under most circumstances.  based on the individual student’s needs.  recorded on the Student Answer Booklet. For each content area, bubble in only those accommodations that the student actually used. 17

Table of Standard Test Accommodations (Refer to Appendix F in the Principal/Test Coordinator Manual) T for Timing (T1→T4) S for Setting (S1 & S2) P for Presentation formats (P1→P11) R for Response formats (R1→R7) O for Other (O1 & O2) – Use caution Use of this accommodation without prior approval will result in no credit given for the test sessions in which it was used. M for Modifications (M1→M3) – Use caution Schools may decide to use non-standard and unapproved test administration procedures (modifications). Use of a “Modification (M)” will result in no credit given for student work during test sessions in which this modification was used. 18

Must identify any accommodation(s) used O and M accommodations may result in no credit 19

Computer printouts resulting from use of accommodation R4 must be organized according to the detailed specifications in Appendix I, such as:  One student response per 8x11 page  Each page: student name, state student ID, booklet number, content area, item number  Return in Special Handling with answer booklet Computer Generated Responses 20

 Receive and immediately inventory test materials according to Material Summary Form  Report any discrepancies to the NECAP Service Center BEFORE testing (pages 9-11 and Appendix A).  Hold onto this form as it will assist you in successfully completing the on-line Principal Certification of Proper Test Administration.  Order additional testing materials (page 13)  Update ICSE to receive additional student ID labels Before Testing continued… 21

Scheduling Guidelines  All testing, including accommodated sessions and make-up sessions, must occur within the testing window  All students must be tested simultaneously within a grade in a school. The only exceptions to these rules are for make-up testing and students with accommodations.  Test sessions must be scheduled and given in the order outlined in the manual and presented in the student’s test booklet  Make-up testing may begin as soon as a student returns to school 22

Test Session Time Guidelines TestGradeNumber of Sessions Scheduled Time per Session Reading minutes Math minutes Writing5 & 8290 minutes Student Questionnaire AllEnd of testing20 minutes *Although 90 minutes are scheduled for each session, in past years the vast majority of students finished in 75 minutes or less. 23

Student Labels  You will receive one label for each student in grades 3 & 4. Place this on their integrated test booklet  You will receive two identical student ID labels for each student grades 5-8 → Place one on test booklet → Place one on answer booklet → Students will be instructed to write their names on front cover of Writing test booklet (grades 5 & 8 only) during testing. Update ICSE enrollments by September 27 to receive additional student ID labels 24

You may use a student ID label if the student’s name and school name are correct Tracking #: Measured Progress use only NAME SCHOOL 05 25

* Place other label on corresponding Student Test Booklet, grades 5-8 Place one label here* 26

Tips for Success Before Testing  Utilize the Principal/Test Coordinator Manual  Do not separate the answer booklets from the test booklets as they are paired by test form  Plan ahead: arrange for space and order additional materials, if necessary, for read aloud and/or small group accommodations  Save the original boxes and UPS return service labels for shipping materials back to Measured Progress  Help teachers create an environment that will motivate students to do their best! 27

Tips for Success Before Testing  Do not transfer or transport student ID labels OR test materials from one school to another UNLESS the student is enrolled in your school but attending a regional program in another location.  Materials should be sent in a secure manner by authorized school personnel or certified mail. (Materials are supplied directly to private special purpose schools). 28

Frequently Asked Questions Before Testing …brought to you by the NECAP Service Center Q: Where do I find my password for completing the online Principal’s Certification of Proper Test Administration? A: Your password can be found on the green instruction sheet for the Principal’s Certification of Proper Test Administration that came in the administrative materials box of the lowest grade in your school. If you have difficulty locating your password, or if your password is not working, please contact the NECAP Service Center. (See page 23 in the manual for more details.) 29

Q: I need multiple copies of the same test form in order to administer the test to a small group of students with the same accommodation(s). What should I do? A: First, do not put labels on booklets before you organize your small groups. In specific situations like this one, you may collect enough copies of the same test form from different packs of test materials. Different test forms may be used with different groups. Do NOT limit your choice to Form 1. If you are unable to collect enough copies, call the NECAP Service Center to request the number of copies of a specific form that you require. 30

Q: Where can I find the Practice Tests, Released Items, Teacher Tips document, NECAP Multiplication Table and NECAP Hundreds Chart? A: These materials are only available on each state’s department of education website They should be downloaded and copied in the school. These are not required materials; schools may decide whether or not to use or provide these materials to students. 31

Q: The entire classroom is filled with “reference materials”. How do I know which reference materials I need to remove or cover in order to prepare the test site? A: It is not possible to list all classroom materials that may potentially create an advantage or disadvantage for students during testing; if in doubt, remove or cover the materials, or reposition students’ desks so the materials cannot be viewed. In general, reading-, mathematics,- and writing-related materials should be unavailable during the respective testing sessions, including make-ups. If there are any questions, contact the department of education. (See page 18 in the manual for more details.) 32

During Testing  Distribute test materials to test administrators shortly before the start of the first testing session. Include an additional set of test materials for the test administrator to use while giving directions.  Test coordinators should be actively involved in test administration through careful supervision and monitoring of the administration and test security procedures described in the manual. 33

During Testing continued…  Maintain test security (pages 2, 9, & 12). Helpful Tip: Utilize the Optional NECAP School Test Materials Tracking Form (Appendix G)  Track student absences and arrange for makeup testing as soon as possible  Track and appropriately document students who move in or out during testing (page 20) 34

Blank Reason Box Students Who Move During Testing Do not write VOID on the booklet if any of these options accurately represent the student’s situation. Do not return in the Special Handling Envelope. ICSE provides this data MDOE provides this data 35

Test administrators may not help students in any way except during the general instructions, when students are completing the Student Questionnaire, or as specified in the Test Administrator Manual. 36

Frequently Asked Questions During Testing … brought to you by the NECAP Service Center Q: Are highlighters permitted during testing? A: Highlighters are not permitted for grades 3 & 4 because an integrated test/answer booklet is utilized. Highlighters are permitted at grades 5-8 in the TEST BOOKLET ONLY. This is not considered an accommodation. (See script pages in the appropriate grade Test Administrator Manual) 37

Frequently Asked Questions During Testing … brought to you by the NECAP Service Center Q: A student was absent and missed Session 1 yesterday. We are beginning Session 2 today. How do we proceed? A. Have the student begin Session 2 and continue to follow the test schedule with the rest of the group. Schedule a make-up testing time for the student to complete Session 1 as soon as possible. Make-up testing may begin immediately following the scheduled administration of a test session. 38

Q : I have a student with an injured arm. Should I still test him or her? A: Yes. The student may utilize an “R” (Response) accommodation following a quick consultation among the principal, teacher and parents if possible (abbreviated team meeting). The student may be able to use a word processor if allowed some extra time, for instance. You must seek DOE approval and further instruction if a scribe will be utilized for the Writing test. Please contact your DOE for further guidance or special consideration/medical exemption. 39

After Testing  Collect and inventory all secure test materials from test administrators  Check all used answer booklets for the following:  no scratch papers or post-its are attached to or inserted in the booklets  the cover has a student ID label or the appropriate information bubbled in ( page 21 and Appendix C )  page 2 is completed, as needed, including the homeschooled box if you have tested any homeschooled students 40

After Testing continued…  Pack test materials for return to Measured Progress according to the order presented on page 25 of the manual. As you pack, complete the “Quantity Returned” column on the Material Summary Form you verified before testing to ensure all materials have been collected and packed. All secure materials (including scratch paper) must be returned to Measured Progress.  Return all grade-level materials in the box marked with that grade level. Please do NOT combine grades in one box.  Don’t seal the boxes yet, just in case….. 41

After Testing continued… Type of EnvelopeMaterial to Insert “For Return of Used Answer Documents Only” All used answer booklets, except those below. “Special Handling” Any test or answer booklets requiring special attention ( see page 22 for details ) “For Return of Large-Print Tests” All materials associated with a used large-print test “For Return of Braille Tests” All materials associated with a used Braille test “For Return of Scratch Paper” All student scratch paper 42

After Testing continued…  Complete the online Principal’s Certification of Proper Test Administration for each grade tested by October 24 (page 23). Refer back to the inventory you verified as having received before testing on the Material Summary Form  Complete the online Principal/Test Coordinator Questionnaire (page 23) once  Now you can seal the boxes and affix one UPS return service (RS) label to each box (page 25) 43

Tips for Success After Testing  Proper verification of student answer booklets and proper packing of materials being returned to Measured Progress helps facilitate timely reporting of student, school, and district results  When completing the Principal Certification of Proper Test Administration, note that Large Print and Braille kits contain and are counted as two test booklets - the standard size test booklet and the Braille/Large Print test booklet  Completing the on-line Principal Certification of Proper Test Administration by October 24 will prevent repeated follow up calls to your school from the NECAP Service Center 44

Q.It is 11:00 a.m. (October 24), why hasn’t UPS arrived to pick up our NECAP materials yet? A.UPS is scheduled to arrive at your school on Wednesday, October 24 to pick up your boxes by 3:00pm. UPS can arrive anytime during school hours, therefore all test materials must be packed by 8:00 a.m. UPS will not wait for you to complete packing the materials. Materials must remain secure until they are picked up by UPS. Do not contact UPS directly. Prior arrangements have been made by Measured Progress specifically for the pick up of NECAP test materials. Please note that the pick up may not be made by your regular UPS personnel at your regularly scheduled time. This is the ONLY scheduled pick-up date (except for some schools in Aroostook County). If your materials have not been picked up by the end of the day or the following day, please contact the NECAP Service Center on Friday, October 26 to make arrangements for another pick up. 45

Q: I did not receive enough or cannot find UPS return service labels for all my boxes. What should I do? A:Contact the NECAP Service Center. If time allows before the pick-up date we will order and ship you more UPS return service labels. If time does not allow, we will you a label. We will need your address. Please print out label and affix, securely, to box. Clear packing tape placed over the label works best. 46

Q:When should I write “VOID” on an answer booklet? A:Some reasons include  Student used multiple answer booklets and work was transcribed into one answer booklet by an administrator. “VOID” should then be written on the original answer booklet.  A student ID label was affixed to answer booklet for a student who was not enrolled in the school as of October 1,  A student ID label was affixed to answer booklet for a student who participated in the Alternate Assessment in the school year. Q:What happens if I write “VOID” on an answer booklet? A:Booklets with “VOID” written on them are not processed or scored, even if there is student work in them. If you mistakenly voided a booklet and need it to be processed, return it in the “Special Handling” envelope with a note explaining what happened. 47

Questions? Thank you very much for your help in coordinating the New England Common Assessment Program. 48

Personalized Alternate Assessment Portfolio (PAAP) PAAP Report Interpretation Webinar September 18, 2012; 2:00-3:00 or 3:00-4:00 Introduction to PAAP workshops October 30, 2012; Augusta Civic Center October 31, 2012; Hampton Inn, Presque Isle November 1, 2012; Hilton Garden Inn, Bangor November 2, 2012; Ramada Inn, Saco PAAP Updates Webinar October 29, 2012; 2:00-4:00 pm 49

English Language Proficiency Testing Required Yearly ACCESS testing window dates :  December 3, 2012 – February 1, 2013 (all English learners MUST be tested by a trained test administrator) ACCESS online training for NEW test administrators (required):  Go to Test ordering from MetriTech – October 1-19, 2012 

English Language Proficiency Testing ACCESS for ELLs® Training Workshop for New Test Administrators (optional)  Monday, January 7, 2013  Cross Building, Augusta The WIDA W-APT™ or WIDA MODEL™ must be administered to every newly enrolled English learner and will be used for AYP accountability when a student arrives outside the ACCESS testing window. For more information, see or contact 51

Department of Education Contacts Dan Hupp Assessment Director Susan Fossett Interim MEA/NECAP Coordinator Assessment & Accommodations MEDMS Helpdesk