1. MSA Science 2009 Test Coordinators’ Meeting April 16, 2009

2. MSA Science 2009
No Child Left Behind law requires state to measure students’ progress in science at least once in each of three grade spans (3-5,6-9,10-12)each year.
Maryland is testing science in grade 5 and 8. In high school the HSA Biology test is used to meet the requirement.
MSA Science scores are not part of the AYP calculation.

3. MSA Science 2009
All Students in Grades 5 and 8 Must Participate Except Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities
Accommodations Provided by Pearson: (form 1) Braille, Large-Print, Kurzweil, Audio Test Online
These materials have been ordered based on the request for the MSA reading and math.

4. MSA Science 2009 Spring 2009-11 Operational Test
Test is operational with embedded Field Testing
Schools will received 2009 scores; school summaries and individual
2009 scores will be posted on mdreportcard.org website.

5. MSA Science 2009 Vendor: Pearson 10 Forms per Grade (1-10)
Two Modes of Testing: Online and Paper
Selected Response Items (SR) & Brief Constructed Response (BCR) Items

6. Key Dates Event Date Test Materials Arrived at Schools
March 31-April 2
Testing Window (Online)
April 22 – May 12
Testing Window (Paper and Pencil)
April 23 – 24
Making up Testing Window (Paper and Pencil)
April 27- May 1
Materials Returned to Pearson
May 5 and - May 15
Pick-up Dates
April 27 and
May 14 & 15

7. Test Materials-Received by Schools
Test Administration Kit: inside a yellow plastic envelope
Student Roster and Student Preprinted Barcode Labels
Return Materials Kit: Header Sheet (preslugged), Pink Scorable and Blue Nonscorable Return Labels, K2 Bill of Lading, Paper Bands in Packs of 5
Examiner’s Manuals
Test Books in Packs of 10
Periodic Table in Packs of 10 for Grade 8 Schools
Packing List and School Security Checklist
Accommodation Kits- If indicated on Pre-test file
10% Overage of Paper Testers

8. Test Specifics Day 1 Part 1 27 min 28 min Part 2 Day 2 Part 3 Part 4
Testing Day
Session Number
Grade 5
Testing Time
Grade 8 Testing Time
Day 1
Part 1
27 min
28 min
Part 2
Day 2
Part 3
Part 4
Between each session allow a 10-minute break.

9. Test Specifics
Allowable Aids: Science Rubric, Calculators Used in Regular Classroom Instruction, and Periodic Table (grade 8 only)
Student Writing Must Not Interfere with any Bubbles or Track Marks
Students Must Write Response to BCR On Lines Provided Inside Boxed Area Only
Highlighters Must Never Be Used on Test Book 9

10. Verifying Test Material
Confirm Receipt of All Boxes from FedEx
Boxes Numbered 1 of 10, 2 of 10, etc.
Check PEMSolutions for live status of all shipments.
If a Box is Not Delivered within 2 Days of Initial Shipment, contact Pearson
Check Materials Against Packing List
Sample Packing List - Appendix F of TACM-Pg 63
Contact Pearson if Missing Materials
Retain Copy of Packing List
Retain Boxes for Return Shipment

11. Verifying Test Material (cont’d)
Sample School Security Checklist – Appendix H of TACM- Pg 64
Sample LEA Security Checklist – Appendix G of TACM-Pg 65
Retain Copy of Security Checklist
LACs Receive District Receipt Form
Security Barcode Range by School

12. Accommodations Kits Materials Received in Accommodations Kit
Accommodated Test Book or CD, Standard Test Book, Large-Print Periodic Table (if applicable), Transcription Instructions
Student Response must be transcribed into Standard-Size Test Book or PEMSolutions
Request Braille Periodic Table from Lisa Wright

13. Additional Material Needed
Request Additional Material from DREAA
Fax form to or

14. Science MSA – GRADES 5 and 8
Request for Additional MSA Materials
STC submits request to DREAA for additional testing materials.
Fax form to DREAA: or
Name:
Date:
School #:
School Name:
Telephone #:
Fax #:
Science MSA – GRADES 5 and 8
ITEM
GRADE / FORM NUMBER
QUANTITY 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

15. Preprinted Student Barcode Labels
2 labels per paper student will be received.
Use School Roster to Verify Student Information on Preprinted Barcode Labels

16. Preprinted Student Barcode Labels(cont’d)
Apply Barcode Labels to Test Books Prior to Student Testing
Affix Barcode Label to the Standard-Size Test Book Containing Transcribed Responses, Not to the Large-Print or Braille Test Book
Affix Labels to Test Books – Appendix A of TACM – Pg 56

17. Student Barcode Labels (cont’d)
Affix Barcode labels to Test Books with top of label towards the left hand edge (spine of the Test Book)
If Student Tested with Accommodations or with Braille bubble in yes.

18. Directions for Students Without Preprinted Student Barcode Label
No generic labels will be used
No gridding/bubbling of Demographics
Students without a Preprinted barcode label must have the Security barcode number on the back of their test book entered into PEMSolutions
Write the Students name on the top of the Test Book

19. Directions for Students Without Preprinted Student Barcode Label
No generic labels will be used
No gridding/bubbling of Demographics
Students without a Preprinted barcode label must have the Security barcode number on the back of their test book entered into PEMSolutions
Write the Students name on the top of the Test Book

20. Back Cover of a Test Book

21. Directions for Students Without Preprinted Student Barcode Labels
In PEMSolutions:
Select Test Management
Select Student Registration
Use search function to locate student
Select the Student by clicking on their name
Select Assigned Tests
Select the Test Assigned (Gr 5 Science or Gr 8 Science)

22. Do NOT enter the hyphen into PEMSolutions
Directions for Students Without Preprinted Student Barcode Labels (cont.)
Select Edit
Enter the 10 digit number into the Security Barcode Field
Select Save
Do NOT enter the hyphen into PEMSolutions
Enter into PEMSolutions as

23. MSA 2009 – Test Security
The Test/Answer Books are confidential and must be kept secure at all times.
Unauthorized use, duplication, or reproduction of any or any or all portions of the assessment is prohibited.
VIOLATION OF SECURITY CAN RESULT IN PROSECUTION AND/OR PENALTIES AS IMPOSED BY THE MARYLAND STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND/OR STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS IN ACCORDANCE WITH COMAR 13A AND 13A.12.05

24. MSA 2009– Test Security (cont.)
Anyone who handles test materials needs to be made aware of the consequences of test violations and must sign a Test Administration and Certification of Training and Non-disclosure Agreement Form. (Appendix A)
Keep copies of the signed forms at the school for your records.
TACM p. 1-8 – 1-10

26. Distribution of Test Materials
Use School Security Checklist to
Track Receipt and Return of Test Books on Both Day 1 and Day 2 of Testing
Note in The Comments Area if Test Book Damaged, Torn or Soiled

27. Distribution of Test Materials (cont’d)
Test Examiners will Need
Examiner’s Manual
Test Books for each Student (paper testing only)
Periodic Tables (Grade 8 paper testing only)
Sign for the Door that Reads “Testing: Do Not Disturb”
Digital Clock or Watch
Copies of Stop and Go On Instructions (paper testing only)

28. Distribution of Test Materials (cont’d)
Materials for Students (Provided by School or Student)
Two No. 2 pencils
Blank Scratch Paper
Print Student Name and Date of Birth on Front Cover of Test Book
For Students with Accommodations, Print Student Name and Date of Birth on Both Accommodated Test Book and Standard-Size Test Book

29. Stop and Go On Sign Appendix D
These symbols are to be shown and explained to students before each testing session.

30. Home-Schooled Students - STC
STCs Complete Home-Schooled Student Information Sheet (Sample – Appendix E of TACM)
For Paper Testers
Follow instructions on Page 45 of TACM for adding and registering a student in PEMSolutions
Follow instructions for Students without Preprinted Barcode Label, page 35 of TACM
Send Completed Home-Schooled Student Information Sheet to LAC
For Online Testers
Check “Yes” in the “Home School” Box
Return home-schooled student Test Book to Pearson with the other scorable Test Books

31. Home-Schooled Students - STC
STCs Complete Home-Schooled Student Information Sheet (Sample – Appendix E of TACM)
Call Pearson at to obtain a Student Code
Follow instructions on Page 45 of TACM for adding and registering a student in PEMSolutions
Follow instructions for Students without Preprinted Barcode Label, page 35 of TACM
Check “Yes” in the “Home School” Box
Send Completed Home-Schooled Student Information Sheet to DREAA

32. Home-Schooled Students - LAC32

33. Home-Schooled Students
Separate the home-schooled test books with a paperband, write on band Home Schooled.
Return home-schooled student Test Book to Pearson with the other scorable Test Books 33

34. MSA 2009 Procedures for Soiled and Damaged Test Books
If a Test Book is Damaged, Torn or Soiled it Must Be Replaced with Another Test Book
Use School Security Checklist to
Note in The Comments Area if Test Book Damaged, Torn or Soiled
TACM p

35. MSA 2009 Procedures for Soiled and Damaged Test Books
Test Soiled with Bodily Fluid
Dispose of soiled materials appropriately – send to:
All-Shred
4831 Winchester Blvd. Frederick, Md Phone: (301)
Damage Test books- invalidate return with nonscorables
Provide new Test Book (use same form)
Record information in the comments column of the Security Checklist.
Fax a copy of the Security Checklist to Pearson at and to DREAA
TACM p

36. Invalidation of Test Materials
If a Test Book Was Used But Should Not Be Scored, Invalidate Test Book by Placing a Heavy Black Line Through Demographic Sheet
Examples Causing Invalidation
If a Student was Absent and a Preprinted Barcode Label is Affixed to Test Book
If a Label Is Affixed to Test Book, and A Different Test Book is Used for Testing
If A Test Book was Used as a Reference and Information Was Transcribed Online (Accommodations)

37. Preparing Material for Pickup – Categorizing Material
Separate Material Into Scorable, Nonscorable and Extraneous Material
Extraneous Material is not returned to Pearson
Extraneous Material Includes:
Security Checklist
Student Roster
Clean Periodic Table
Home-Schooled Student Information Sheet
Packing List
TACM and Examiner’s Manuals
Student Authorization Tickets
Seal Codes

38. Preparing Material for Pickup
Scorable Material Must Be Returned to Pearson
Scorable Material Includes:
Completed Header Sheets
Completed Test Books
Scorable Material Boxed Separately and Shipped Using Pink Shipping Label

39. Scorable Shipping Label

40. Preparing Material for Pickup (cont’d) Header Sheet
All Test Books Must Be Returned!
Test Books to be Scored Must Have Header Sheet on Top and be Affixed with Paper Band
Verify Header Sheet Count Matches Scorable Test Books Count (Box 6)
If more than one paper band is needed only complete 1 header sheet for the group
Sample Header Sheet – Appendix B of TACM

41. 2009 MSA Science – School/Group List
District:
Baltimore City / LEA 30
Test Date:
School Name:
School Number:
Contact Person:
Phone Number:
(410)
Grade
Teacher Name
Number of
Students Tested

42. Preparing Material for Pickup (cont’d) Paper Band Scorable Material
Wrap Paper Band Around Header Sheet and Applicable Scorable Test Books
Secure Paper Band with Tape
Make Sure Tape Only On Paper Band, Not Attached To Test Book
Pack Banded Test Books in Scorable Box

43. Preparing Material for Pickup (cont’d)
Securely Seal Each Box for Return to Pearson
Review MSA/Science Materials Pickup Schedule on DocuShare
Pickups Occur Weekdays Between 8:00 am – 3:30 pm Eastern
Retain Copy of K2 Bill of Lading for Shipment Tracking Purposes
2 Pickups Scheduled for Paper Testers, 1 Pickup for Electronic Testers
Contact the K2 Logistics Assessment Line at if you must reschedule or cancel your pickup.
Complete one (1) K2 Bill of Lading per shipment

44. Preparing Material for Pickup
Nonscorable Material Must Be Returned to Pearson
Nonscorable Material Includes:
Unused / Invalidated Test Books and Header Sheets
Unused Barcode Labels
Unused Shipping Labels (pink/blue labels)
Unused Paper Bands
Periodic Tables (only if have notes on it)
Large Print & Braille Test Books, Kurzweil CD**
Soiled or Torn Test Books**
Scratch Paper
** Must Transcribe in PEMSolutions or Another Test Book
Nonscorable Material Boxed Separately and Shipped Using Blue Shipping Label

45. Nonscorable Shipping Label - Blue

46. Call Center
Website