1. GED Testing

2. Objectives: The Official Testing Center: –Procedures for opening a new one –Policies and procedures for operating one –The staff required to operate one Test Administration –Test compromises and Test irregularities –Establishment of addendum sites

3. GED Testing Objectives (cont.): Test Preparation –Adult Education –Request for accommodated Testing of Adults with Disabilities Costs –GED Test Batteries –Scoring Fees –Administration of other formats of the GED Tests –Test security

4. The Official Testing Center An Official GED Testing Center may be established at: –Public high schools –Postsecondary educational institutions –Military installations –VA hospitals and medical centers –Correctional facilities

5. The Official Testing Center GEDTS ships secure testing materials And other testing supplies to the New Official Testing Center. Institution’s Chief Administrative Officer Completes forms and returns them to GEDTS GEDTS sends the State Administrator an Annual contract, Order Form, Test Security Memo, and Test Center Profile GED/State Administrator recommends to GEDTS the establishment of new center GEDTS Approves Sites

6. Policies and Procedures Under penalty of closure or being denied approval, each Official GED Testing Center must provide the following assurances to GEDTS:

7. Assurances Assurance of Suitable Physical Facilities –Secure, dedicated storage for all GED testing material –Quiet, clean, comfortable, well-lighted testing rooms –Seating must be staggered to preclude copying or collaborating –Chairs, seating, desk and writing surfaces must be suitable for adults –Space must be ADA compliant –Testing environment must be free of distraction and interruptions

8. Assurances Assurance of Adequate Staffing –All GED Chief Examiners, Examiner, and Proctors must have appropriate professional backgrounds –Appropriate training and supervision are provided to Official Testing Center staff to ensure knowledge of and compliance with GEDTS policies

9. Chief Examiner Must hold a Bachelor’s degree Must have training in teaching, training, counseling, or testing

10. Examiner Must hold a Bachelor’s Degree Must have training in teaching, training, counseling, or testing OR Must hold an Associate’s Degree 3 years experience in test administration, teaching, or counseling

11. Proctor Must have a HS diploma or GED

12. Assurances Assurances of Full Testing Support Services –Commitment to the values and traditions of the GED Testing Program –Written plan for receiving secure materials that all Official GED Testing Center staff members understand –Convenient testing schedules that meet community needs

13. Assurances Assurances of Full Testing Support Services (cont.) –Written emergency plans for handling testing interruptions –Pre-testing and counseling for candidates –Detailed and accurate record keeping –Commitment to conduct all required inventories

14. Assurances Assurances of Full Testing Support Services (cont.) –Information publicized on availability of test accommodations for adults with disabilities –Outreach to local employers and postsecondary institutions.

15. Assurances Assurance of Financial Management –An Official GED Testing Center must assure: Prompt payment of all invoices (within 30 days) Sufficient quantities of testing materials ordered

16. Assurances Assurance of Test Security –An Official GED Testing Center’s assurance of test security includes: Full compliance with all procedures and policies listed in the GED Examiner’s Manual Secure storage, handling, and shipment of testing materials Full compliance with the GED Testing Service in any instance of test compromise Prompt return of all restricted testing materials at the end of contract year.

17. Test Irregularities and Compromises GEDTS has the right to cancel test results if it concludes that 1.Scores were earned under unauthorized conditions 2.Some or all candidates at the center may have received improper advance access to GED Tests questions or received improper assistance during testing

18. Test Irregularities and Compromises Candidates must be informed of Official Testing Center’s policies before testing session begins –dismissal from the testing session –non-scoring of their answer sheets: –post-test cancellation of scores –an imposed waiting period before re-testing

19. Test Irregularities and Compromises Inappropriate or Disruptive Behavior –“All GED candidates are entitled to a quiet, comfortable, testing environment that is free as possible from distractions.”

20. Test Irregularities and Compromises Inappropriate or Disruptive Behavior If a GED Candidate’s disruptive behavior warrants removal from the testing session, the Examiner may: –have candidate promptly removed from testing room –cancel the candidate’s test results –file a report –reschedule the candidate for a private testing session

21. Addendum Sites Examples of Addendum sites: Vocational training programs Local jails and hospitals Workplaces that provide instruction Other educational institutions

22. Addendum Sites No staff members at any addendum site are eligible to be appointed to serve as Chief Examiners, Examiners, or Proctors, and therefore may not administer the GED Tests.

23. Addendum Sites- Process for Approval GEDTS enters the name of the approved addendum site into permanent record of the Official GED Testing Center. Institution’s Chief Administrative Officer and GED Chief Examiner must sign and return the original contract addendum. Copies should be distributed to the following:  The Chief Administrative Officer  The GED Chief Examiner  The jurisdiction’s GED Administrator GEDTS sends the State Administrator a formal amended annual contract GED/State Administrator recommends to GEDTS the establishment of an Addendum Site GEDTS Approves Sites

24. Addendum Sites Transportation of Testing Materials Can only be done by: –GED Administrator, –Chief Examiner, –Examiners Must be –Exact number of tests plus one

25. Addendum Sites Transportation of Testing Materials In a secure lockable storage container Shall be within visual sight and control of Examiner at all times during transport A complete inventory must be done; –Before leaving the Official Testing Center –Upon arrival at the addendum site –Before departure from the addendum site –Upon return to the Official Testing Center

26. Accommodated Testing for Candidates with Disabilities Under ADA – any candidate who has a documented disability is entitled to certain accommodations when taking the GED Approved Accommodations: Extended time Private room Supervised breaks Scribe Audiocassette Braille Calculator or Talking calculator

27. Accommodated Testing for Candidates with Disabilities Request for Accommodations The need must be fully documented 4 possible types- –Physical/Chronic Health –Emotional/Mental Health Disability –Learning and Other Cognitive Disabilities –Attention–Deficit/Hyperactivity

28. Cost Test Batteries 1 test booklet – contains 6 test books –Language Arts, Writing –Social Studies –Science –Language Arts, Reading –Mathematics (2 parts) The cost is $175

29. Cost Testing Fees Each testing center may establish Testing Fee not exceed: $50.00 - complete battery $12.00 for Language Arts, Writing Test $10.00 for the Social Studies, Science, Mathematics and Language Arts, Reading

30. Costs Scoring Fees Each agency administering the GED must remit the following fees for scoring: Complete Test Battery $17.00 Retest of Language Arts, Writing $5.00 Retest of Social Studies $4.00 Retest of Science $4.00 Retest of Language Arts, Reading $4.00 Retest of Mathematics $4.00

31. Costs Test Administration – Staffing Ratios Up to 20 GED Candidates 1 Examiner and 1 Proctor 21-40 GED candidates2 Examiners and 1 to 2 Proctors 41-60 GED candidates3 Examiners and 2 - 3 Proctors

32. Costs Accommodated Testing – administration of Private room Extended time Supervised breaks Scribes or sign interpreters

33. GED Testing Additional Information http://www.acenet.edu/AM/Template.cfm? Section=GEDTShttp://www.acenet.edu/AM/Template.cfm? Section=GEDTS http://www.firn.edu/doe/workforce/gedover.htm