End-of-Course Assessments Administration Manual...materials and minimizes the opportunity for examinees to observe other examinees’ responses. All examinees must face the same direction

AdministrationManual

End-of-Course Assessments

2© 2015 by ACT, Inc. All rights reserved. ACT QualityCore® is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc., in the USA

Dear Educator:This manual contains the instructions for coordinating ACT QualityCore®

End-of-Course Assessments. You, as the School Test Coordinator, are the main ACT contact at your school for the End-of-Course Assessments and the person who makes arrangements for the test administration. You also will distribute and collect the test materials at your school. The teacher(s) will administer the tests according to the ACT QualityCore Teacher Manual.

As School Test Coordinator for your school, you are responsible for reading and understanding this manual, which contains the instructions for receiving, handling, and returning the test materials, and for reading and understanding the Teacher Manual, which contains the procedures and verbal instructions for administering the tests. For your reference, a School Test Coordinator Checklist is included in this manual.

If you or your faculty or staff have any questions about test administration or the ACT QualityCore program, contact ACT QualityCore Support toll-free at 866.764.7228. If you have any concerns about testing irregularities and/or prohibited behaviors, please complete your ACT QualityCore Testing Irregularity Report and return it to ACT. In exceptional situations, testing staff may wish to file an anonymous report about concerns that the ACT QualityCore tests may have been compromised. If you wish to report such concerns anonymously, you may do so by reporting it at act.ethicspoint.com or calling 855.382.2645.

3 Security Agreement

Security Agreement

For District and School Officials

1. Read the following statement:

I understand ACT owns these test materials, including this manual, and the test questions and responses in the online system. By opening this manual, I agree to keep all test materials confidential and only use the test materials in connection with the administration of the test to authorized examinees. I further agree that I will not share ACT questions and responses with anyone by any form of communication— other than with authorized examinees at test time—and understand that violating this agreement may result in legal penalties.

2. Complete the information below, and sign and date as you would any official document. Fax the form to 831.333.1632.

Your name District name

Position or job title School name (for school users only)

Your e-mail address State office/section (for state users only)

Telephone number Your supervisor’s name

Signature Date

Contents 5

ContentsSecurity Agreement ...................................................................................................................... 3

Test Administration Policies ........................................................................................................ 7

General Information ....................................................................................................................... 7

Equal Treatment ............................................................................................................................. 7

Fair Testing Practices ..................................................................................................................... 7

Investigations ................................................................................................................................. 7

Specific ACT QualityCore Policies ................................................................................................ 8

Test Format ............................................................................................................................. 8Desirable Testing Conditions .................................................................................................. 8Use No. 2 Pencils for the Entire Test ...................................................................................... 8Guessing on Multiple-Choice Items ....................................................................................... 8Examinee Questions about Test Items/Tasks .......................................................................... 8

End-of-Course Assessments ......................................................................................................... 9

Test Materials ................................................................................................................................. 9

General Information ................................................................................................................ 9Receipt of Test Materials ........................................................................................................ 9Additional Resources ............................................................................................................ 10Reviewing Test Materials ..................................................................................................... 10Storing Test Materials ........................................................................................................... 10Distributing Materials to Teachers ........................................................................................ 11

Testing Aids, Test Security, and Reporting Irregularities ............................................................ 12

Use of Calculators on the ACT QualityCore End-of-Course Assessment ............................ 12Permitted Calculators ............................................................................................................ 12Prohibited Calculators .......................................................................................................... 12Calculators Permitted with Modification .............................................................................. 13Unauthorized Testing Aids .................................................................................................... 13Prohibited Behaviors by Examinees ..................................................................................... 13Prohibited Behaviors by Staff ............................................................................................... 14Reporting Irregularities or Prohibited Behaviors ................................................................. 14Editing Student Account Information ................................................................................... 15

6 Contents

Accommodated Testing ................................................................................................................ 16

General Information .............................................................................................................. 16Ordering Accommodated Testing Materials ......................................................................... 16Accommodation Codes ......................................................................................................... 17

Returning Test Materials .............................................................................................................. 17

General Information .............................................................................................................. 17Gridding a Blank Answer Document .................................................................................... 18ACT QualityCore School Headers ....................................................................................... 18ACT QualityCore Group Headers ........................................................................................ 18Packaging Answer Documents for Scoring .......................................................................... 20Packing Boxes for Return Shipping ..................................................................................... 22Using Authorized Return Service for Standard Testing Materials ....................................... 23Using Authorized Return Service for Accommodated Testing Materials ............................. 24

ACT QualityCore Testing Irregularity Report ..................................................................... 25

ACT QualityCore Test Booklet Tracking Log ......................................................................... 27

ACT QualityCore School Test Coordinator Checklist ........................................................... 29

ACT Test Security Principles .................................................................................................... 31

Test Administration Policies 7

Test Administration PoliciesGeneral InformationA secure, uniform administration of the ACT QualityCore End-of-Course Assessment is essential for successful measurement of examinees’ academic skills. It is critical that the procedures you employ at your school be identical to those at other schools.

This manual provides detailed directions about:

• Selecting facilities and staff

• Ensuring test security

• Administering tests in a standardized mannerAll testing personnel are required to read the materials provided by ACT. You can help create a fair testing environment by strictly adhering to ACT policies and procedures.

If you have any questions that are not addressed in this manual, contact ACT QualityCore Support at 866.764.7228.

Equal TreatmentAll staff are required to administer and supervise the ACT QualityCore End-of-Course Assessments in a nondiscriminatory manner and in accordance with all applicable laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Fair Testing PracticesACT endorses the Code of Fair Testing Practices in Education and the Code of Professional Responsibilities in Educational Measurement, which are guides for the conduct of those involved in educational testing. ACT is committed to ensuring that each of its testing programs upholds the guidelines in each Code.

InvestigationsAll staff are obligated to report suspected or documented irregularities to ACT, cooperate fully with ACT in subsequent investigations, and respond to ACT’s requests for information in a timely manner.

8 Test Administration Policies

Specific ACT QualityCore PoliciesTest FormatThe ACT QualityCore End-of-Course Assessments consist of either two multiple-choice parts or a multiple-choice part and a constructed-response part. When the multiple-choice and constructed-response parts are used, the multiple-choice part should be administered first, followed by the constructed-response part. You may select any day or days during your testing window to administer the tests. You must administer all tests in a given course on the same day(s) within the testing window. Each section of the End-of-Course Assessments requires 45 minutes of testing time. You may choose to administer the sections of the test in one session or in two separate sessions.

Most tests will be administered to examinees in the classroom during the regular class period. However, examinees in a given course may be tested outside the regular class periods if facilities and schedules permit.

Desirable Testing ConditionsTesting rooms (including classrooms) should offer adequate writing surfaces, ample seating, good lighting, comfortable temperatures, a quiet atmosphere, and freedom from distraction. There should be sufficient space for the teacher to walk between desks and monitor all examinees in the classroom during the test administration.

The writing surface should be large enough to accommodate the test booklet. Examinees should not be distracted by inadequate writing surfaces. Therefore, lapboards must not be used.

Whenever possible, seat examinees in a block so that all rows (side-to-side) and columns (front-to-back) have the same number of examinees and seats are aligned both side-to-side and front-to-back. This arrangement simplifies the distribution, collection, and verification of test materials and minimizes the opportunity for examinees to observe other examinees’ responses. All examinees must face the same direction. Every testing room must have a clock that is visible from every desk.

Use No. 2 Pencils for the Entire TestMake sure examinees use only No. 2 pencils when completing all information sections and gridding or writing responses. Responses gridded or written in ink, mechanical pencil, or colored pencil will not be scored.

Guessing on Multiple-Choice ItemsSpecific instructions about guessing on multiple-choice items are printed on the outside back cover of the multiple-choice test booklet. If examinees ask you about guessing, refer them to these instructions. Do not comment on or add to the printed directions or items in any way.

Examinee Questions about Test Items/TasksDo not answer questions regarding individual test items or tasks. All staff in the room during an administration should respond to questions with “Do the best you can.” You should not assist examinees with test item responses or alter, or attempt to alter, examinee responses.

If examinees note typographical errors or ambiguities in particular test items or tasks, teachers should instruct them to do the best they can and then include a description of the question or comment and the test form number(s) on a copy of the ACT QualityCore Testing Irregularity Report in this manual.

End-of-Course Assessments 9

End-of-Course AssessmentsTest MaterialsGeneral InformationAs the School Test Coordinator, you are responsible for maintaining the security and safekeeping of the test materials and for returning them to ACT at the conclusion of testing. All test booklets, used and unused, must be returned to ACT.

Receipt of Test MaterialsACT has packed the items listed in table 1 in your materials shipment. Quantities are listed on the Packing List.

Table 1. Items included in materials shipment, sorted by order of use:

When to Use Quantity Materials

Review materials upon receipt and when packing for return.

1 Packing List

1 per roster Roster Report (1 per roster)

During testing 1 per test ACT QualityCore test booklets or shrink-wrapped kit with answer document, reference sheet (for Chemistry, Physics, and any mathematics test), and periodic table (for Chemistry test)

1 ACT QualityCore Administration Manual (this manual) with School Header(s)

1 per roster ACT QualityCore Teacher Manual (one per roster)

Returning materials 1 per roster ACT QualityCore Group Headers

As needed ACT Scoring Services envelope(s) to package completed answer documents for scoring

As needed Return Used Answer Documents (RUAD) for shipping all scoring service envelopes to ACT Scoring Services

As needed Clear packing tape to seal boxes for return shipment to ACT

1 per box + 1 per RUAD

Return shipping labels (UPS)

NOTE: The box(es) in which you received your test materials should be used to return test materials to ACT. Please see page 17 for instructions on returning test materials to the two different ACT locations. The Roster Report should be used to match answer documents to their respective Group Headers when returning materials.

10 End-of-Course Assessments

Additional ResourcesYou will find these resources on the following pages:

• ACT QualityCore Testing Irregularity Report (page 25)

• ACT QualityCore Test Booklet Tracking Log (page 27)

• ACT QualityCore School Test Coordinator Checklist (page 29)

• ACT QualityCore School Header (perforated page in the back of this manual)

Reviewing Test MaterialsUpon receipt of the materials, complete the following steps.

1. Open every box in your shipment of test materials, and verify that the contents match those listed on the enclosed ACT QualityCore Packing List.

2. Examine the test booklets and/or shrink-wrapped kits to make certain that all examinees are registered and accounted for. See the Gridding a Blank Answer Document section for instructions on testing examinees who do not have a personalized test booklet or a preprinted answer document.

3. Count the individual test booklets and/or shrink-wrapped kits and other materials to ensure that you have received everything listed. The Packing List will indicate a serial number range for the test booklets and/or kits shipped to you. Please verify that the booklets and/or kits in your shipment match that range, and contact ACT if there are any discrepancies.

4. Verify that you have received the number of scoring envelopes and RUAD boxes indicated on your Packing List, and that you have received UPS return postage labels.

5. Check to ensure the materials have not been tampered with in any way.

If you find any discrepancies in quantities or you have other concerns, contact ACT immediately by calling ACT QualityCore Support toll-free at 866.764.7228.

Storing Test MaterialsIt is your responsibility to ensure that test materials are securely stored and handled before, during, and after testing. After you have verified receipt of all materials, reseal the boxes and lock them in a secure place such as a storage room, closet, or cabinet that is not accessible to examinees or other staff. Protect the materials from any conditions that could allow prior knowledge of the tests by examinees, other teachers, or other school employees.

Immediately after testing, return the test materials to secure storage until they are shipped back to ACT. Protect the materials from damage and from possible theft or loss.

Exercise vigilance concerning the security of all test materials before, during, and after the tests are administered. All test booklets must be accounted for before and after testing, and then returned to ACT.


Distributing Materials to TeachersTypically, teachers will administer the End-of-Course Assessments to examinees during a regular class period. Depending on the number of examinees in a room, you may wish to assign proctors (school staff, not students) to assist the teachers with distributing and collecting test materials and with monitoring testing. Be sure that everyone involved in test administration has and is familiar with the contents of the ACT QualityCore Teacher Manual prior to testing.

Please track counts of test booklets distributed to and returned from each room using the ACT QualityCore Test Booklet Tracking Log on page 27. If counts at any point along the chain of possession show a discrepancy, please stop and locate the missing test booklet(s) immediately.

Complete the following steps before distributing test materials:

1. On the ACT QualityCore Test Booklet Tracking Log, record the date, the name of the teacher to whom you are distributing test booklets, the number of test booklets, and the corresponding serial number ranges for all test booklets issued to each teacher and class.

2. Ask each teacher to count and verify the number of booklets received from and returned to you.

When distributing materials for the test, each teacher should receive:

• ACT QualityCore test booklets or shrink-wrapped kits with embedded answer document and reference sheet (when applicable)

• One test booklet for each examinee

• ACT QualityCore Group Headers (one for each test Roster Report)

• ACT QualityCore Teacher Manual (one for the teacher and one for each proctor who will be assisting in the testing room)

NOTE: If you did not receive enough copies of the manual with your shipment, a non-preprinted version is available on the ACT QualityCore homepage, www.qualitycore.act.org, under Test Coordinator Materials. All testing personnel are required to read the materials provided by ACT.


Testing Aids, Test Security, and Reporting IrregularitiesUse of Calculators on the ACT QualityCore End-of-Course AssessmentsUnless a calculator is provided by the school, each examinee is responsible for bringing his/her calculator to the test and making sure it works properly. Examinees may bring a backup calculator and extra batteries, but they may not have more than one calculator on the desk or in operation at a time.

Examinees are allowed, but not required, to use an approved calculator on the following End-of-Course Assessments:

• Algebra I • Precalculus • Geometry

• Algebra II • Chemistry • Physics

Permitted CalculatorsExaminees may use any four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator unless it has features described in the Prohibited Calculators list below. Models on the Calculators Permitted with Modification list that follows may be used only if the teacher modifies them as indicated. A minimum of a scientific calculator is recommended as examinees may not be able to solve some problems without one.

Prohibited CalculatorsThe following types of calculators are prohibited:

• Calculators with built-in or downloaded computer algebra system functionality—prohibited calculators in this category include:– Texas Instruments®: All model numbers that begin with TI-89 or TI-92 and the TI-Nspire

CAS—Note: the TI-Nspire (non-CAS) is permitted.

– Hewlett-Packard®: HP Prime, HP 48GII, and all model numbers that begin with HP 40G, HP 49G, or HP 50G

– Casio®: Algebra fx 2.0, ClassPad 300, ClassPad 330, fx-CP400 (ClassPad 400), and all model numbers that begin with CFX-9970G

• Handheld, tablet, or laptop computers, including PDAs

• Electronic writing pads or pen-input devices—Note: The Sharp® EL 9600 is permitted.

• Calculators built into cell phones or any other electronic communication devices

• Calculators with a typewriter keypad (letter keys in QWERTY format)—Note: Letter keys not in QWERTY format are permitted.


Calculators Permitted with ModificationThe following types of calculators are permitted, but only after they are modified as noted:

• Calculators that can hold programs or documents—Remove all documents and remove all programs that have computer algebra system functionality.

• Calculators with paper tape—Remove the tape.

• Calculators that make noise—Turn off the sound.

• Calculators with an infrared data port—Completely cover the infrared data port with heavy opaque material such as duct tape or electrician’s tape.

• Calculators that have power cords—Remove all power/electrical cords.

Unauthorized Testing AidsUsing scratch paper, notes, or any foreign-language or English dictionary, a cell phone, or an alarm on a wristwatch or cell phone is not permitted. Scratch work is to be done in the test booklet. The use of any unapproved electronic device during testing is not permitted. Use of any of these unauthorized testing aids should be noted in the ACT QualityCore Testing Irregularity Report on page 25 of this manual.

Prohibited Behaviors by ExamineesThe following examinee behaviors are prohibited. These behaviors should be documented using the ACT QualityCore Testing Irregularity Report in this manual. These behaviors may lead to an examinee’s test not being scored or to a reported score being cancelled.

• Filling in or altering circles on a test or continuing to write the essay after time has been called

• Looking back at a test on which time has already been called

• Opening and looking in a test booklet before being instructed to do so

• Looking at another examinee’s test booklet or answer document

• Giving or receiving assistance

• Using a prohibited calculator

• Using a calculator on any test other than the Chemistry test, Physics test, or a mathematics test

• Sharing a calculator with another examinee

• Using any device to share or exchange information at any time during testing or during the break. (All electronic devices, including cell phones, must be turned off from the time testing begins until the examinees are dismissed after testing concludes.)

• Removing or attempting to remove test materials, including questions or answers, from the testing room by any means

• Using unauthorized testing aids

• Exhibiting confrontational, threatening, or unruly behavior

• Creating a disturbance or allowing an alarm or phone to sound in the testing room


Teachers should confiscate and retain indefinitely any electronic device, including a cell phone, used in violation of this list of prohibited behaviors, and then contact ACT immediately for further instructions.

If you suspect, but are not certain, that an examinee is engaged in prohibited behavior, discreetly caution the examinee that these activities are prohibited and continue to observe the examinee closely. To discourage an examinee from looking at another examinee’s answer document or from giving or receiving assistance, move the suspected examinee to another seat. If you suspect an examinee is filling in or altering circles after time is called, warn the examinee immediately. Document your suspicions and subsequent actions on the ACT QualityCore Testing Irregularity Report.

If you observe an examinee engaging in any prohibited behaviors, collect that examinee’s answer document and test booklet. Advise the examinee that the answer document will not be scored. Write “VOID” clearly on the front of the examinee’s answer document and then attach both the answer document and the test booklet to a copy of the ACT QualityCore Testing Irregularity Report. Place these materials in a RUAD box for return to ACT.

Prohibited Behaviors by StaffThe following staff behaviors are prohibited. These behaviors may lead to an examinee’s test not being scored or to a reported score being cancelled. They may also result in consequences for testing staff, including reporting of test security concerns to appropriate school or legal authorities.

• Allowing examinees to engage in any prohibited examinee behaviors

• Allowing third parties, including but not limited to staff, to access, open, copy, reproduce, or review test materials

• Developing and/or sharing answer keys or responses to test items

• Giving assistance to examinees in responding to test items

• Tampering with examinee responses

• Removing or attempting to remove test items from the test room without authorization, or allowing others to remove test materials from the room

Reporting Irregularities or Prohibited BehaviorsThe teacher will document any testing irregularities on an ACT QualityCore Testing Irregularity Report in order to maintain test integrity and test security, as noted above. This report can be found in this manual and in the ACT QualityCore Teacher Manual. Copies should be made as needed.

The teacher will submit the ACT QualityCore Testing Irregularity Report and relevant testing materials to you, the School Test Coordinator. Any test booklets and/or answer documents affected by irregularities must be attached to the ACT QualityCore Testing Irregularity Report and sent to ACT at the address noted on the report.


You, as the School Test Coordinator, will document any irregularities occurring outside the testing room or affecting the entire test administration. You should then make and keep a copy of all ACT QualityCore Testing Irregularity Reports before returning them to ACT, in the event questions arise during processing.

The ACT QualityCore Testing Irregularity Reports should include prohibited behaviors listed in this manual as well as any unusual events that occurred during the test administration, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Disturbance or distraction that could affect examinee scores

• Examinee becoming ill and discontinuing testing

• Examinee challenging a test item

• Staff member suspected of compromising the integrity of test results

In exceptional situations, testing staff may wish to file an anonymous report about concerns that the ACT QualityCore tests may have been compromised. If staff members wish to report such concerns anonymously, they may do so by reporting it at act.ethicspoint.com or calling 855.382.2645.

Editing Student Account InformationDo NOT attempt to edit a preprinted answer document that contains incorrect information. You must correct the student information on the ACT QualityCore system.

To edit student account information:

• Log in as a School Test Coordinator using your e-mail and password.

• Select the Student Management tab and click on Search and Manage.

• Type in the first few characters of the last name of the student whose information you wish to edit. All matches will appear.

• Click on the name of the student whose information you wish to edit.

• Edit the student information fields and click Save.

NOTE: The QualityCore ID and Date of Birth cannot be edited.

• A pop-up message will appear asking if you would like to save the changes. Click OK.

• A green message will appear confirming that the student’s information was edited successfully.


NOTE: Confirm that the student account you edited has the same QualityCore ID that is on the preprinted answer document. If it is the same, the student information will reflect your updates whenever you view the reports. If it is different, you must give the student a blank test booklet. Grid the correct QualityCore ID in Block D of the embedded blank answer document. After testing, it is your responsibility to ensure that the student information you provide is accurate.

Accommodated TestingGeneral InformationExaminees with physical or learning disabilities who cannot complete the ACT QualityCore tests within the standard time limits using the standard test materials may be tested under special conditions and/or using accommodated testing materials available from ACT.

Ordering Accommodated Testing MaterialsACT QualityCore test booklets are offered in braille and 18-point large-print, on audio CD, and as reader’s scripts. Large-print multiple-choice answer documents are also available for examinees with motor or vision impairments.

School Test Coordinators may order accommodated testing materials in the ACT QualityCore system when assigning paper-based accommodations to students. Materials may also be ordered by contacting ACT QualityCore Support at 866.764.7228. To ensure delivery, accommodated testing materials must be ordered no later than four weeks prior to the test administration date. An overview of accommodated testing procedures, Instructions for Accommodated Testing, is available on the ACT QualityCore homepage www.qualitycore.act.org, under Test Coordinator Materials.


Accommodation CodesThe School Test Coordinator should be certain that, for all examinees testing with accommodations, the bubble(s) for the accommodation(s) is (are) gridded in Block L, Special Codes, on the front of the examinee’s answer document. Review the answer documents after the test administration to confirm that the appropriate accommodation codes have been marked and gridded.

R ReaderA AudioT1.5 Time and a half T2 Double timeUT UntimedB BrailleLP Large PrintOTA Other Test Accommodations

Returning Test MaterialsGeneral InformationAfter testing, all materials must be stored in a locked, secure place until they are shipped. All accommodated testing materials, test booklets, manuals, and other testing materials provided by ACT must be returned within two days after testing is completed. Please note the two different couriers, return addresses, and the materials that must be shipped to each address.

The testing materials listed below must be returned to ACT via UPS for scoring at this address:

QualityCore Processing Center 50 Education Way Dover, NH 03820

• Manuals (used and unused)

• Test booklets (used and unused)

• Standard reference/formula sheets and periodic tables

• Completed Test Booklet Tracking Log

• All scannable answer documents, completed by students or transcribed by school personnel

The accommodated testing materials listed below must be returned to ACT via FedEx for inventory and storage at this address:

ACT Services McCarrel Center 2727 Scott Blvd. PO Box 4059 Iowa City, IA 52243-4059

• Large-type test booklets (used and unused)

• Large-type reference/formula sheets and periodic tables

• Audio CDs

• Reader scripts (used and unused)

• Braille test booklets and reference sheets

• Completed Test Booklet Tracking Log


Gridding a Blank Answer DocumentIf you did not receive a preprinted answer document or personalized test booklet for an examinee, you must grid the examinee’s QualityCore ID in Block D of the answer document. The School Test Coordinator must log in to the ACT QualityCore system to retrieve the examinee’s QualityCore ID.

• Log in as a School Test Coordinator using your e-mail and password.

• Select the Teacher Management tab and click on View Teacher Rosters.

• Click on the appropriate Teacher Roster.

• Select Print Roster to view the roster and retrieve the student’s QualityCore ID.

NOTE: ACT cannot score an answer document unless the examinee has a valid QualityCore ID and is registered in a valid roster.

ACT QualityCore School HeadersYour School Headers (figure 1) are located in the back of this manual. Verify that the preprinted information is correct.

INSTRUCTIONS: Use a soft lead No. 2 pencil only. Do not use mechanical pencil, ink, or ballpoint pen. Enter the information requested and fill in the appropriate ovals. Erase any errors completely.

Block A: Enter the information requested.

Block B: Start with the left-most box, and enterthe ‘‘Institution/Site’’ code printed in the upper-left corner of your Packing List.

Block C: Record the total number of answer documents accompanying this header. If the number is less than 1000, precede it with zeros to make four digits (e.g., 0059).

Block D: Indicate the number of Group Headers included with your answer documents. If the number is less than 10, precede it with a zero to make two digits (e.g., 04).

Block E: Enter the ‘‘Contract/Cycle’’ numberprinted on your Packing List.

SCHOOL NAME AND ADDRESS (Use a soft lead No. 2 pencil only.)

© 2013 by ACT, Inc. All rights reserved.

|| 20355 Printed in U.S.A.

| |019 1C1 130 Rev 1

||

School Name

City

Test Supervisor’s Name (Please Print)

E-mail Address

Daytime Telephone Number

State Zip Code

Figure 1. Blank ACT QualityCore School Header


The Teacher Roster screen (figure 2) will list all the Teacher Rosters at your school. Find the desired roster. Make note of the course name and the class period.

Figure 2. Teacher Roster screen of the ACT QualityCore system

ACT QualityCore Group HeadersGroup Headers are used to separate answer documents into their correct rosters for reporting. Returning answer documents with the wrong Group Header will cause delays in scoring.

If the Group Header is preprinted:

• Verify that the teacher’s name gridded in Group Header Block B matches the name assigned to the Teacher Roster in the system.

• Verify that the COURSE gridded in Block C is correct.

• Enter the class PERIOD in Block D.

If you have questions about which examinees are in a specific roster, either refer to the Roster Report or log in to the ACT QualityCore system and check the Teacher Rosters.

If the Group Header is NOT preprinted:

a. In Block B of the Group Header (TEACHER NAME), grid the Teacher Name exactly as it appears on the Teacher Roster screen. If the test roster name is too long to fit in this section, grid as much of it as possible.

b. In Block C of the Group Header (COURSE), fill in the circle next to the course name.

c. In Block D of the Group Header, grid the class PERIOD.

d. Complete the rest of the Group Header according to the printed directions.


Packaging Answer Documents for ScoringFollow these steps to prepare used answer documents for return to ACT at the following address:

QualityCore Processing Center 50 Education Way Dover, NH 03820

NOTE: Do not send accommodated testing materials to this address.

STEP 1Used Answer Documents (and Headers) White ACT Scoring Services Envelope(s)

Contents should be placed in the following order, top to bottom, as illustrated in figure 3.

• A completed School Header should be at the top of the documents packed in the first envelope.

• ACT QualityCore Testing Irregularity Reports should be packaged with attached answer documents and/or test booklets, when applicable.

• Make sure that each Group Header and all its answer documents are packed together in the same envelope. Do not mix groups or divide across multiple envelopes.

• Roughly 200 answer documents can be packed in each envelope.

STEP 2White ACT Scoring Services Envelopes RUAD boxes

Preaddressed shipping labels are attached to the boxes used for returning used answer documents. The labels are scannable; take care not to damage or alter them. These labels cannot be photocopied.

Place up to 3 envelopes in each RUAD box (see figure 3).

• If you have 3 or fewer envelopes, you will place all the sealed envelopes in a single box to return all envelopes to ACT.

• If you have more than 3 envelopes, you will place the first 3 sealed envelopes in one box, the next 3 sealed envelopes into another box, etc., to return the envelopes to ACT.

After you have filled the boxes with all envelopes:

• Place any extra envelopes in one of the boxes being returned to ACT.

• Seal the boxes securely.

• Complete the “box ___ of ___ ” information requested on the outside of the boxes. For example, if you have 2 boxes, you will write “box 1 of 2” on the first box. You will then write “box 2 of 2” on the second box.

NOTE: You must use a permanent marker to write on the bags and envelopes.

You should have one or more RUAD boxes sealed and ready for return to ACT. They should contain the white ACT Scoring Services envelopes and any extra RUAD boxes and envelopes.


ACT QualityCore Testing Irregularity Report(s)(with relevant materials)

Used answer documentsGroup Header

Used answer documents

Group Header

From

DCAPP

Mark test being sent QualityCore Processing Center50 Education WayDover, NH 03820

10911

POSTAGEREQUIRED

FORDELIVERY

School Header

From

DCAPP

Mark test being sent QualityCore Processing Center50 Education WayDover, NH 03820

10911

POSTAGEREQUIRED

FORDELIVERY

Roughly 200 Answer Documents per Envelope

RUAD box(es) = 1–3 Scoring Services Envelopes per box

Figure 3. Above, how to pack used answer documents for return to ACT; below, how to pack envelopes in RUAD boxes. Up to three envelopes can fit in each box.


Packing Boxes for Return ShippingPreaddressed shipping labels are provided. These should be used to ship nonscorable testing materials (e.g., test booklets, manuals) back to ACT. The labels are scannable; take care not to damage or alter them. These labels cannot be photocopied.

Confirm that all remaining test materials (other than used answer documents) have been packaged for return by checking the items and quantities packed against the information shown on your Packing List. Fill your original boxes in reverse order (see figure 4). For example, if your shipment includes four boxes, you will begin packing test booklets first in the original shipping box identified as box 4 of 4, then box 3 of 4, etc.

Pack used and unused test booklets in the boxes in which they were delivered. Contents should be placed in the following order, bottom to top, as illustrated below.

• Used and unused manuals

• Used and unused test booklets

• Reference sheets and periodic tables, as applicable

• Completed ACT QualityCore Test Booklet Tracking Log

• Packing List

Copy the box numbers (“Box 1 of 4,” etc.) onto the flaps. Seal each box securely with clear packing tape. Attach the preaddressed shipping label securely to each box.

NOTE: To ensure quick turnaround of score reports, it is critical that you return all used answer documents in the RUAD boxes. If you have used answer documents that you do not want ACT to score, indicate this by attaching an ACT QualityCore Testing Irregularity Report to the answer document(s) and writing “VOID” clearly on the front of the answer document(s). However, please note that voided tests will still be processed and subject to billing. Place these documents in the envelopes and return them in the boxes. Any used answer documents returned in the boxes with the test materials will not automatically be scored.


Original Box

Packing List

Test BookletTracking Log

Reference Sheets/Periodic Tables

All Test Booklets(Used and Unused)

All Manuals(Used and Unused)

Figure 4. How to pack test materials (excluding answer documents) in boxes for return to ACT

Using Authorized Return Service for Standard Testing MaterialsIf UPS regularly picks up or delivers packages at a supervised area at your school, place the sealed packages (RUAD boxes) there. A supervised mail room or central office is acceptable.

The next time UPS stops at your location, the driver will pick up the packages. Do not call UPS to arrange pickup; you may incur a service charge that cannot be paid by ACT.

If your normal pickup area is not supervised, or you do not expect a UPS driver to come within 24 hours, you must take the packages to a UPS service location. Do not leave the packages unattended in a location such as a hallway, common area, or loading dock.

If you do not have regular UPS pickup at your school (at least every other day), you should take your sealed packages to any staffed site that provides UPS drop-off service. As long as the shipping labels are clearly visible, the site will accept the packages for shipment without additional paperwork. Please make a record of where and when you dropped the packages for shipment. Do not leave packages at an unattended drop-off location.

NOTE: Please refer to ""Returning Test Materials" on page 17 for information on the two different couriers and return addresses, and the materials that must be shipped to each address.


Using Authorized Return Service for Accommodated Testing MaterialsIf FedEx regularly picks up or delivers packages at a supervised area at your school, place the sealed packages there. A supervised mail room or central office is acceptable.

The next time FedEx stops at your location, the driver will pick up the packages. Do not call FedEx to arrange pickup; you may incur a service charge that cannot be paid by ACT.

If your normal pickup area is not supervised, or you do not expect a FedEx driver to come within 24 hours, you must take the packages to a FedEx service location. Do not leave the packages unattended in a location such as a hallway, common area, or loading dock.

If you do not have regular FedEx pickup at your school (at least every other day), you should take your sealed packages to any staffed site that provides FedEx drop-off service. As long as the shipping labels are clearly visible, the site will accept the packages for shipment without additional paperwork. Please make a record of where and when you dropped the packages for shipment. Do not leave packages at an unattended drop-off location.

NOTE: Please refer to "Returning Test Materials" on page 17 for information on the two different couriers and return addresses, and the materials that must be shipped to each address.

A

CT

Qua

lityC

ore

Test

ing

Irre

gula

rity

Rep

ort

25

AC

T Q

ualit

yCor

e Te

stin

g Ir

regu

lari

ty R

epor

t

Scho

ol N

ame

___

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

___

Dis

trict

Nam

e _

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

Site

Cod

e _

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

_

City

___

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

___

Stat

e __

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

___

Test

Dat

e _

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

_

Not

e al

l irr

egul

ariti

es (i

ndiv

idua

l and

gro

up) o

n th

is fo

rm. E

nter

the

appr

opria

te in

form

atio

n an

d/or

che

ck (

) in

each

col

umn

and

desc

ribe

each

irre

gula

rity.

CLI

P A

SSO

CIA

TED

AN

SWER

D

OC

UM

ENTS

AN

D/O

R T

EST

BO

OK

LETS

to th

is fo

rm (d

o no

t sta

ple)

. Ret

urn

this

form

in a

n R

UA

D b

ox to

: Qua

lityC

ore

Proc

essi

ng C

ente

r ●

50

Edu

catio

n W

ay ●

Dov

er, N

H 0

3820

. Pl

ease

Pri

nt o

r Typ

e.

Indi

vidu

al Ir

regu

lari

ties

Test

Opt

ion

Test

B

ookl

et

Num

ber

Cou

rse

Teac

her

Perio

d

Type

of I

rreg

ular

ity (

App

licab

le)

Ans

wer

Doc

umen

tPaper-Pencil Test

Computer-Based Test

Technical Navigation

Examinee Illness

Working Behind/Ahead

Item Challenged

Behavior

Phone Alarm, Other Device

Other

Materials Damaged, Defective, Duplicate, Replaced (Specify)

Void

Do Not Void

Exam

inee

Nam

e:

Des

crip

tion:

Qua

lityC

ore

ID:

Exam

inee

Nam

e:

Des

crip

tion:

Qua

lityC

ore

ID:

Gro

up Ir

regu

lari

ties

Num

ber

of E

xam

inee

s

in T

esti

ng R

oom

Dur

atio

n of

Irre

gula

rity

Cou

rse/

Teac

her/P

erio

dD

escr

iptio

n of

Irre

gula

rity

(Atta

ch se

para

te sh

eet i

f mor

e sp

ace

is re

quire

d.)

Be

prep

ared

to p

rovi

de a

list

of e

xam

inee

s affe

cted

by

this

irre

gula

rity.

Teac

her/T

A N

ame

(Ple

ase

Prin

t) _

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

___

Sch

ool T

est C

oord

inat

or N

ame

(Ple

ase

Prin

t) _

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

_

Teac

her/T

A S

igna

ture

___

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

__ S

choo

l Tes

t Coo

rdin

ator

Sig

natu

re

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

__

(Com

plet

e an

d re

turn

ON

LY if

irre

gula

ritie

s hav

e oc

curr

ed.)

A

CT

Qua

lityC

ore

Test

Boo

klet

Tra

ckin

g Lo

g 2

7

Dis

trib

utio

n of

Tes

t Boo

klet

s to

Teac

her/

TAR

etur

n of

Tes

t Boo

klet

s fro

m T

each

er/T

A

Cou

rse

Dat

e Te

st

Boo

klet

s D

istri

bute

d

Nam

e of

Tea

cher

/TA

R

ecei

ving

Tes

t Boo

klet

s

Num

ber o

f Te

st B

ookl

ets

Dis

tribu

ted

Seria

l N

umbe

r R

ange

Dat

e Te

st

Boo

klet

s R

etur

ned

Nam

e of

Te

ache

r/TA

R

etur

ning

Tes

t B

ookl

ets

Num

ber o

f Te

st B

ookl

ets

Ret

urne

d

Seria

l Num

ber R

ange

C

onfir

mat

ion

Initi

als

Teac

her/T

ASc

hool

Tes

t C

oord

inat

or

Scho

ol N

ame

City

St

ate

AC

T Q

ualit

yCor

e Te

st B

ookl

et T

rack

ing

Log

(Mak

e co

pies

of t

his f

orm

as n

eede

d.)

Scho

ol T

est C

oord

inat

or N

ame

(Ple

ase

Prin

t)

S

choo

l Tes

t Coo

rdin

ator

Sig

natu

re

As t

he S

choo

l Tes

t Coo

rdin

ator

, you

are

resp

onsi

ble

for e

nsur

ing

the

secu

rity

and

retu

rn o

f the

AC

T Q

ualit

yCor

e te

st b

ookl

ets.

Plea

se u

se th

is fo

rm to

trac

k th

e di

strib

utio

n an

d re

turn

of t

est b

ookl

ets.

Ret

urn

this

form

with

the

test

boo

klet

s to:

Qua

lityC

ore

Proc

essi

ng C

ente

r ●

50

Educ

atio

n W

ay ●

Dov

er, N

H 0

3820

ACT QualityCore School Test Coordinator Checklist 29

ACT QualityCore School Test Coordinator ChecklistReceiving Materials from ACT

�Verify that all items on the Packing List are accounted for and that no additional materials are required (see table 1).

�Reseal the boxes and store materials in a secure, LOCKED location until test day.

Before Test Day

�Distribute the ACT QualityCore Teacher Manual to all teachers, test administrators, and proctors prior to testing, and instruct them to read it before the test day.

�Review the calculator policy in this manual (pages 12–13), and decide how you will communicate this information to examinees.

On Test Day

�Distribute test materials to teachers following the instructions on page 11.

�Complete the ACT QualityCore Test Booklet Tracking Log (page 27) as you distribute test materials to the teachers and test administrators.

Immediately After Testing

�Complete the ACT QualityCore Test Booklet Tracking Log (page 27) as you collect test booklets from the teachers and test administrators.

� Store all materials in a secure, LOCKED location until you can review them and package them for return to ACT. Please see page 17 for instructions on returning materials to the two different ACT locations.

Reviewing Materials

�Confirm that all Group Headers are completed correctly and that the “Number of Answer Documents to Be Scored” (Block I) is correct.

�Review all ACT QualityCore Irregularity Reports, photocopy them for your records, and confirm that the affected answer documents and/or test booklets are attached to each report.

Packaging Materials

�Confirm that the examinee’s QualityCore ID is gridded in Block D of each completed answer document.

� Follow packaging instructions (pages 20–22).

Shipping Materials Back to ACT

�Ensure that shipping labels are visible on the outside of packed boxes and that all material is either supervised before UPS or FedEx picks it up or you drop it off at a staffed shipping site.

NOTE: If you are shipping any accommodated testing materials, please refer to page 17 for details on courier and address.

ACT Test Security Principles 31

ACT Test Security Principles1. Ensure that ACT business processes, distribution models, tests, test scores, and the

information and insights we provide are “secure by design.”

2. Protect the integrity of our testing assets and the information and insights ACT provides throughout the entire life cycle of a test (from test concept to development, delivery, reporting, investigation, and remediation).

3. Promote conduct that enhances test security. Deter and detect conduct that will materially and negatively affect the reputation and integrity of our testing assets, test scores, the information and insights ACT provides, and the ACT brand.

4. Ensure that a reported test score and associated information are accurate and valid indicators of the test taker’s own achievements, behaviors, and/or goals.

5. Foster effective communication that enables prompt reporting and resolution of test security concerns.

6. Ensure that everyone in the testing process is aware of, competent for, and supported in their roles. Avoid placing individuals or organizations in situations that may pose or appear to pose a conflict of interest or a safety concern.

7. Build a sense of community, collaboration, and trust that engages and empowers people to act upon these principles.

019010160