Test Administration Training Agenda The ACT Taken Online€¦ · OK Test Administration Training January 2016 1 1 Test Administration Training The ACT Taken Online The ACT for Oklahoma

OK Test Administration Training January 2016

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Test Administration TrainingThe ACT Taken Online

The ACT for Oklahoma State Testing 2015

Mark Vogt, Senior Coordinator State and District Testing, ACT, Inc.

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Agenda

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1. Program Specifics2. Technology 3. Facilities4. Testing Staff5. Test Materials6. Pretest Activities7. Test Day Activities8. Success for You and Your Students9. Preparing for Makeup Testing10. Packing and Returning Materials11. Reporting12. Resources and Contact Info.

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Test Administration Training

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State Testing Program Specifics

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Program Specifics for Oklahoma State Testing

• The ACT (No Writing)

• ACT-Approved Accommodations

– ACT Accommodations Overview – TAA, under Manuals and Supplements


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The ACT Taken Online

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A few additional items• Time limits for online testing are the same as the paper test

• Scores from online testing mean the same thing as scores from paper testing

• Schools must choose one mode of testing: Paper or online, you can not test both modes at your school for standard time.

• Technical requirements- the online version of the ACT will support current releases of major operation systems and browsers. Technical requirements for online testing are posted on the ACT/Oklahoma state testing website:

http://www.act.org/aap/oklahoma/act.html

• The last day to switch from online testing to paper: March 4, 2016.

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Test Dates

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The ACT Dates

The ACT Standard Time Initial Test Date (paper) March 29, 2016

The ACT Standard Time Makeup Test Date (paper) May 3, 2016

The ACT Online Testing Window March 15 – 29, 2016

The ACT Accommodations Testing Window March 15 – 29, 2016


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Accommodations Deadlines

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• Deadline to request reconsideration requests for ACT Approved Accommodations

• February 12, 2016

• Deadline for ACT to receive late consideration form

• February 24, 2016

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Test Administration Training

State and District Testing Technology

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Site Readiness Checkpoints

To ensure technical readiness for The ACT Taken Online, your school must pass three checkpoints:

• Checkpoint 1– A survey that will help determine if your school can meet the minimum

technical requirements

• Checkpoint 2– Run a preliminary system check on all testing computers and/or performing a

mock administration, and reporting the results to ACT

• Checkpoint 3– Final system check to ensure your computers are ready for the

administration. Run a system check on each testing computer.

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Online Testing Components


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What is TestNav?

• TestNav™ is the online testing engine ACT has contracted to utilize for delivering the ACT taken online.

• TestNav offers the following features:

– Scalability — supports thousands of simultaneous testing sessions in the schools

– Reliability — students are protected from technical failures

– Compatibility — operates on existing school computers and networks

– Consistency — a similar experience for every student regardless of location or computer platform

– Security — the highest levels possible for test content, desktop security, and user access

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How is TestNav Accessed

• TestNav is browser based and can be used without having to install anything on a local PC or Mac®

• TestNav Desktop serves the same role as TestNav, which is to deliver tests electronically to students. TestNav Desktop offers the same levels of security, reliability, and scalability as does TestNav, but does not require Java.

• The system can be run using the appropriate browser and operating systems. Recognizing that technology (such as operating systems, platforms, and devices) is ever-changing, TestNav minimum system requirements are continually being updated to reflect the latest compatibility.

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What is PearsonAccessnext?

• PearsonAccessnext is the browser-based system utilized for student management and online testing administration activities.

• Secure user log-in that controls access to organizations, tasks and students.

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SystemCheck Tool

SystemCheck is an online tool used to confirm that your testing computers meet the TestNav technical requirements.

SystemCheck estimates the number of concurrent testers that could be supported, at the time the check is performed.

SystemCheck was developed as a tool for customers to use to validate their computers and ensure they meet the technical requirements.

– Special Note: To gather realistic results System Check must be run from a student testing machine on the same day of the week as well as time that it is anticipated to deliver online testing.


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What is Proctor Caching?

• Proctor Caching software is used in conjunction with TestNav to reduce bandwidth requirements and accelerate the delivery of test content.

• Allows you to pre-cache test content to your local network before a test.

• Reduces the burden on your ISP by eliminating redundancy in requests for test content.

• Stores an encrypted local copy of all pre-cached tests.

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Why Use Proctor Caching

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Getting Ready

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What If?

• What happens if issues are encountered with the network during testing?• TestNav will save student responses to an encrypted backup file so

the student can either continue testing or exit the system without losing response data.


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Selecting Rooms

• Select Rooms that:

– Can be reserved to allow time for the entire test session

– Can be arranged to meet spacing requirements

– Are quiet and as free as possible from potential distractions

– Have computers with high speed internet access

– Have access to a printer

– Have their own supervisor computer for administrative monitoring

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Computer Requirements

• Computers must meet all of the minimum system requirements

• Pass all site readiness checkpoints

• As well as the school must maintain administrator rights to any laptops to ensure they meet all technical requirements.

• iPads are not permitted.

• Technical requirements for online testing are posted on the ACT/Oklahoma state testing website:



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• Type and size of rooms

– Prefer single-level classrooms up to 30 students; no more than 100

– Avoid multi-level seating

• Distractions

– An uninterrupted period is required for testing

– Post signs outside the room about testing

– If possible, no audible signals or announcements

• Writing Surfaces

– Accommodate scratch paper and/or calculators

– No lapboards

• Bulletin Boards

– Cover info related to potential test questions and test-taking strategies

– Geographical maps and periodic tables do not need to be covered

Room Setup

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Seating Arrangements


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Topics

• Avoiding a conflict of interest

• Room supervisor requirements

• Proctor requirements

• Technical Coordinator requirements

• Sign language interpreter requirements

• Reader requirements

• Training your staff


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• Must have one room supervisor per room

• Same person entire session

• Supervise one room at a time

• Responsibilities

– Identify and admit examinees to the room

– Distribute student authorization tickets

– Use PearsonAccessnext to retrieve seal codes

– Help examinees log into TestNave

– Help examinees enter seal codes to start individual tests

– Us PearsonAccessnext to start and stop the test sessions

Room Supervisor

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• Proctor

– Assist room supervisor

– Responsibilities include:

• Admit and seat students

• Distribute and collect materials

• Monitor students

• Report “irregularities” to room supervisor

• Accompany students to the restroom

• Verify timing

Proctor Requirements

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• The technical coordinator helps the test coordinator set up computers for testing. The person in this role must be available on test day to assist and troubleshoot any technical issues that may arise.

• Responsibilities– Ensure the school’s computers and infrastructure meet online

testing requirements

– Help the test coordinator and other staff set up for test day

– Trouble shoot technical issues

Technical Coordinator


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• Proctor Staffing Requirements

– A minimum number of proctors needed (in addition to the room supervisor)

– A proctor may be used if there are 25 or fewer students

– Minimum requirements:

• 1-25 students: room supervisor

• 26-50 students: room supervisor and 1 proctor

• 51-100 students: room supervisor and 2 proctors

Testing Staff Requirements


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• Sent to the attention of the test coordinator

• Scheduled to arrive the week of February 1

• The ACT shipment will include:

• Administration manuals for standard time

• Calculator policy

• Pretest instructions for Online Testing

• Blue scratch paper

• Taking The ACT

• Follow check-in procedures found in the manual

Nonsecure Materials Shipment – The ACT


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• ACT Approved Accommodations:– Test packages assigned to each examinee

• Scores may be cancelled if one examinee’s assigned test materials are used to test another examinee.

• Check any DVDs with computer software prior to testing

Accommodations Materials


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Pretest Sessions

• Pre-test portions are completed by students online and can be done in an in-school session or on the students own time

• Should not be completed on test day

• But it can be completed up to 4 days after test day

• Follow the instructions in the Taking the ACT to complete


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Create Staff Accounts in PearsonAccessnext

• ACT created a test coordinator account in PearsonAccessnext

account in during the establishment process. The test coordinator must create user accounts for other staff. (technical coordinator, room supervisors)

• When accounts are created a new account email is sent to those staff directing them to finish setting up their accounts.

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Assigning Examinees to Test Sessions

• A test session in PearsonAccessnext and TestNav is a single test event for specific examinees to complete the ACT test.

• The test coordinator will create one test session for each test room and them assign each examinee to a test session.

• Examinees testing online with standard time (no accommodations) and examinees testing online with ACT approved accommodations can not test together in the same session. Create sessions for accommodated testing separate from the standard time sessions.

• You must assign examinees to test sessions no later than two weeks prior to the first day of the testing window.

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Student Authorization Tickets

Standard Time

• The student authorization ticket is a printout that contains the examinee’s individually assigned username and password. Print one ticket for each examinee.

• The test coordinator prints the student authorization tickets from PearsonAccessnext prior to test day. They must be handled as secure and kept in a secure location until test day.

Accommodated testing

• The authorization tickets are collected and reused

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Seal Codes

• A code retrieved by the room supervisor from PA Next and provided to examinees to start a test section

• There is a seal code for each section. English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science


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• ACT’s policy applies to all ACT testing, including in-school State administrations

• Updated policy can be found on actstudent.org– http://www.actstudent.org/faq/calculator.html

– Calculators with built-in CAS functions are prohibited

– Some calculators are permitted, but only if CAS functionality, programs have been removed

• It is the examinee’s responsibility to know if their calculator is permitted for ACT testing

ACT Calculator Policy

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Authorized Test Dates and Times

Standard Time Administration

• ACT suggests beginning testing no later than 9:00 a.m.– Applies to all locations, even if approved to test off-site

– We recommend starting verbal instructions prior to 9:00 to start Test 1 by 9:00

• No afternoon or evening testing

• Testing must be the first activity of the morning

• Excuse examinees from classes, athletic practices, and other organized activities which occur prior to testing

Accommodated Testing

• You may schedule testing any time of the day. The requirement to begin no later than 9:00 a.m. does not apply to testing with accommodations.


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• Only ACT authorized personnel may enter the testing area

– Trained staff (includes local staff)

– ACT, State or district observers

• ACT authorization letter

• Test coordinator to call ACT to verify the individual is authorized to observe

• Do not allow individual into testing area without ACT verification

– All others are considered unauthorized

Authorized Observers

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• Complete the following forms for The ACT

– Testing roster

– Seating diagram

– Testing staff list

– Irregularity report (if applicable)

• Additionally, complete the following forms for Accommodated testing of The ACT:

– Administration report for ACT approved accommodations

– TAA PIN report

Completing Required Forms


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• Room supervisors will take the following steps before admitting examinees:– At the administrative computer open an approved browser and

launch PearsonAccessnext

– At each work station launch the TestNav app

– Know how to retrieve seal codes from PearsonAccessnext

– Have student authorization tickets for all examinees in your room

Prepare Test Room Computers


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Exact Timing

Standard Time

• The students workstation computer will keep the official time for the examination.

• There is a countdown timer located in the top right corner of the screen, which will tell examinees the time remaining for the test they are working in.

• A message will appear on their screen when five minutes remain on a test to serve as a warning before time is up.

Accommodated Testing

• Room supervisor times the ACT –approved accommodations sessions for all timing codes.


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Examinee Decides not to Test with Accommodations

• If an examinee is approved for ACT-Approved Accommodations, and indicates he or she does not want the planned accommodations, please contact ACT for further direction on how to test the examinee.


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Scheduled Break: Accommodated Testing

• Review the roster for student specific breaks

• Depending on the disability, examinees may be authorized for additional or stop-the-clock breaks, single sitting.

• Examinees may not be dismissed for an extended break, such as lunch, and return later to resume testing.


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Test Day Documentation: Room Supervisor Responsibilities

• Before dismissing examinees:– When examinees submit the last test, they are automatically logged out of

TestNav

– Collect the student authorization tickets and scratch paper

– Keep each examinee’s scratch paper and student authorization ticket together


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Examinees to Schedule for Makeup Testing

You may administer the makeup test to these examinees:

• Absent

• Arrived to late to admit

• Began but did not complete testing

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Examinees NOT to Schedule for Makeup Testing

You may not administer the makeup test to these examinees:

• Completed testing– Submitted test for scoring

• Dismissed for prohibited behavior

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Schedule Examinees for Makeup Testing

Unlike paper testing online testing has no test date specifically designated for “makeup” testing alone. With online testing, an examinee may take a makeup test on one of the remaining test days

• Create a new test session or add the examinee to an existing test session.

• Move the examinee from their originally assigned session to the makeup session.

• See PearsonAccessnext Test Sessions and Examinees and Test Sessions


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Keep Materials Separate

• To avoid delays or problems keep Standard Time and Accommodations online materials separate.

• If materials are mixed when shipped back to ACT, examinees may not receive scores, and or score reporting could be delayed.


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Returning Materials

• Return all materials on the pre-scheduled pickup after the end of the testing window.

• As an alternative, if all testing is complete:– Before the end of the designated two-week testing window:

• You may arrange to return all materials early by calling ACT to schedule a pick up

Do not return part of the testing materials early. Wait until all standard time testing has been completed, and your are able to ship all of the materials. Additionally, do not return these materials unless you use a pre-scheduled pickup or you have made arrangements with ACT.

If for any reason your materials are not picked up on the scheduled pickup date, call ACT so we can arrange pickup.

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Returning Materials If You Did Not Test

• Complete the outside of the red envelope(s). Mark did not test.

• Place in polymailer for return

• Email [email protected] to let us know you did not test


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• Student Reports

• High School Reports

Reporting


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Student and School Level Reports

Students with college reportable scores will receive:• ACT Student Report with Using Your ACT Results booklet

• ACT Student Online Scores

High schools will receive:• ACT High School Report (student level score data)

• ACT Student Score Labels

• ACT High School Check List Report

• ACT Profile Report – High School

• ACT State Testing Website for Oklahoma


• ACT Student.org website

www.actstudent.org

ACT Calculator Policy and FAQ

http://www.actstudent.org/faq/calculator.html

ACT and OSDE Web Resources

• Standard Time

Phone: 800.553.6244, ext. 2800

Email form: www.act.org/aap/state/contact.html

• Accommodations

Phone: 800.553.6244, ext. 1788

Email: [email protected]

ACT Contact Information

*011265160* Rev 1

Documents

Test Administration Training Agenda The ACT Taken Online€¦ · OK Test Administration Training January 2016 1 1 Test Administration Training The ACT Taken Online The ACT for Oklahoma