ADMINISTRATION CODE TRAINING OFFICE OF ASSESSMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Unbridled Learning ACT K-PREP (CRT/NRT) Alternate K-PREP ACCESS Nonacademic Indicators EOC CCR Assessments 2

RATIONALE 1.Professional Ethics: No test preparation practice shall violate the ethical standards of the education profession. (16 KAR 1:020) 2.Education Defensibility: Activities created or implemented for the sole purpose of artificially increasing test scores that do not contribute to the student’s overall education are considered a violation. 3.Student Ownership: All assessment work shall be done entirely by the student. Students, teachers and schools deserve to have valid and reliable test results. 3 Page 3

APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT PRACTICES  Annual dedicated training time on the Administration Code and Inclusion of Special Populations regulations for any individuals who will potentially be involved with any component of the assessments.  Training must occur prior to any test-related processes or test administration and shall include interaction regarding the content of the regulations.  The need for training applies to both paper/pencil and computer-based versions of the assessments.  It is the intent of the regulation for all administration manuals to be followed, including the reading of the scripts. 4 Page 4

APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT PRACTICES  Everyone shall read and comply annually with the regulations, and sign the signature page or group training signature sheet.  Signing either the signature page or group training signature sheet acknowledges that the signee will be held professionally accountable for his/her own actions. 5 Page 4

TEST SECURITY There is an emphasis on test security not only in Kentucky, but nationwide. Data Forensics: erasure analysis and score analysis can lead to finding inappropriate practices such as: Cheat sheets Test administrators leading students to answers through gestures or verbal cues Adults changing student answers Student receiving help from test administrators 6

TEST SECURITY Site Visits  School site visits are conducted during testing windows.  Sites are chosen by both purposeful and random selection.  DACs are notified shortly before the arrival of KDE staff. DACs may notify schools and attend if they so choose.  KDE staff requests specific documents such as seating charts, testing schedules, test materials log in/out sheets, as well as to see testing and storage areas.  Allegation Investigations  School visits  Staff and student interviews  Documentation 7

TEST SECURITY DACs, administrators and teachers are responsible for the security of assessment materials before, during and after testing. 8 Page 5

TEST SECURITY ACCEPTABLE  Knowing concepts measured and using content standards  Using KDE support materials for instruction  All persons involved with testing processes committing to nondisclosure of information NOT ACCEPTABLE  Using specific test item knowledge to prepare students for testing  Revealing test items  Reviewing or reading test items  Taking notes or discussing test content, concepts, etc. before, during or after testing 9

TEST SECURITY ACCEPTABLE  Taking materials out of school setting for home/hospital administration  Using KDE approved technology for student responses  Collecting and securely destroying student scratch paper, notes, drafts, etc. NOT ACCEPTABLE  Removing test materials from school/district setting for purposes other than administration  Maintaining electronic versions of items or responses  Scoring of test items or pre- writing areas 10 Page 5 & 6

TEST SECURITY ACCEPTABLE  Visual scanning of student responses for good faith effort criteria  Distributing Test Administrator Manuals prior to testing NOT ACCEPTABLE  Scoring or reading responses in their entirety  Making results of a checklist available before the entire assessment, including makeup testing, is complete and materials returned  Distribution of test booklets before the testing window opens  Allowing anyone other than those administering the test to see secure materials  Storing test materials in an unsecure manner (double lock required for classroom storage)  Leaving materials unattended outside locked storage 11

TEST SECURITY ACCEPTABLE  Distributing materials in the order as packaged  Copying of alert papers by district/school administrator for the purpose of resolving the issue  Accessing Internet or imaging capabilities on electronic devices with vendor or KDE approval (i.e. EOC, nonstandard response template) NOT ACCEPTABLE  Reproducing secure materials in any way—i.e., ing, discussing, photocopying, handwriting, posting to social network sites  Using electronic devices to gain a testing advantage  Accessing Internet, wireless communication, or imaging capabilities for any reason other than testing purposes 12 Pages 6-7

TEST SECURITY Deleting student nonstandard response templates from a flash drive only once at the completion of testing. Leaving test materials in a closed bin in a locked classroom while escorting students to music class. During a testing session allowing students access to electronic devices as each student finishes and test materials are collected. 13 ACCEPTABLE Yes or No

CLASSROOM MATERIALS ACCEPTABLE  Displaying instructional materials any time during the year  Displaying materials without content, including periodic tables, during testing  Following specific directions in test administration manuals for display of materials NOT ACCEPTABLE  Materials containing content or problem solving strategies in the testing environment  Providing any resources not listed in test administration manuals  Distributing, making available, or attaching to student workstations any information or materials not sent with test materials or listed in test administration manuals 14

CLASSROOM MATERIALS Basic periodic tables and motivational materials may remain posted. 15 Page 8 ACCEPTABLE

CLASSROOM MATERIALS KDE:OAA:DSR 8/29/ NOT ACCEPTABLE Materials used during direct instruction, containing content, or strategies/processes should not be displayed on classroom surfaces including walls, workstations or clothing. Classroom materials shall not provide a testing advantage to any student. Page 8

CLASSROOM MATERIALS Approved Materials  Dictionaries and thesauri for On-Demand Writing only  Blank writing or graph paper  Blank overlays  Content free bookmarks  Materials listed as approved in administration manuals Unapproved Materials  Mechanical pencils  Ink pens  Highlighters  Colored pencils or markers 17 Page 8

CLASSROOM MATERIALS ACCEPTABLE  Allowing dictionaries and thesauri (paper copy or electronic) only for on-demand writing  Students having access to calculators as specified in test administration manuals NOT ACCEPTABLE  Allowing dictionaries and thesauri for reading, mathematics, science, or social studies 18

CLASSROOM MATERIALS ACCEPTABLE  Providing in the testing environment, upon student request, materials consistent with instructional strategies to students with IEPs, 504 Plans or PSPs  Permitting electronic devices as specified in test administration manuals (i.e. calculators)  Allowing student access to non-content materials after the collection of test materials such as books and puzzles—is determined by school/district NOT ACCEPTABLE  Allowing students to leave the testing room to gain access to any resource used for accommodations  Permitting students to share calculators 19

CLASSROOM MATERIALS Calculator Usage Check assessment specific manuals for information on acceptable and prohibited calculator models. KDE recommends that schools provide calculators for each student; however, students are allowed to use their own approved calculators. Test administrators are responsible for ensuring that communication and Internet capabilities are disabled. Students within the same testing session may not share calculators even if test administrator clears the programs in between uses. 20 Page 9

CLASSROOM MATERIALS ACCEPTABLE  Test administrators having access to electronic devices to contact school administrators during test sessions  Allowing student use of personal electronic devices, which meet acceptable use criteria, for test administration NOT ACCEPTABLE  Allowing staff or student electronic devices for personal use, except in case of emergency, during testing sessions 21

CLASSROOM MATERIALS Allowing students to use their own approved calculators instead of one provided by the school. Using a personal cellphone to communicate with another teacher about a testing situation occurring in the classroom. Allowing students to read library or personal books as each student finishes and test materials are collected. 22 ACCEPTABLE Yes or No

ADMINISTRATION PRACTICES DACs and BACs shall:  Schedule test administration  Arrange for adequate staff to administer assessment  Prepare accurate student testing rosters and seating charts  Ensure all assessment materials are kept secure before, during and after testing 23 Page 10

ADMINISTRATION PRACTICES ACCEPTABLE  Words of encouragement such as “Do your best”, “Stay on task”  Active monitoring by test administrator and ensured by school and district staff (circulating around the room)  Monitored restroom breaks NOT ACCEPTABLE  Encouraging students to edit responses by giving evaluative feedback through tone, gesture or phrases such as “You can do better.”  Giving evaluative statements to students or assigning grades regarding item responses  Assisting students in understanding or answering test items  Coaching, editing or pointing out errors or missing answers  Altering student answers at any time or in any manner 24

ADMINISTRATION PRACTICES ACCEPTABLE  Appropriate size testing locations and adequate number of staff to conduct active monitoring (circulating the room)  Monitored restroom or refreshment breaks that do not impact the integrity of the test NOT ACCEPTABLE  Testing locations that limit the ability to adequately monitor students  Allowing students to move about the room during a testing session  Locations that exceed reasonable seating capacity  Leaving students alone with test materials  Allowing students to transport test materials without supervision 25

ADMINISTRATION PRACTICES ACCEPTABLE  Administer test sections in the order they appear in the book—same content, same grade, same school, same time  Principal to ensure that accommodations are provided accurately  Following time limits as specified in manuals  Extended time to immediately follow initial session and in an appropriate location  Pre-arranging for disruptive students to test in a different location NOT ACCEPTABLE  Altering the order of testing to facilitate the need for calculators  Providing accommodations in a manner that may interfere with or influence other students  Allowing students to continue working past the end of the school day 26

ADMINISTRATION PRACTICES ACCEPTABLE  Schedule session to avoid lunch conflicts. If unavoidable, monitor students during entire break  Modifying Alternate Assessment materials as described in manuals  Utilizing makeup sessions, including altering the order if needed, for student missing test sections NOT ACCEPTABLE  Allowing more time than specified in the manuals to students without IEPs, 504s or PSPs  Allowing students to work ahead into future sessions or return to prior sessions 27

ADMINISTRATION PRACTICES Students who miss or leave a test session(s)due to reasonable circumstances (e.g., illness, doctor’s appointment, family emergency), may pick up with the next item and use the remaining allotted time during a makeup session. Students who leave a test session(s) for unwarranted circumstances (e.g. not returning after a restroom break) may not complete the test part being administered at the time he/she left. 28 MAKEUP SESSIONS

ADMINISTRATION PRACTICES ACCEPTABLE  Using rulers and reference sheets for classroom instruction after testing is completed, as specified in manuals NOT ACCEPTABLE  Altering rulers or reference sheets prior to test administration 29

ADMINISTRATION PRACTICES Pointing out items with blank responses to students while monitoring a testing session. Indicating to a student the appropriate work area in a test booklet or student response booklet after a testing session has begun. Scribing for two students at the same time during a single test session. 30

TEST PREPARATION AND STUDENT MOTIVATION/REWARDS All regulations regarding curriculum, instructional time, and finance must be followed when providing test preparation activities and/or student reward and motivational activities. Rewards and motivational strategies related to the state-required assessment are to be consistent with those used for the larger school program. Teachers and other staff cannot be required to conduct test preparation/practice activities instead of regular instruction or outside the normal workday. 31 Page 13

TEST PREPARATION AND STUDENT MOTIVATION/REWARDS ACCEPTABLE  Normal instruction to continue  Regular review of content as part of an on-going instructional practice (lessons plans should reflect reviews throughout year)  Embedding test taking strategies into regular instruction NOT ACCEPTABLE  Cessation of normal instruction; order of instruction altered to match content area tests  Modifying or developing a culminating review based on information gained from secure materials 32

TEST PREPARATION AND STUDENT MOTIVATION/REWARDS ACCEPTABLE  Test prep courses and strategies using Kentucky’s content standards  Providing instructional activities that contribute to the students’ overall learning NOT ACCEPTABLE  Activities that simulate test administration without providing feedback to students or results being used by teachers to enhance instruction  Using Extended School Services (ESS) funds for test preparation 33 Page 13 & 14

TEST PREPARATION AND STUDENT MOTIVATION/REWARDS ACCEPTABLE  Using results of scrimmages, content reviews, benchmark testing, etc. to guide instruction and identify areas of weakness  Visually scanning student responses during test sessions to determine disciplinary problems and requiring students to answer the item again on a separate sheet of paper to be submitted to KDE. The rewritten response marked NOT TO BE SCORED. NOT ACCEPTABLE  Modifying the original response to an item retaken for disciplinary purposes 34 Page 14

TEST PREPARATION AND STUDENT MOTIVATION/REWARDS ACCEPTABLE  Visually scanning responses to determine good faith effort. The checklist may include answering all parts of the questions, legible writing, and being focused.  Including a pre-writing requirement of the student’s choice on a checklist NOT ACCEPTABLE  Specifying particular organizers or pre-write methods for a good faith effort checklist  Making results or rewards based on checklists available before all test materials are returned to the DAC or BAC 35 Page 14

Follow the guidelines in the Accounting Procedures for Kentucky School Activity Funds (“Redbook”) TEST PREPARATION AND STUDENT MOTIVATION/REWARDS Accepting donations from individuals, businesses, parents, or school staff for use toward incentives NOT ACCEPTABLE  Using school board funds, cash awards, or funds generated by students for incentives or rewards to attend school during testing window, participate in the assessment, or perform well on the state-required assessments KDE:OAA:DSR 8/29/ Page 14 ACCEPTABLE

TEST PREPARATION AND STUDENT MOTIVATION/REWARDS Using commercially purchased test prep courses as part of instruction throughout the school year. Letting students know they are doing satisfactory work on test responses. Using scrimmage test results to identify student weaknesses. 37

INCLUSION OF SPECIAL POPULATIONS  Staff must be trained annually regarding the role, responsibilities and conditions for providing accommodations.  Accommodations are intended to support earning valid and reliable test results. Accommodations do not automatically lead to student proficiency.  Any violation of the Inclusion of Special Populations regulation is considered a violation of the Administration Code regulation. 38 Page 16

ALTERNATE ASSESSMENT ACCEPTABLE  Interventions to enhance student ownership (i.e. modifying materials according to directions in test manuals)  Receiving training on the Alternate Assessment components  Securing storage of test materials NOT ACCEPTABLE  Altering student results  Using an accommodation or assistive device that is not part of the student’s regular instruction  Adding, subtracting, revising or working on materials after the completion deadline 39 Page 16

REPORTING CONCERNS REGARDING ASSESSMENT MATERIALS 1.Do not reproduce test items in any way, in whole, in part or by paraphrasing. 2.Identify the error/concern by test, grade level, test form identification number, subject and item number. 40 Example: K-PREP, 7th grade, form 3, math, #26 Page 17

REPORTING CONCERNS REGARDING ASSESSMENT MATERIALS 3.Summarize the error/concern in general in a manner that does not jeopardize security. 4.Notify the DAC with the identifying information and summary. 41 No correct answer choice is provided. Page 17

REPORTING CONCERNS REGARDING ASSESSMENT MATERIALS ing the grade level, content area and item number of an item reported to you by a student as faulty to the BAC. Texting the grade level, content area and item number of an item reported to you by a student as faulty to the BAC and letting her/him know that other colleagues agree with you. Writing down the grade level, content area and item number of an item reported to you by a student as faulty and personally handing it to the BAC when materials are returned after a testing session. 42

TESTING ALLEGATION PROCESS KDE:OAA:DSR 8/29/ Board of Review makes recommendation to the Commissioner of Education KDE Allegations Coordinator is notified Findings are reported to Board of Review Commissioner of Education makes final determination KDE manages investigation process District receives a letter from KDE stating the actions to be taken Page 18-19

ALLEGATIONS KDE:OAA:DSR 8/29/ AllegationExample Inappropriate Assistance/Intervention by StaffLeading students to answers, making corrections to student work Test Security (Staff)Discussing item specifics Test Security (Student)Removing a test booklet from testing location Out of Order (Staff)Not following test schedule Out of Order (Student)Working in prior sections or ahead Special EducationGiving inappropriate accommodations or not providing accommodations Student ActionUsing cell phones Missing Test BookletsMisplacing or failing to collect books by test administrator OtherGiving feedback, allowing students to change answers after testing

REVIEW OF SECURE ASSESSMENT COMPONENTS  Local districts are not required to allow reviews of secure materials.  Persons outside of local district employment can request to review the materials at KDE offices in Frankfort.  KDE will permit the review based on availability of appropriate staff to supervise the review.  Those reviewing materials will be monitored at all times and required to sign a nondisclosure form. 45 Page 20

REPORTING OF STUDENT DATA AND NONACADEMIC INDICATORS  Local districts are responsible for submitting and/or correcting student data and nonacademic indicators as accurately as possible for use in public reporting.  Submitting incorrect data for the purpose of inaccurately affecting public reports is considered a violation.  Schools and districts shall follow KDE guidance on the release of data during the data review periods and adhere to embargoed dates. 46 Page 20

TRAINING SIGNATURE 47 By signing the signature page of the Administration Code training document or group training signature sheet, the signer acknowledges receipt of the document, participation in training, agreement to comply with the content and to be held professionally accountable. Page 21

Questions/Comments 48