Test Monitor Training Administering Minnesota Assessments “Leading for educational excellence and equity. Every day for every one.”

Introduction The purpose of this presentation is to eliminate problems with test security and test administration by reviewing procedures required by MDE. Presentation will focus on general principles, not specific tests. education.state.mn.us 2

Test Security education.state.mn.us 3

Why Is Test Security Needed? Maintain the integrity of: –Tests –Test results Protect the state’s financial investment –Test items are expensive to create and maintain education.state.mn.us 4

Anyone involved with the packaging, security or administration of statewide tests must complete a Non-Disclosure Agreement. education.state.mn.us 5 Documentation

education.state.mn.us 6 Documentation for Paper Administrations Test Monitors must have a Test Monitor Test Materials Security Checklist that shows which test books and accommodated test materials were assigned to each student (for determining if all secure test materials were returned).

education.state.mn.us 7 Documentation for Online Administrations Test Monitors must ensure that students are logged in under their name and are taking the correct test. If needed, Test Monitors must have a Test Monitor Test Materials Security Checklist that shows which accommodated test materials were assigned to each student (for determining if all secure test materials were returned).

Viewing and Copying Tests Only certain people are allowed to see test items –Students taking the test –Staff working with accommodations (e.g., reading a script, scribing a test) –Test Administrators for MTAS and ACCESS for ELLs Reproducing any part of a test is a breach of security and a violation of copyright law, except as otherwise permitted. education.state.mn.us 8

Possible Test Security Issues General –Lack of a written policy on test security or test administration. –Policy exists, but is not communicated to staff. is not followed. –Failure to secure test materials from the time they arrive in the district to when they are returned to the service provider. education.state.mn.us 9

Possible Test Security Issues Testing Staff –Inadequate training of Test Monitors/Test Administrators or School Assessment Coordinators. –Failure to read/understand/sign the Non- Disclosure Agreement. –Inadequate staffing of testing rooms or computer labs. education.state.mn.us 10

Possible Test Security Issues Testing administration –Failure to follow the Test Monitor Directions or script instructions. –Failure to follow district guidelines for taking breaks during the testing session. –Cheating by a staff member or student. –Inappropriate materials posted on walls. education.state.mn.us 11

Possible Test Security Issues Missing materials –Test material left unattended. –Secure materials not returned. Especially accommodated materials, such as scripts or large print test books. education.state.mn.us 12

Test Monitor Responsibilities Before, During and After Testing Sessions (see Roles and Responsibilities in the Procedures Manual for Minnesota Assessments) education.state.mn.us 13

education.state.mn.us 14 Before Testing Day Read, understand and sign the Non- Disclosure Agreement. Review the Test Monitor Directions. Know how to contact your School Assessment Coordinator during testing. Know what behaviors and activities should be documented and how to report them. Know where to pick up testing materials on the day of the test.

Before Testing Day Know your procedures for: –Restroom and other breaks during testing (individual student and whole group). –Disruption due to inclement weather or other special circumstance. –Student illness. –Student perceives an error in a test book. –Starting and stopping testing when testing over multiple days. education.state.mn.us 15

education.state.mn.us 16 Before Testing Day Know your district’s testing schedule and assigned testing days. Know your building’s plan for keeping test materials or online tests secure between testing sessions if students testing over multiple days. Remove or cover any prohibited materials in your room (e.g., visual aids that directly relate to test content). Know which students will receive accommodations.

education.state.mn.us 17 Testing Day: Before Students Arrive Sign out your secure test materials from your School Assessment Coordinator. Keep your testing materials secure until the testing session. Verify that students receive their assigned testing materials. Know what to do if a student’s online test stops or will not resume.

education.state.mn.us 18 Testing Day: Before Students Arrive Make sure you have test materials for the students taking the test. For online tests, make sure you have student login information.

education.state.mn.us 19 Testing Day: During the Test Actively monitor your students during all testing sessions. Follow the Test Monitor Directions exactly. Only answer questions by repeating the scripted instructions in the Test Monitor Directions.

education.state.mn.us 20 Testing Day: During the Test For online testing, make sure students are logged in and taking the correct test. Ensure that staff do not review test items during any test session. Notify your School Assessment Coordinator of any testing irregularities as soon as possible.

education.state.mn.us 21 Activities Prohibited During Testing Posting visual aids that directly relate to test content. Revealing test items (from segments of the test not yet taken). Reading test items to students (unless using a math or science script or administering the MTAS).

education.state.mn.us 22 Activities Prohibited During Testing Copying or ing test items. Helping a student answer test items. Changing a student’s answers. Defining terms used in test items.

Test Security Notification Form If a breach of test security occurs: –Notify School Assessment Coordinator/District Assessment Coordinator immediately. –District Assessment Coordinator will contact MDE. education.state.mn.us 23

education.state.mn.us 24 Testing Day: After the Test Verify receipt of all test materials from students. Keep your testing materials secure after the testing session.

education.state.mn.us 25 Testing Day: After the Test Sign in your secure test materials with your School Assessment Coordinator. Notify your School Assessment Coordinator if something unusual or unexpected occurred during testing so that the Test Administration Report can be completed.

Bottom Line When testing is over, a Test Monitor should be able to say “Yes” to: –Were the test materials secure at all times, and did I return all the secure materials? –Did I carefully read and follow all of the Test Monitor Directions? –Did my students arrive at their answers independently? education.state.mn.us 26

Test Security Violations Possible Consequences education.state.mn.us 27

Possible Consequences of Violations MDE may require district to: –Provide evidence that the person(s) involved in the test security violation received training. –Outline the events, including details and timelines. –Include copies of the School Test Materials Security Checklist and Test Monitor Test Materials Security Checklist documenting any missing test materials. –Develop a plan for future training with an emphasis on test security and how training will be documented. education.state.mn.us 28

Possible Consequences of Violations MDE may: Invalidate a test score – student, class, school or district. Withhold state educational aids. Refer to the Board of Teaching for possible licensure sanctions. Refer to the Minnesota Department of Administration for violations of data practices. education.state.mn.us 29

education.state.mn.us 30 Division of Research & Assessment 1500 Highway 36 West Roseville, MN (fax)