1. Wisconsin Forward Exam Test Administration Training
Spring 2017

2. District Website for Wisconsin Forward Information
All the Shawano School District Wisconsin Forward Exam Files can be found at our website under “District,” then “Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (CIA)”

3. Forward Exam
During the school year, Wisconsin rolled out the Wisconsin Forward Exam.
The Forward Exam is a summative assessment designed to gauge how well students are doing in relation to the Wisconsin Academic Standards.  These standards outline what students should know and be able to do in order to be college and career ready.

4. Forward Exam Test Window March 20 – May 5, 2017
The Wisconsin Forward Exam consists of:
Content
Grades
ELA and Mathematics
3-8
Science
4 and 8
Social Studies
4, 8, and 10
Be sure to notify parents of the upcoming assessment. There is sample letter on the DPI Forward Exam resources webpage along with an informational brochure about the exam for your use. Both are translated into Spanish and Hmong.

5. Graphic Overview
Math will still have 2 sessions. However there will no longer be calculator and non calculator items together in the same session (grades 6-8).
The TDA item type has been moved out of the ELA reading session ( ) and placed in it’s own session this year called the TDA writing prompt session.

6. Test Times
The Forward Exam is an untimed test. These are estimated times for scheduling purposes.
Sample test schedules and test blueprints are available at

7. Roles & Responsibilities
District and School Roles
District Assessment Coordinator (DAC) – Kelley Strike
District Technology Coordinator (DTC) – Craig Young
School Assessment Coordinator (SAC) – Rod Watson, Rhonda Uelmen, Rex Wachtel
School Technology Coordinator (STC) – Tammie Schenk, Jan Schroeder,
Test Administrator/Proctor - You

8. Test Administrator (TA) / Proctor
Responsible for:
Completing training for test administration and test security
Reading accessibility manual and understanding accessibility policies and procedures
Following the procedures and script in the Test Administration Manual (TAM)
Ensuring the security of the testing materials and testing environment
Monitoring students during testing
Ensuring students receive the correct test tickets
Reporting any test security incidents to DAC/SAC or DPI
Ensuring all students have appropriate accessibility features prior to testing and again immediately after testing begins
For a complete list of responsibilities and a “To Do” Checklist go to

9. Who is Responsible for Test Security?
Everyone working with the Forward Exam is responsible for test security
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) Staff
District Administrators
District Assessment Coordinators (DACs)
School Assessment Coordinators (SACs)
District Technology Coordinators (DTCs)
School Technology Coordinators (STCs)
Teachers, Test Administrators, Proctors (TAs)
Students, parents, and the community at large
Certified and non-certified public school staff
Cooperative Educational Service Agencies (CESAs) staff

10. How to Ensure Test Security
The Primary Goal of test security is to protect the integrity of the exam. You can help with this by:
Securing the test materials at all times (before, during, and after)
Not reviewing, discussing, or analyzing items
Ensuring unauthorized staff or adults are not present during the exam
Keeping test tickets in a secure area when not in use
Securely destroying test materials (test tickets, scratch paper)
Ensuring appropriate administration of the test
Monitoring students during testing
Using accommodations/supports appropriately
Training staff on administration, accessibility, and security policies
Reporting all testing irregularities

11. Confidentiality Agreement Forms
All staff involved in the testing process must sign hard copy DPI confidentiality forms. 
The confidentiality forms are available online at

12. Confidentiality Agreements
DAC - Send DAC signed form to DPI
(The DAC retains the SAC, DTC forms and any other district level forms)
SAC - Send SAC signed form to DAC
(SAC forms retained at the district level)
Proctors, Test Administrators, STC, and any school staff involved in the testing process - Send signed forms to the SAC
DPI
The signed DAC form is the only form that goes to DPI. All other forms are kept at the school or district levels for your records.
Forms are available at

13. How to Report a violation
School or district staff must immediately report all incidents of test administration irregularities to the DAC and to the DPI Office of Student Assessment (OSA).

14. Consequences of Security Violations
A security violation may result in the invalidation of test results for a student or group of students
Invalidation will result in:
A need to contact the parent to let them know what occurred and that their child will be receiving an ISR with no scores for the affected content area/s (code of INV).
Public reporting will reflect all invalidated tests as “not tested.” This may reduce the percentage of students meeting proficiency.

15. Inclusion of all Students
State and federal laws require that state assessments must allow for the inclusion of all students, including students with disabilities and English language learners (ELLs).
DACs and SACs have authority in eDIRECT to add/edit student accessibility settings.
Failure to provide accurate accessibility settings will result in a test irregularity and possibly an invalidation.
Accessibility settings must be set prior to printing test tickets.

16. Accessibility Overview

17. Testing Supports and Accommodations
Accommodations for students with disabilities should be documented in an IEP or 504 plan and be consistent with day-to-day instruction
Designated supports for students should be based on student need and consistent with day-to-day instruction
Work with your DAC/SAC to ensure that all supports and accommodations are accurately entered for students in eDIRECT prior to printing test tickets and testing
Ensure that any assistive technology is functioning appropriately with the online tools training prior to testing
Ensure that the non-embedded supports and accommodations are prepped and available for use during testing

18. Read Aloud Guidelines and Confidentiality Form
All staff providing the read aloud accommodation to students for The Forward Exam must sign the Forward Exam Read Aloud Protocol - Agreement to Maintain Security & Confidentiality form.
Signed forms should be stored at the school/district level.
Read Aloud Guidelines and confidentiality forms are available on the Forward Exam Accommodations and Supports webpage
Yes, this form needs to be completed even if the Forward confidentiality form has been completed.
Do I need to complete this form if I signed the Forward Exam confidentiality form?

19. Staff and Student Preparation
Manuals & Guides
Trainings
Administrator Tutorial
Student Preparation
Student Tutorial Videos
Online Training Tool (OTT)
TDA Sampler (Writing Prompt)
What is a TDA?

20. Manuals & Guides Resources Webpage
Test Administration Manual (TAM)
eDIRECT User Guide – Students and Testing
Proctor Guidelines
TA Checklist
Accommodations and Supports Webpage
Accessibility Guide
Read Aloud Guidelines
Scribe Guidelines
Translator/Interpreter Guidelines

21. Trainings Recorded Training Sessions Other Student Tutorial Videos
Online Tools Training (OTT)
Text Dependent Analysis (TDA) Sampler

22. Student Preparation
Students may perform better and with less anxiety if they are familiar with the format of the test, the tools available to them, and with the types of questions they will be required to answer.
However, test preparation is only useful to the extent that it is also teaching content area, knowledge, and skills. Therefore, the use of these resources for test preparation is of limited value to students due to the narrow opportunity for content learning.
It is very important to ensure that teachers are teaching to the curriculum and not to the test, as teaching to the test narrows the focus of instruction to only that content covered by the test.

23. Student Tutorial Videos
A series of chaptered videos, broken out by grade
Introduces students to the online tools and item types available during testing
Provide students with an overview of the testing process
All students should have the opportunity to view the student tutorials.

24. Student Tutorial Videos
Click here to open videos
Tutorial can be found on the home screen of INSIGHT (once the software is installed on student testing devices) or on eDIRECT in the General Information section.

25. Student Tutorial Videos
Some videos are intended for everyone to watch (these address general testing actions like logging in to a test and navigation) – ALONG LEFT SIDE OF SCREEN.
Others are tool-specific and describe how to use certain tools (like the protractor, for instance). ALONG RIGHT OF SCREEN –colored boxes that indicate which grade levels should view the video.

26. Online Tools Training (OTT)
A hands-on preview of the item types included in the Wisconsin Forward Exam.
All students should have the opportunity to practice with the online tools training (OTT).
Students will practice signing on as well as:
Selecting a test session
Responding to different item types
Using the many tools available in the testing system
Navigating the review screen
Pausing/exiting a test
Ending/submitting a test
OTTs are available by content area and grade level (accessibility forms – translations, VSL, CC, TTS will be by grade and content level. Some items may be the same within a grade band)
OTT is not scored
Not for practicing content or to see how well students will perform on the Forward Exam
Available beginning February 14, 2017, twenty-four hours per day.
Will also be available via URL which can be entered into a CHROME browser from any location (can be reviewed at home)

27. Online Tools Training (OTT)
Click here to open videos

28. Forward Exam TDA Sampler
Released for
This document contains samples of Text Dependent Analysis (TDA) test questions, stimulus passages, and student responses.

29. What is a Text Dependent Analysis (TDA) Item?
The English language arts (ELA) section of the Forward Exam presents students with a Text Dependent Analysis (TDA) question [ELA Session 1]. This item type replaces the old “writing prompt” item that used to be on the WKCE.
A TDA is a text based analysis, based on a single passage or a multiple passage set that each student has read during the assessment.
The passage or passage set will consist of either literary or informational text.
Students must analyze and use information from the passage(s) in order to plan a comprehensive, holistic response.
Students will then write their response including supporting evidence from the passage(s).
Students have up to 5,000 characters to formulate their response.
Student responses are scored using a rubric which takes into account both the composition and the conventions of the student’s writing.

30. TDA continued
The TDA portion of the Forward Exam requires students to read the text and then respond in writing in one of several ways:
identifying and explaining a theme or central idea, using textual evidence to support the claim about what that theme or central idea is, and
analyzing the development of an event, character, central ideas, or theme, using textual evidence to support the explanation and analysis.

31. The TDA is a long write Item
The TDA is not a short answer question.
Directions have been written into the script.
TAs read to the class to explain the session and to help students understand what is being asked of them.

32. How Long Does the TDA Take?
The estimated time to respond to a TDA is 30 minutes.
During an official test administration, students are given as much additional time as necessary to complete the test question as the Forward Exam is an untimed test.
Students should complete the TDA in one sitting (with short breaks) for test security purposes.
It is better to start the TDA session at the beginning of the school day rather than the end.

33. TDA in the Online Tools Training
Students should practice the TDA in the Online Tools Training (OTT)
Provides students with an opportunity to work with the TDA in the online platform
See how the item looks
How the text scrolls as they write

34. Room Set Up Room should have freedom from noise and interruptions
Make appropriate seating arrangements prior to test administration - Students should be seated so that they cannot view the answers of others
Good spacing
Partitions
Angle Monitors
Remove or cover displayed information on walls, bulletin boards, chalkboards, or dry-erase boards, etc. that might be used by students to help answer questions
Example: rubrics, vocabulary charts, word walls, number lines, student work, posters, graphs, charts, etc.

35. Room Signs Recommendations: (Post 2 signs; 1 in front,1 on door)
On the door: “TESTING—DO NOT DISTURB”
In classroom so that it is clearly visible to all students : “Unauthorized Electronic Devices May Not Be Used at Any Time During the Testing Session”
Please Note:
Cell phones/smartwatches or other electronic devices are not allowed to be used during testing or in the testing environment (e.g., turned off and put away)
Unauthorized electronics are a test security violation and may result in an invalidation of test results

36. Additional Materials Needed for Testing
Device
Description
Headphones/Earphones
Required for all students during ELA listening session.
Required for students needing text-to-speech in Mathematics, Science, or Social Studies
Pointing Device
Mouse, touch screen, touchpad, or stylus is required
Keyboard
A physical keyboard is required
Scratch Paper
Required resource for all students in all content areas. Scratch paper must be collected and securely disposed of immediately after testing session.
Graph Paper
Optional resource for students in grades 6-8. Graph paper must be collected and securely disposed of immediately after testing session. There is no need for a consistent requirement in graph paper size. However, the recommendation is the 1/4 inch graph paper. The graph paper should be plain graph paper and must also be free of axis lines, points, numbers, and/or letters.  Graph paper is provided for students to create organized sketches of points, lines, and/or shapes to solve problems in grades 6-8. 
Do I need headphones for all students?
Yes. The ELA test has listening a session that requires headphones.

37. Post Testing - Room Procedures
Establish procedures to maintain a quiet testing environment
Remember that some students will finish more quickly than others so have something for them to do.
Read a book
Worksheets
Leave the room for a designated area (this can sometimes make the other student’s feel pressured as their classmates begin to get up and move around)
Students should not be permitted to use electronics while in the testing environment

38. eDIRECT
eDIRECT
eDIRECT is the Forward Exam portal into which the DPI uploads the student data file and DACs/SACs manage student testing. 
Users are given access to eDIRECT at a district or school level
TA/Proctors are not given access to eDIRECT

39. INSIGHT
Secure web browser through which students access the Forward Exam
Installed on each device used for student testing
Also used for ACCESS (WIDA) testing for ELL students

40. Who May Proctor the Exam?
Test Administrators/Proctors (TAs) are trained staff (including administrators, teachers, and paraprofessionals) who are employed by the school or district.
They may also include student teachers who normally have responsibility for supervising students.
Parent volunteers should not be allowed to proctor the examination.
School personnel who are parents or guardians should not be allowed to proctor their own children.
Substitute teachers that have not received proctor training should not be allowed to proctor the examination.

41. TA/Proctor Guidelines
TAs must not assist students with the content of the individual items
TAs must follow prompts included in the TAM
Monitor testing
Circulate around the room
Ensure no unauthorized electronic devices are present
Ensure students are progressing through the test
Redirect students who have lost focus
Answer questions about technology only (how do I access the calculator), not content.
Remind students to check their test for any items marked for review or not attempted prior to taking a long break or logging out for the day. (Proctors should not check student answers. To do so would be considered a security violation.)
Report test security violations immediately
DPI

42. Create a Positive Atmosphere
Reminders:
Help students approach testing in a relaxed, positive way
Reassure students they will have ample time to do their best as the forward exam is an untimed test.
Emphasize that scores will not affect their grades, it is only to find out which skills they have mastered and which need further development so it is important they try their best.
Encourage students to attempt all items
As their teacher, your attitude toward the test will affect the student’s attitude toward the test.

43. Check Your Materials
Test Administration Manual - TAM (hard copy or online)
“Testing – Do not Disturb” Sign
“Unauthorized electronic devices and cell phones are not allowed in the testing environment” Sign
Any assistive technology devices required by students to take the Forward Exam
Headphones for ELA listening test and for any student using TTS

44. Test Administration Manual/Script
TAs must follow the script exactly each time a test session is administered
The Script is located in the Test Administration Manual (TAM)
The “SAY” boxes of the in the script must be read word for word There are parts of the script that are italicized and only need to be read again after the initial reading in that content area if the TA feels the students need to hear it.

45. Test Administration
Students have the ability to advance to questions without answering or fully answering previous questions.
If a student is unsure of an answer or does not provide an answer, it is recommended that students use the “Mark for Review” tool to flag the test question.
Students may not return to a session once it has been completed and submitted (They will be locked out)
Students may not return to a content area test once it has been completed and submitted (They will be locked out)
If continuing a session, students should not return to items completed the previous day. They should only work forward from where they left off in the session. TAs should alert students to this prior to ending a session for the day so they have time to go back and check any flagged items. When possible, sessions should be completed the day they were started (Best practice).

46. Test Tickets
Each student will need a separate test ticket for each content area.
Students will use the same test ticket each time they log into a particular content area.
For example: if a student is taking the ELA listening test, they will use the same ticket to log into the ELA reading test.
May students use test tickets as scratch paper?
Only if a new ticket is printed for each test session in the content area, as scratch paper must be collected after each session and securely destroyed.

47. Test Tickets All DACs/SACs can print test tickets
The student roster should be checked to ensure the appropriate online (embedded) accessibility options have been assigned to students before students sign in to their tests
Each student has one username/password per content area
The same ticket is good for all test sessions within that content area.
Test session rosters and test tickets are considered secure test materials and must be printed and stored in a secure location
If a student’s test ticket has been printed and a change is made to any embedded (online) accommodations, the test ticket must be reprinted.
It is imperative to check the roster and test tickets for the appropriate online (embedded) accommodations to ensure students do not sign in to a test without the appropriate supports.
Online (embedded) supports and accommodations are shown on the roster/test ticket. TAs must be made aware of any standard (non-embedded) supports or accommodations.

48. Distributing Test Tickets
Ensure each student has their own Forward Exam Test Ticket
Proctors should be diligently checking tickets as they are passed out to students.
Read student’s name to the student as you hand them the ticket.
Ask students to be sure they have the correct test ticket in front of them by having them check the name on the ticket before they begin testing.
Tips
Count the number of test tickets you’re passing out and make sure you collect the same number
If desired, test sessions can be broken into smaller groups of students that will be testing at the same time. Tickets don’t need to be sorted using this method and can be packaged by testing group. If desired, different test sessions can be printed on different colors of paper.

49. Reopen
A “Reopen” (unlocking of a submitted test session) of a test that was submitted prior to completion.
Performed as a result of
accidental submission of test – student may have exited the test in the wrong manner
technological difficulty that may have resulted in accidental test submission
A test should only be “reopened” by the DAC if the number of items attempted is two or less, or the duration of the test is two minutes or less. In all other cases, the DAC should contact DPI.

50. Invalidation Performed as a result of: Results of invalidation
A Test Security Incident Report Form must also be completed and submitted to DPI.
Performed as a result of:
Testing irregularities
Student deliberately does not attempt to respond to questions (there is no option to reopen in this scenario, retesting is not permitted)
Results of invalidation
Test will not be scored
Student will not count as a test participant
Entire content area will be invalidated (ex. All of ELA, not just writing)

51. Destroy/Return Test Materials
All test tickets, scratch paper, graph paper must be collected and at the end of each test session and then securely destroyed (i.e., shredded).

52. Wisconsin Forward Help Desk
DRC Contact Information
Wisconsin Forward Help Desk
Jason as a Help Desk: Ext. 4106

53. DPI Contact Information
Tahira Chaudary Forward Exam Program Manager Jennifer Teasdale Education Program Specialist Jesse Roberts Assessment for ELLs
Phil Cranley
Data, Student Demographics, and Privacy Issues
Duane Dorn
Test Security and Choice students
If you are not receiving the assistance you need from the helpdesk - please contact DPI - (Tahira or Jennifer) so we may help get your situation resolved.