1. LEAP Connect Administrator Training November 7, 2018

2. Today’s Goals By the end of this presentation, you should understand:
Built-in supports/accommodations
Administrative documents
Student Response Check (SRC)
Online Tools Training (OTT)
Test administration
Scoring and reporting
Resources for support
Read

3. LEAP Connect/LAA1 Key Dates
LEAP Connect OTT, OTT DTA, OTT Reference Materials and Writing Documents
Available Now
Student Response Check (SRC) if needed
eDIRECT Manage Users available
eDIRECT Test Setup
January 2–March 15, 2019
Assign and Enter TA numbers
Materials delivered to School System
January 22, 2019
Window for ordering additional materials
January 23–March 1, 2019
LEAP Connect and LAA1 testing window
February 4–March 15, 2019
Test Ticket invalidations must be completed; Void Notification and Verification forms due to LDOE
March 18, 2019
All secure accommodated materials returned to DRC including braille instructions
This is a list of LEAP Connect and LAA1 Key Dates; currently the Online Tools Training, OTT supporting documents, SRC, and eDIRECT user Management are open. The testing window is from February 4 - March 15.

4. LEAP Connect Updates NEW for 2018-2019
Answer options for ALL items (ELA and math) will be included in the Reference Materials.
These can be enlarged and used for students who use alternative communication devices such as eye gaze boards.
You can preview this when you use the Online Tools Training and download the DTA and Reference Materials from eDIRECT .
Forthcoming resources
Practice Constructed Responses-Webinars November 13-14
LEAP Connect Assessment Guide Updates
LEAP Connect ELA and math for grade 11
Replacing the LAA 1 ELA and math assessment taken previously in grade 10
Aligns the high school alternative assessment with the K-12 Louisiana Connectors for Students with Significant Disabilities
Read

5. Overview of LEAP Connect

6. Vision for Students with Significant Disabilities
Louisiana believes that all students, including those with the most significant cognitive disabilities, deserve an education that prepares them to be independent and successful in life after high school.
Through quality and clear alignment of standards, instructional resources, and assessments, our students can achieve academically and leave high school with the skills for lifelong success.
BESE adopted the new Louisiana Connectors for students with significant cognitive disabilities that replace what were formerly known as the Extended Standards. LEAP Connect replaced what was formerly referred to as LAA1 for ELA and Math in Grades 3-8 and 11.
A quick overview of LEAP Connect. Read first bullet and last bullet.

7. LEAP Connect Overview
Each year, students enrolled in grades 3-8 and 11 who meet the participation criteria for alternate assessments take a LEAP Connect to measure their academic progress in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics. The test is an alternative assessment to LEAP 2025.
What is LEAP Connect?
A computer-based assessment that measures the knowledge and skills of students with significant disabilities in English Language Arts and math;
An alternate assessment for those students who cannot participate in LEAP 2025 assessments even with accommodations; and
One measure of progress toward the goal of our students achieving academically and leaving high school with the skills for lifelong success.
LEAP Connect is an assessment for students in grades 3-8 and 11 in ELA and mathematics. Read three bullets.

8. LEAP Connect Overview
LEAP Connect is aligned to the K-12 Louisiana Connectors for Students with Significant Disabilities and provides built-in supports.
Results will be used to make instructional decisions and to decide what supports are needed for additional learning.
The LEAP Connect assessment provides access to the statewide assessment system and its focus is to measure the progress that students are making while participating in high-quality standards-based content.
The test window is February 4 - March 15.
Read two bullets and last bullet.

9. English Language Arts (ELA)
Assessment Design
Grades and 11
English Language Arts (ELA)
Mathematics
4 sessions
Session 1: Reading
Session 2: Reading
Session 3: Writing
Session 4: Writing
2 sessions
Selected Response (SR) items in all grade levels
Constructed Response (CR) items in grades 3-5, 8, and 11
For more information on the type/number of passages and items by grade level, reference the LEAP Connect Assessment Guide.
This is an overview of the LEAP Connect test design. ELA will have 4 sessions: two reading and two writing; mathematics has two sessions. All LEAP Connect sessions are designed with built in supports to provide access for all students in this population.

10. Built-In Supports/Accommodations

11. Built-in Supports
LEAP Connect is designed with several built-in supports. These include:
Reduced passage length for the English Language Arts (ELA) reading passages;
Pictures and other graphics to help students understand
Models for students to use during the ELA and mathematics tests;
Common geometric shapes and smaller numbers on the mathematics tests;
The entire test read aloud by Test Administrator (TA) or computer;
Detailed directions and reference materials for TAs to provide support on items;
Untimed test that can be paused and spread out throughout the testing window;
TA supports such as scribing, recording answers, and utilizing manipulatives; and
Test design allows for both verbal and nonverbal responses.
Read slide

12. Accommodations vs. Built-in Supports
(must be listed on an IEP)
Built-In Supports
(allowable for all students on LEAP Connect)
Calculator
Assistive Technology
Braille (for grades 3 and 4 Foundational Reading Items only)
Test Read Aloud
Untimed Tests
Individualized Testing
Answers Recorded
Transferred Answers
Scribe
Use of manipulatives
Alternative Forms of Communication
Communication Boards
A brief overview of what is required on an IEP for students taking LEAP Connect. Read slide.
For questions regarding accommodations,

13. Scribe Protocol
If a student is unable to write due to his or her disability, the student can dictate responses to selected-response and constructed-response items orally or using his/her preferred mode(s) of communications.
The test administrator or other qualified individual must record them on the online form.
Qualifications, preparations, and protocols for transcribing student responses are detailed in Appendix A and Appendix B of the TAM in eDIRECT.
Many students taking LEAP Connect will require a scribe. It is important that all scribes are trained by test coordinators and understand proper scribe protocol in adherence with LEAP Connect testing protocols and test security. Read last sentence

14. Administration Documents

15. TCM/TAM Test Coordinators Manual (TCM)
The LEAP Connect TCM contains Pre- and Post-Administration Oaths, test security details, testing guidelines, roles and responsibilities for test coordinators and administrators, test ticket management details, and resources for online testing. This manual should be used by both district and school test coordinators and should be reviewed prior to the testing window.
Test Administration Manual (TAM)
The LEAP Connect TAM contains Pre- and Post-Administration Oaths, test security details, checklists for administration, testing guidelines, accommodations information, and frequently asked questions. This manual should be used by anyone administering LEAP Connect to a student and should be reviewed prior to the testing widow.
Read slide

16. DTA
The Directions for Test Administration (DTA) is a secure document that provides the Test Administrator (TA) with specific instructions for LEAP Connect administration.
Each DTA provides the exact wording of the items to be used by the TA, the materials needed in preparation of the test, and directions for how to present the items to the student.
The DTA is a required document for administering LEAP Connect to a student.
If any section of LEAP Connect is administered without the DTA, please complete the Testing Irregularity Form and submit to
Administering LEAP Connect without the appropriate DTA can result in a void of testing results.
Read slide

17. DTA: ELA
The grade/content appropriate DTA must be used by the TA when administering each item of the LEAP Connect assessment.
The grey italicized words indicate an action required by the TA.
The TA may be required to point to the test screen, present a reference material, read a graphic description (if TTS is turned off), or read a description for the student who is visually impaired.
This is an example of a DTA taken from the OTT DTA. The boxed wording with arrows was added to show all of the TA responsibilities for each item on the assessment. Read slide:

18. DTA: Mathematics
The LEAP Connect DTA contains the entire test question with italicized wording throughout which provide directions for the TA when administering. The italicized wording provides specific directions for the test administrator. The TA will follow the directions listed in the DTA, pointing as the test is read and presenting graphics/answer items from the Math Reference Materials or ELA Reference Materials and Writing Stimuli. If the student is using the TTS function, the TA must still read the visual descriptions for any student who is blind or visually impaired. If TA is reading the test to the student, all graphic descriptions must be read aloud as well.

19. Review Period: DTA
Up to two weeks prior to administering LEAP Connect to a student, the TA must review the DTA for each LEAP Connect assessment they are administering in a controlled setting with the School Test Coordinator (STC).
The TA should go through each question with the needs of each student in mind.
After the review, the STC must collect the DTA and securely store until testing begins. After testing, these secure materials must be returned to DRC.
After the review, the STC should work with the TA to collect any materials/manipulatives necessary for administering the test to each student.
Each DTA will provide a suggestion on materials/manipulatives that would benefit administration.
For questions on allowable materials/manipulatives for LEAP Connect administration,
Because of the high involvement of the TA when administering LEAP Connect, Read slide

20. Reference Materials and Writing Stimuli
Accompanying each DTA is the grade/content level Math Reference Materials or ELA Reference Materials and Writing Stimuli.
These secure documents provide a paper copy of answer options for each Selected Response (SR) item and additional materials/stimuli for Constructed Response (CR) items.
These documents can be copied, cut out, or enlarged based on the needs of each student.
The appropriate Math Reference Materials and ELA Reference Materials and Writing Stimuli are required documents for administering LEAP Connect to a student.
If any section of LEAP Connect is administered without appropriate Math Reference Materials and ELA Reference Materials or Writing Stimuli, please complete the Testing Irregularity Form and submit to
Administering LEAP Connect without the appropriate Math Reference Materials and ELA Reference Materials and Writing Stimuli can result in a void of testing results.
Read slide

21. Review Period: Reference Materials and Writing Stimuli
Up to two weeks prior to administering LEAP Connect to a student, the TA must review the appropriate Math Reference Materials and/or ELA Reference Materials and Writing Stimuli in a controlled setting with the STC for each LEAP Connect assessment they are administering.
The TA should go through each question with the needs of each student in mind.
The TA should be allowed to duplicate and/or cut out any necessary materials or stimuli for test administration, communication boards, or to upload to devices.
After the review, the STC must collect the original documents and any duplications and securely store until testing begins. After testing, these secure materials must be securely destroyed.
Example: For students who respond using horizontal eye gaze, the answer options for each question should be cut out prior to test administration. During administration, these reference materials can be presented to the student for a response.
For questions regarding Math Reference Materials and/or ELA Reference Materials and Writing Stimuli for LEAP Connect administration,
Because of the high involvement of the TA when administering LEAP Connect, Read slide

22. Reference Materials
And here is just an example of what the Reference Materials/Writing Stimuli document looks like. Again, each answer choice for each item will be provided. This document can be copied, enlarged, and even uploaded into communication devices depending on the needs of the student. These materials are secure and should be securly stored while testing is in progress and deleted/securly destroyed when testing is complete.

23. Procedures for Assessing Students who are Blind, Deaf, or Deaf/Blind
The Procedures for Assessing Students Who Are Blind, Deaf, or Deaf-Blind: Additional Guidance for Test Administration is a secure test material that details the administration LEAP Connect to students who are blind, deaf, or deaf-blind. This guide must be used in conjunction with the DTA and TAM. This guide includes:
Tasks to complete before, during, and after the assessment;
Strategies, with definitions and examples, that may be used by the test administrator as appropriate for individual students to enhance access; and
Appendices with information for accessing the Open-Response (OR) Foundational Reading Items in grades 3 and 4 and additional resources.
This is a required document for administering LEAP Connect to a student who is deaf, blind, or deaf-blind in grades 3 and 4.
If any section of LEAP Connect is administered to a student in grades 3 or 4 who is deaf, blind, or deaf-blind without this guide, please complete the Testing Irregularity Form and submit to Test results may be voided.
Read slide

24. Student Response Check (SRC)

25. SRC Overview
The Student Response Check (SRC) is available now for the TA to administer with a student. This is a 3 question task which a student is asked to demonstrate their preferred mode(s) of communication.
The purpose of the SRC is to ensure that a TA can clearly identify which answer a student indicates in response to a selected-response test item. If the student’s response is not observable by the TA, the TA cannot enter the students response in DRC INSIGHT.
If the TA is familiar with a student’s preferred method of communication, the TA does not need to conduct the SRC.
The SRC is accessed through the LEAP Connect Online Tools Training, under the link “Student Response Check”.
Read slide

26. SRC Example Question
This is an example of a SRC question. The TA would sit with the student and gauge how the student would respond to the question. Again, if the test administrator is familiar with the preferred mode(s) of the student, the SRC does not need to be administered.

27. Online Tools Training (OTT)

28. OTT Overview
The LEAP Connect Online Tools Training (OTT) includes items ELA and math. The purpose of the OTT is to familiarize the student and teacher/TA with the LEAP Connect assessment.
The OTT can be accessed through the INSIGHT Portal or through the LEAP OTT site in Chrome.
Read slide

29. OTT Administration
The teacher or test administrator must download the OTT DTA and OTT Reference Materials and Writing Stimuli to use when administering the OTT to the student. These documents are located in eDIRECT under General Information → Documents → LEAP Connect
The student should go through the OTT one-on-one with a teacher, ideally the teacher who will administer LEAP Connect to the student.
The LEAP Connect OTT was designed to be given in the same way as the actual LEAP Connect assessment.
Answer options for each OTT item are available in the OTT Reference Materials and Writing Stimuli documents to support students who use eye gaze or communication boards.
Read slide

30. LEAP Connect OTT DTA Student Screen DTA
This is a comparison of the student screen and DTA for the LEAP Conenct OTT. It is designed to mimic the look and feel of the actual LEAP Connect Administration. Again, the Online Tools Training (OTT) Directions for Test Administration (DTA) and Reference Materials/Writing stimuli can be accessed on eDIRECT under General Information by clicking on Documents, then LEAP Connect/LAA1 Spring 2019

31. Test Administration

32. TA Quiz
The LEAP Connect TA Quiz was designed to ensure each TA is aware of the preparation and documents necessary to administer LEAP Connect. The quiz must be passed before a TA can administer LEAP Connect. STCs should keep a copy of the quiz on file with pre- and post- oaths.
A score of at least 80% must be attained to ensure the test administrator understands the responsibilities and procedures required to administer the LEAP Connect assessments.
For TAs who do not score at least 80%, the STC must re-give LEAP Connect TA training and re-give the quiz until at least an 80% is earned
The TA Quiz will be posted in eDIRECT 4 weeks prior to the testing window opening.
Read slide

33. LEAP Connect Test Administration
LEAP Connect is:
Administered one-on-one with a student and TA
Administered by the TA using the grade level/content appropriate DTA and Math Reference Materials/ELA Reference Materials and Writing Stimuli and any materials/manipulatives collected after the materials review periods
Untimed and administration should be spread out throughout the testing window based on the needs of each student
Administered using supports familiar to the student and used in daily classroom instruction
Designed to be accessed by all students with significant disabilities
Only grades 3 and 4 Foundational Reading Items will have a verbal/nonverbal distinction
Only grades 3 and 4 Foundational Reading Items have a braille option for students with visual impairments
Read slide

34. LEAP Connect Test Administration
LEAP Connect is administered one-on-one using the online test platform (INSIGHT), Directions for Test Administration, and either Mathematics Reference Materials or ELA Reference Materials and Writing Stimuli. All passages, items, and response options are designed to be read to the student through text-to-speech or by the test administrator.
Administration of Tasks If after attempting at least four tasks in a content area the student is unresponsive on all of the items, you may exit and close the test. Note: If the student is unresponsive because he or she is having a bad day, try administering the test on another day.
End of Test Survey
At the end of each grade 11 test in INSIGHT, there is a survey for TAs to complete and submit. This will provide useful feedback on the experience of each TA administering LEAP Connect.
Read slide

35. Testing Homebound Students
Policy requires that homebound students participate in state testing unless it is determined by a doctor in writing that they are too ill to test. The doctor’s letter must include all dates of testing, including makeup days.
Secure materials must be checked in and out daily by homebound test administrators. When possible the test administrator should be the regular homebound teacher. Tests should be administered in accordance with all rules for test administration and security. Any accommodations should be documented on an the IEP.
The four options for testing homebound students are:
Install both the TSM and Insight client on a single laptop to be transported to the testing location
Install Virtual Private Network (VPN) software and the client software on a laptop to be transported to the testing location
Utilize the district’s virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) to set up and deliver a web-based login to access the district’s internal TSM and client software
Purchase a hosted VDI as a service solution to deliver TSM and client software access
Read slide

36. Packaging/Returning Materials

37. Packaging LEAP Connect Materials for Return
LEAP Connect secure materials will be returned with LAA1 secure materials. Because all LEAP Connect materials are nonscorable, there is no set order in which materials should be packaged.
UPS is prescheduled to arrive at the school system office on Monday, March 18. There is no need to call UPS. The following materials must be returned:
Directions for Test Administration
Procedures for Assessing Students Who Are Blind, Deaf or Deaf-Blind: Additional Directions for Test Administration
Braille materials
Math Reference Materials and ELA Reference Materials Writing Stimuli should be securely destroyed after testing, including any duplications of these documents.
Directions for packaging materials for return are detailed in the LEAP Connect TCM posted in eDIRECT.
Read slide

38. Scoring and Reporting

39. The Results: Student Reports
Each student who takes LEAP Connect will receive an individual report detailing:
Content performance score
Content achievement level
Content specific achievement level descriptors
This information not only tells us if a student “passed,” but it gives us some specifics about their ability to perform certain skills in ELA and math.
Results will be used to make instructional decisions and to decide what supports are needed for additional learning.
Read slide

40. Individual Score Reports: Key Components
This is an example of a LEAP Connect ISR. As you can see on the left is the overall performance for ELA and math accompanied by a sumamry fo the ALDs and the school system and state averages.

41. Parent Guides to the LEAP Connect Student Reports
The Parent Guides to LEAP Connect Student Reports provides to the LEAP Connect student reports for grades 3-8 and 11.
The guides provide families with information on:
student achievement level by content or domain;
a comparison of the student’s progress to others; and
information to help parents understand how to use these results to guide discussions with their child’s teacher.
Schools should send the parent guides home to parents along with the student reports in May.
Both of these guides, and all other assessment resources, can be found in the Family Support Toolbox.
The Parent Guide to the LEAP Connect Test and ELPT provides guidance to families on the LEAP 2025 tests for grades 3-8 and high school.
The guide provides information on:
which tests students take;
when students will take the test; and
resources to help parents understand what students should know and be able to do on the tests.
Located within the guide is a Parent Guide to the Practice Tests.
Both of these guides, and all other assessment resources can be found in the new Parent Assessment Portal which walks parent through how they can support their child in getting ready for the test at home.
Please contact with questions.

42. Resources for Support

43. LEAP Connect Frequently Asked Questions
May I assess more than one student at a time?
No. Each student must be assessed individually.
May I prompt the student?
You must follow the directions as written in the Directions for Test Administration. You may read the directions as many times as you think necessary. You may direct the student’s attention to the task or manipulatives and also encourage the student to attempt the task.
Must the student respond verbally?
Students may communicate responses in their typical communication modality. Test administrators should use the Student Response Check (SRC) to ensure that they can clearly identify which answer a student indicates in response to a selected-response item.
This is a list of some of the most frequently asked questions for LEAP Connect. Read slide

44. LEAP Connect Frequently Asked Questions cont.
May a test administrator assess a student with a grade assessment that does not coincide with the student’s enrolled grade?
No. The student must take the test for the grade in which he or she is enrolled. This is a federal guideline based on the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
Can a paraprofessional serve as a test administrator?
No. However, they may assist in administration if trained in test security and administration procedures. If a student responds best to a paraprofessional, the paraprofessional may read the prompts and questions to the student.
Does LEAP Connect permit manipulatives?
Yes. Objects or manipulatives that are part of a student’s routine classroom instruction are permitted. A list of manipulatives for each grade is provided in the Math Reference Materials/ELA Reference Materials and Writing Stimuli.
For additional Frequently Asked Questions, reference the LEAP Connect TAM.
Read slide.
A summary of additional questions can be found in the LEAP Connect TAM. Any other questions regarding LEAP Connect administration can be ed to

45. Webinars in November
A step-by-step demonstration of administering the CR sample while offering trouble-shooting guidance based on feedback received from the End-of-Test surveys of the spring 2018 LEAP Connect tests.
LEAP Connect ELA Constructed-Response Sample, Grades 3-5 Webinar
LEAP Connect ELA Constructed-Response Sample,
Grades 6-8 and 11 Webinar
Webinar Date and Time: November 13 at 3:00 p.m.
Webinar Link: Webinar Phone Number: Meeting ID#:
Webinar Date and Time: November 14 at 3:30 p.m.
Webinar Link:
Webinar Phone Number:
Meeting ID#:
The administration of the LEAP Connect ELA constructed response is a very detailed process that will required significant preparation time on the part of the TA. Webinars to support TAs in administering the ELA CR section will be November 13 and 14. Please encourage all persons involved in LEAP Connect Administration to attend. These sample CR items with supporting DTA and reference materials writing stimuli will also be available in the Assessment Guidance Libaray.

46. LEAP Connect Resources
LEAP Connect Assessment Guide: a guide for teachers to understand the test design, levels of complexity, structure, and sample items
Online Tools Training: provides students and teachers opportunities to become familiar with the tools available in the online testing platform; available in INSIGHT or here using the Chrome browser;
Parent Guide to LEAP Connect: a guide for parents to understand the LEAP Connect assessment.
ELA Guidebooks 2.0 Diverse Learner Guide: Contains information about using the ELA Guidebooks with diverse learners.
The Louisiana Connectors for Students with Significant Disabilities, which are aligned with Louisiana Student Standards, presents the Louisiana Connectors and represent the most salient grade-level, core academic content in English language arts and mathematics.
Essential Elements Cards, which are a primer for differentiating instruction for students with significant disabilities, break down the instructional task into knowledge and skills, suggested instructional strategies, and possible supports and scaffolds for student learning.
Parent Guide to LEAP Connect Score Reports: a guide for parents to understand the LEAP Connect student reports Also available in Arabic, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
address for content and resources related the LA Connectors.

47. Technical Assistance Protocol
If technical problems occur during testing, school and district staff should follow the technical assistance protocol presented below. Technical problems include, but are not limited to, problems connecting to INSIGHT, the inability to load test items, or missing buttons.
DRC Louisiana Customer Service
LDOE

48. Next Steps Questions? Email assessment@la.gov or call 225-287-6563
Key Dates
Action
Available Now
LEAP Connect OTT, OTT DTA, and OTT Reference Materials
SRC, if needed
User Management
November 13 at 3:00 (grades 3-5)
November 14 at 3:30 (grades 6-8, 11)
LEAP Connect CR Webinars
January 2
Test Setup Opens
Questions?
or call