2013 PSSA Assessment Coordinator Training

2013 PSSA Assessment Coordinator Training
Pennsylvania Department of Education Data Recognition Corporation

Agenda Introductions – PDE General Overview – PDE PSSA Overview – PDE
Test Security – PDE PDE Security Training – PDE Planning for the Assessment – PDE Participation and Exceptions to Participation – PDE Administering the Assessment – PDE AYP – PDE Review Key Dates – DRC Roles and Responsibilities – DRC Paper/Pencil Administration – DRC Online Administration – DRC

General Overview All policy decisions come from PDE
All PSSA logistics are the responsibility of DRC and include: Delivery of Paper Materials eDIRECT System Insight System (Online test engine)

PSSA Overview Available to students either online or paper/pencil
Multiple-Choice (MC) and Constructed-Response (CR) items

PSSA Overview Students in grades 3-8 will be required to take the PSSA. PSSA results will be used for Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). The 2013 PSSA will be based on the current AA/EC Grades 3-5 will have Field Test items based on the PACC The entire PSSA will be based on the PACC in 2015

PSSA Overview PSSA and Keystone Exams
Students in 8th grade or below who complete a course for which there is a Keystone Exam will take both the Keystone Exam and the PSSA.

PDE Policy – Test Security
The assessments rely on the measurement of individual achievement. Any deviation from assessment procedures is strictly prohibited and will be considered a violation of test security. School administrators, teachers, and any other education personnel who are involved in the assessment program must maintain the security of all assessment materials at all times. Because the assessment must remain secure, teachers/Test Administrators should not have assessment materials in their possession at any time other than during the actual assessment administration.

Test Security Certifications The Test Security Certifications must be signed after the assessments are administered Principal, District Assessment Coordinator, School Assessment Coordinator, Test Administrator and Proctor (if applicable) Provided in Appendix D of Handbook for Assessment Coordinators All other individuals handling secure materials MUST have a signed School Assessment Coordinator Test Security Certification on file The Chief School Administrator must retain all Certifications for three years DO NOT return these forms to DRC

Test Security Certifications If an individual does not sign the appropriate Test Security Certification, the Chief School Administrator must provide the Department of Education’s Bureau of Assessment and Accountability with a written explanation of the reason or reasons why the Certification was not executed. The explanation must provide a description of the action taken by the Chief School Administrator in response to the failure to execute the Test Security Certification.

PAsecureID List Distribution School assessment coordinators must generate a list(s) of students by PAsecureID to show all students taking the PSSA. The list should include for each student the test administrator, school name, year, and subject being administered. All lists must be retained at the district/school for three years; and be available when requested by PDE.

Maintain test security: Refer to PDE security guidelines located at Search for “Accommodations and Security”

Roles and Responsibilities
District Assessment Coordinator (DAC) Attend required PDE training Train school assessment coordinators Receive tests Inventory tests Distribute tests to school assessment coordinator(s) Collect tests from school assessment coordinator(s) Inventory, package, and return tests

School Assessment Coordinator (SAC) Attend training offered by DAC Train Test Administrators (TAs) and Proctors Receive tests from DAC (ship to district sites) or DRC (ship to school sites) Inventory tests for school Put labels on test booklets (Do not open test booklets while doing this!) Create testing schedule

School Assessment Coordinator (cont.) Distribute tests to TAs on the day and time scheduled for test administration. Monitor testing sessions Collect tests from TAs Make sure no prohibited materials are on the classroom or hallway walls Make sure tests are in a locked area with controlled and limited access Return all tests to DAC (ship to district sites) or DRC (ship to school sites)

You are responsible for the security and proper administration of these tests.

Test Administrators Be familiar with all testing protocols, including the “Ethical Standards of Test Administration (formerly the “DO’s and DON’Ts”) Follow all testing protocols Sign the Test Security Certification Statement Make students familiar with testing procedures Make students feel comfortable

Test Administrators Answer any questions students may have about test directions Walk around the room during testing Maintain a calm, quiet environment during testing Collect and return test books to the SAC when testing is complete Report any suspected testing violations to the SAC and to PDE

Chain of Custody Tests should be secure at all times!
DACs should inventory the tests as soon as they arrive in the District and keep them in a locked storage area that has limited access. SACs should inventory the tests as soon as they arrive in the School and keep them in a locked storage area that has limited access.

Chain of Custody When distributing tests to TAs, the tests should be counted by the SAC in the presence of the TA When the tests are collected, they should be counted by the SAC in the presence of the TA Tests should be collected as soon as a testing session is completed unless another section is to be administered immediately

Chain of Custody Tests should be stored in a locked storage area. Only people who require access to the tests should have a key to the storage area. Samples of the test booklets are NOT to be furnished to the TAs as part of the training. TAs should NOT receive any test booklets until the test is to be administered.

Common Violations The following are examples of testing violations. This is NOT an exhaustive list. Misuse of accommodations (e.g., reading the Math test to the entire class; reading aloud the Reading test) “Under” proctoring (e.g., inadequately monitoring the testing session) “Over” proctoring (e.g., reminding a student without the appropriate accommodation to answer a specific question)

Common Violations Changing answers or encouraging students to change their answers. Discussing the test or test questions with individual students. Reading aloud a math question or answer choice when doing so cues the correct answer.

Common Violations Not removing or covering instructional materials in the testing room or the hallways. Giving reminders to individual students or to the entire class (e.g., “Remember, we covered this last week.”) Allowing students to possess cell phones during testing. Allowing devices in the testing room that take pictures.

Common Violations Copying or recording any part of the secure test materials Viewing secure test material by teachers, proctors, administrators, etc. Returning test materials to students to complete or enhance answers

Potential Consequences of Testing Violations
For Educators: Verbal reprimand Written reprimand Suspension with or without pay Termination Revocation of certification Criminal charges

For Students: Consequences for students violating test security (e.g., cheating, taking pictures of test questions) are up to the individual LEA. Students should be made aware of these consequences prior to testing.

For Students (cont.) If a student violates test security, it is the responsibility of the LEA to determine the consequences for the student. These consequences may include disciplinary action and/or the student retaking the test. ALL test security violations by students must be reported to PDE immediately.

Data Available to PDE - examples
Student erasures How long it takes a student to answer an item when taking the test on a computer When answers are changed and how often they are changed on a computer Statistical analyses of student scores and performance

Cautions! Do actively proctor the test but don’t give any individual student help. Do encourage the class to check their answers but don’t encourage specific students to check their answers. Do report all prohibited actions.

Cautions! Do not review student test or answer booklets (except as stated in the Administration Manual and the Accommodations Guidelines). Do not assist, direct, or counsel students during the administration of the test in any way that would influence student answers. Do not provide answers to students. Do not alter, influence, or interfere with a test response in any way, fill in any unanswered item, or instruct the student to do so. Do not discuss or provide feedback regarding test items. Do not use the answer sheet as scratch paper or as a method to eliminate incorrect answer options.

To Report Suspected Violations, Contact The Pennsylvania Department of Education at 717-787-4234

Additional Contact Information Jay Gift, Assessment Security Advisor Kerry Helm, Assessment Specialist

Planning for the Assessment
Testing Preparation DOs: Plan for testing rooms and times Post PA General Description of Scoring Guidelines Math Formula Sheet(s) Provide test administrators with: Manuals Test Security Certifications (located in back of PSSA Handbook) A schedule and plan for secure distribution and collection of materials after each session Training to include correct labeling and coding Test administrators and students should have clear direction regarding the room and the time assigned for the administration of the tests. There should be a monitored area designated for any latecomers to prevent interruptions to a test session. To help facilitate a smooth test administration: For the writing test, the “old” Pennsylvania Domain Scoring Guide is permitted to be posted during the writing test, as well as the current Mode Specific Scoring Guidelines. All test administrators must be trained on how to administer the test. This allows new test administrators, as well as veteran test administrators, to feel comfortable with any changes in the PSSA tests.

Accommodations The Accommodations Guidelines for students with IEPs, ELL students, and all students are available on department’s web site – The Federal No Child Left Behind Act requires that all students participate in the PSSAs. Remember that any accommodation used during PSSA testing should be part of the student’s everyday school environment. Students with disabilities are to be included in all state assessments and should be provided with appropriate accommodations. Accommodations should only be extended to the student as long as it does not compromise the integrity of the test. For example, Literature aloud the Literature assessment is not considered a valid accommodation since the purpose of this assessment is to measure skill in Literature and comprehending printed matter. A downloadable document outlining all acceptable accommodations is found on the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s web site.

Be prepared for parental requests to view the test. Parental review must be done with a paper assessment booklet. Schedule small group setting(s). Schedule extended time setting(s). Assign test administrators for breaks and movement to other setting(s). Parental requests to view the tests must take place at the school or district setting with a monitor present at all times. Students that normally receive a small group setting for assessments should be provided with a similar setting. Parents must sign a confidentiality agreement before viewing any secure materials.

PASA Eligible grade 3-8 students can participate in the PASA for Math, Reading, and Science If a student meets the criteria to participate in the PASA, he/she must also participate in a school or district provided alternate assessment for Writing

ELL students ELL students are treated the same as every other student with the following exceptions: Participation in the Math PSSA is mandatory but if the student is in their first year of enrollment in a U.S. school their scores do not count for AYP purposes Participation in the Reading PSSA is optional for students in their first year of enrollment in a U.S. school

ELL students ELL students are treated the same as every other student with the following exceptions: Participation in the Science PSSA is mandatory for students in their first year of enrollment in a U.S. school but scores do not count for AYP purposes

Administering the Assessment
DO: maintain calm & quiet remove or cover all instructional materials provide: blank scratch paper sharpened pencils highlighters encourage students return all test materials to secure location DO NOT: allow unsupervised breaks display visual cues (e.g., picture icons) provide pre-printed graphic organizers allow pens/colored pencils; stray marks prompt students keep any test materials use the answer sheet as scratch paper For a more complete list of the PSSA dos and don’ts, reference the PSSA Handbook for Assessment Coordinators. You can clarify directions and offer encouragement to the students. Circulate around the room while the students are taking the assessment and be available as a resource. Allow students to create graphic organizers on the scratch paper provided at the time of testing without your assistance. Directions for all assessments may be read aloud, and a test administrator can have students explain directions aloud to confirm understanding. Algebra questions may also be read aloud; however, test administrators cannot read aloud any portion of the Literature assessment or the passages/multiple-choice portion of the Writing assessment. Some examples of items that cannot be present in the classroom include: Word walls, teacher-developed rubrics, vocabulary words and definitions, number lines, formula sheets (other than the official one from the assessment). Additionally, any hand-outs, posters, or charts developed as icons or visual clues to help students recall information are not allowed. You cannot help students answer items. This includes: • Helping the student eliminate some multiple-choice items, providing re-printed graphic organizers, pointing to key phrases in test questions for students, pointing to correct answers on the assessment, giving correct answers, or using a highlighter on the questions, text, or answers to prompt students.

Make-ups Make-up missed sessions as soon as possible
Make-ups for all subjects can be administered up to the end of the testing window

Important Information
The AYP Performance and Participation Attribution Map is located on the PDE website: Programs > Programs S-Z > State Assessment System>Pennsylvania Accountability System (PAS) > 2013 AYP Score and Participation Attribution Map A district that has placed a student into an alternate educational setting inside or outside the district is responsible for ensuring the student’s participation in the assessment. The AYP Score and Participation Attribution Map provides guidance for determining proper student attribution. Although the district is always responsible for ensuring that all of its students are tested, it is not necessarily responsible for ordering materials or administering the test to students who have been placed in educational settings inside or outside the district.

Important Information
The entity delivering the student’s education is responsible for ordering and receiving materials and administering the test. Know your district’s procedures for Home Schooled students. Testing Cyber Charter School students. The testing site responsible for the education of a district-placed student is also responsible for ordering the testing materials and administering the test. This includes IU-run classrooms housed within a regular district school building. In this scenario, the district school building is responsible for ordering the materials so the IU personnel can administer the assessment to the students. The testing district is then responsible for attributing these students’ scores back to their districts/schools or residence. It is also important that Home Schooled students are handled properly by the district. A Cyber Charter School may enter into an agreement with districts to test students in the district. This does not alleviate the Cyber from responsibility. The student is attributed to the Charter School.

Bubbling booklets Bubbling booklets may include: And/or
Filling in all information (for students who do not have a Precode Label) Demographic information provided on an answer booklet will not override information on a precode label. Please complete certain demographic information after the test has been completed (e.g., economically disadvantaged) And/or Filling in fields that are applicable to the testing situation (i.e., Accommodations) PDE asks that you bubble some of the demographic information AFTER the student has completed the assessment, for example economically disadvantaged and information regarding the testing situation. Some situations will require that you bubble much more information than others. For example, a booklet belonging to a student without a precode label will require more information to be bubbled than one belonging to an IEP student with a precode label. A precoded student’s answer booklet may only require that you bubble information regarding the testing situation. Ensure that the first name is bubbled the same as it is in PIMS. Information that is provided on an answer booklet will not override the information on the precode label.

Assessment Coordinators: Ensure all information is bubbled correctly!
Demographic data Assessment Coordinator? Race/ethnicity Economic status Test administrator? Other? Testing situation data Assessment Coordinator? Non-assessed codes Test administrator? Absent without make up Accommodations Other?

Assessment Coordinators:
Training for those who will administer the assessment is required. Administrators must be a member of the school/district staff. No volunteers. This PowerPoint is available on PDE website. Utilize test administrator’s handbook.

Students who withdraw/transfer
Student withdraws or transfers prior to the start of the testing window Paper pencil testers – Discard student label Online testers – Remove student from test session Student begins a test but is completely removed from the school’s enrollments before completing the entire assessment Paper pencil testers – If the un-enrollment occurs before the end of the testing window, Place a “Do Not Score” label on top of the student label on the booklet Online testers – Send an with student information (PAsecureID and School Code) and an explanation to

Encourage students to complete the test
Encouraging students to meet only the minimum attempt logic may result in meeting the participation rate, but student’s score will be based on only those questions that were answered. Encourage all students to do their best! The attempt logic means that a student must attempt a minimum number of items in EACH section of the test. Encourage students as a group – you should not “check” individual answer sheets and point out questions for a student to complete.

Participation Does not negatively affect participation rate:
Medical emergency A recent physical or mental diagnosis that renders a student incapable of participating in the assessment The emergency is occurring at the time of the testing window. Mark the booklet at the time of the testing window! If you’re unsure, CALL!!! ELL student in his/her first year of enrollment in a US school (Reading only) Student participated in the PASA Call PDE at if you have questions.

Participation Negatively affects participation rate
Extended absence during entire testing window Parental request Other – such as refusal to participate Absent without make-up Failure to meet attempt logic These items negatively affect participation. Student refusal should be bubbled as other.

Performance vs. Participation
Only students enrolled for a full academic year (on or before October 1, 2012) count towards performance. ALL students must participate in the assessment. Participation Every student enrolled as of the last day of the testing window must take the assessment. Participation - Every student enrolled as of the last day of the testing window (May 3, 2013) must take the assessment. Performance - Only students enrolled for a full academic year (on or before October 1, 2012) count towards performance. ALL students must participate in the assessment.

PDE-established Testing Windows
Writing Testing Window March 11-15, 2013 Writing Make-up Window March 18-22, 2013 Reading/Mathematics Testing Window April 8-19, 2013 Science Testing Window April 22-26, 2013 Reading/Mathematics/Science Make-up Window April 29-May 3, 2013 Materials should be returned when the majority of the population has completed an assessment. Ensure that early returns do not include booklets for students who need a make-up session. Make-ups can occur anytime during the PDE-established windows Last day to return materials to DRC for all PSSA reporting is May 3, 2013

Key Dates Description Date Available PA Online Assessment Software
Currently Available PA Online Assessment Test Tutorials Manuals and User Guides (electronically) Handbook and DFA Hardcopies Delivered By February 11, 2013 PA eDIRECT Test Setup System (online testing only) February 19, 2013 Secure Materials Delivered By February 25, 2013 PSSA Attributions/Demographic Corrections Window May 20-24, 2013 1% Redistribution Window July 8-10, 2013 District Student Performance Data Files and Parent Letters June 13, 2013 Preliminary Student Data Files and DRC AYP Reporting System July 22, 2013

District Assessment Coordinator (DAC) Responsibilities Online Paper/Pencil Attend DRC-led Assessment Coordinator training X Verify/set up eDIRECT accounts for District and School Users, and Test Administrators Review Handbook for Assessment Coordinators and DFAs Review Test Setup User Guide Create and distribute a communication plan to all SACs prior to testing Review tutorials and Online Tools Training Provide training and support to SACs School Assessment Coordinator accounts in eDIRECT are established by the District Assessment Coordinator. This Administration Training is a train-the-trainer session. You are required to deliver this training to your School Assessment Coordinators. Anyone who is connected with the administration of the PSSA must be given this training. Test Administrators must be given ample time to read the Directions for Administration Manuals prior to orientation and the testing window. When scheduling the test sessions, the first days of the testing windows should be used to allow the school more flexibility if any unusual circumstances delay the anticipated start dates

School Assessment Coordinator (SAC) Responsibilities Online Paper/Pencil Attend DAC-led Assessment Coordinator training X Verify/set up eDIRECT accounts for school-level users Review DFAs and distribute DFAs to Test Administrators Review Handbook for Assessment Coordinators Review Test Setup User Guide Review tutorials and Online Tools Training Provide training and support to Test Administrators Set up Test Sessions via eDIRECT Collect secure materials after testing and return to DAC or DRC School Assessment Coordinators can assign additional school-level permissions in eDIRECT.

Test Administrators (TA) Responsibilities Online Paper/Pencil Attend SAC-led Test Administrators training X Review Test Setup User Guide Review DFAs Review tutorials and Online Tools Training Oversee and monitor Test Sessions Collect secure materials after testing and return to SAC Test Administrators should ensure that all online testers have the opportunity to use the Tutorials and Online Tools Training.

Paper/Pencil Administration

Materials Receipt Notice
NEW Materials Receipt Notice NEW Notice of Secure Material receipt MUST be provided via eDIRECT Permissions have been granted to District Assessment Coordinators District Assessment Coordinators can provide permissions to School Assessment Coordinators The Materials Receipt Notice must be completed in eDIRECT for every site that receives materials directly from DRC. <<CLICK>> When receiving your boxes of materials, make sure to check all of the labels to make sure they are yours and verify the number of boxes for which you are signing. Make sure you have the correct materials and sufficient quantities and verify that you have received the amount of booklets as indicated on your packing list. Make sure these are stored in a secure location. <<CLICK>> <<CLICK>> Permission: Materials-Primary

The Materials Receipt Notice can be accessed by selecting ‘Materials’ from the eDIRECT navigation, then clicking ‘Receipt Notice.’ On eDIRECT, go to Materials, Receipt Notice <<CLICK>>??

Accommodated Materials
Accommodated Assessments are available in Braille and Large Print versions All student responses from Accommodated Assessments must be transcribed into a scannable answer booklet. A Spanish-translation version of the Mathematics and Science assessments are available Additional large print and Spanish-translation booklets must be ordered through eDIRECT. Contact DRC Customer Service for additional Braille booklets. <<CLICK>> When a student uses an accommodated version (Large Print, Braille), make sure all student responses (Multiple Choice and Open Ended items) are transcribed from the accommodated version into a scannable booklet using a number 2 pencil. All but Braille can be ordered through eDIRECT. No Audio CDs. Students needing the read aloud can take the Text-to-Speech accommodation through online testing.

NEW NEW Additional Materials
Inventory/account for all materials. Additional materials should be requested AFTER material has been received and counts have been verified. All orders will be placed through eDIRECT, which will be available on February 19, 2013. Order additional materials as soon as possible. Additional orders must be placed through eDIRECT. DRC will not accept faxed forms or s to place additional materials requests. <<CLICK>> will be sent to the District Assessment Coordinators that the system is open. <<CLICK>> With the exception of ship-to-school sites, all additional materials will be ordered by and shipped to the District Assessment Coordinator.

Additional Materials Requests will be processed after the initial shipment of secure materials.

Match Booklets by Form Number
The form numbers on the test and answer booklet MUST match to ensure accurate scoring of student responses. <<CLICK>> When distributing or redistributing answer booklets and test booklets, make sure the form numbers on the covers match. Form numbers are near the top. Make sure these match when distributing booklets.

Barcode Labels Answer booklets returned to DRC for processing must have a label attached. The only answer booklets that should NOT have labels attached are booklets that are unused and COMPLETELY blank. Whether a Student Precode or a District/School Label is used, page three needs to be filled out for any student using an accommodation, as well as any not tested codes on page one. DO NOT return a used answer booklet to DRC without a barcode label affixed to the front cover. <<CLICK>> Read slide The barcode labels are not subject specific. Each school’s Student Precode Labels will be slip-sheeted by subject for ease of distribution; however, the labels do not contain a subject designation and can be used on any assessment. The District/School Labels and the Do Not Score Labels are not slip-sheeted by subject and may be used on any assessment. Booklets for students who are non-assessed and have been identified as such on the answer booklet must have a barcode label. Verify the number of booklets you need before you affix the labels. Do not attempt to move or remove any label that has been affixed to the front of an answer booklet. <<CLICK>> The accommodations information can only be reported at the time of testing.

Barcode Labels STUDENT PRECODE LABELS
Student Precode Labels contain student demographic information as reported in eDirect Precode labels for students no longer enrolled in your school should be destroyed. DRC cannot update a student’s record with new PIMS data if the name or PAsecureID printed on the precode label is different than the information in PIMS during the testing window. Read slide If you receive a Student Precode Label for a student no longer enrolled at your school, destroy that label. The student demographic information associated with the Student Precode Label CANNOT be over-ridden by writing on the precode label or bubbling pages 1 & 2 of the answer booklet! Verify that the information printed on the Student Precode Labels is correct. <<CLICK>> If a student’s printed name or <<CLICK>> PAsecureID is incorrect (i.e., no longer matches what is in PIMS), do not use the label. DRC cannot update a student’s record with updated data from PIMS for final PSSA and AYP reporting if the name or PAsecureID printed on the label is different than the name or PAsecureID in PIMS during the testing window. All schools with precoded students in grades 4 – 8 or 11 will receive an additional set of Student Precode Labels for use with the PSSA-M Modified assessments.

Barcode Labels DISTRICT/SCHOOL LABELS
District/School Labels contain district and school specific information only. These labels must be used when Student Precode Labels are not used. When using District/School Labels, the front cover and all applicable items on page 2 of the answer booklets must be hand-bubbled. Read slide District/School labels are not subject specific. Never use labels from another school. Do Not make copies of labels. If you need more labels, fill out the additional materials request form found in the Handbook for Assessment Coordinators.

Barcode Labels DISTRICT/SCHOOL LABELS (cont)
When using District/School Labels, the student’s name, birth date, and PAsecureID must be bubbled exactly as it appears A student’s name, PAsecureID, and birth date must be bubbled on the answer booklet exactly as it appears in PIMS in order to match the student to the PIMS file for reporting. For example, if a student’s legal name in PIMS is Thomas, do not use Tom. If you use Tom, we will not be able to match back and use the correct data from PIMS for reporting. in your school’s student information system.

Barcode Labels DO NOT SCORE LABELS
All sites will receive Do Not Score Labels for answer booklets that should not be scored. If a District/School Label is inadvertently affixed to a blank/unused booklet, affix a Do Not Score Label over it. Do Not Score Labels should be used if a booklet becomes torn, soiled, or is found to be defective. Student responses must be transcribed into an answer booklet of the same form designation if a student has begun working in a booklet that becomes unusable.

Do Not Score Labels must be affixed over any label already on the booklet.

Distributing and Tracking Secure Materials
Use the Security Checklist Update the Materials Accountability Form

Destroyed due to illness
2012 Mr. Gillin 4/16 4/17 4/18 Keep your security checklists on file after you’ve returned your materials to DRC. The checklist can be very beneficial in determining the location of a missing booklet. Here is an example of how you might use the Security Checklist. <<CLICK>> talk to slide <<CLICK>> talk to slide Electronic versions of a school’s Security Checklist will be available by ing after February 27, 2013. Destroyed due to illness Martin Pinkerton 4/22 ‹#›

Materials Accountability Form
NEW Materials Accountability Form NEW Available electronically via the eDIRECT website Inventory all materials to be returned to DRC Document discrepancies in the online form Form can be accessed and updated throughout the testing window Updates should be made by May 3, 2013 Every testing site is responsible for completing a Materials Accountability Form via eDIRECT. The Materials Accountability Form is your tool for notifying DRC of discrepancies in the receipt or return of secure materials.

The Materials Accountability Form can be accessed by selecting ‘Materials’ from the eDIRECT navigation, then clicking ‘Accountability Form.’

Return Instructions – Answer Booklets
Remember that all answer booklets (used and unused) should be boxed separately from test booklets. <<CLICK>> Place answer booklets into a DRC return plastic bag. <<CLICK>> Using the supplied plastic ties, seal the bag tightly. <<CLICK>> Place sealed bag into a DRC box saved from the shipment. <<CLICK>> Add crumpled paper to fill up any space at top of box.

Return Instructions – Answer Booklets
Use the box-flaps labeled A and B to affix the appropriate Return Shipment labels. All DRC boxes have flaps labeled A or B. These are the smaller flaps. <<CLICK>> When closing boxes, make sure to close the larger flaps first, making sure the to keep the A and B flaps exposed. <<CLICK>> Seal the top of the box using 3 strips of packing tape, making sure to overlap the tape and extend it so that it wraps around the sides of the box. <<CLICK>> Place a DRC return Shipping Label in box A <<CLICK>> Place a UPS-RS label in box B <<CLICK>> Seal the bottom of the box using 3 strips of packing tape, making sure to overlap the tape and extend it so that it wraps around <<CLICK>> the sides of the box.

Return Instructions – Test Booklets and Unopened Packages
Test booklets and unopened packages (shrink-wrapped packs) do not need to go into a plastic bag. These materials can be placed directly into a box. <<CLICK>> Make sure to add crumpled paper to fill up any empty space.

Return Instructions – Test Booklets and Unopened Packages
Follow the same labeling and sealing procedures for the boxes of test booklets. <<CLICK>> Make sure to use 3 strips of tape and place the DRC Return label in box A and the UPS-RS label in box B. <<CLICK>> Make sure to add 3 strips of tape to the bottom and make sure the tape wraps around and up the sides.

Return Instructions Material Pick Up
If you do not have a regularly scheduled UPS pick-up or delivery, call UPS at (866) to arrange a pick up at least 24 hours prior to your requested pick-up. All Writing booklets must be shipped by March 27, 2013. All Reading/Math and Science booklets must be shipped by May 3, 2013.

Special Note Keep a copy of the UPS-RS tracking numbers used.
When DRC has questions about a district’s assessment materials, we make follow-up phone calls after the testing window has closed. It is important to return these calls as soon as possible in order ensure fast and accurate reporting and to keep your schools off the missing materials report sent to PDE. Make sure that school personnel answering phones know who is responsible for handling PSSA questions from DRC.

Online Administration

Online Administration
System Overview Before Testing – Preparation During Testing – Monitoring After Testing – Closeout

System Overview Internet connectivity is required for testing
Student responses are regularly saved to DRC servers throughout testing The PA Online Assessment software must be installed on all computers to be used for testing. This should be done as soon as possible.

Administer Tutorials Prior to online testing, ensure students view the video tutorials for the applicable subject(s) Allow a minimum of 20 minutes for viewing Tutorials can be reviewed as often as needed

PA Online Assessment Tutorials
Access by double-clicking PA Online Tutorials icon on computer desktop

Administer Online Tools Training
Students can practice using the online tools and become familiar with functionality of the software Schedule time for students to take the Online Tools Training (OTT) prior to testing One OTT for each subject Allow 15 minutes to take a single OTT DACs, SACs, and TAs should use OTT prior to administering an assessment

Online Tools Training Access by double-clicking PA Online Assessments icon on computer desktop

Verify Student Data Student data from a PIMS file cannot be updated in eDIRECT If a student is not listed in eDIRECT, the student may need to be added to the system

Add Students – Manual Entry
Click Add Student Enter all required fields Click Save

Manage Students – Online Accommodations
Use the Accommodations tab to enter student accommodations The Audio and Color Chooser Accommodation must be updated prior to testing

Create Test Sessions Select Test Sessions
Select administration and school Click Show Sessions Click Add Sessions Enter required information Search for and assign students Click Save

Print Student Login Tickets
Find Test Session Select Edit/Print icon Click Print All to print all the test tickets in the session Click Print Selected to print only selected test tickets in the session Day of Testing - Provide tickets to TAs/Teachers

During Testing Monitor student testing Test inactivity
Pausing and exiting the test Loss of Internet connectivity

Special Situations If any of the following situations occur, send an with the student’s information and an explanation to Student goes home ill before completing online assessment Student begins testing with wrong test ticket Student begins testing with wrong accommodated version Student begins testing in the wrong subject

Collect Materials TAs must return all Student Login information and scratch paper to the SAC After testing is complete, SACs must destroy the documents to ensure that secure data is not compromised

Testing Codes Access the Edit Student page to update Testing Codes for a student

To contact someone from the Pennsylvania Department of Education
The mission of the Pennsylvania Department of Education is to lead and serve the educational community, to enable each individual to grow into an inspired, productive, fulfilled lifelong learner. To contact someone from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (717) Or (717)

PA CUSTOMER SERVICE Data Recognition Corporation understands the intricacies involved with large scale assessments. Our customer service representatives are always ready and willing to help with any questions or problems. Our number is Or us at

PSSA 2013 Test Proctor Procedures
Review of Materials Security Procedures Embargo Quarantine at Selected Schools Reminder - Submit Testing Schedule PDE Requirements

Test Proctoring Procedures
Following is not allowed Teachers administering the test to their own students. E.g. A math teacher may administer the math test as long as he/she isn’t administering it to his/her own students The same applies for Reading, Writing, and Science Exception for accommodations Only if the teacher provides unique accommodation Only if there is a second proctor in the room Schools

Scope of Monitoring Monitors will circulate through classes
All Schools Monitors will circulate through classes Monitors will inspect test materials storage area using a new Materials Inspection form Monitors may observe small-group testing Select group of schools receive enhanced monitoring

Embargo - Materials Security
Schools must leave all testing materials in shrink-wrap until directed by the Office of Accountability School can unbox packets to count materials OA delegate informs school when they may open materials Embargo will generally be lifted 1 week prior to testing If you have not been contacted by Monday, April 1st (March 4th for writing and April 15th for science) , you may open materials on Tuesday, April 2nd (March 5th for writing and April 16th for science) All Schools

Firm Embargo - Materials Security
Before testing begins, schools may be asked to leave all testing materials unopened until directed by the Office of Accountability OA delegate inspects and secures materials upon receipt OA delegate informs school when they may open materials OA delegate randomly inspects materials prior to testing Selected Schools Only

Quarantine - Materials Security
During testing, the storage and distribution of testing materials may be supervised by delegates from the Office of Accountability For selected schools, testing materials are stored by an OA delegate in a secure manner between testing sessions For selected schools, OA delegate arrives to open secure testing materials the morning of testing and remains on-site to re-secure materials once testing concludes for the day. Selected Schools Only

!REMINDER! Submit Testing Schedule
Schools required to submit Testing Schedule to Office of Accountability no later than March 8 Please use the online form located on OA website

PDE Requirement ---NEW
BY April 5th The Test Coordinators (called School Assessment Coordinators, SACs) MUST take a 45-minute online training and Pass with a score of 80% or better and All the test administrators (TAs) and proctors at the school MUST complete this training The training video MUST be included in the turn-around training on March 7 ‹#›

PDE Requirement ---NEW
Schools MUST inform the parents and students of PDE’s policy on the possession and/or use of electronic devices during testing Schools come up with consequences of non-compliance and inform parents and students Must be done by March 11 (sample letter in the folder)

PDE Requirement - Testing Rosters
PDE asking for student-level test administration data Verify and/or list the staff member who administered the Keystone for each student Indicate any student that required make-up testing Excel file will be sent prior to testing and must be returned when testing is completed; pre-loaded data where possible

PDE Requirement - Certification
Principal, School Assessment Coordinator, Test Administrator, and Proctor must sign a Test Security Certification Must be signed after testing Security Certifications will be kept on file for 3 years at the school

Contact Information Office of Accountability website Contact Information Office of Accountability/Assessment ( ) DRC's Customer Service Representatives ( )

2013 PSSA Assessment Coordinator Training

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2013 PSSA Assessment Coordinator Training

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Presentation on theme: "2013 PSSA Assessment Coordinator Training"— Presentation transcript:

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