1. Forward Exam Test Administration Overview
Spring 2016 [

2. Purpose This training is designed to
Help Test Administrators/Proctors (TAs) administer the Forward Exam in a uniform manner
Ensure similar testing conditions in all classrooms
Ensure that the test will work validly and equitably for all students

3. Topics Forward Exam Timing and Scheduling Forward Exam Resources
Manuals
Training Modules
Online Tools Training
Administration
TA/Proctor - Basic Requirements
Responsibilities
Materials
Set up
Accessibility
Guidelines
Resources
Test Tickets
eDIRECT
Responsibilities in eDIRECT
Login
Accessibility settings
Monitoring
Reopens/Invalidations
INSIGHT
Directions
TA/Proctor Role during administration
Make-ups
Test Security
Questions

4. The 2016 Wisconsin Forward Exam
The Forward Exam consists of:
Content
Grades
ELA and Mathematics
3-8
Science
4 and 8
Social Studies
4, 8, and 10
The test window:
March 28 – May 20, 2016

5. Forward Exam Test Times
The Forward Exam is an untimed test.  These are estimated times for scheduling purposes.
The Forward Exam test times are available at

6. Forward Exam Sample Schedules
These provide a couple examples of the possible schedules your district/school can create to administer the Forward Exam.
The number of test sessions, the length of those sessions, and the number of days of testing should be customized to your district/school’s schedule and available resources.

7. Forward Exam Resources
Forward Exam Frequently Asked Questions:
Forward Exam web page:
Accommodations and Supports web page:
Forward Exam Guides & Manuals: DAC/SAC Guide, Test Administration Manual, Informational Brochure Families, and Proctor Guidelines, eDIRECT User Guides

8. Forward Exam Training Modules
Designated Supports and Accommodations
Student Tutorial (This module should be shown to students in a classroom/group setting.)
Test Security Training

9. Forward Exam Online Tools Training (practice test)
The Wisconsin Online Tools Training (OTT) will be available February 29,
The OTT will give students the opportunity to practice with the tools available on the Forward Exam and work in the testing environment.  
The OTT also gives students a chance to work with the different item types (not content) they will encounter on the exam.  
The OTT is not scored.
The public version of the OTT works only with Chrome Browsers
The OTT will be accessible via:
The DPI Forward Exam Practice Test web page (public version only)
eDIRECT
* Text-to-speech and Video Sign Language (VSL) are available only when accessing the Forward Practice Test through the TSM

10. Important Tip When Administering OTT
Students should be informed prior to using the OTT that ending the test in the practice environment is different than in the actual test. Then reminded again about the difference when they begin the actual Forward Exam.
In the OTT a student may or to exit the practice test.
In the actual Forward Exam
If you are not done with your test but need to stop (take a break) and come back later (within 20 minutes) choose the blue button at the bottom of the screen.
If you are done for the day but not finished with the test session (not all test questions are answered) you need to click on the button then click on the gray exit button. This will end the test without submitting it. Allowing the student to log in again.

11. Administration

12. Confidentiality Agreement Forms
All staff involved in the testing process must sign hard copy DPI confidentiality forms. 
The DAC, SAC, DTC, STC, and TA, district and school staff confidentiality forms are available online at
Any district/school staff who have access to eDIRECT, to the test (providing accommodations, setting up tests etc.), or reports must complete and submit the form to their DAC/SAC. This also applies to the CESA staff who have access to any testing materials or data.
Anyone who has access to eDIRECT will also be asked to agree to a DRC online confidentiality agreement when they first log on.

13. Who can Proctor the Forward 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.

14. TA/Proctor Responsibilities:
Participate in district/school trainings on policy and administration
View student information on test tickets prior to testing to ensure accuracy of student accessibility settings including necessary designated supports and/or accommodations
Follow procedures included in the Test Administration Manual (TAM) to administer the Forward Exam
Read directions to students as written in TAM
Monitor students during testing
Adhere to all test security administration policies

15. TA/Proctors – Getting ready to Administer the Forward Exam
Proctors should:
Read and become familiar with all appropriate Forward Exam publications
View appropriate Forward Exam training modules
Become familiar with appropriate universal tools, designated supports, and accommodations
Read the Test Security Manual and view the Forward Exam Test Security Training available at

16. Proctor Checklists
Refer to the proctor checklists available in the Test Administration Manual:
Prior to Testing
During Testing
After Testing

17. Organize Your Classroom
Remove or cover all instructional materials that might assist students in answering questions displayed on bulletin boards, chalkboards, dry- erase boards, or on charts (e.g., wall charts that contain literary definitions, maps, mathematics formulas, etc.)
Ensure adequate spacing between students’ seating and/or visual barriers
Place a “No Cell phones or other unauthorized electronic devices” sign in the room.
Place a “TESTING—DO NOT DISTURB” sign on the door of the testing room
Provide a quiet environment void of distractions
Establish procedures for students that finish testing ahead of others by either having the students exit the room quietly and report to another area, or work silently on designated activities at their workstation

18. Prepare Your Students
Inform students that unauthorized electronic devices and cell phones are not allowed in the testing environment (this includes: cell phones, cameras, laptops, wireless communication devices, etc.)

19. Check Your Materials Test Administration Manual (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

20. 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.

21. Create a Positive Atmosphere
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.
Encourage students to attempt all items

22. Accessibility and Accommodations

23. Accessibility and Accommodations
It is the goal to provide each student with a positive and productive assessment experience, generating results that are a fair and accurate estimate of each student’s achievement.
Positive and productive assessment experience
Results that are fair and accurate
It’s the goal to provide each student with a positive and productive assessment experience, generating results that are a fair and accurate estimate of each student’s achievement.

24. Testing Supports and Accommodations
Assessment 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 documented and consistent with day-to-day instruction
Work with your District/School Assessment Coordinator to ensure that all supports and accommodations are accurately entered for students in eDIRECT prior to testing
Ensure that any assistive technology works appropriately with the online tools training prior to testing
Make sure that the non-embedded (referred to as ‘standard’ in eDIRECT) supports and accommodations are lined up and ready for use during testing

25. Forward Exam Read Aloud Guidelines and Confidentiality Form
All staff providing 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 shall be stored at the school or districts
Read Aloud Guidelines and Read Aloud forms are available in 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?

26. Accessibility & Accommodations
Resources available
Accessibility Guide
Designated Supports and Accommodations Training
Guidelines for Read Aloud
Guidelines for Scribe
Guidelines for Interpreters
Multiplication Chart grades 4-8 (for students with this accommodation only)
Forward Exam Accommodations and Supports web page Available at accommodations

27. Test Tickets
Test tickets are created in eDIRECT and provide each student with their login information (username, password)
Each student will have a separate ticket for each content area with different passwords. (ex. ELA ticket, Mathematics ticket, Science ticket, Social Studies ticket)
To create test tickets
Log in to eDIRECT and select the “Test Setup” tab
Under Test Setup – click on Test Sessions, filter the required fields
Click Show Sessions
Select a test session
Click the Edit/Print Ticket Status icon under Action.
Test tickets include confidential information. Test tickets must be printed in a secure location and must be securely stored until the test administration. After testing, test tickets must be shredded.
For additional information on generating test sessions and printing test tickets, reference the eDIRECT User Guide – Students and Testing at

28. Test Tickets Important Reminder
Ensure each student has their own Forward Exam Test Ticket
Proctors should be diligently checking tickets as they are passed out to students.
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.
TIP
Read the student’s name on the ticket as it is handed to them to ensure they are receiving the correct ticket.

29. Who can print Test Tickets?
DACs, SACs, and TAs all have rights to print test tickets.
Test Tickets
Each student will need a separate test ticket for each content area. A test ticket for each session within the content area will print. These extra tickets are duplicates. (All ELA test tickets are the same for a student. All Mathematics tickets are the same for a student. Students only need one ticket per content area.)
A grade 3, 5, 6, or 7 student will have 5 test tickets printed (3 for ELA and 2 for Mathematics.)
A grade 4 or 8 student will have 9 test tickets printed (3 for ELA, 2 for Mathematics, 2 for Science, and 2 for Social Studies.)
A grade 10 student will have 2 test tickets printed (2 for Social Studies.)

30. Test Tickets
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 test and ends the testing session for the day, he/she may log back in to the ELA test the next day with the same test ticket and continue testing.
No. First, test tickets should be collected after students log in. Second, scratch paper must be collected daily and disposed.
May students use test tickets as scratch paper?

31. eDIRECT What is eDIRECT?
eDIRECT is the Forward Exam portal into which the DPI uploads the student data file and users manage student testing. 

32. Specific Responsibilities with eDIRECT
Confirm the accuracy of students test settings (accommodations and supports) prior to testing
Confirm the accuracy of student demographics (eDIRECT will be the sole source of student information used for reporting, so data will appear on reports as it appears in eDIRECT.)
Generate testing sessions
Print test tickets that students will need during the login process
Monitor students’ testing progress

33. eDIRECT Login
If your DAC/SAC sets a TA up with access to eDIRECT, the TA will receive an automated from DRC WI Help Desk with a username and temporary password to access eDIRECT
Temporary passwords will expire within 10 days
At a user’s first logon, they will be prompted to sign a DRC confidentiality agreement and change their password
eDIRECT login credentials will always be sent from
This address should be whitelisted to ensure that users receive login information.

34. Checking Accessibility Settings in eDIRECT
Prior to testing, TAs must confirm the accuracy of designated support and accommodation settings.
If a TA identifies any errors in an accessibility setting, TAs must contact the School Assessment Coordinator (SAC) for remedy.
Failure to provide the correct student settings may result in a test irregularity.
To view test settings, TAs must log into eDIRECT.
Go to the Test Setup Menu on the left and choose "students"
Enter the required information
Click "Find Students"
For additional information about viewing students test settings reference the eDIRECT User Guide – Students and Testing Manual at

35. Monitoring Student Progress
During testing, DACs, SACs, and TAs/Proctors may login to eDIRECT to view student progress.
Information will be available about how many students are:
Not Started
In Progress
Complete
Users can access this information by individual student or by an entire test session (the whole group of students) .
In the individual student view, users can hover over the "completed" status and see how many items the student attempted. 
More information will be available in the eDIRECT User Guide – Students and Testing.

36. Reopens, Regenerations, or Invalidations
Some situations may result in the need to reopen, regenerate or invalidate individual student assessments. When this happens the DAC must:
Find out all information relating to the incident (student name, grade, school, content area, how many items affected)
Read guidelines around each situation
Follow instructions in the eDIRECT User Guide – Students and Testing

37. 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
technology 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.

38. Regeneration
Performed as a result of a student beginning a test without the accommodation or designated support they should have had.
If a student has attempted two or fewer questions prior to the issue being remedied, the test ticket should be regenerated. Instructions are in the eDIRECT User Guide – Students and Testing. When a test ticket is regenerated, the student’s previous answers are all deleted.
If a student has completed the whole session without the accommodation or designated support, the DAC should contact DPI for guidance.

39. Invalidation Performed as a result of: Testing irregularities
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)

40. INSIGHT What is INSIGHT?
DRC INSIGHT is a web-based, online interface that is used with a combination of software and hardware to provide a secure, online testing environment. It consists of a secure web browser interface and the Testing Site Manager (TSM) to help manage network traffic, maintain connectivity, and handle bandwidth issues.

41. Begin the Test
Students must use INSIGHT (the secure browser) to log on to take the Forward Exam
TAs should verify that:
INSIGHT is open on all student devices prior to testing
External user applications are closed

42. Log In Process
INSIGHT should already be up and ready to go on all student devices.
Students will then select “Test Sign In” link on portal page to be taken to the login screen
Enter username and password from test ticket and select “Sign in”
Verify that the username and test information match the student (Student Verification Screen)
Select the test to be taken (Test Selection screen displays a hyperlink for each portion of the test) according to proctor’s instructions.
If the test includes Passage audio files (ELA Listening) a sound check will be presented to verify that the student can hear the audio
Review the content of the Test Directions screens
Begin the test

43. Sound Check Confirms functionality of sound for the listening session
Troubleshooting sound check
Headphones plugged in
Volume up on device
Try other audio sources on the device such as CDs, audio files, etc.

44. Directions Page
TAs/Proctors will go over the directions page with students as a class. The directions page covers:
Review of navigation features
Back & Next
Review/ End
Review of universal tools
Review of answering tools

45. Proctor Role During Test Administration
Remain in the room throughout the entire test administration and periodically walk around the room to:
Ensure that students are not using any prohibited electronic devices
Monitor student progress
Make sure that the students are on task
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.)

46. Make-Ups
eDIRECT allows for tracking of students who are tested and not tested.
Any student who misses a test session should be given every opportunity to complete the exam.
If the district completes testing of their students and a new student moves in, that student must be given the opportunity to take or complete the Forward Exam.
All testing must be completed by the close of the testing window.

47. Test Security

48. Who is Responsible for Test Security?
Everyone who works with the assessments, communicates test results, and/or receives testing information. This includes:
DPI staff
District Administrators (DAs)
DACs
SACs
DTCs
STCs
TA/Proctors
Students, parents, and the community
Certified and non-certified public school staff
CESA staff

49. Test Security
The security of the assessment and the confidentiality of student information are vital to maintain the validity, reliability, and fairness of the results.
All Forward Exam items are secure and must be appropriately handled. Secure handling protects the integrity, validity, and confidentiality of assessment items, prompts, and student information.
Any irregularity in test administration must be reported to DPI as a test security incident.
If the reliability or validity of a test is compromised, the test scores of individual students or entire classes may be invalidated, and other disciplinary actions may be taken.
For more information on test security, please refer to the Test Security Manual at

50. Test Security
Consequences of violations may include invalidation of student test results and could result in civil legal liability for copyright violations.
At either the school or school district level, a test violation could result in the loss of a year’s test results for the grade(s) and subject(s) affected by the test irregularity.
There will be no opportunity to retest. When test results are invalidated, the student(s) do not receive test results for those content areas.

51. Retention of Printed Materials or Scratch Paper
All scratch paper, graph paper, or printed test items/passages (for students receiving the print-on-demand accommodation) must be collected and inventoried at the end of each test session and then immediately shredded.

52. Test Security Manual
Test Security Manual is available on the Forward Exam test security webpage
General principles and operational standards for administration of assessments
Pre and post-test activities and procedures to follow during testing
The main focus of this training is to improve overall understanding of test security.
DACs should print the proctor guidelines handout available on the DPI web site and provide to all proctors prior to test administration.

53. Test Security Training
The Office of Student Assessment (OSA) has developed a Forward Exam test security training which is available at
Two test security PowerPoints have been developed for use with school and district staff. The first PowerPoint is designed for district assessment coordinators and the second PowerPoint is designed for proctors who are overseeing the actual administration of the exams with students.

54. Questions? Contact osamail@dpi.wi.gov