Test Monitor Training

Administering Minnesota Assessments

Leading for educational excellence and equity.

Every day for every one.

MCA 2014-2015
Reading, Math, Science

MCA Reading (3-8, 10) = online

MCA Math (3-8) = online
MCA Math (11) = online
MCA Science (5,8, end of life science)=online

MTAS Reading, Math, Science delivered by

SPED

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MCA
The purpose of the MCA is to measure
Minnesota student achievement with regard to
the Minnesota Academic Standards.
The MCA results can be used to inform
curriculum decisions at the district and school
level.
Proficiency and growth will now be used to
report results.

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Introduction

The purpose of this presentation is to

eliminate problems with test security and
test administration by reviewing
procedures required by MDE.
All students in grades 3-8, 10, and 11 are
required to take the MCA.
This presentation will focus on general
principles, not specific tests.

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Test Security

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Why Is Test Security Needed?

Maintain the integrity of:

Tests
Test results

Protect the states financial investment

Test items are expensive to create and
maintain

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Documentation

Anyone involved with the packaging,

distribution, security or administration
of statewide tests must complete a
Non-Disclosure Agreement.
This Agreement could be done online
or with paper or pencil.

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Documentation for Paper

Administrations

Test Monitors must have a Test Monitor

Test Materials Security Checklist that
shows which accommodated test
materials were assigned to each student
(for determining if all secure test
materials were returned).

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Documentation for Online

Administrations

Test Monitors must ensure that students

are logged in under their name and are
taking the correct test..
If needed, Test Monitors must have a
Test Monitor Test Materials Security
Checklist that shows which
accommodated test materials were
assigned to each student (for
determining if all secure test materials
were returned).
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Viewing and Copying Tests

Only certain people are allowed to see test
items
Students taking the test
Staff working with accommodations (e.g., reading a
script, scribing a test)
Test Administrators for MTAS

Reproducing any part of a test is a breach of

security and a violation of copyright law, except
as otherwise permitted.

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Possible Test Security Issues

General
Failure to secure test materials from
the time they arrive in the district to
when they are returned to the
service provider.
Not following District Test Security
Procedures * Please note cell
phones
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Possible Test Security Issues

Testing Staff
Inadequate training of Test Monitors/Test
Administrators or School Assessment
Coordinators.
Failure to read/understand/sign the NonDisclosure Agreement.
Inadequate staffing of testing rooms or
computer labs.

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Possible Test Security Issues

Testing administration
Failure to follow the Test Monitor Directions
or script instructions.
Failure to follow guidelines for taking breaks
during the testing session.
Cheating by a staff member or student.
Inappropriate materials posted on walls.

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Possible Test Security Issues

Missing materials
Test material left unattended.
Secure materials not returned.
Especially accommodated materials, such as
scripts or large print test books.

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Test Monitor Responsibilities

Before, During and After
Testing Sessions

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Before Testing Day

Read, understand and sign the NonDisclosure Agreement.

Review the Test Monitor Directions.
Know how to contact your School
Assessment Coordinator during testing.
Know what behaviors and activities should be
documented and how to report them.
Know where to pick up testing materials on
the day of the test.
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Before Testing Day

Know your procedures for:

Restroom and other breaks during testing
(individual student and whole group).
Disruption due to inclement weather or
other special circumstance.
Student illness.
Student perception of an error in a test
book.
Starting and stopping testing when testing
over multiple days.

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Before Testing Day

Know your districts testing schedule and
assigned testing days.
Know your buildings plan for keeping test
materials or online tests secure between
testing sessions if students testing over
multiple days.
Remove or cover any prohibited materials in
your room (e.g., visual aids that directly
relate to test content).
Know which students will receive
accommodations.
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Testing Day: Before Students Arrive

Sign out your secure test materials

from your School Assessment
Coordinator.
Keep your testing materials secure
until the testing session.
Verify that students receive their
assigned testing materials.
Know what to do if a students online
test stops or will not resume.
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Testing Day: Before Students Arrive

Make sure you have test materials

for the students taking the test.
For online tests, make sure your
test proctor/monitor has the correct
student login information for your
classroom.

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Testing Day: During the Test

Actively monitor your students during all

testing sessions. Ensure that students
understand not to move into a section
unless directed to do so.
Follow the Test Monitor Directions
exactly.
Only answer questions by repeating the
scripted instructions in the Test Monitor
Directions.
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Testing Day: During the Test

For online testing, make sure students

are logged in and taking the correct
test.
Ensure that staff do not review test
items during any test session.
Notify your School Assessment
Coordinator of any testing irregularities
as soon as possible.

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Activities Prohibited During Testing

Posting visual aids that directly relate to

test content.
Revealing test items (from segments of
the test not yet taken).
Reading test items to students (unless
using a math or science script or
administering the MTAS).

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Activities Prohibited During Testing

Copying or emailing test items.

Helping a student answer test items.
Changing a students answers.
Defining terms used in test items.

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Test Security Notification Form

If a breach of test security occurs:

Notify School Assessment
Coordinator/District Assessment
Coordinator immediately.
District Assessment Coordinator
will contact MDE.

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Testing Day: After the Test

Verify receipt of all test materials

from students.
Keep your testing materials secure
after the testing session.

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Testing Day: After the Test

Sign in your secure test materials with

your School Assessment Coordinator.
Notify your School Assessment
Coordinator if something unusual or
unexpected occurred during testing so
that the Test Administration Report can
be completed.

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Bottom Line

When testing is over, a Test Monitor

should be able to say Yes to:
Were the test materials secure at all
times, and did I return all the secure
materials?
Did I carefully read and follow all of the
Test Monitor Directions?
Did my students arrive at their answers
independently?

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Accommodations for SPED students

Accommodations are practices and procedures
that provide equitable access to grade level
content for students with special needs.
Accommodations must be noted in a students
IEP or 504 Plan

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Finally
Please make sure you sign and understand the
non disclosure Agreement before you leave
THANK YOU for your help and cooperation on
the MCA!

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