ASSESSMENT SECURITY POLICY AND PROCEDURES

ASSESSMENT SECURITY POLICY AND PROCEDURES

TEST SECURITY PLAN

2021-2022

Michelle Caldwell, Ed.S. Director of Assessment & Accountability

Amy Parker Administrative Assistant

2 Whitfield County Schools Assessment & Accountability_2021-2022

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SCHOOLS………………………………………………..…………………………..…………………………………………….... 4

ABOUT WHITFIELD COUNTY SCHOOLS…………………………………………………………………………………… 6

INTRODUCTION TO GEORGIA’S STUDENT ASSESSMENT PROGRAM………………………………………… 6

COMMUNICATION………………………………………..…………………………..………………………………………….. 7

PROGRAM OVERVIEW………………………………………..…………………………..…………………………………….. 7

Mandatory State Assessments Include……………………………………………………………………..… 7

Optional Formative Assessments Include……………………………………………………………………. 8

National & College Admissions Placement Assessments Include …………………………………. 8

PROCEDURES FOR TRAINING ALL PERSONNEL INVOLVED IN TEST ADMINISTRATION ……………… 8

District-Level Testing Overview Training ………………………………………………………………………. 8

Pre-Administration Workshops …………………………………………………………………………………... 8

School-Level Testing Overview Training ………………………………………………………………………. 9

Student Preparation Training ……………………………………………………………………………………… 9

ADDITIONAL TRAINING PROCEDURES …………………………………………………………………………………… 9

ASSESSING SPECIAL POPULATIONS ……………………………………………………………………………………… 9

Participation of all Students in Assessments ……………………………………………………………….. 9

Monitoring ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 10

District Assessments …………………………………………………………………………………………………. 10

SECURITY PLAN OVERVIEW………………………………………..…………………………..……….……………………. 10

TEST SECURITY POLICY………………………………………..…………………………..……….………………………….. 10

Test Security ……………………………………………………………………………………………………..……… 10

GOALS FOR 2021-2022 TESTING PROGRAM………………………………………..……………………………….. 11

IDENTIFICATION OF TESTING PERSONNEL………………………………………..…………………………….……... 11

GEORGIA STUDENT ASSESSMENT PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES …………………………………….…….. 12

Roles and Responsibilities………………………………………..……………………………………………….. 12

Superintendent...……………………………………..…………………………..……….……………………….…. 12

System Test Coordinator………………………………………..…………………………..……….…………….. 12

System Technology Director …………………………………………………………………………………….… 14

System Special Education Director …………………………………………………………………………..… 14

System Title III/ESOL Coordinator………………………………………..…………………………..………... 15

Principal …………………..……….……………………………….………………………………………………..…… 16

School Test Coordinator (SchTC) ………………………..…………………………..……….………………... 16

Examiner………………………………………..…………………………..……….……………………………………. 18

Proctor………………………………………..…………………………..……….…………………………………….… 19

TEST SECURITY MANAGEMENT………………………………………..…………………………..……….……………… 20

SECURE CHAIN OF CUSTODY………………………………………..…………………………..……….…………………. 20

Receipt of Materials from State Vendor………………………………………..…………………………….. 20

Distribution to Schools………………………………………..…………………………..……….……………….. 20

Inventory and Request for Additional Test Materials………………………………………..………….. 20

Reorders………………………………………..…………………………..……….………………………………….... 20

Storage of Secure Materials………………………………………..…………………………..……….………... 20

During the Testing Window/Period……………………………………………………………………………... 20


After the Testing Window………………………………………..…………………………..……….………….…. 21

Test Check-in Process………………………………………..…………………………..……….…………….…… 21

LOST TEST MATERIALS………………………………………..…………………………..……….………………………….. 21

DEALING WITH EMERGENCY/UNEXPECTED SITUATIONS………………………………………..…………….… 21

Widespread School Closures Across the State……………………………………………………………... 21

Unplanned Fire Drill/Bomb Threats………………………………………..…………………………..…….… 22

Sudden Weather Event (such as severe weather)………………............................................... 22

Security Lockdown………………………………………..…………………………..……….……………………... 22

Power Internet Outage (Online and Paper/Pencil Testing)…………………………………………..… 23

Student Becomes Ill During the Test………………………………………..…………………………..…….. 23

TRANSFERRING STUDENT TEST SCORES ………………………………………………………………………………. 23

STEPS FOR REPORTING A TESTING IRREGULARITY ………………………………………………………………... 23

School Test Coordinator……………………………………………………………………………………………… 23

System Test Coordinator…………………………………………………………………………………………….. 23

APPENDIX 25


SCHOOLS

1. Antioch Elementary School

Mrs. Tracie Dempsey, Principal

Mrs. Carrie Bates, Test Coordinator

Mrs. Christina Pendley, Online Test Coordinator

1819 Riverbend Road | Dalton, GA

Phone: 706.278.7550

8. New Hope Elementary School

Mrs. Carla Maret, Principal

Mrs. Chastity Blanchard, Test Coordinator

Mrs. Teresa Brown, Online Test Coordinator

1175 New Hope Road | Dalton, GA

Phone: 706.673.3180

2. Beaverdale Elementary School

Mr. Robb Kittle, Principal

Mrs. Tara Marie, Test Coordinator

Mrs. Serephia Choate, Online Test Coordinator

9196 Highway 2 | Dalton, GA

Phone: 706.275.4414

9. Pleasant Grove Elementary School

Dr. Tim Wright, Principal

Mrs. Rena Graham, Test Coordinator

Mr. Jason Allen, Online Test Coordinator

2725 Cleveland Road | Dalton, GA

Phone: 706.259.3920

3. Cedar Ridge Elementary School

Mrs. Cindy Dobbins, Principal

Mrs. Sharene Ledford, Test Coordinator

Mrs. Annette Nietzche, Online Test Coordinator

285 Cedar Ridge Road | Dalton, GA

Phone: 706.712.8400

10. Tunnel Hill Elementary School

Mrs. Connie Kopcsak, Principal

Mrs. Jennifer Leaderer, Test Coordinator

Mrs. Tracy Hargis, Online Test Coordinator

203 East School Street | Dalton, GA

Phone: 706.673.4550

4. Cohutta Elementary School

Mrs. Lezlie Harris, Principal

Mrs. Lauren Patterson, Test Coordinator

Mrs. Emily Varnell, Online Test Coordinator

254 Wolfe Street | Dalton, GA

Phone: 706.694.8812

11. Valley Point Elementary School

Mrs. Ali Finley, Principal

Mrs. Brittany Sewell, Test Coordinator

Mrs. Andrea Brewer, Online Test Coordinator

3798 South Dixie Highway, SW | Dalton, GA

Phone: 706.277.3259

5. Dawnville Elementary School

Dr. Beth Tuck, Principal

Mrs. Angela Hayes, Test Coordinator

Mrs. Sylvia Moore, Online Test Coordinator

1380 Dawnville Road | Dalton, GA

Phone: 706.259.3914

12. Varnell Elementary School

Mrs. Paula Wheeler, Principal

Mrs. Jennifer Thurman, Test Coordinator

Mrs. Keri Blackwell, Online Test Coordinator

4421 Highway 2 | Varnell, GA

Phone: 706.694.3471

6. Dug Gap Elementary School

Mrs. Laurie Harless, Principal

Mrs. Kathy Ford, Test Coordinator

Mrs. Emily Rich, Online Test Coordinator

2032 Dug Gap Road | Dalton, GA

Phone: 706.226.3919

13. Westside Elementary School

Dr. Sunshine Narramore, Principal

Mrs. Lisa Gregg, Test Coordinator

Mrs. Regina Adams, Online Test Coordinator

1815 Utility Road | Rocky Face, GA

Phone: 706.673.6531

7. Eastside Elementary School

Mr. Ben Hunt, Principal

Mrs. Liz Pace, Test Coordinator

Mrs. Olivia Parrot, Online Test Coordinator

Mr. Terry Cline (ACCESS) Online Test Coordinator

102 Hill Road | Dalton, GA

Phone: 706.278.3074


SCHOOLS

14. Eastbrook Middle School

Dr. Robyn Scott, Principal

Mrs. Kathleen Gamble, Test Coordinator

Mr. Shiloh Scroggs, Online Test Coordinator

1382 Eastbrook Drive | Dalton, GA

Phone: 706.278.6135

19.

Coahulla Creek High School

Mr. Tracy Mardis, Principal

Mr. Tony Crossen, Test Coordinator

Mr. Drew Carter, Online Test Coordinator

3361 Crow Road | Dalton, GA

Phone: 706.694.4900

15. New Hope Middle School

Mrs. Belinda Sloan, Principal

Mrs. Kerry Davis, Test Coordinator

Mrs. Michelle Withrow, Online Test Coordinator

1111 New Hope Road | Dalton, GA

Phone: 706.673.2295

20. Crossroads Academy

Dr. Jonathan Willard, Principal

Mrs. Ethel Quintanilla, Test Coordinator

Mr. Ryan Johnson, Online Test Coordinator

2818 Airport Road | Dalton, GA

Phone: 706.271.2495

16. North Whitfield Middle School

Mr. Larry Farner, Principal

Mr. James Morrison, Test Coordinator

Mrs. Neely Byers, Online Test Coordinator

3264 Cleveland Road | Dalton, GA

Phone: 706.259.3381

21. Northwest Georgia College & Career Academy

Mr. David Moeller, CEO

Mrs. Sherri Travisano, Principal

Mrs. Patrick Bates, Test Coordinator

Mrs. Tippi Clayborne, Online Test Coordinator

2300 Maddox Chapel Road | Dalton, GA

Phone: 706.876.3600

17. Valley Point Middle School

Mr. Drew Bragg, Principal

Mrs. Anna Dodds, Test Coordinator

Mr. Russell Kidd, Online Test Coordinator

3796 South Dixie Highway | Dalton, GA

Phone: 706.277.9662

22. Northwest High School

Mrs. Mandie Jones, Principal

Mrs. Jennifer Eller, Test Coordinator

TBD, Test Coordinator

TBD, Online Test Coordinator

1651 Tunnel Hill Varnell Road | Tunnel Hill, GA

Phone: 706.516.2200

18. Westside Middle School

Dr. Jonathan Schneider, Principal

Mr. Brad Hayes, Test Coordinator

Mr. Amy Stanley, Online Test Coordinator

580 LaFayette Highway | Rocky Face, GA

Phone: 706.673.5349

23. Phoenix High School

Mrs. Sherri Travisano, Principal

Mr. Patrick Bates, Test Coordinator

Mrs. Tippi Clayborne, Online Test Coordinator

2300 Maddox Chapel Road | Dalton, GA

Phone: 706.876.3600

24. Southeast High School

Mrs. Deni Pendley, Principal

Mrs. April Woodfin, Test Coordinator

Mr. Sean Gray, (ACCESS) Test Coordinator

Mrs. Kristin Spoon, Online Test Coordinator

1954 Riverbend Road | Dalton, GA

Phone: 706.876.7000


ABOUT WHITFIELD COUNTY SCHOOLS

The Whitfield County School System's vision, mission, and beliefs were developed in 2005 by the System Design Team,

comprised of a variety of both certified and classified staff members. In addition, the district solicits stakeholder input

throughout the process of generating the vision and goals. Initially, the superintendent presented a draft to school

personnel, requesting their feedback. School board members and school councils also collaborated in this process.

In 2015, as the school district began work on the Strategic Waivers School System (SWSS) contract with the GaDOE, the

vision, mission, and beliefs were slightly revised by the Strategic Planning Committee. Today, the collective commitment

that we have made to ourselves, to each other, and to students and families embodies the values of our community and

is the foundation for actions that will lead to school improvement.

VISION

We envision a valued and dynamic school district that prepares students for success in a global community.

MISSION

Our mission is to maximize student learning by providing challenging and engaging educational experiences in a safe

and supportive environment.

BELIEFS

1. We believe the needs of students, personnel, families, and the community are best met with a unified direction.

2. We believe our purpose is to lead students to success by engaging them in challenging and meaningful work.

3. We believe teachers are leaders who design learning experiences for students.

4. We believe our personnel, families, and community members are vital to the education of our students.

5. We believe in creating and maintaining a safe, inviting, and inclusive learning environment where everyone is

treated with dignity and respect.

All of our work begins with the Whitfield County Schools Vision, Mission, and Beliefs in mind. To ensure continuity, each

school's leadership team uses the Vision, Mission, and Beliefs as a foundation and customizes according to the unique needs of their population. These belief statements are the underpinnings that guide the work of teacher leaders as they

design work, implement programs, and establish high expectations for students.

INTRODUCTION TO GEORGIA’S STUDENT ASSESSMENT PROGRAM

The purpose of the Georgia Student Assessment Program is to measure student achievement of the state-adopted

content standards and inform efforts to improve teaching and learning. Results of the assessment program are utilized to identify students failing to achieve mastery of content, to provide teachers with feedback about instructional practice,

and to assist school districts in identifying strengths and weaknesses to establish priorities in planning educational programs. The assessment program includes customized summative criterion-referenced tests at the elementary, middle,

and high school levels. In addition, Georgia participates in the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) in

grades 4, 8, and 12 and administers an English language proficiency test in grades K-12. A variety of resources, including formative tools, are provided to assist parents, educators, students and the public with efforts improve educational

opportunities for students to fulfill the purpose and maintain the integrity of the statewide assessment program.

The Student Assessment Handbook is intended to provide System Test Coordinators (STC) and other personnel assigned

duties and responsibilities related to statewide student assessments with policy and guidance regarding those assessments. In addition, the Student Assessment Handbook is to be used in conjunction with the Accessibility &

Accommodations Manual and the Assessment Administration Protocol Manual. These manuals together provide

resources and direction supporting the integrity of the assessment and to assure that results are valid and reliable. Occurrences that violate test security risk damage to test integrity and could result in the invalidation of a system’s test

scores. Assessments in Whitfield County Schools are administered in accordance with the requirements of the governing

agency for the assessment and with a high level of security to ensure an appropriate testing environment, the integrity of

the assessment, and the validity of the data provided by the assessment.


Employees of the district must comply with all Whitfield County Schools’ policies and Georgia Professional Standards

Commission (GaPSC) rules with regard to testing ethics. Employees who violate these provisions could be subject to

disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

A copy of the GaDOE Student Assessment Handbook, the Accessibility & Accommodations Manual and the Assessment

Administration Protocol Manual are located at the following locations:

• Your Google Drive folder for Whitfield County Schools Test Coordinators

• GaDOE Assessment Webpage

http://www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/Assessment/Pages/Information-For-

Educators.aspx

COMMUNICATION

Whitfield County Schools test security plans are communicated to the public and local educators through district and

school websites, and district and school level meetings. The testing calendars are posted on the district and school

websites. The required assessment orientation schedule is provided to school level test coordinators and school

administrators via Google Drive.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Whitfield County Schools testing program is a combination of National, State and District Level assessments. The

measured outcomes of each assessment and the curriculum assessed vary. The assessments are utilized to determine

the strengths and weaknesses of students as well as the instructional program.

Mandatory State Assessments

The purpose of the Georgia Student Assessment Program is to measure student achievement of the state-adopted

content standards and inform efforts to improve teaching and learning. Results of the assessment program are utilized

to identify students failing to achieve mastery of content, to provide teachers with feedback about instructional practice,

and to assist school districts in identifying strengths and weaknesses to establish priorities in planning educational

programs. The assessment program includes customized summative criterion-referenced tests at the elementary, middle,

and high school levels. In addition, if chosen Georgia schools could participate in the National Assessment of Educational

Progress (NAEP) in grades 4, 8, and 12 and administers an English language proficiency test in grades K-12.

Assessment materials, security guidelines, and administration procedures are provided by the GaDOE for the following

assessments (comprehensive information can be found in the GaDOE SAH related to each assessment):

Mandatory State Assessments Include:

• ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 in grades K-12 and Alternate ACCESS for ELLs in grades 1-12

o Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking

• Georgia Alternate Assessment (GAA 2.0)

o English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies in grades 5 and 8 and high school

o English/Language Arts and Mathematics, grades 3, 4, 6, and 7

http://www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/Assessment/Pages/Information-For-Educators.aspx

http://www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/Assessment/Pages/Information-For-Educators.aspx


• Georgia Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills 2.0 (GKIDS 2.0)

o Beginning 2020-2021, Kindergarten students with significant cognitive disabilities will participate in

GKIDS 2.0. (These students will not participate in GAA 2.0.)

• Georgia Milestones Assessment System (Georgia Milestones)

o English/Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science, grade 5

o English/Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science, and Social Studies, grade 8 and high school

o English/Language Arts and Mathematics, grades 3, 4, 6, and 7

Optional Formative Assessments Include:

• DRC BEACON

o English/Language Arts, grades 3-8

o Mathematics, grades 3-8

• Keenville

o English/Language Arts and Mathematics, grades 1 and 2

National & College Admissions Placement Assessments Include:

Whitfield County Schools assessment program may include the administrations of, but not limited to:

• National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) – 4th and 8th graders

o The 2022 assessment will include the math and reading for grades 4 and 8 for state results. The assessment window is January 24 – March 4, 2022 and includes national testing at grade 8 in civics and

United States History.

• Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT)/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) – 10th graders

o The PSAT/NMSQT is part of an integrated system of tests in the College Board’s redesigned SAT Suite of Assessments. Tests include the SAT®, PSAT/NMSQT®, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9. All assessments are on a

common score scale which makes it easier to consistently measure grade appropriate reading, writing

and language, and math skills.

• SAT®

o The SAT® is part of the integrated system of tests in the College Board’s redesigned SAT Suite of

Assessments. Tests include the SAT®, PSAT/NMSQT®, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9. All assessments are on

a common score scale which makes it easier to consistently measure grade appropriate reading, writing

and language, and math skills that students have developed over time.

• Advanced Placement (AP®) Exams – high school students

o The Advanced Placement (AP®) program is designed to provide high school students with opportunities to

earn college or postsecondary credit and/or to determine appropriate placement in postsecondary

programs.

PROCEDURES FOR TRAINING ALL PERSONNEL INVOLVED IN TEST ADMINISTRATION

District-Level Testing Overview Training Assessment & Accountability will conduct orientations related to the assessment program throughout the year. The SchTC must attend Assessment Overview trainings at the beginning of the academic year. A portfolio of all presentations, handouts, sign-in sheets will be kept as documentation in a SchTC notebook provided by Assessment and Accountability. No main assessment administration materials will be provided to schools unless the SchTC has attended the training.

Pre-Administration Workshops All SchTC must attend the Pre-Administration Workshop prior to the administration of each state mandated assessment. These sessions provide a comprehensive overview of processes and procedures specifically related to individual assessments and will review ethics policies related to assessment and accountability. Samples of all handouts and presentations will be provided to all and posted on Google Drive.


School-Level Testing Overview Training The SchTC is responsible for training all personnel within their schools. All proctors, examiners (certified educators) and monitors must be trained on procedures and test security. The Georgia Department of Education also recommends that all staff members (paraprofessionals, custodial staff, and others) in the school who may be in classes during testing or may be near the area where tests are stored, even though they do not have direct access to tests, should be aware of security rules.

Student Preparation Training

Perform all necessary technology readiness checks and online student practice tests in advance of online testing. and

adhere to calculator and electronic device policies and guidelines.

At the beginning of the school year SchTC, examiners, and proctors must read and sign the Test Security Information for

School Test Coordinators/Examiners/Proctors document to certify that they understand the procedures that SchTC use

to inform them of their responsibilities.

The SchTC must retain a copy of all handouts, presentations, and sign-in sheets for their record as well as provide

Assessment & Accountability with the originals of the above materials at the time of returning materials at the end of an

assessment window.

ADDITIONAL TRAINING PROCEDURES

The SchTC and Principal is responsible for the additional assessment procedures below in addition to all within each

school test coordinator’s examiner’s manual, assessment orientations, Student Assessment Handbook, Accessibility and

Accountability Manual, and the Assessment Administration Protocol Manual.

• Students are only dismissed from their testing site once the majority of the students are finished and all testing

materials have been collected and returned.

• Guidance governing the inclusion and assessment of students with disabilities and EL students is based on the

section Assessing Special Populations (pages 88-112) of the Georgia Student Assessment Handbook. Prior to

testing the IEP, 504 and EL Accommodation spreadsheet is reviewed by the School Test Coordinator and certified

designee so that students be properly assessed in accordance with the specific accommodations and outlined.

• Coding for students with accommodations (Special Education, 504, etc.) is done by the SchTC and certified

designee prior to returning answer documents to the System Test Coordinator in a secure location.

• The SchTC and certified designee examine answer documents prior to returning them to the System Test

Coordinator to ensure the accuracy of student data, correct placement of labels, bubbles are correctly filled in

and that there are no stray marks.

• The SchTC and the certified designee will transfer Large Print/Braille answers in a secure location to the student

answer document following testing. The Validation Form for Transposing Answers document is completed by the

person transposing the answers and the person serving as a witness.

ASSESSING SPECIAL POPULATIONS

Federal and state laws require that all students participate in the state-mandated assessment program, including

students with disabilities and English Learners (EL). Specific guidance concerning the inclusion and assessment of

students with disabilities and EL students is outlined below; additional guidance is also outlined in each test’s

administration manual.

Participation of All Students In Assessments

Under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and the

Georgia State Board of Education (SBOE) Rule 160-3-1- .07, all students, including students with disabilities (SWD) and

English Language Learners (ELs), must participate in the state’s academic content standards and assessments. Where


all students are being assessed, students with disabilities in grades 3-8, and 11 must either participate in the associated

general assessment or the alternate assessment (GAA 2.0). Decisions regarding the participation of students with

disabilities in statewide assessment must be made, on a case-by-case basis, by each student’s IEP team.

The IEP team should (a) consider the purpose of the assessment, (b) consider the feasibility of the student’s participation,

(c) determine what accommodation(s), if any, the student will need and document this in the student’s IEP, and (d)

document in the IEP the decision for the student to participate in the general assessment or for the student to participate

in the alternate assessment. If the student’s IEP team recommends that she/he not participate in the regular statewide

assessment, then the IEP must (a) document the reason the student will not participate, and (b) identify participation in

the Georgia Alternate Assessment (GAA 2.0). The IEP team must ensure the student meets the eligibility requirements to

participate in the GAA 2.0.

Monitoring

According to the Georgia Department of Education’s (GaDOE) Student Assessment Handbook (SAH), “The Principal,

Assistant Principal, and/or designated central office staff must monitor all testing sessions. This is especially necessary

when testing is being conducted in multiple locations within a building (begins on page 6 of the GaDOE SAH).”

District Assessments Guidelines for the administration of local assessments may include, but not limited to:

• Some guidelines specific to local test security include directives that the tests cannot be taken home with students, tests should be administered in a specific window of time, and tests cannot be altered.

• Each school’s formative assessment is also accompanied by a specific set of teacher directions specifying how to administer the test, resources that can be utilized on the test, and testing time limits.

SECURITY PLAN OVERVIEW

The Whitfield County Schools Security Plan must be used in conjunction with the GaDOE Student Assessment Handbook

(SAH), the Accessibility and Accountability Manual, the Assessment Administration Protocol Manual, specific test

manuals, the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES), and the National Assessment of Educational Progress

(NAEP) guidelines.

This security plan includes definitions, policies, and procedures for the regulation of all aspects of test security including:

• information security

• exam publication, and

• exam administration

In many cases, these policies and procedures represent operational security goals that are already in different stages of

implementation.

The elements of this plan provide greater protection of the intellectual property of the assessments, reduce test fraud

and theft and maintain high program standards and integrity. The plan will be used to train staff, and as a reference

document to structure security roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations. The plan will be reviewed and

revised on at least an annual basis.

TEST SECURITY POLICY

It is the intent of the Whitfield County Schools to administer all assessments with integrity and validity. Care is taken to

ensure that all assessments are protected from any ethic violations, and to maintain high program standards. Employees

shall comply with Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) rules with regard to testing ethics. Employees

who violate these provisions shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Test Security:

• Documents provided by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) and the information from Georgia’s

Student Assessment Handbook (SAH), the Accessibility and Accountability Manual, and the Assessment

Administration Protocol Manual is used to train school personnel.


• Each year a Fall Assessment of General Information is held and includes all school test coordinators. A train-the-

trainer model is used to ensure test security in schools. The School Test Coordinator is responsible for training all

building personnel that might come into contact with the test.

Some topics covered are, but not limited to:

• Security Breaches

• Testing Irregularities

• Steps for Reporting a Testing Irregularity

• Unexpected Event Contingency Plan

• Cell Phone | Electronic Device Use On Georgia Standardized Assessment

• Online Logistics, Procedures, and Guidelines

• Assessment Overviews, Updates, and Changes

• Professional Ethics (Standard 10) – including reporting requirements and disciplinary actions

• Georgia Student Assessment Program Roles and Responsibilities

o Superintendent,

o System Test Coordinator,

o System Technology Director,

o System Special Education Director,

o System Title III Coordinator,

o Principals,

o School Test Coordinators,

o Examiners, and

o Proctors.

• Test Distribution and Storage of Secure Test Materials

GOALS FOR 2021-2022 TESTING PROGRAM • All schools will test online, unless a student has an accommodation needing a paper pencil assessment or needs

a large/print or a braille assessment.

• Maintain online test administrations for a more secure administration.

• Reduce the number of testing irregularities.

• Maintain and disseminate a comprehensive district Test Security Plan.

• Provide a conducive testing environment for all students in Whitfield County Schools.

Educators who have not been trained may not participate in the test administration. Anyone who has not been trained

may not handle the tests. At the conclusion of each test administration each test examiner and proctor must certify

appropriate procedures were followed in the administration of the test by signing an Examiner’s or Proctor’s Certification

of Adherence to Prescribed Test Administration Form.

IDENTIFICATION OF TESTING PERSONNEL

According to the Georgia Department of Education, the principal has the ultimate responsibility for testing within the

school. The principal must identify an individual who holds an educator’s certificate with Georgia’s Professional

Standards Commission (GaPSC) to act as School Testing Coordinator (SchTC) and Online School Testing Coordinator

(Online SchTC). The principal must complete a WCS Principal Testing Location Form identifying the SchTC, identifying the

designated secure location for test materials, designating individuals with access to the secure location, and agreeing to

uphold a high level of integrity in the school’s testing program. If there are any changes of the test coordinator during the

year, the principal must resubmit the WCS Principal Testing Location Form to the System Testing Coordinator.

Assessment and Accountability will provide all SchTC with the Student Assessment Handbook, the Accessibility and

Accommodations Manual, the Assessment Administration Protocol Manual, and the WCS Test Security Plan. The principal

and SchTC are responsible for receiving and reading all manuals.


GEORGIA STUDENT ASSESSMENT PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES (Student Assessment Handbook-pages 31-41)

Roles And Responsibilities

The following section outlines the roles and responsibilities for school level personnel published by the Georgia

Department of Education (GaDOE) in the Student Assessment Handbook (SAH). Professional ethics are covered in more

detail on pages 18-20 of the 2021-2022 SAH.

The Code of Ethics for Educators 505- 6 -.01 (Effective October 15, 2015) can be found at this link:

http://www.gapsc.com/Rules/Current/Ethics/505-6-.01.pdf

Superintendent – Dr. Mike Ewton 1. Has ultimate responsibility for all testing activities within the local school system.

2. Designates the STC and notifies the GaDOE through the Primary Role Management application in the MyGaDOE

Portal of any new appointments to this role as they may occur due to changes in personnel or updates to

primary or back-up STC positions.

3. Supervises Principals and STC to ensure that they fulfill their specific responsibilities for the administration of

tests.

4. Maintains contact with STC to become thoroughly informed of all testing activities.

5. Ensures that local calendars are planned so that all tests are administered according to the state-published

testing calendar.

6. Informs local board members, parents, and other citizens about requirements pertaining to statewide testing.

7. Informs stakeholders residing within the local system’s area concerning the collective achievement of enrolled

students by school and system.

8. Ensures that Principal’s Certification Forms are completed after each test administration and retained as

required.

9. Approves all special administration and flexibility requests

10. Completes the Superintendent’s Certification form in the MyGaDOE Portal due January 31 each year for

assessments conducted August 1-December 31 as well as July 31 each year for assessments conducted

January 1-July 31 each year.

11. Ensures that appropriate local personnel attend GaDOE trainings concerning state assessment programs.

12. Ensures that the appropriate personnel complete all necessary readiness checks for online testing.

13. Ensures that personnel enforce prescribed calculator, cell phone, and electronic device guidelines.

14. Conducts investigations of reported testing irregularities (e.g., student cheating, unethical professional

conduct). Reports unethical professional conduct to the Educator Ethics Division of the GaPSC.

15. Monitors testing activities in the local school system to guarantee compliance with regulations established by

the State Board of Education (SBOE) and current legislation.

System Test Coordinator – Ms. Michelle Caldwell 1. Must be designated by the Superintendent.

2. Serves as liaison between the system and the GaDOE for all test administration activities.

3. Acquires and maintains current information on the statewide testing program, including the section for

Students with Disabilities and special populations.

4. Coordinates all test administration activities within the school system including collaboration with the

Technology Director and/or technical staff, Special Education Director, ESOL/Title III Coordinator, and/or

designated staff, Principals, and SchTCs.

5. Coordinates with System Technology Director or Coordinator for the appropriate implementation of technology-

based test administrations including scheduling, training, system and device requirements, and other

communications.

6. Ensures that local calendars are planned so that all tests are administered according to the state-published

testing calendar that provides testing dates for the current and future academic years.

7. Furnishes all information and submits all forms required by the GaDOE by specified dates.

8. Ensures that students, parents, and other stakeholders have access to information concerning all test

administrations and utilization of test results.

9. Works with system personnel to communicate to parents of students with IEPs, IAPs, and ELL/TPC plans

pertinent information regarding all statewide tests.

http://www.gapsc.com/Rules/Current/Ethics/505-6-.01.pdf


10. Communicates any special accommodation requests to the Assessment Administration Division at least six (6)

weeks prior to the administration of a state-mandated assessment.

11. Ensures all with security roles related to assessments remain current and/or receive current GaDOE

information throughout the school year to ensure compliance with successful test administrations.

12. Ensures and validates with collaboration from SchTC that all Test Examiners are Georgia Professional

Standards Commission (GaPSC) certified and hold, at a minimum, a valid and current clearance certificate.

13. The STC is expected to be familiar with guidance and information found in the Student Assessment Handbook,

the Accessibility & Accommodations Manual, and the Assessment Administration Protocol Manual. In addition,

the STC is expected to review all communication through emails, Assessment Updates, and guidance posted to

the Testing/Assessment website testing.gadoe.org including links to the For Educators webpage and testing

program sites.

14. Assumes responsibility for carrying out the approved district assessment plan for administration of all tests.

15. Receives test materials from GaDOE at a designated time and place and maintains them in a secure location,

and accounts for all test materials delivered to the school system and for the disposition of specific materials.

16. Develops a district-wide protocol for storing, inventorying, distributing, and maintaining all secure test materials

according to GaDOE guidelines and protocols for all test administrations and determining a protocol for the

local school collection of all inventories, sign-in/sign-out sheets, and documentation collected related to secure

test material. This collection may be maintained at the school or district-level.

17. Responsible for the collection of all student enrollment counts and orders of special format tests (Braille, large

print), and reporting to assessment vendors and/or GaDOE, as required according to timelines provided in

GaDOE training sessions and communications.

18. Ensures that appropriate security provisions and technology readiness checks are in place/ completed relative

to online testing environments including, but not limited to, security of logins, test tickets, passcodes, seating

arrangements, etc.

19. Adheres to test dates, time schedules, and specified instructions set by the GaDOE and returns all materials to

GaDOE and/or its contractors as specified and by the prescribed date(s).

20. Oversees the destruction of materials per guidance found in Test Administration Manuals.

21. Ensures principals complete the Principal Certification Form for each administration and maintains these forms

for five years.

22. Provides information for the Superintendent’s Test Certification twice a year to allow for submission by the

Superintendent by January 31 for assessments administered between August 1 and December 31; and by July

31 for assessments administered between January 1 and July 30 each year.

23. Attends statewide testing program meetings/webinars and redelivers to local school coordinators.

24. Coordinates all training plans related to test administration activities (online and paper), ethical behavior of

personnel, and test security for personnel and students.

25. Trains all SchTCs in test security protocols and assessment administration policies and procedures and ensures

examiners, proctors, the system Special Education Coordinator (on the administration of the GAA 2.0), the

system ESOL Coordinator (on the administration of ACCESS for ELLs/Alternate ACCESS), and any others who

have responsibilities related to testing and/or testing materials receive training by appropriate personnel prior

to all assessment administrations.

26. Ensures that principals and SchTCs are aware of and follow the protocols/procedures prescribed in Student

Assessment Handbook, Accessibility & Accommodations Manual, Assessment Administration Protocol Manual,

testing manuals, and other ancillary materials.

27. Maintains a portfolio of all training session materials and rosters of attendees for documentation purposes.

28. Ensures that all SchTCs or other designated personnel have been trained to assign appropriate

accommodations for students accurately in the online platform prior to administration of assessments, and that

any corrections made to accommodations include the printing of a new test ticket where required. This requires

establishing a protocol for monitoring and review of the assignment of appropriate accommodations for

students at the district and/or school level.

29. Reviews and follows all procedures in all administration manuals and is familiar with administrators’ roles and

proctors’ roles.

30. Ensures that each test setting (room) is suitable, has an assigned trained examiner, and has the appropriate

number of trained proctors.

31. Ensures that prescribed calculator, cell phone, and electronic device guidelines are applied in each school.

32. Distributes test results to the Superintendent and to the schools in a timely manner and ensures that students

are informed of the expected date for the return of the test results.

33. Interprets test results to school personnel and appropriate others.


34. Ensures strict test security and reports to Superintendent concerning testing irregularities (e.g., student

cheating, unethical professional conduct).

35. Communicates to the Assessment Administration Division in a timely manner when testing irregularities occur.

36. Arranges schedule for staff to monitor schools during testing sessions.

37. Answers questions of all SchTCs and Principals and makes decisions regarding testing, when appropriate.

38. Ensures that SchTCs account for all students in terms of testing participation requirements.

39. Monitors each test administration for school or system-level errors and data corrections that may result in the

local system being invoiced for additional costs.

System Technology Director – Mr. Tim Shaver 1. Acquires and maintains current information on the statewide testing program, including technology

requirements for testing programs, training manuals, and testing schedules.

2. Coordinates with the STC for the appropriate implementation of computer-based test administrations.

3. Attends or views GaDOE assessment technology trainings and webinars.

4. Works with the STC to ensure that all schools have technology ready for online testing.

5. Performs readiness checks for the system and local testing devices.

6. Coordinates with schools so local software is installed and ready for use with each testing administration.

7. Coordinates with schools so that test content is available on servers and student responses can properly send

to the testing vendor.

8. Verifies that district network security including firewalls and content filters are configured to work with the

testing vendor to allow for test content and student responses to pass through the district network.

9. Verifies that wired and wireless bandwidth is appropriate for testing as defined in the system requirements

documentation and training sessions.

10. Monitors district resources during test administrations for quality assurance.

11. Troubleshoots technology issues as they arise prior to and during test administrations.

12. Completes all post-testing tasks as stated in technology manuals, handbooks, and guides.

System Special Education Director – Ms. Ruthie Rule 1. Acquires and maintains current information on the statewide testing program, including the section for

Students with Disabilities, which is found in the Assessing Special Populations section of the Student

Assessment Handbook and the Accessibility & Accommodations Manual.

2. Acquires and maintains current information of IDEA, state rules, and waiver process for students with

disabilities.

3. Ensures all with security roles related to assessments remain current and/or receive current information

throughout the school year as provided by the STC, SchTC, and/or GaDOE to ensure compliance with successful

test administrations.

4. Ensures that IEP teams understand the appropriate selection of approved accommodations for all state-

mandated assessments.

5. Collaborates with the STC, SchTC, and/or Special Education Lead to ensure accommodations have been coded

properly in online testing platforms to ensure accommodations for all eligible students are available and

identified on test tickets, where applicable, during every testing session.

6. Ensures that IEP teams understand the appropriate selection and eligibility criteria for students who require the

Georgia Alternate Assessment (GAA 2.0).

7. Acquires and maintains current information about the alternate assessments (e.g., GAA 2.0 and Alternate

ACCESS for ELLs).

8. Informs the STC of any special accommodation requests at a minimum of eight weeks prior to the

administration of a state mandated assessment.

9. Informs the STC of the number of students who must receive each accommodation allowed by state

regulations.

10. Provides technical assistance to special education teachers on test administration.

11. Ensures that all due process rights pertaining to the testing programs are provided for students with disabilities.

12. Ensures that appropriate documentation is maintained for all students with disabilities.


13. Ensures that the following activities are completed by special education personnel in preparation for all state-

mandated assessments.

a. Discusses the state-required tests with the students and parents/guardians.

b. Informs IEP students and their parent(s)/guardian(s) of pertinent test information and the role of the IEP

team in identifying test accommodations, if any, which the student may require to participate.

c. Discusses with the student and parents/guardians the consequences of the student not passing a

state-mandated assessment (such as promotion/retention requirements, EOCs constituting a

percentage of the final course grade per SBOE Rule 160-4-2-.13 Statewide Passing Score, and any

relevant local policies). Documents the occurrence of this discussion.

14. Ensures that all designated special education teachers have been trained to administer the GAA 2.0.

15. Collaborates with Title III/ESOL colleagues to train designated special education and/or ESOL teachers to

administer the Alternate ACCESS for ELLs.

16. Ensures that students with disabilities have the appropriate test-taking experience or have been taught test-

taking skills prior to taking the tests.

17. Informs STC of the number of special format tests (i.e., Braille, state-approved assistive technology, or large

print) needed to test students with disabilities for all test administrations.

18. Coordinates with the System Technology Coordinator for the successful implementation of technology-based

assessments including technology-related requirements for students with disabilities, scheduling, training,

system requirements, and other communications.

19. Collaborates with the STC, SchTC, and/or Special Education Lead to ensure accommodations have been coded

properly in online testing platforms to ensure accommodations for all eligible students are available and

identified on test tickets, where applicable, during every testing session.

System Title III/ESOL Coordinator – Mr. Richard Knox 1. Acquires and maintains current information on the statewide testing program (SB Rule 160-3-1-.07), including

the section on accommodations for English learners (EL) found in the Accommodations section of the SAH.

2. Ensures all with security roles related to assessments remain current and/or receive current information

throughout the school year as provided by the STC, SchTC, and/or GaDOE to ensure compliance with successful

test administrations.

3. Ensures that all assessments and, in certain cases, conferences relating to a student’s ESOL eligibility (Rule

160-4-5-.02) are documented prior to assigning EL, EL-1, or EL-2 status.

4. Ensures EL-1 and EL-2 students are not administered the ACCESS for ELLs. By definition, EL-1 and EL-2

students have exited ESOL services and are no longer eligible for the ACCESS for ELLs assessment.

5. Ensures that appropriate documentation is maintained for all EL students.

a. Ensures that the following activities are completed by EL/ESOL personnel in preparation for all state-

mandated assessments: a. Discusses the state-required tests with the students and parents/guardians.

b. Informs EL, EL-1, or EL-2 students and their parent(s)/guardian(s) of pertinent test information and the role

of the EL/TPC in identifying test accommodations, if any, which the student may require to participate.

c. Discusses with the student and parents/guardians the consequences of the student not passing a state-

mandated assessment (such as promotion/retention requirements, EOCs constituting for a percentage of the

final course grade per SBOE Rule 160-4-2-.13 Statewide Passing Score, and any relevant local policies).

Documents the occurrence of this discussion.

6. Verifies all test examiners have completed annual certification and training requirements with WIDA for

administering ACCESS for ELLs and Alternate ACCESS for ELLs as well as appropriate test security and test

administration procedures.

7. Informs the STC of the number of students who must receive each accommodation allowed by state

regulations.

8. Train Title III/ESOL teachers to administer ACCESS for ELLs and collaborates with special education colleagues

to train the appropriate teachers to administer the Alternate ACCESS for ELLs.

9. Provides technical assistance to teachers on test administration.

10. Ensures that EL students have appropriate test-taking experience or have been taught test-taking skills prior to

taking the tests.


Principal – Elementary, Middle, and High

1. Designates a SchTC to coordinate the testing program. The SchTC must hold a GaPSC-issued certificate.

2. Has ultimate responsibility for testing activities in the local school.

3. Informs students and parents/guardians about the purpose of testing, dates and times for testing, and

expected dates for return of test results (see Test Preparation section).

4. Creates an atmosphere in which all staff members know that their cooperation is needed and expected for

successful test administration.

5. Arranges appropriate schedules for teachers who will be Proctors and Examiners and for those who will be

teaching other students not involved in testing.

6. Adheres to system testing calendar.

7. Ensures that the school calendar is planned so that all tests are administered according to the system’s testing

calendar.

8. Monitors test preparation activities to ensure that secure testing materials are not misused.

9. Monitors the administration of tests.

10. Supervises all testing activities to ensure strict test security.

11. Reviews and returns the Principal’s Certification Form to the STC after each administration.

12. Verifies all examiners have been trained in test security, educator ethics, and test administration protocols and

policies to administer the state-mandated assessments.

13. Assigns GaPSC certified personnel to serve as Examiners and ensures that all Examiners and Proctors receive

appropriate training in test security, management of secure test materials, and administration protocols for all

assessments.

14. Ensures that only personnel who have received test security, appropriate management of secure test materials

training, and who are GaPSC certified, handle such materials.

15. Ensures that all testing sites are appropriately prepared: updated devices and technology resources, adequate

student workspace, proper lighting, good ventilation, sufficient number of desks in good repair, instructional

materials (e.g., posters, word walls, etc.) removed or covered, etc.

16. Ensures that the appropriate personnel complete all necessary readiness checks for online testing.

17. Ensures that personnel apply prescribed calculator, cell phone, and electronic device guidelines to each test

setting and each testing administration.

18. Ensures proper online and/or paper testing environments for all test administrations.

19. Ensures that the test accommodations identified in students’ IEPs, IAPs, and EL/TPC plans are provided for

each student as specified prior to the administration of all testing sessions.

20. Ensures that testing sites are free of interruptions during test administration (e.g., intercom messages, visitors,

wandering students, entry into test settings by person/persons not serving as the examiner or proctor unless

necessitated by emergency/time-sensitive need), and that sites do not have content-related materials posted

that could advantage one group of students over others.

21. Advises SchTC, Examiners, and Proctors if emergency situations arise.

22. Ensures all materials are stored in a secure, locked location with restricted access, confirms access is restricted

by accounting for keys, and accounts for the security of all test materials during the time the materials are in

the building.

23. Works in collaboration with the SchTC to notify the STC of testing irregularities and provides explanation of

circumstances.

School Test Coordinator (SchTC) – Elementary, Middle, and High 1. Ensures all with security roles related to assessments remain current and/or receive current information

throughout the school year as provided by the STC, and/or GaDOE to ensure compliance with successful test

administrations.

2. Coordinates with various local school and/or system divisions to ensure successful test administrations

(Special Education, Technology, Title III, etc.)

3. Must be GaPSC certified and adheres to the Georgia Code of Ethics for Educators and must hold a clearance

certificate as defined by the GaPSC.

4. Assists Principal in assigning Examiner(s).

5. Adheres to system testing calendar.


6. Verifies all Test Examiners are Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) certified and hold, at a

minimum, a valid and current clearance certificate.

7. Ensures that only personnel who have received test security and appropriate management of secure test

materials training, and who are GaPSC certified, handle such materials.

8. Receives and inventories all secure and non-secure test materials from STC following district protocol for

receipt and inventory of secure and non-secure test materials.

9. Ensures that appropriate security provisions are in place relative to online testing environments and materials

including, but not limited to, security of logins, passcodes, conducive seating arrangements, etc.

10. Ensures that students have only one opportunity to test during each window.

11. Ensures that a minimum of one certified administrator or the SchTC is present and witnesses the transcription

of student responses when/where necessary. Scribed responses must follow GaDOE guidance (SAH p. 96-98)

and include a Validation Form for Transcription of Answer Documents (SAH p. 118). Documentation of this

process must be retained and confirms that all necessary transcriptions are completed.

12. Ensures all materials are stored in a secure, locked location with restricted access, confirms access is restricted

by accounting for keys, and accounts for the security of all test materials during the time the materials are in

the building.

13. Maintains an inventory and protocol for daily distribution of secure student rosters and test tickets according to

GaDOE guidelines and protocols as well as established local system protocols regarding storage, inventory,

distribution, and receipt of secure test materials for all test administrations. It is required that all secure test

materials be returned to the secure, locked location with restricted access at the end of each test session and

prior to the end of the school day. A copy of all inventories, sign-in/sign-out sheets, and documentation

collected related to secure test material must be maintained locally.

14. If applicable, determines the number of paper test booklets and answer documents to be assigned to each

testing site and accounts for material distribution and return. Under supervision, ensures the accuracy of

student GTID numbers on each answer document.

15. Packages and returns materials to STC according to directions and timeline found in Test Administration

Manuals.

16. Conducts orientation and training sessions related to test administration, test security, and ethical behavior for

all personnel expected to be in direct contact with the test administration process, including Examiners and

Proctors.

17. Assigns trained Proctors appropriately in accordance with state guidelines.

18. Maintains local records of all training sessions for all assessments including agenda, sign in sheets, handouts,

and presentations.

19. Prepares all testing locations and ensures availability and readiness of student devices school network and

bandwidth preparedness in collaboration with technology coordinators.

20. Provides each Examiner with a roster of students identified by GTID in each test session to include a list of

accommodations, if applicable. In addition, each Examiner must be provided test tickets for each student

identified on the roster for the designated content area/course, grade level and test section for each day of

testing.

21. Accounts for all students in terms of testing requirements, including special populations and those requiring

testing accommodations.

22. Ensures that the test accommodations identified in students’ IEPs, IAPs, and EL/TPC plans are coded in all

online platforms, test tickets, and student rosters provided for each student as specified prior to the

administration of all testing sessions.

23. Gives Examiners extra No. 2 pencils, online test tickets, computer peripherals, and resource materials, if

appropriate.

24. Ensures that personnel apply prescribed calculator, cell phone, and electronic device guidelines to each test

setting.

25. Ensures that testing sites are free of interruptions during test administration (e.g., intercom messages, visitors,

wandering students, entry into test settings by person/persons not serving as the examiner or proctor unless


necessitated by an emergency/time-sensitive need) and those sites do not have content-related materials

posted that could advantage one group of students over others.

26. Ensures any paper-based test administrations follow all protocols for validating that student

demographic/identification information is accurate, that necessary coding/labeling is complete, and that all

student responses have been entered according to the Test Administration Manual and/or Test Examiner

guidance. SchTC and/or STC must have a protocol in place to ensure the examiner review has been completed,

is accurate and all necessary coding/labeling is complete.

a. 27. Ensures that for any students not currently enrolled in the school where the assessment is being

administered, that the following protocol is applied: a. contacts student’s enrolled school for verification

of test eligibility, and receives test ticket from enrolled school for the student;

b. b. ensures the student tests using the test ticket where the student is reported as enrolled (a test ticket

should not be issued in the school where the assessment is being administered);

c. c. ensures that student identity has been verified to assure the student taking the test matches the

information on the test ticket before administering the assessment; and,

d. d. recognizes that student score reports are assigned to the home (FTE) school of the student.

e.

27. Notifies Principal and STC of any emergency and helps to decide what action needs to be taken.

28. Notifies and provides an explanation of circumstances of any testing irregularities to the Principal and STC. The

STC will report testing irregularities to the GaDOE through the MyGaDOE Portal with any and all supporting

documentation.

Examiner – Elementary, Middle, and High 1. Communicates with the SchTC and/or Special Education Lead Teacher and/or ESOL Coordinator regarding

student accessibility and accommodations related to IEP/IAP and/or EL/TPC plans and ensures student

rosters and related test tickets are accurate prior to all test administrations.

2. Must be GaPSC certified and adheres to the Georgia Code of Ethics for Educators. As required by State Board

Rule 160-3-1-.07, certified educators (teachers, interpreters, counselors, administrators, and

paraprofessionals) must administer all state-mandated assessments. The term Certified Educator in this

statement is defined as those educators directly involved with the instruction of students, and who must hold a

clearance certificate as defined by the GaPSC. Educators without Georgia certification from the GaPSC must

not administer state assessments. Local systems must be mindful of certificate expiration dates and ensure

that all examiners possess a valid/unexpired certificate at the time of test administration. The term Examiner

refers to the person administering the assessment.

3. Reviews and follows all procedures in handling all secure and non-secure administration materials.

4. Documents the daily receipt (date, time, and number received) of all secure and non-secure test materials and

the daily return of all secure and non-secure test materials.

5. Ensures the security of test booklets while they are in the testing site before, during, and after testing. At no

time, should any secure test materials be left unattended.

6. Applies and enforces prescribed calculator, cell phone, and electronic device guidelines.

7. At least annually, and more frequently where required, participates in and completes all training related to test

administration, test security, and ethical behavior.

8. Sign Language interpreters may review the test before administering the assessments to their students.

However, it is unethical for interpreters to reproduce or disclose any secure material or to cause it to be

reproduced or disclosed in any form. Video sign language is the preferred mode for online assessments, where

available.

9. Ensures all test materials, Test Examiner Manuals test tickets, and student rosters are inventoried and correct

prior to administering any test sessions.

10. Prior to the administration of any and all testing sessions, ensures that no content-related instructional

materials are displayed in the testing site. Charts, diagrams, and posters should not be visible.

Chalkboards/Whiteboards should be free of any writing except for test procedure information.

11. Prior to the administration of any and all testing sessions, ensures that the test accommodations identified in

students’ IEPs, IAPs, and EL/TPC plans are provided for each student as specified

12. Validates that all students have received the correct test ticket to include:


a. Validation of correct name and GTID number

b. Validation of any assigned accommodations

c. Validation that students have signed their test ticket

d. Validation that students have returned all test tickets following completion of the test session

13. Follows procedures for testing as given in the Examiner’s Manual, including reading all directions word-for-

word to students.

14. Provides No. 2 pencils, erasers, pens for writing tests, and resource materials (if appropriate).

15. Returns all test materials to SchTCs immediately after testing each day, including special format tests, such as

Braille or large print.

16. Ensures any paper-based test administrations follow all protocols for ensuring that student

demographic/identification information is accurate, that necessary coding/labeling is complete, and that all

student responses have been entered according to the Test Administration Manual and/or Test Examiner

guidance. Scribed responses must follow guidance (p. 102) and include a Validation Form for Transcription of

Answer Documents (p. 125) SchTC and/or STC must have a protocol in place to ensure the examiner review

has been completed, is accurate and all necessary coding/labeling is complete.

17. Maintains control of testing situation and keeps students on task. Examiners must actively circulate and

monitor students throughout the testing session(s).

18. Allows no student to leave the test room unless there is an emergency/health/restroom need.

19. Monitors test administrations and communicates with the SchTC and/or the Technology Coordinator or

designee when test administration, technology, and/or student issues arise.

20. Notifies the SchTC immediately of an incorrect test ticket or incorrect student roster information prior to

starting any test session.

21. Provides a statement for any incident deemed a testing irregularity to the SchTC and follows local protocols for

reporting significant testing irregularities to the STC and GaDOE.

Proctor – Elementary, Middle, and High 1. Communicates with the SchTC and/or Special Education Lead Teacher and/or ESOL Coordinator regarding

student accessibility and accommodations related to IEP/IAP and/or EL/TPC plans and ensures student rosters

and related test tickets are accurate prior to all test administrations.

2. Assumes responsibility for assigned students.

3. Assists the examiner in applying and enforcing prescribed calculator, cell phone, and electronic device

guidelines.

4. With examiner supervision, assists in accounting for all classroom test materials (Test materials must be

returned to the SchTC by the Examiner).

5. Assists the Examiner in maintaining strict test security.

6. Participates and completes all training related to test administration, test security, and ethical behavior.

7. Monitors a specific area if a large testing site is used.

8. Monitors online test administrations and communicates with Examiner when test administration, technology,

and/or student issues arise.

9. With Examiner supervision, assists in preparing test materials for distribution to students in a classroom on

days of testing.

10. Ensures that desks are clear of everything except test materials.

11. With examiner supervision, assists in distributing and collecting classroom test materials.

12. With examiner supervision, answers questions regarding test procedures but does not explain items or answer

any questions regarding the content of the test.

13. Remains in testing site during entire testing time.

14. Observes students during testing to monitor that they are actively engaged in the assessment

15. Avoids standing by a student’s desk too long or touching a student, as this may be distracting.

16. Ensures students are using only specified test materials and/or not engaging in online sites outside of the

testing environment. Reports observations of student actions to Examiner and/or SchTC immediately.

17. Reports any unusual circumstances to Examiner immediately (e.g., suspicion of cheating).

18. Circulates among students during testing to discourage misconduct and to be available to answer student

questions.

19. Monitors students with disabilities, 504 students, or EL students who may require closer observation than other

students or who need special assistance.


TEST SECURITY MANAGEMENT

This section outlines processes to manage the security of test materials and security incidents including testing

misconduct, breaches and mishandling of protected exam material, coaching and other testing improprieties. These guidelines should be used in conjunction with those set forth by the GaDOE and the Student Assessment Handbook, the

Accessibility and Accommodations Manual, and the Assessment Administration Protocol Manual.

SECURE CHAIN OF CUSTODY For all assessments administered by Whitfield County Schools, the following must be implemented and followed: Receipt of Materials from State Vendor: All test materials for main administrations are shipped by the state’s vendor to

the Whitfield County Central Office Building in boxes packaged by school. Upon arrival at the Central Office Building, individual boxes are counted by Assessment and Accountability staff and remain in the secure testing room until School

Test Coordinators (SchTC) or Online SchTC pick up.

Distribution to Schools: Assessment and Accountability staff will develop a calendar and plan for test materials to be picked up by the SchTC. All state-level assessments will be delivered in this manner. A security form is completed by the Assessment and Accountability staff and is verified/signed by the SchTC.

Inventory and Request for Additional Test Materials: The contents of the boxes must be inventoried and certified by the SchTC.

Reorders: All requests for additional materials must be submitted by the date specified at the pre-administration workshop. Once requested materials are available for pick-up at the Central Office Building, an email indicating availability will be sent to the SchTC. Only the Principal, SchTC, Online SchTC, may pick-up the requested materials. In some instances, the school’s EL teacher may pick-up ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 or Alternate ACCESS requested materials.

Storage of Secure Materials: As outlined in the SAH, all test materials must be kept in a secure location. The recommendation is to use a vault or cabinet in a room that does not have raised ceiling tiles that can be accessed from adjoining rooms or hallways. The School Level Assessment Location Form is completed by all Principals and SchTCs at the beginning of the year.

All secure test materials (including test tickets, test booklets, and answer documents) while not in use must be stored in a locked central location with limited key access. Examiner’s and Test Coordinator’s manuals, while not considered secure, should be inventoried by the school and system upon receipt and at the close of testing. Materials for online and paper/pencil administrations are distributed to each school system two to three weeks prior to the test dates depending upon the assessment. Test tickets for online testing are also available in advance of a local districts’ testing window. Manuals are posted on the GaDOE website prior to testing. Examiner’s manuals do not contain secure test content and may be checked out to Examiners for review. Manuals in PDF format are posted on the GaDOE website prior to testing. Digital copies should be deleted, and paper copies destroyed at the close of testing. Whitfield County Schools has implemented an accounting system for distributing and collecting all testing materials, secure and unsecure, at both the system and school level for each test administration. The Superintendent and System Test Coordinator are responsible for test security.

During the Testing Window/Period: All online or paper/pencil test materials must be stored in a secure locked location with restricted access when not in use. No student, teacher, or other school personnel may have access to test tickets, test booklets, or questions prior to testing. Test materials must be returned to the central location (System Test Coordinator) as soon as possible, but no later than three days after all test administration has been completed. The System Test Coordinator must implement an accounting system between the central location and the school, and then back to the central location. The System Test Coordinator will ensure that only appropriate personnel will have access to testing materials. Procedures for disposing of and securing materials are specific to each program. Consult the Test Coordinator’s Manual for each test for specific instructions regarding these procedures. Online test tickets should be maintained securely until scores are received for students. Districts should securely destroy tickets once it is confirmed that all students have received scores and that there are no outstanding irregularities associated with students’ test


administrations. Districts/Schools should retain student sign-in sheets, security checklists/test booklet distribution logs, and documentation of testing anomalies for a minimum of four years.

Following each test session, the examiner must account for all materials before dismissing students. The SchTC or principal must count all materials as examiners check in at the end of testing each session. The information must be recorded and verified for accuracy on the Testing and Assessment School Security Form. Additionally, each Test Examiner must certify appropriate test administration by signing an Examiner Certification of Adherence to Prescribed Test Administration Procedures and Must Do – Must Not Do Form after each administration. Once the counts are verified and the Must Do – Must Not Do forms are completed, materials are stored in the secure location. All examiners must complete this process and be held accountable for any test materials in their possession.

As outlined by the Georgia Department of Education, the examiner with direct administrator supervision, at the conclusion of testing will:

• Inspect and ensure all student test tickets have been collected from each student.

• Inspect answer documents to ensure that all student identification information is correctly bubbled in the

appropriate places.

• Inspect answer documents to ensure that student identification information is accurate and correctly bubbled,

that necessary coding/labeling is complete, and that documents are in good condition for scoring.

After the Testing Window: Following the testing period, the SchTC and/or the Principal is required to count and verify the return of all testing materials and package all scorable and non-scorable documents according to the shipping instructions for delivery to the Central Office Building by the SchTC or Principal.

Test Check-in Process: Each school is given a designated time for scorable and non-scorable check-in at Central Office or Student Services Building. Every test booklet, unused/voided answer document, examiner manual, student test tickets, and scratch paper must be returned. During check-in, all answer documents are counted and checked for the accuracy by the SchTC or Principal under the supervision of Assessment & Accountability staff. The check-in process is considered complete when all documents are accounted for and any additional coding has been verified. When this process is validated, the individual school-level scorable materials are bundled, labeled, boxed and sealed by Assessment & Accountability staff for pick-up by the state’s processing vendor for scoring.

LOST TEST MATERIALS Schools are expected to return all scorable and non-scorable testing materials after the completion of the testing

window. If test materials are lost or misplaced, immediate contact must be made with Assessment & Accountability.

In turn, Assessment & Accountability will work with the school and the Georgia Department of Education Assessment

Specialist to determine next steps.

DEALING WITH EMERGENCY/UNEXPECTED SITUATIONS

The section below is from the SAH (pages 8-11)

In the event of widespread school closures across the state, the following plan should be followed:

• Guidance will be monitored at the state and local levels to determine risk and formally to report to

superintendents through the offices of the Governor and/or the State Superintendent. Ongoing guidance will be

provided by the Governor’s office and the State Superintendent’s office for the duration of the emergency

incident.

o Information provided by GaDOE Assessment and Accountability will be reviewed and cleared through the

State Superintendent’s office prior to delivery to districts to ensure accurate and consistent messaging.

o Any waiver requests to the United States Department of Education (US ED) will be submitted by the State

Superintendent’s office, if needed.

• Vendor Notification: Vendors are notified by the GaDOE of any statewide or regional testing interruptions for any

reason. GaDOE works directly with the GaDOE IT Department and local districts in providing guidance for resuming

the student assessment windows, when possible.

• District Notification: The STC and/or other identified district leader notifies the GaDOE assigned Assessment

Specialist of the scope of the event and impact to students. GaDOE Assessment Specialists will determine a

course of action that includes contact with the assessment vendor, and to create a customer service action plan,


if possible. In the event of statewide school closures, notification and communication will be provided through

the Governor’s Office and/or the State Superintendent’s Office directly to district superintendents. The Governor’s

Office and State Superintendent’s Office will maintain contact with appropriate public resources related to

monitoring school closures and supportive of the safety and wellbeing of students and staff.

• GaDOE Notification: GaDOE Assessment Specialists monitor test session activity for assigned districts. STCs are

contacted by the assigned GaDOE Assessment Specialists on a case-by-case basis to determine probable cause

and impact to the student assessment experience. Action plans will include resources necessary to complete

testing in a manner that maintains valid and reliable student assessment results, when and if testing may be

resumed.

In all cases, GaDOE works closely with STCs, assessment vendors, and the GaDOE IT Department to provide guidance

and resolve all issues in a timely manner to maximize the student assessment experience. Secure materials should be

inventoried per normal processes and verified prior to resuming testing. Examiners must verify that students resume

testing with the correct materials. The Examiner should take note of remaining test time to ensure students have the

allotted time to complete the testing session upon resuming the assessment. Testing interruptions are determined an

irregularity when events become one of a lengthy duration and must be documented in the MyGaDOE Portal for review

by the GaDOE.

In any unexpected situation, educators must first act to assure the safety of all children and adults, and to protect property

from damage. While test security is critical and must be maintained as much as possible, student safety is always the

priority.

Unplanned fire drill/bomb threats: Emergency drills should not be scheduled during a testing administration window;

however, should an unplanned event occur, students should not take the test materials outside and should not be

permitted to talk about testing during the event. Test materials should be kept secure (lock door when students have

evacuated the room/building). If the school’s safety plan permits for the testing group(s) to be kept together and under

direct supervision, please do so. The Examiner should take note of the time of the evacuation, if possible, to ensure

students have the allotted time to complete the testing session upon return. When students and Examiners are cleared

to reenter the building safely, testing should resume as quickly as possible, allowing students the remainder of the

allotted time to finish the test. Should the event become one of a lengthy duration, and once all considerations relative

to student safety have passed, contact GaDOE for further direction regarding plans to resume testing. Materials should

be inventoried per normal processes and verified prior to resuming testing. Examiners need to make certain that students

resume testing with the correct materials. In all cases student and staff safety is always the priority.

Sudden or severe weather event: Districts should always monitor the weather during their local testing windows. Be

mindful that online testing can be particularly vulnerable to severe weather due to the possibility of power/Internet

disruptions. If it is feasible and safe to monitor weather conditions and continue testing, that is permissible. In the event

weather causes an immediate need to stop testing, then students should not take the test materials outside of the

classroom and should not be permitted to talk about testing during the event. Test materials should be kept secure (lock

door when students have evacuated the room for designated safe areas). The Examiner should take note of the time, if

possible, to ensure students have the allotted time to complete the testing session upon return. When students and

Examiners are cleared to reenter the test setting safely, testing should resume as quickly as possible, allowing students

the remainder of the allotted time to finish the test. Should the event become one of a lengthy duration, once all

considerations relative to student and staff safety have passed, contact GaDOE for further direction regarding plans to

resume testing. Materials should be inventoried per normal processes and verified prior to resuming testing. Examiners

need to make certain that students resume testing with the correct materials.

Security Lockdown: Security drills should be avoided during the test administration window, if at all possible. If an event

is known to be a drill, and it is deemed feasible and proper to continue testing, that is permissible – though it may not be

optimal. The need for a successful drill supersedes testing during the period of the drill. Ideally, of course, drills should

not be conducted during testing if possible. Should conditions merit the suspension of testing, test materials should be

kept secure within the test setting until the lockdown has been lifted and all students and staff are safe. Student and

staff safety protocols should NOT be violated for the purposes of materials collection. Safety is the first priority. Students

should not be permitted to talk about testing during the event. The Examiner should note the time of the event, if possible,

to allow students the ability to complete the testing session when all is clear, with the allotted time. Testing should be

resumed as quickly as possible, if appropriate, allowing students the remainder of the allotted time to finish the test.

Should the event become one of a lengthy duration, once all considerations relative to student and staff safety have


passed, contact GaDOE for further direction regarding plans to resume testing. Materials should be inventoried per

normal processes and verified prior to resuming testing. Examiners must ensure that students resume testing with the

correct materials.

Power/Internet Outage (Online and Paper/Pencil Testing): Please follow all instructions that address loss of

connectivity/power in the online testing manual(s). It may also be necessary to contact the support line for the testing

contractor. Students should not be permitted to talk about testing during the period during which testing is suspended.

Be sure to note the time of the event so that you can figure out how much time students have to complete the testing

session. When you are able to resume testing, do so as quickly as possible, allowing students the remainder of the

allotted time to finish the test. Should the event become one of a lengthy duration requiring the suspension of testing for

the remainder of the scheduled session or for the day, contact GaDOE for further direction regarding plans to resume

testing.

Student becomes ill during the test: Each situation must be considered independently. Remove the ill student from the

testing environment as quickly as possible so that their needs can be attended to, and so that the other students are not

disrupted. If cleaning the room is necessary to the extent that it will require the relocation of students, the test examiner

must collect secure test materials while students transition to a new setting. Students may then be allowed to complete

testing once relocated. If relocation is not possible, remove students from the room while the room is cleaned and secure

all testing materials (or, if applicable, pause online testing as provided for in the test administration manual). Students

should be kept in a location where they cannot discuss the test until the room has been restored. Resume testing as

soon as it is feasible, allowing students the remainder of the testing time.

TRANSFERRING STUDENT TEST SCORES

It is the responsibility of the district to ensure that test scores are available to schools in a timely manner. Score reports

received by Assessment and Accountability via the Georgia Department of Education’s Portal, will be distributed

electronically to principals via the district-level Google Drive assigned specifically to each. Communication regarding the

documents in the file will be sent via email. Also, SchTC, Online SchTC, EL Teacher, or Principals will pick up individual

student reports, rosters, school level summary reports, and system level reports that are made available to WCS via

printed copy. In turn, it is the responsibility of the local school to ensure that test scores become a part of students'

records as soon as possible after testing, and that such records follow students in the case of a transfer or summer

school enrollment. The Assessment and Accountability department is not authorized to share scores with parents.

Schools are responsible for reporting all student test scores.

It is the responsibility of local school systems to ensure that test scores become a part of students’ records as soon as

possible after testing, and that such records follow students to their new schools. Grade placement and other decisions

may be delayed because test scores are unavailable. A copy of SBOE Rule 160-5-1-.14, TRANSFER OF STUDENT

RECORDS can be found on the GaDOE website.

NOTE: If a student’s records are unavailable or do not show test scores, contact the STC in the student’s previous school

system and/or the Principal of the school from which the student is transferring to verify test scores.

STEPS FOR REPORTING A TESTING IRREGULARITY

School Test Coordinator:

o Communicate with the System Test Coordinator about a possible testing irregularity.

o System Test Coordinator will provide guidance to investigate the possible testing irregularity.

o Written narrative must be provided via email by all parties involved in the irregularity.

▪ The SchTC will collect emails from all parties involved from their school.

▪ The SchTC will send one email to Amy Parker including all emails.

▪ The SchTC is responsible for sending emails, not the Principal.

o Complete & fax Testing Irregularity Form to 706.217.6755.

System Test Coordinator:

o Collect Testing Irregularity Forms and documentation from School Test Coordinators.

o Compile documentation for each incident reported.


o Call the assessment specialist in the Assessment Administration Division to determine appropriate coding

for student answer documents. (Additional information about using the Portal to report irregularities will

be shared during each pre-administration webinar.)

o Include appropriate information and documentation.

o The Assessment Administration Division will inform the local district if it is required to report the

irregularity to the GaPSC.


APPENDIX