Test Coordinator ManualSummative Testing

SPRING 2018 TESTING

Note: This manual is the copyrighted property of ACT, Inc., and may not be copied or otherwise reproduced without the prior written express permission of ACT, Inc. If you are not the authorized and intended user of these materials, contact ACT Customer Care.

Contact Information and ResourcesContact InformationACT® Aspire® Customer Care• Phone: 855.730.0400, 6:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m., central time, Monday through Friday• Email: www.act.org/contact-actaspire

Resources This manual references various websites and systems. Use this list to locate the url to that website or system.

Website URL

ACT Aspire Data Use Policy https://www.discoveractaspire.org/legal/data-usage-policy/

ACT Aspire Landing Page http://actaspire.pearson.com/

ACT Aspire Portal https://www.actaspire.org/

Avocet http://actaspire.avocet.pearson.com

TestNav™ Support Site https://support.assessment.pearson.com/display/TN/TestNav+8+Online+Support

Training Management System (TMS) https://actaspire.tms.pearson.com/

Accessibility and Accommodations The Avocet website also includes accommodations and accessibility resources. Some examples include:

• Spanish Pre-Recorded Audio Test Directions

• Braille Notes (for the room supervisor)

• ACT-Approved Bilingual Word-to-Word Dictionaries

Prepare Your Students There are two resources available for students who wish to prepare for testing:

• Student Sandbox

• Exemplar Test Question Booklets

For more information, see the Exemplar Items section of the ACT Aspire Landing Page.

iii

ContentsOverview 1

General Information 2Policies and Procedures 2

Standardized Procedures 2

Test Security 3

Investigations 3

Equal Treatment 3

Fair Testing Practices 3

Data Usage Policy 3

Test Room Requirements 4

Accessibility and Accommodations for ACT

Aspire 6

Test Format 6

How to Schedule Testing 7

Calculator Policy 8

Materials Provided by the School 8

Selecting and Training Testing Staff 9

Damaged or Contaminated Test Materials 12

Prohibited Behavior 13

Reporting Irregularities in Test

Administration 13

Instructions to Students Prior to Test Day 14

Paper Testing Instructions 15Paper Testing Materials Shipments 15

Receipt, Check-In, and Storage of Test

Materials 16

Prepare the Answer Documents before Test

Day 16

Removal from Storage and Assignment to

Rooms 20

Collect, Pack, and Return the Test Materials 20

Online Testing Instructions 24Preparing for ACT Aspire 24

Technical Requirements 24

The ACT Aspire Portal and TestNav 25

Online Testing Guidelines 25

After Testing 26

iv

FiguresFigure 1. Examples of Seating Arrangements 5

Figure 2. Standard Answer Document 17

Figure 3. Colored-Band Answer Document 17

Figure 4. Sample lavender label. 21

Figure 5. Sample UPS scorable materials label. 21

Figure 6. Sample yellow label. 21

Figure 7. Sample UPS non-scorable materials label. 21

Figure 8. Return Shipping Boxes 22

TablesTable 1. Test Time by Grade and Subject (in minutes) 7

Table 2. Materials Provided by the School 8

Table 3. Materials Provided in Your Shipment 15

Table 4. Gridding Answer Document Boxes 18

Table 5. Return Shipping Labels 21

1

OverviewThis manual contains instructions for coordinating an ACT® Aspire® test administration. As the test

coordinator, you are the main ACT Aspire contact at your school. You also make arrangements for a

secure test administration according to the policies and procedures described in this manual.

In addition to this manual, you are responsible for reading, understanding, and following the

policies and procedures described in the appropriate room supervisor manual:

• Room Supervisor Manual: Paper Summative Testing

• Room Supervisor Manual: Online Summative Testing

Both room supervisor manuals are available for download. See “Room Supervisor” on the Avocet

website.

Note: Testing staff are also required to read, understand, and follow the policies and procedures in

the room supervisor manual.

Additional training and test administration resources are available through the Training

Management System (TMS) and Avocet. See “Contact Information and Resources,” page ii.

2

General Information

Policies and ProceduresThis manual provides direction in administering ACT Aspire tests, including specific instructions

for conducting the timed tests. It is important to follow these instructions to successfully measure

students’ academic skills. All testing personnel, including room supervisors and other testing staff,

are required to read the materials provided by ACT Aspire.

Standardized ProceduresThroughout this manual, there are detailed directions for selecting facilities and staff, ensuring test

security, and administering tests in a standardized manner. All testing staff are required to read the

materials provided by ACT. Adherence to these standardized procedures is mandatory.

To ensure a secure and valid testing experience, you must understand that, among other things, the

following actions by you or any other individual violate ACT Aspire policies and procedures:

• Accessing or obtaining a test booklet or test questions prior to the test for any reason*

• Photocopying, making an electronic copy, or keeping a personal copy of the test or of any test

items*

• Taking notes about test questions or any paraphrase of test questions to aid in preparing students

for testing

• Aiding or assisting a student with a response or answer to a secure test item, including providing

formulas

• Rephrasing test questions for students

• Creating an answer key or “crib sheet” of answers to test questions

• Editing or changing student answers after completion of the test, with or without the student’s

permission

• Allowing students to test in an unsupervised setting

• Leaving test materials in an unsecured place or unattended

• Failing to properly report and document incidents of prohibited behavior involving students,

staff, or others

GENERAL INFORMATION

3

• Allowing students to test longer than the permitted time

• Failing to return and account for all testing materials after the testing session has ended

*An exception is provided for students who require accessibility supports. See the ACT Aspire

Accessibility User’s Guide: Summative Testing located on the Avocet Website.

Test SecurityTo ensure the integrity of your students’ ACT Aspire results, testing personnel must protect the

security of test materials as described in this manual. ACT Aspire materials are copyrighted by

ACT or its licensors and cannot be duplicated, copied, resold, or redistributed for commercial or

other use, and must also be returned to ACT Aspire after testing. ACT Aspire assessments must be

administered by school or district personnel.

InvestigationsIn cases of suspected or documented irregularities, all testing staff are obligated to cooperate fully

with ACT in subsequent investigations and respond to requests for information in a timely manner.

Equal TreatmentAll staff are required to administer and supervise the test in a nondiscriminatory manner and in

accordance with all applicable laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Fair Testing PracticesACT endorses the Code of Fair Testing Practices in Education and the Code of Professional

Responsibilities in Educational Measurement, which guide the conduct of those involved in

educational testing. ACT is committed to ensuring that each of its testing programs upholds the

guidelines in each Code. You may locate copies of these Codes through the following organizations:

• Code of Fair Testing Practices in Education: American Psychological Association (www.apa.org)

• Code of Professional Responsibilities in Educational Measurement: National Council on

Measurement in Education (www.ncme.org)

Data Usage PolicyStudent scores and other information provided on their answer documents or through the online

testing system are governed by the ACT Aspire Data Use Policy (see “Contact Information and

Resources,” page ii).

4

GENERAL INFORMATION

Test Room RequirementsThe test coordinator selects and reserves the test rooms. Test rooms must meet several requirements

that help ensure a fair and secure test environment.

All students testing in the same room are required to take the same grade and subject tests.

Selecting Test RoomsSelect test rooms that:

• Can be reserved to allow time for the entire test session, plus any potential delays

• Can be rearranged, if needed, to meet testing requirements

• Are quiet and as free as possible from potential distractions

• Have good lighting, temperature, and ventilation

• Have an accurate wall clock

• Provide convenient and adequate access to restrooms

Note: Observing students testing in multiple rooms from a central location (such as a hallway)

or through glass walls or security cameras is prohibited. Avoid rooms with multiple levels or

graduated seating unless you have no alternative. Such rooms make test security more difficult.

Test EnvironmentTo ensure a fair and secure test environment:

• Remove or cover all maps, posters, charts, and bulletin board materials related to the subject

being tested.

• Students testing with extended time must be tested in a separate room from students testing with

standard time.

• Ensure that students will be able to hear the room supervisor without difficulty.

• Ensure testing surfaces are large enough to accommodate the following:

– Paper testing: a test booklet and answer document side-by-side

– Online testing: a testing device with space to comfortably use scratch paper

Note: Lapboards may not be used.

Arranging Test RoomsArrange the room so that:

• The room supervisor will be facing the students during testing.

• Testing staff can freely circulate the room and reach each student.

• Testing staff will have a clear view of all students and materials.

• Seating minimizes the possibility of prohibited behavior.

See “Figure 1. Examples of Seating Arrangements,” page 5, for examples of acceptable and

unacceptable seating arrangements.

GENERAL INFORMATION

5

AcceptableSeating Arrangement Examples

UnacceptableSeating Arrangement Examples

AcceptableOnline Testing Seating Arrangement Examples

UnacceptableOnline Testing Seating Arrangement Examples

Table Spacing

Online Testing Workstation Spacing

Examinee Spacing

6–Foot Tables

Without Dividers, Study Carrels, or Partitions

U-Shaped Seating With Dividers, Study Carrels, or Partitions

Tables More Than 9 Feet

8–Foot Tables

Examinees Facing the Wall or Each Other

Examinees Facing Each Other

Multiple-Level Seating

Overhead View

3 ft. min. 3 ft. min.

3 ft. min. plus room to circulate

3 ft. min.

3 ft. min.

Left-HandedExaminees

ExtraRight-HandedDesk

3 ft. min.

3 ft. min.

Side View

Desk Surface Too Small

Dividers, Study Carrels,and Partitions

Examinees Too Close Together/Inadequate Aisle Space

Examinees Facing Different Directions

Examinees Not in Straight Rows and Columns Directlyin Line with Each Other

5 ft. min.

5 ft. min.

3 ft. min. 3 ft. min.Tables under 6 Feet

3 ft. min.Round Tables Any Size

3 ft. min.

3 ft. min. 3 ft. min. 3 ft. min.

OPS1137

"min." = minimum "ft." = feet

Indicates distance between examinees.

Side-to-side distances are measured from shoulder-to-shoulder.

Front-to-back distances are measured from head-to-head.

Level Seating with Movable Desks

Left-Handed Examinees at Right-Handed Desks

Level Seating with Stationary Desks

3 ft. min.

3 ft. min.

5 ft. min.

Figure 1. Examples of Seating Arrangements

6

GENERAL INFORMATION

Accessibility and Accommodations for ACT AspireACT Aspire strives to provide equal access to all students, recognizing that some students need

technological and other forms of support to be able to test fairly and to the best of their abilities. The

need for accessibility is universal. Different levels of available support are described below:

• “Default Embedded System Tools” are those accessibility features that are made available to all

students for the online or paper version of ACT Aspire.

• “Open Access” tools are available to all students, but they must be identified in advance in the

ACT Aspire Personal Needs Profile (PNP) and selected inside the test to be activated (online

format), or they must be planned in advance and provided locally.

• “Accommodations” are considered high-level supports that are needed by relatively few students

and require special expertise, experience, and security protocols to select and use effectively. The

system requires accommodation-level tools to be requested in advance by educational personnel

on behalf of the student through the online ACT Aspire Personal Needs Profile (PNP) process.

This will allow any needed resources to be made active for the student.

Administration of ACT Aspire with accommodation-level supports is a locally determined decision.

In ACT Aspire, any student—with or without an identified disability—may use an accommodation

that appropriately matches the student’s needs. ACT Aspire recommends that students who use

accommodation-level supports have a formally documented need as well as relevant knowledge

and familiarity with these tools to qualify. This policy decision, however, regarding who may use

accommodation-level accessibility supports rests with your local governing educational authority.

For specific policy advice regarding who is permitted to use an accommodation-level support in your

area, please refer to your local educational policies.

The selection and use of accommodation-level tools require special expertise and resources. To be

effective for an individual student, they must be carefully chosen. Any formal qualifying procedure

that is required by the responsible educational authority must be completed prior to completing the

PNP process.

Those with administrator or test coordinator permissions in the ACT Aspire Portal must select

accommodations through the online PNP process in the Portal.

For further information about accommodations and accessibility, see the Accessibility User’s Guide:

Summative Testing on the Avocet website.

Test FormatThe English test for ACT Aspire is composed of selected-response (multiple-choice) questions. The

writing test includes one constructed-response item only. The other three subject tests include a

combination of selected-response and constructed-response items; all constructed responses must

be provided in English. Online tests also have technology-enhanced items.

Sample Test QuestionsACT Aspire Exemplar Items are accessible through the ACT Aspire Landing Page. Visit this page for

information on how to gain access to the Exemplar Test Question Booklets. Each Booklet (one for

each subject and grade) describes reporting categories, standards, depth-of-knowledge levels, and

correct responses.

GENERAL INFORMATION

7

Sample test questions are also available in the Student Sandbox (see the Aspire Landing Page). The

Student Sandbox provides users an opportunity to simulate the online test and view sample test

questions.

How to Schedule TestingAfter student information has been uploaded into the Portal, students must be assigned a paper or

online test session by grade and subject. You may choose the date(s) on which you want to test as

long as the date(s) is(are) within the boundaries of the overall testing window. Subject tests can be

administered in any order and in multiple sessions. Schedule enough time for each subject test to be

completed in a single sitting. Students should not start a test unless there is adequate time for them

to finish on the same day.

Scheduling Test SessionsThe timing of each subject test varies by subject and grade. The timing for the paper and online tests

are the same.

In scheduling multiple tests or the whole battery, consider the administrative time room supervisors

need to transition to the next test according to the collection/distribution of test materials and the

reading of verbal instructions.

English Text Audio for Sighted, English Audio for Blind, and Spanish Text Plus Audio (online

test only) forms require 300% of the standard test time. When selected in the PNP, these will

automatically launch at 300% of the standard test time for the online test. Note that adding

additional time in the student’s PNP will add additional time beyond the 300% (up to 900%). Table 1

shows the actual times the test will launch for standard forms and audio forms.

Table 1. Test Time by Grade and Subject (in minutes)

Grade English Math Reading Science WritingStandard Testing

3 40 65 65 60 45

4 40 65 65 60 45

5 40 65 65 60 45

6 40 75 65 60 40

7 40 75 65 60 40

8 40 75 65 60 40

EHS 45 75 65 60 40

English Text Audio for Sighted, English Audio for Blind3 NA 195 NA 180 135

4 NA 195 NA 180 135

5 NA 195 NA 180 135

6 NA 225 NA 180 120

7 NA 225 NA 180 120

8 NA 225 NA 180 120

EHS NA 225 NA 180 120

8

GENERAL INFORMATION

Grade English Math Reading Science WritingSpanish Text Plus Audio

3 NA 195 NA 180 135

4 NA 195 NA 180 135

5 NA 195 NA 180 135

6 NA 225 NA 180 120

Note: EHS = Early High School (Grades 9–10)

Calculator PolicyUse of calculators will depend on the grade level of the student.

• Students taking the Grades 3–5 Mathematics subject tests cannot use a calculator. All problems

can be solved without a calculator.

• Students are allowed, but not required, to use an approved calculator on the Grades 6–Early High

School (Grades 9–10) Mathematics tests. Students are encouraged to use a personal calculator

they are familiar with, but a calculator tool will also be available within the online testing system

for the Grades 6–Early High School (Grades 9–10) Mathematics tests.

The use of calculators is not permitted on any other subject test. Unless a calculator is provided by

the school, each student is responsible for bringing his or her calculator to the test and making sure

it works properly. Students may bring a backup calculator and extra batteries, but they may not have

more than one calculator on the desk or in operation at a time. Students are not allowed to share

calculators during testing.

It is the school’s responsibility to confirm that all calculators used by students are approved before

testing. See the Calculator Policy on the Avocet website.

Materials Provided by the SchoolSchools are required to provide a fair and secure testing environment (see “Test Room

Requirements,” page 4). In addition to environment, testing sites will provide the following

items for each test room:

Table 2. Materials Provided by the School

ItemTest Type

DescriptionPaper OnlineTimers X X Provide each room supervisor with an accurate

timepiece in order to time each test.No. 2 soft-lead pencils

X X You may instruct students ahead of time to bring pencils, but it is generally advisable to provide a supply of pencils in each room.

• Paper testing requires a No.2 soft-lead pencil for marking answers.

• Online testing does not require pencils, but students may use one with their scratch paper.

Pencil sharpener X X Provide a pencil sharpener in each test room.

Table 1. continued

GENERAL INFORMATION

9

ItemTest Type

DescriptionPaper OnlineScratch paper X X Students may use scratch paper if they request it.

For each blank sheet, instruct students to write the following information on the top of the sheet:• First and last name• School name• Test subject• School gradeRoom supervisors will collect the scratch paper after testing and return the sheets to the test coordinator with the other testing materials.

Note: Students testing online may use their Student Authorization Ticket as scratch paper. If they do so, there is no need to write the information listed above.At the end of testing, securely destroy the scratch paper or securely retain it for one year per local guidelines.

Calculators X X The school may choose to provide calculators to students or the students may bring their own calculator to test. See “Calculator Policy,” page 8.

Selecting and Training Testing StaffIt is your responsibility as the test coordinator to select and train all room supervisors and other

testing staff. The test coordinator provides the continuity and administrative uniformity necessary to

ensure that students at your school are tested under the same conditions as students at every other

school, and to ensure the security of the test.

It is preferred that relatives or guardians of students taking ACT Aspire should not serve in the

role of test coordinator. Whenever possible, this policy should be followed. However, in some

circumstances, this may not be possible. In those circumstances, the district/school should monitor

the testing process so that test coordinators who have a relative testing do not handle the test

materials of the relative without another responsible individual present.

Room SupervisorsTypically, teachers will administer the tests to students during regular class periods. Depending on

the number of students in a class, you may wish to assign adult school staff (not students) to assist

the teacher with distributing and collecting test materials and with monitoring testing.

Be sure that everyone involved in test administration has access to the appropriate room supervisor

manual and is familiar with its contents. All manuals are periodically updated, so it is important

to check the Avocet website for updated versions before each new test administration. A room

supervisor is needed in each room to read directions and monitor students. Another staff member is

recommended if a room has 26 or more students.

Before the test day, all testing personnel should read all of the testing instructions carefully,

particularly the verbal instructions, which will be read aloud to students on the test day.

Table 2. continued

10

GENERAL INFORMATION

Room Supervisor QualificationsThe ACT Aspire test coordinator should confirm that the room supervisor(s) meet all of the following

criteria. Each room supervisor should be

• Proficient in English

• Experienced in testing and classroom management

• A staff member of the institution or district where the test administration will take place

To protect both students and the room supervisor from questions of possible conflict of interest,

relatives or guardians of students taking ACT Aspire should not serve in the role of room supervisor

in the same test room as the student relative. It is permissible for relatives or guardians of testing

students to serve as a room supervisor in the same school/district as a related student, provided

that student tests in a different room. In such circumstances, the district/school should monitor the

testing process so that test coordinators who have a relative testing do not handle the test materials

of the relative without another responsible individual present.

Private consultants or individual tutors whose fees are paid by a student or student’s family should

not serve as a room supervisor.

Room Supervisor ResponsibilitiesSpecific responsibilities are:

• Read and thoroughly understand the policies, procedures, and instructions in the appropriate

room supervisor manual and other materials provided.*

• Supervise a test room.

• Distribute test materials if administering paper tests.*

• Start a test session.

• Help students sign in to the online testing system if administering online tests.*

• Read the verbal instructions.

• Properly time tests.

• Walk around the room during testing to be sure students are working on the correct test and to

observe student behavior.*

• Monitor the online testing system as needed.

• Pay careful attention to monitoring students’ behavior during the entire testing session.*

• Before dismissing students:

– Paper testing: collect and account for all answer documents, test booklets, and scratch

paper*

– Online testing: collect and account for all authorization tickets and scratch paper.*

• Ensure students have stopped testing and have correctly signed out of the online testing system.*

• Complete documentation of any testing irregularities.

• For online testing, close test sessions after all students have completed testing.

*Other school staff may assist with these activities.

Responsibilities of Other Testing StaffOther staff members can assist the room supervisor in the administration of the tests according to

the policies and procedures in the appropriate room supervisor manual. If used, the staff members

should meet the same qualifications as a room supervisor (see above).

GENERAL INFORMATION

11

In addition to the items noted with an asterisk under the room supervisor responsibilities, the

testing staff member’s responsibilities can be:

• Verify the timing of the test with the room supervisor.

• Report any irregularities to the room supervisor immediately.

• Accompany students to the restroom if more than one leaves during the timed portion of

the test.

• Pay strict attention to monitoring students during the entire testing session.

Staff Training SessionsTo ensure a standardized test administration, it is important for all of your testing staff to

understand the testing procedures outlined in the room supervisor manual and other training

resources.

ACT Aspire recommends that you conduct a training session prior to testing for all testing staff to

discuss the testing guidelines and organizational details of testing your students, including:

1. Security of Test Materials (paper testing only)

A. Describe how the materials will be distributed to the test rooms and how room supervisors are

to count them.

B. Emphasize that room supervisors are to count test booklets when they receive them from the

test coordinator and again before students are dismissed.

C. Emphasize that staff members should never leave a test room unattended.

2. Security and Materials for Online Testing

A. Ensure that all room supervisors have access to the Portal.

B. Explain that authorization tickets should be printed in advance and stored in a secure location.

C. Describe how to use the online testing system—see the Portal User Guide posted on the Avocet

website for step-by-step instructions.

D. Emphasize that room supervisors must collect used and unused scratch paper and

authorization tickets after testing.

E. Emphasize that staff members should never leave a test room unattended.

F. Emphasize that test sessions must be started in the Portal before students can sign in to the

test.

3. Activities Before the Test

A. Determine which set of verbal instructions room supervisors are to follow (online or paper).

Room supervisors should clearly mark those instructions in their manuals.

B. Develop and share with staff a contingency plan for handling unexpected situations that may

arise that could affect testing. See the ACT Aspire Contingency Plan on the Avocet website.

4. Test Day

A. Discuss when and where staff members are to report on the test day.

B. Stress that no one may be admitted to the test room once the timed tests have begun.

Determine how to handle late arrivals.

C. Stress that verbal instructions for the tests must be read verbatim.

D. Stress that answer documents, test booklets, and login credentials should not be distributed

prior to admitting students.

12

GENERAL INFORMATION

E. Stress that accurate timing of each test is critical. For paper testing, room supervisors

must record the start, five-minute warning, and stop times in the manuals. Discuss the

consequences of a mistimed section.

F. Emphasize that during the test, staff members must not read (other than the appropriate room

supervisor manual), correct papers, or do anything unrelated to administering the test. Their

attention should be focused on the students.

G. Emphasize that conversations among staff must be quiet and kept to a minimum. Even

whispered conversations can be distracting to students while testing.

H. For room supervisors who are administering the Grades 6–Early High School (Grades 9–10)

Mathematics test, emphasize that calculators should be checked before testing to ensure they

meet ACT Aspire standards. See the Calculator Policy located on the Avocet website.

I. Note that during the test, staff members should walk quietly around the room, be available

to respond to students’ questions, assist in the case of illness, and check that students are

working on the correct test. In rooms where students are taking online tests, staff should

ensure students have signed in to the correct test and assist them with technical or system

navigation issues.

J. Discuss procedures for a student leaving during the test to go to the restroom.

K. Discuss what actions to take if staff members observe prohibited behavior. Review plans for

dismissing students (e.g., where they are to be sent, how to maintain vigilance in the test room,

documenting actions taken).

L. Discuss what actions to take in the case of a group irregularity (e.g., a power outage) or an

emergency.

M. Discuss potential individual irregularities and actions to take.

N. Review the Testing Irregularity Report.

5. After the Test

A. Emphasize that room supervisors administering paper tests must verify the count of used and

unused test booklets, then return test materials, scratch paper, and Irregularity Reports to the

test coordinator.

B. Emphasize that room supervisors administering paper tests should verify that all answer

documents have the correct fields gridded, especially the test form code.

C. Emphasize that room supervisors administering online tests must collect all used and unused

scratch paper and authorization tickets and return them to the test coordinator.

D. Emphasize that all test sessions must be closed in the Portal after all students assigned to the

test session have completed testing. Once test sessions are closed, they cannot be reopened.

E. When applicable, transcribe any student test answers onto a valid answer document or testing

platform.

Damaged or Contaminated Test MaterialsTest materials damaged or contaminated during testing should be replaced. After testing, the test

coordinator must:

• Grid student information from the Portal onto an overage blank answer document (see “Prepare

the Answer Documents before Test Day,” page 16).

GENERAL INFORMATION

13

• Record the security barcode number of the damaged and new booklets, if applicable.

• Testing staff should make sure that the test form code on the replacement test booklet matches

the test form code on the damaged/contaminated booklet.

• If possible, transcribe responses from the damaged test material onto the blank document. If this

is not possible, the student must be given an opportunity to retest.

• Destroy any contaminated material according to local biohazards protocols.

• Compile a list of damaged/contaminated test booklets and answer documents and return with

your non-scorable materials packing list.

Prohibited BehaviorThe following student actions are prohibited and violate ACT Aspire testing policies and procedures:

• Looking at someone else’s test booklet or answer document, or computer/device screen display

• Giving or receiving assistance

• Disturbing other students

• Using notes or other unauthorized aids (Scratch paper is allowed for students to do figuring,

organize thoughts, etc.)

• For online testing, using any tool not contained within the online testing system is also prohibited

• Using a calculator on any test other than the Grades 6–Early High School (Grades 9–10)

Mathematics test

• Sharing a calculator with another student

• Using any device, including calculators, to share or exchange information at any time during the

tests, the break, or after testing (All electronic communication devices, including cell phones,

must be turned off and put away from the time the student is admitted to test until dismissal after

testing concludes.)

• Attempting to remove test materials, including test questions or answers, from the test room by

any means

• For paper testing, filling in circles or answering questions after time has been called, even with

the test booklet closed

• Exhibiting confrontational, threatening, or unruly behavior

• Creating a disturbance or allowing an alarm or phone to sound in the test room.

The direct observation of prohibited behavior requires the room supervisor to dismiss the student

and invalidate the student’s test. Some organizations may require a review of testing irregularities

before tests are marked as void. Please refer to your local policies.

Reporting Irregularities in Test AdministrationThe irregularity reporting tool in the Portal is intended for use primarily by school personnel to

record any test administration irregularities that may affect student scores or the analysis of ACT

Aspire results. Recording an irregularity for a student is not the same as invalidating his or her test

and dismissing him or her for prohibited behavior. Instructions for using this tool can be found in

the related section of the Portal User Guide. Testing personnel should use the tool to report any of

the irregularities occurring within the room.

14

GENERAL INFORMATION

Room supervisors should enter test irregularities directly into the reporting tool in the Portal. If

room supervisors do not have access to the Portal, they will use the Irregularity Report located at

the end of this manual. Room supervisors will deliver all Irregularity Reports to the test

coordinator who will then enter the reports into the Portal.

• A student engages in any instance of prohibited behavior as outlined above.

• A student becomes ill or leaves the room during testing (except for bathroom breaks).

• A student fails to follow instructions (responds to questions randomly, obviously does not read

questions prior to responding, or refuses to respond to questions).

• A general disturbance or distraction occurs which could affect one or more students’ results.

• A student questions the accuracy or validity of an item.

• A student has a technical issue that interrupts testing (online testing).

• A student has a defective test booklet or answer document (for paper testing).

For any instances where a student can resume testing after illness, or a general disturbance, room

supervisors should allow it. See “Resume a Test” on the Avocet website.

For the latest update of irregularity categories and codes used in the Portal, see “Irregularities” on

the Avocet website.

The irregularities in the Environment/Materials category include external factors that may affect

student testing. These include things like outside noises or hot/cold room temperatures; damaged,

missing or stolen test materials; and occurrences like power outages, severe weather, or emergency

evacuations.

The Examinee category of irregularities includes student behaviors that may affect their

performance or the performance of other students. These include the exhibition of prohibited

behaviors described previously, student complaints about testing conditions, challenges of test

items, arriving late for testing, or not showing up for testing.

The Staff category includes actions testing staff may engage in that affect testing. These include

failure to follow testing procedures like mistiming a test or not reading the verbal instructions

from the room supervisor manual, or other inappropriate behavior like engaging in personal

communication via other staff, telephone, or text during testing.

The Technical category pertains to the performance of online testing and includes system failure,

slowness, or freezing; difficulties launching the test or with students using the testing platform; and

other system issues like problems with using a keyboard, mouse, monitor, or other related hardware.

If you have questions about how to categorize a particular irregularity, call ACT Aspire Customer

Care. If a student has a last-minute issue that impacts his/her ability to take the test under standard

conditions (e.g. accident or injury) reference the Accessibility User’s Guide Summative Testing.

Instructions to Students Prior to Test DayIt is up to your school administration and faculty to determine what to tell students prior to testing.

You may want to inform students that, on the designated date, they will be taking a test to measure

what they know about a certain subject—even if they are not currently in a corresponding class.

Students taking a mathematics test in grades 6 and above should be instructed to bring their

calculators to class for the test. We also ask that you take the opportunity to encourage students to

do their best on the tests.

15

Paper Testing Instructions

Paper Testing Materials ShipmentsPaper testing materials are provided for students assigned both:

• To a paper test session in the Portal before the submission deadline (see the Summative Schedule

on the Avocet website), and

• A Portal ID

Materials Provided in Your ShipmentACT Aspire will include the following materials in your shipment:

Table 3. Materials Provided in Your ShipmentItem DescriptionPacking list A list of all of the items in your shipment.Security checklist A list of all pre-assigned security barcodes for test booklets included in the

shipment.Test coordinator kit Includes the following items:

• Test materials memo

• Return instructions memo

• Return shipping labels (see “Return Shipping Labels,” page 21)Test booklets Test booklets come organized and shrink-wrapped in a particular order. Be

sure to maintain the original order in which the test booklets arrive in your shipment.Each test booklet:

• Includes one subject test (English, mathematics, reading, science, or writing).

• Is printed with a serial number and test form code.

Answer documents Each answer document is specific to the subject of the test booklet.

Some test booklets may have a colored band on the left side of the front cover. If a student uses a colored-band test booklet, make sure they use a colored-band answer document.

16

PAPER TESTING INSTRUCTIONS

Table 3. (continued)Item DescriptionPre-ID labels Each label includes student information:

• Last name• First name• Middle initial (if

applicable)• State student ID• Test session ID• Test session name

• Test administration• School name• Sex• Sequence number• Grade• Date of birth

• Test subject• State abbreviation• District code• Portal ID• Sequential barcode

These labels are to be placed on the front cover of the student’s answer document.Note: Students whose information was not submitted before the deadlines will not receive a label. See ““Overage Answer Documents,” page 19.

Receipt, Check-In, and Storage of Test MaterialsWithin 24 hours of receiving test materials:

• Examine the cartons for signs of tampering.

• Open the cartons and count all the test booklets.

• Check the serial numbers of the test booklets against the numbers shown on the packing slip.

Note: Do not re-sort the test booklets or answer documents from the order in which they arrive.

• Count each booklet; do not assume that the groups of booklets are complete.

• Check the rest of the shipment to be sure it is complete.

IMPORTANT! Leave the test booklets and answer documents in the order in which they arrive in your shipment.

If there are any discrepancies in quantities or other concerns, contact ACT Customer Care.

Keep Test Materials Shipping CartonsKeep the cartons in which the test materials were shipped. Keep the shipping labels until all boxes

have been returned.

Storage before TestingAfter counting and checking the condition of all materials in your shipment, reseal the cartons and

lock them in secure storage. Protect the materials from damage, theft, loss, or from any conditions

that could allow prior access to or knowledge of the tests.

Prepare the Answer Documents before Test DayAnswer documents require some preparation before test day. Follow these instructions to ensure accurate scoring and reporting.

PAPER TESTING INSTRUCTIONS

17

Two Types of Answer DocumentsYour site may receive two different types of answer documents. The following images represent the

two types.

Figure 2. Standard Answer Document

CO

LO

R

C

OL

OR

CO

LO

R

C

OL

OR

CO

LO

R

DO NOT WRITE IN THIS SHADED AREA.

E

B

A

D

F

\\\\\\\\\\

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

\\\\\\\\\\

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

\\

\\\\\\\\\\

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

\\\\

0

1

2

3

\\\\\\\\\\\\

\\\\\\\\\\

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

\\\\\\\\\\

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

\\\\\\\\\\

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

\\\\\\\\\\

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

\\\\\\\\\\

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

\\\\\\\\\\

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

\\\\\\\\\\

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

\\\\\\\\\\

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

\\\\\\\\\\

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

\\\\\\\\\\

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

\\\\\\\\\\

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

\\\\\\\\\\

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

\\\

A

B

C

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

.

’

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

.

’

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

.

’

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

.

’

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

.

’

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

.

’

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

.

’

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

.

’

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

.

’

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

.

’

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

.

’

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

.

’

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

.

’

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

.

’

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

.

’

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

.

’

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

.

’

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

.

’

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

.

’

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

.

’

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

.

’

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

.

’

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

.

’

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

.

’

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

.

’

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

.

’

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

.

’

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

.

’

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

Student is required to complete boxes D, G, and H on the front and back covers of this document.If Box A is blank, the school is required to complete boxes B, C, E, F, and I for the student.

PAGE 1

Printed in U.S.A. IM-19XXXX-001:654321© 2018 by ACT, Inc. All rights reserved. 22747

Month Day Year

DATE OF BIRTHRequired if Box A is blank

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

19

20

District Name:

School Name:

TEST FORM CODERequired

Required if Box A is blank

ACT ASPIRE PORTAL IDRequired if Box A is blank

Grade SUBJECT

ANSWER DOCUMENT

ACT, Inc.—Confidential Restricted when data present

C

Last Name

STUDENT NAMERequired if Box A is blank

First Name MI

DO NOT WRITE IN THIS SHADED AREA.

Do notwrite in

this space.

Do notwrite in

this space.

G

H I

\\\\\\\\\\

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

\\\

0

1

2

\\\\\\\\\\

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

\\\\

0

1

2

3

\\\\\\\\\\\\

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

–

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

PAGE 12

Read the following Statement: By accessing the test, I promise to follow the testing rules and do my own work. I alsopromise that I will not share test questions or answers with anyone in any way, including by using a cell phone. Iunderstand that my teacher or any other adult can’t explain test questions or provide test answers to me.

Please print your name on the line above.

Month Day Year

TODAY’S DATE

Jan.

Feb.

March

April

May

June

July

Aug.

Sept.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

2 0

STATE OR LOCAL STUDENT IDRequired if Box A is blank

Figure 3. Colored-Band Answer Document

If a student uses a colored-band answer document, make sure he or she uses a colored-band test booklet.

18

PAPER TESTING INSTRUCTIONS

Pre-ID LabelsPre-ID labels are used to identify a student’s answer document without having to complete a manual

grid process.

If a student…. Then….Has a label Apply the label over Box A on the answer document.Does not have a label Complete Boxes B, C, E, F, and I for each student (see “Gridding

Answer Document Boxes,” page 18).Note: All students will complete Boxes D, G, and H on test day.

Gridding Answer Document BoxesThe following instructions explain how to grid a blank answer document. It is important to

complete an answer document correctly in order to ensure accurate scoring.

Before following these instructions, review “Pre-ID Labels,” page 18. Be sure you understand

which boxes to complete.

Table 4. Gridding Answer Document BoxesBox Description InstructionsA - Leave blank.B District/School Name • Write the name of the district the student attends.

• Write the name of the school the student attends.C Student Name • Print the student’s last name, first name, and middle initial in the

appropriate boxes.

• Fill in the corresponding circles for each letter of the student’s name.

Note: Be sure the student name exactly matches the information listed in the Portal.

D Test Form (or Test Form Code)

The student will complete this box on test day.

• Your site may receive two different types of answer documents (see “Two Types of Answer Documents,” page 17).

• Some answer documents will have a colored band on the left-hand side. These answer documents will have “Test Form Code” listed in Box D.

• Locate the test form (or test form code) on the front cover of the student’s test booklet, large print, or braille paper accommodation form.

Note: If a student uses large print or braille paper accommodations, be sure he or she uses a standard answer document.

The student will also need to indicate the braille or large print accommodation in Box D.

If the student has… Then the student will…A standard answer document (Figure 2, page 17)

Fill in the corresponding circle for the Test Form

A colored-band answer document (Figure 3, page 17)

Write in the Test Form Code and grid the matching information

Note: Be sure students use a corresponding test booklet (e.g. colored-band answer document = colored-band test booklet)

PAPER TESTING INSTRUCTIONS

19

Table 4. (continued)Box Description InstructionsE Date of Birth • Fill in the circle for the birth month.

• Print the day and year of birth and fill in the appropriate circles.F Portal ID • Print the student’s Portal ID in the boxes and fill in the

appropriate circles.

• See also “Portal ID,” page 19.G Statement The student will complete this box on test day.

Have the student personally print his or her name on the line provided in this box.

H Today’s Date The student will complete this box on test day.

• Fill in the circle for the month.

• Print the day and year and fill in the appropriate circles.I State or Local

Student ID• Print the student’s state or local ID in the boxes. (Match this ID

to the Student ID listed in the Portal).

• Fill in the corresponding circles.

Overage Answer Documents

An overage of blank answer documents will arrive with the materials shipment. If any student uses

one of these documents, complete the following steps to ensure timely processing and scoring:

1. Load each student’s information into the Portal under the appropriate test session.

2. Generate the student’s Portal ID (see “Portal ID,” page 19).

3. Manually grid the front and back cover on each student’s answer document. See “Gridding

Answer Document Boxes,” page 18.

Note: You may order additional materials through the Portal (see the Portal User Guide on the

Avocet website).

Portal IDA student will receive a separate Portal ID for each test session in which he or she is included (e.g.,

5 separate test sessions will generate 5 separate Portal IDs).

Generating a Portal IDFollow these steps to generate a student’s Portal ID.

Note: If the student is not in the Portal, add him or her at this time to generate a Portal ID.

1. Go to the Portal (for a url, see “Contact Information and Resources,” page ii).

2. Add the student to a new test session.

3. Find the student listed on the Test Session Details screen and locate the Portal ID Number

column.

4. Select Generate Portal ID.

5. The Portal ID will appear on the student’s record under the Portal ID Number column.

If a student uses a colored-band answer document, make sure he or she uses a colored-band test booklet.

20

PAPER TESTING INSTRUCTIONS

Locating a Portal IDFollow these steps to locate a student’s Portal ID. This procedure assumes the student has already

been added to the Portal under the appropriate test session(s).

1. Go to the Portal (for a url, see “Contact Information and Resources,” page ii).

2. Locate the appropriate test session.

Note: If the student is not in the Portal, add the student at this time, then follow the steps above

to generate the Portal ID.

3. Locate the student’s name.

4. Locate the student’s Portal ID under the Portal ID Number column.

Removal from Storage and Assignment to RoomsBefore test day, sort booklets and other test materials for distribution to individual rooms, and then

return them to locked storage until the morning of test day.

• On test day, the test coordinator must personally hand test materials to room supervisors.

• After the test, the room supervisors return the test materials to the test coordinator.

Collect, Pack, and Return the Test Materials

Follow these instructions to ensure accurate materials return and scoring.

1. Collect the Test Materials from the Room Supervisor(s)After testing, the room supervisor(s) will return all test materials to the test coordinator.

2. Storage after TestingStore materials in a locked, secure place until they are shipped. Also, see “Ship the Boxes,”

page 23.

3. IrregularitiesRecord all irregularities in the Portal. See the “Irregularities” section on the Avocet website.

• Review the Irregularity Reports received from the room supervisor(s).

• Enter each irregularity into the Portal.

4. Items to Retain or DestroySecurely retain for one year or securely destroy the following items per your local guidelines:

• Scratch paper

• Transcribed materials

• Paper Irregularity Reports (after entering each irregularity into the Portal)

For additional information about preparing for test day, see: y “Test Room Requirements,” page 4.

y “Materials Provided by the School,” page 8.

Return materials within 48 hours after ALL testing is complete.

PAPER TESTING INSTRUCTIONS

21

5. Return Shipping LabelsThe Test Coordinator Kit includes a collection of return labels.

Table 5. Return Shipping Labels Scorable Materials Labels: Use these labels for boxes containing materials for scoring.Lavender label

• Place a label on top of each scorable materials box.

• Count the number of boxes and complete the label section that reads “Box ___ of ____,” on each box.*

Figure 4. Sample lavender label.

UPS label • Address: 9200 Earhart Lane SW, Cedar Rapids, IA

• Place a label on top of each scorable materials box.

Figure 5. Sample UPS scorable materials label.

Non-scorable Materials Labels: Use these labels for boxes containing all other materials.Yellow label

• Place a label on top of each non-scorable materials box.

• Count the number of boxes and complete the label section that reads “box ___ of ___,” on each box.*

Figure 6. Sample yellow label.

UPS label • Address: 7405 Irish Drive SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404-8964

• Place a label on top of each non-scorable materials box.

Figure 7. Sample UPS non-scorable materials label.

*Note: Count the scorable and non-scorable boxes separately. Treat the different return labels as separate shipments.

22

PAPER TESTING INSTRUCTIONS

6. Return Shipping BoxesBefore packing the materials, review this section to understand how to properly pack, label, and

seal the boxes.

Note: See “Return Shipping Labels,” page 21 to ensure you attach the appropriate label to the

appropriate box.

2. Fill the BoxIf you are unable to fill a box completely, use the following materials to protect test documents during shipping:• Bubble wrap• Cardboard pieces• Foam packing• Paper (recycled paper,

kraft paper)Do not use newspaper to protect test documents.

3. Tape the BoxTo ensure that a box is securely closed, apply three strips of tape to both the top and the bottom of the box in an “H” pattern as shown.Use pressure sensitive plastic or nylon reinforced tape that is at least 2” wide. Do not use the following materials to seal boxes:• Cellophane tape• Duct tape • Masking tape• String or rope

If you have questions or problems while shipping your materials, contact ACT Aspire Customer Service.

1. Find a Corrugated BoxUse a corrugated box, preferably the box that your materials came in. If you no longer have this box, use a new or gently used ECT 44 (275 lb)-rated box. Do not use the following for shipping your test materials back:• Xerox paper boxes• Shoe boxes• Gift boxes• Refrigerator boxes

4. Use the Correct LabelsUse the return address labels provided by ACT Aspire in your test coordinator kit. After removing or crossing out any old address labels from the box, place the correct shipping labels on the top of the box.Do not cover tape with the shipping labels.

Figure 8. Return Shipping Boxes

7. Pack the Scorable MaterialsFollow these steps to prepare scorable materials for return shipping.

y See “Return Shipping Labels,” page 21 to ensure you select the scorable materials labels.

y See “Return Shipping Boxes,” page 22 to ensure you pack, label, and seal the boxes correctly.

a. Collect all answer documents for scoring.

b. Stack the answer documents in the box.

Note: There’s no need to separate the standard answer documents from the colored-band

answer documents.

c. Seal each box securely with packaging tape.

d. Locate the correct return shipping labels.

e. Place the correct colored shipping label on top of each box containing scorable materials.

f. Place the correct UPS label on top of each box.

g. The scorable materials are now packed. Continue to the next step.

PAPER TESTING INSTRUCTIONS

23

8. Pack the Non-scorable MaterialsNow that the answer documents for scoring are packed, it is time to pack the non-scorable materials. Follow the instructions below and review the diagram to ensure correct packing.

Pack the BoxCheck all non-scorable materials against the packing list. After confirming all items, pack the

materials in the original shipping box.

• Test booklets (used and unused)

• Voided answer documents (Write “VOID’ on page 1 of each answer document)

• Unused answer documents

Prepare the Box for Shipping

y See “Return Shipping Labels,” page 21 to ensure you select the non-scorable materials labels.

y See “Return Shipping Boxes,” page 22 to ensure you pack, label, and seal the boxes correctly.

a. Seal each box securely with packaging tape.

b. Locate the correct return shipping labels.

c. Place the correct colored shipping label on top of each box containing non-scorable materials.

d. Place the correct UPS label on top of each box.

e. The non-scorable materials are now packed. Continue to the next step.

9. Ship the BoxesNow that all of the answer documents and remaining materials are packed, follow these steps to

return the boxes.

Return materials within 48 hours after ALL testing is complete.

How to Schedule a Pickup with UPSa. Schedule a pickup with UPS 24–48 hours in advance.

b. Call UPS at 800.823.7459 to schedule a pickup.

c. Tell the UPS representative that you are calling in a pickup request for Pearson, and will be

using their Return Service.

d. Provide UPS with the following information:

– Tracking # from the return label

– Where (physical location) the packages will be picked up by UPS

– Number of packages that will be available for pickup

e. Once the pickup is confirmed, the school/district will receive a confirmation number from

UPS for reference.

24

Online Testing Instructions

Preparing for ACT AspireTo prepare your school for online testing for ACT Aspire, you will need to:

• Ensure your testing machines meet the minimum supported operating system (OS) and OS

version using App Check. After it checks the OS, App Check confirms that the device or computer

is configured to launch TestNav in kiosk mode. You must run App Check (see the ACT Aspire

Landing Page - Technology Set-up) on every device in your testing environment.

• Ensure that your room and seating arrangements meet the test room requirements (see “Test

Room Requirements,” page 4).

• Ensure all student information has been entered into an online test session in the Portal.

• Train staff on the use of the Portal and TestNav (the online testing system).

To prepare your students for online testing, refer them to the Student Sandbox at

tn.actaspire.org/client. Sandbox log in information can be found on the Exemplar Tab of the

Landing Page, actaspire.pearson.com. While the Student Sandbox presents test questions as they are

presented in the format of the live test, example questions are not intended to be a practice test for

content. Their purpose is to familiarize students with the functions and presentation of test items in

TestNav to prevent delays or mistakes due to an unfamiliar interface.

Technical RequirementsEquipment used for online testing must meet the minimum system hardware and software

requirements. Updates of the latest hardware and software requirements can be found under

“TestNav” on the Avocet website.

Note: Android is not supported.

ONLINE TESTING INSTRUCTIONS

25

The ACT Aspire Portal and TestNavYour school testing staff will need to use the online testing system to enable student testing. Step-by-

step instructions on using the system can be found in the Portal User Guide, available on the Avocet

website.

For ACT Aspire you will use the following online components of the online testing system:

• ACT Aspire Portal: This is where you will perform your administrative and room supervisor tasks.

• TestNav app: This is where students will sign in to take tests.

For new customers, invitation emails will be sent to the contacts listed in the organization file.

The position on the record indicates the initial permission level that user will receive. The email

invitation will allow each user to set their own login credentials. This school staff member, referred

to in the testing system as an “administrator” or “test coordinator,” will need to create “room

supervisors” (i.e., invite other school staff members to create accounts within the system) so that

more than one school staff member can authorize groups of students to test. See “Portal User Roles”

on the Avocet website.

The following Portal tasks—listed here in approximate chronological order—are examples of what

will be described in detail in the Portal User Guide.

• Delegate administrative tasks and invite additional users into the Portal

• Upload the student data file

• Update accessibility and accommodations needs

• Create groups

• Set up technology and configurations

• Set up test session(s)

• ProctorCache and pre-cache the online testing content

• Print student authorization tickets

• Start all test sessions in the Portal

• Administer the test

• Post-test clean-up

Online Testing GuidelinesBecause of the nature of online testing and typical computer lab arrangements, the following

guidelines should be followed in order to prevent the prohibited student behavior (see “Prohibited

Behavior,” page 13).

• TestNav must be the only application running on the computer during testing. If a student has

exited the test by exhibiting prohibited behavior, do not restart or resume the test for the student,

but invalidate the test and record an irregularity in the Portal. Please refer to your local policy

before invalidating a test.

• TestNav does not allow students to keep responding to questions after time has expired. Staff

should be aware of when the set time for a subject test will end so they can announce this to

students.

26

ONLINE TESTING INSTRUCTIONS

• Testing staff should circulate around the room regularly. This will discourage students from any

prohibited behaviors.

• If available, place privacy guards on the sides of computer monitors to provide additional privacy.

For additional information about preparing for test day, see: y “Test Room Requirements,” page 4.

y “Materials Provided by the School,” page 8.

After TestingAfter testing, it is the room supervisor’s or test coordinator’s responsibility to sign in to the Portal and

check the status of each student’s test in the session you just concluded. If necessary, you can submit a

student’s test on behalf of the student, if the student did not already do so, by closing the test session

in the Portal following these steps:

1. Finish recording and submitting any irregularities that occurred during the testing session. See the

task about recording irregularities also found in the Portal User Guide. To report irregularities, use

the “ACT Aspire Testing Irregularity Report,” page 27.

2. Close the test session according to the instructions in the Portal User Guide. Be sure all students

have completed testing or the allotted time has expired before closing the test session. Once test

sessions are closed, they cannot be reopened.

Items to Retain or DestroySecurely retain for one year or securely destroy the following items per your local guidelines:

• Scratch paper

• Student authorization tickets

• Transcribed materials

27

Test

Co

ord

inato

r’s

Init

ials

coor

dina

tor.

AC

T A

spire

Tes

ting

Irreg

ular

ity R

epor

t

© 2018 by ACT, Inc. All rights reserved. ACT® Aspire® is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. MA28005.OPS2662