STATE TESTING SECURITY TRAINING 2017This training does not replace your responsibility to read and follow all manuals and supplements
SECURITY TRAINING MODULES
Web-based Texas Test Administrator Online
Training Modules www.TexasAssessment.com/TAonlinetraining
All three modules must be completed by certified campus personnel if they are directed by the campus principal.
Procedures for maintaining the security and confidentiality of assessments are specified in the Test Security Supplement, the District and Campus Coordinator Manual, and in the appropriate test administration materials.
It’s the law!
PRINCIPAL’S RESPONSIBILITIESReceive annual training in test security & administration procedures
Ensure that test security is maintainedOversee the implementation of the test administration process as stated in the District and Campus Coordinator Manual (DCCM), test administrator manuals and Security Supplement
Establish in conjunction with the CTC, test administration processes specific to the campus
Oversee the training of campus personnel in cooperation with the CTC
Report any suspected violation of test security to the DTCDCCM S-17
The following govern test security Texas Education Code (TEC) Chapter 39, Subchapter B
Texas Administrative Code (TAC) 19 Subchapter 101, Assessment
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA)
Texas Penal Code 37.10 - Tampering
General Security Information
PENALTIES FOR PROHIBITED CONDUCT
Placement of restrictions on the issuance, renewal, or holding of a Texas educator certificate, either indefinitely or for a set term
Issuance of an inscribed or non-inscribed reprimandSuspension of a Texas educator certificate for a set term;
orRevocation or cancellation of a Texas educator certificate
without opportunity for reapplication for a set term or permanently
Release or disclosure of confidential test content is a Class C misdemeanor and could result in criminal prosecution under TEC ξ39.0303, Section 552.352 of the Texas Government Code, and Section 37.10 of the Texas Penal Code.
SBEC may take any of the above action if a educator fails to cooperate with TEA in an investigation
ACTIVE MONITORING Monitoring during test administrations is the responsibility of the test
administrator, the campus test coordinator and administrators.
What is NOT active monitoring?Anything that takes the test administrator’s attention away from the students during testing.
Examples include: Working on the computer, using cell phones, or checking email Reading a book, magazine, or newspaper Grading papers or working on lesson plans Leaving the room without a trained substitute test administrator in
the room Leaving students unattended during meals or breaks
BEFORE TESTINGEmphasize the importance of reading all manuals and attending training
Account for all test materialDesignate an area with limited access to store testing materials (includes collections and tickets)
Verify the accuracy of student informationVerify testing requirements for students receiving accommodations
DURING TESTINGEnsure each student receives the correct assessment level booklet or testing ticket and accommodations if assigned
Emphasize and verify active monitoringEnsure only trained test administrators are allowed to serve as relief personnel and an oath is on file
Ensure all testing personnel understand that they may NOT:
- provide assistance- view the tests without authorization- discuss confidential student information- check for strategies
AFTER TESTING No unauthorized viewing (only TEA may
permit) No scoring of student responses Shred student test tickets, scratch paper or
reference material that has been written on No discussion of confidential student
information Account for all test materials Ensure an answer document has been
submitted for all students that tested Ensure all transcriptions from paper to
online are to the correct student and complete
TESTING IRREGULARITIESIncidents resulting in a deviation from documented testing procedures are defined as testing irregularities
The following are viewed as a “procedural” irregularity
- improper accounting of secure materials- eligibility error- monitoring error- accommodation error- test procedural error
TESTING IRREGULARITIESSerious Examples
Directly or indirectly assisting students with responses to test questions
Tampering with student responses
Viewing secure content unless specifically authorized
Discussing or disclosing secure test content or student responses
Formally or informally scoring student tests
Duplicating or recording test content
Falsifying TELPAS holistic ratings or STAAR Alternate 2 student responses
Fraudulently exempting or preventing a student from participating in the administration of a required state assessment
Receiving or providing unallowable assistance during the TELPAS calibration activities
Encouraging or assisting an individual to engage in the conduct described above
Failing to report to an appropriate authority any of the aboveDCCM O-19 to O-28
TOP TEN TESTING IRREGULARITIES IN THE STATE
1.Students who were required to test were not tested2.A student was provided an accommodation or a test version
that was not eligible3.A student was given the wrong answer document4.Secure material (including secure test administration
manuals) was left unattended5.Students were left unattended in the testing environment6.Student was allowed to leave testing environment without
filling in bubbles on an answer document 7.Failure to report a suspected violation8.A paraprofessional was allowed to relieve a test administrator9.A student worked on the previous day’s test and changed
answers10.Directly or indirectly assisting students with responses to
test questions
Reporting IrregularitiesA test irregularity is reported to you
Assess the situation, investigate and contact the DTC
If the irregularity is ruled an incident obtain statements, fill out incident form
and submit both to the DTC
Follow up with an action plan to correct the error
Keep a copy of the incident form and statements in your testing binder
Remain calm and contact the CTC
CTCs will obtain the facts, secure any evidence and determine the necessary
steps
Statements must be typed, dated and
signed
Include a Plan of Action. Refer to
District Plan of Action
Do not discuss with anyone until
cleared by the DTC
CTCs will scan statements and
incident form to the DTC by the end of the day the incident
occurred
Testing binders are kept on campus for 5 years and are TEA auditable
REPORTING & DOCUMENTATION
If You become aware of any irregularities, the CTC must contact the DTC immediately with the who, when, where, what and why.
If the irregularity is deemed an incident the following documentation is required:
Incident report including a plan of action (local form and district plan of action)
Signed statement(s) from individual(s) involved (typed, printed and signed
name, role during testing, and dated)
Statements will not include names or IDs of students
The local disciplinary referral form used to report disciplinary actions taken against students for cheating, cell phone issues or disruptions
SECURITY OATHS TEA requires that everyone be trained and sign a security oath before handling secure testing materials or participating in the administration of a state test
A person who has several roles during TELPAS testing must sign all oaths that apply to their role(s) (Test Administrator, Rater, Verifier, etc)
The ability to view a test booklet for transcribing requires additional training and completion of the addition information on the oath
SECURITY OATHS Test Administrator- signed after training and prior to administrating the test
TELPAS oaths- signed on the appropriate campus if applicable for each role
Initial each line
Sign and clearly print name
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS BOXThis will be where you sign when
all testing is done for the year
Security Oaths