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