Test Monitor Training

Administering Minnesota Assessments

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Purpose To provide an overview of test

security and administration procedures required by MDE.

To reduce the number of security and administration problems during testing.

Test Security

Important Points,Problems & Causes

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Test Security: Why Is It Needed?

Maintain the integrity of the: Tests Test results

Support fair comparisons among districts

Protect the state’s financial investment Test items are expensive

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Test Security: Important Points

Anyone involved with the packaging, security, or administration of statewide tests must complete a Non-Disclosure Agreement.

Test Monitors must have a document that lists which test was assigned to which student (for determining if all tests and answer books were returned).

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Test Security

People who are allowed to see test items Students taking the test An adult asked by the district to make a

translated version of a math test

Reproducing any part of a test is a breach of security and a violation of copyright law, except as otherwise permitted.

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Test Security: Typical Problems

Test administration Failure to follow the Test Monitor Directions

script, including translations (e.g., providing assistance to students).

Failure to follow test manual and district guidelines for taking restroom or water breaks during the testing session.

Cheating by a staff person or student.

Inappropriate materials posted on walls.

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Test Security: Typical Problems

Missing materials

Unused secure materials not returned to PEM.

A test book removed from the testing session by staff or a student.

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Test Security: Common Causes of Problems

Chain of Custody Lack of a written test security

procedure and/or test administration policy for the school or district.

Policy exists, but is not communicated to or followed by staff.

Failure to track documents from when they arrive in the district to when they are shipped to the vendor.

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Testing Personnel Inadequate training of Test Monitors or

School Assessment Coordinators (SAC).

Failure to sign the Non-Disclosure Agreement prior to the testing session.

Inadequate staffing of testing rooms (student to test monitor ratio is greater than 30:1).

Test Security: Common Causes of Problems

Test Monitor Responsibilities

Before, During, and AfterTesting Sessions

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Test Monitor: Before Testing Day

• Read, understand, ask questions to clarify, then sign the Non-Disclosure Agreement.

• Review the Test Monitor Directions.

• Know how to contact your School Assessment Coordinator during testing.

• Know what gets documented and how to report

• Know where to pick up testing materials on the day of the test.

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Test Monitor: Before Testing Day

Know your building/district procedures for Restroom breaks during testing (individual

student and whole room).

Disruption due to inclement weather and other special circumstances.

Student illness.

Student discovers a printing error in a test book.

Starting and stopping testing for each segment of test.

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Test Monitor: Before Testing Day

• If students are taking an MCA on multiple days, know your building’s plan for keeping documents secure between testing sessions.

• Remove or cover any prohibited materials in your room – visual aids that directly relate to test content.

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Test Monitor: Testing Day – Before Students Arrive

• Sign out your secure materials from your School Assessment Coordinator.

• Keep your testing materials secure until the testing session.

• Check materials to verify that all the tests listed on the top of your Test Monitor Test Materials Security Checklist are in the test book bundles.

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Test Monitor: Testing Day – Before Students Arrive

• Make sure you have enough tests and answer books for the students taking the test.

• Use your Test Monitor Test Materials Security Checklist to assign numbered test books and answer books to individual students.

• Record extra test materials on your Test Monitor Test Materials Security Checklist.

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Test Monitor: Testing Day – During the Test

• Monitor your students during all testing sessions.

• Follow the Test Monitor Directions script carefully.

• Answer questions about sealing or the format of the test (e.g., “Where does segment 1 end?”)

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Test Monitor: Testing Day – During the Test

• Resist the temptation to review the test items over students’ shoulders.

• Notify your SAC of any testing irregularities as soon as possible.

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Activities Prohibited During

Testing

Posting visual aids that directly relate to test content.

Revealing test items (from sections of the test not yet taken).

Reading test items to students. Copying test items. Helping a student answer test items. Changing a student’s answers. Defining terms used in test items.

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Testing Irregularity Notification Form

When a breach of test security occurs - Notify School Assessment

Coordinator/District Assessment Coordinator Fill out Test Irregularity Notification form DAC faxes form to MDE (651-582-8874) If further information is required MDE will

contact DAC Testing Irregularity Notification form is kept

in district files

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Test Monitor: Testing Day – After the Test

• Use Test Monitor Test Materials Security Checklist to verify receipt of all test books and answer books from the assigned students (check off for each test).

• Follow the Test Monitor Directions carefully.

• Keep your testing materials secure after the testing session.

• Sign in your secure test materials with your School Assessment Coordinator.

Test Security Violations

Possible Consequences

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Test Security Violations: Possible Consequences

MDE may require district to– Develop or amend its test

administration/security plan. Clarify roles and responsibilities of staff;

establish better tracking mechanisms. Order training of staff or send memo to

staff. Refer the matter to the Board of Teaching

for possible teacher licensure sanctions.

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Test Security Violations: Possible Consequences

MDE may– Send a copy of its decision to the

Minnesota Department of Administration – Data Privacy Violations.

Invalidate a test score – student, class, school, or district.

Withhold state educational aids.

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Division of Research & Assessment

1500 Highway 36 West Roseville, MN 55113-4266

(651) 582-8200 education.state.mn.us

mde.testing@state.mn.us