1. technology and computing

District-Designated End-of-Course
Assessment
Field Test
Program Guide
Revised, May 2015
Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Assessment, Research, and Data Analysis
Table of Contents
Introduction ...........................................................................................................................4
District-Designated End of Course Assessments (DDEOC)..................................................5
Field Test ..............................................................................................................................5
Schedule of Activities, 2014-15 .............................................................................................5
DDEOC Program Overview ...................................................................................................6
Courses to be Assessed in DDEOC Field Test ................................................................6
Test Administration Policies and Procedures ........................................................................7
Students to Be Tested .....................................................................................................7
Test Accommodations ...........................................................................................................7
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities and Section 504 Students ......................7
Special Formats for Students with Visual Impairments ....................................................8
Accommodations for ELL Students ..................................................................................8
Scheduling Students for DDEOC Field Testing ...............................................................8
Required Materials for Testing .........................................................................................9
Preparing for Administration ..................................................................................................9
Testing Times ..................................................................................................................9
Training for the Administration of DDEOC .......................................................................9
Testing Environment ...................................................................................................... 10
Handling of Testing Materials ........................................................................................ 10
Ancillary Materials .......................................................................................................... 10
Scratch Paper .......................................................................................................................................................... 10
Calculators .............................................................................................................................................................. 10
Reference Sheets and Periodic Table of Elements ................................................................................................... 10
Headphones ............................................................................................................................................................. 10
Test Security ....................................................................................................................... 11
Proctoring ...................................................................................................................... 11
General Administration Guidelines................................................................................. 11
APPENDIX A: Forms.......................................................................................................... 12
CHECKLIST: BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER TESTING .......................................... 13
RECORD OF ABSENCES, EXEMPTIONS, AND INVALIDATIONS FORM .................. 14
APPENDIX B ....................................................................................................................... 16
Reference Sheets ............................................................................................................... 16
APPENDIX C ...................................................................................................................... 17
Computer-Based Test Administration in Thinkgate ............................................................. 17
Computer Preparations .................................................................................................. 17
Browser for Student Testing .......................................................................................... 17
Disabling Browser’s Pop-up Blockers ............................................................................ 17
Lockdown Browser feature ............................................................................................ 17
2
Preparing for Online Testing ............................................................................................... 18
Retrieving Test IDs – School Admin View...................................................................... 18
Retrieving Test IDs – Teacher View............................................................................... 20
Enabling and Disabling an Online Test .......................................................................... 22
Monitoring Students Test Status .................................................................................... 24
Students Sign-in Process to Thinkgate Testing Platform ............................................... 27
Thinkgate CBT Test Administration Script ..................................................................... 28
Viewing Results for Secured Assessments in Thinkgate ............................................... 34
APPENDIX D: ..................................................................................................................... 36
WHO TO CONTACT FOR INFORMATION ......................................................................... 36
3
Introduction
The signing of HB7069 into law by Governor Rick Scott, provides flexibility for districts to
determine how to measure students’ progress, eliminating the state mandate for District
designated end-of-course exams to be given in all courses not measured by existing statewide,
standardized assessments. As a result, M-DCPS will administer a small-scale field test for
selected courses to determine the psychometric properties of the assessments, for
administration in subsequent years. Such assessments would ensure that state-established
course content was being delivered consistently across the District, and potentially as a
measure of content-specific student achievement to inform teacher evaluation.
This District-Designated End of Course Assessment Field Test Program Guide provides
procedures for the handling and administration of the DDEOCs for the field test. The
implementation of the DDEOC field test requires the involvement of multiple individuals at each
school site and each should become familiar with the policies and procedures. The test
chairperson, test administrators, and technology coordinators all play an integral role in the
implementation process.
In addition, policies regarding the selection, development, administration, and scoring of local
assessments and for collection of local assessment results in the M-DCPS have been
incorporated into the 2015 M-DCPS Standards, Guidelines, and Procedures for Test
Administration and Test Security.
4
District-Designated End of Course Assessments (DDEOC)
Field Test
Schedule of Activities, 2014-15
Date
Activity
April 24, 2015
Principals notified of class(es) selected to participate
in the field test.
May 5 and May 7, 2015
Webcast for test chairs or designated personnel for
DDEOC Field Test administration. Registration links
sent to school.
May 5 –
June 1, 2015
Schools conduct training for all teachers and schoolsite staff serving as test administrators or proctors
May 4 –June 1, 2015
Schools retrieve Test IDs from Thinkgate Test
Administration screen and enable session for CBT
administration.
May 4 – 29, 2015
Send letter of participation home to parents.
May 11June 1, 2015
Administration of DDEOC Field Test
5
DDEOC Program Overview
All field tests will be administered as computer-based tests using the Thinkgate platform. The
results of the field test will be used to establish the psychometric properties of the
assessments.
Courses to be Assessed in DDEOC Field Test
The field test will include the following courses:










M/J Comprehensive Science 1
M/J Comprehensive Science 2
Physical Science
Chemistry 1
Physics 1
M/J United States History
M/J World History
World History
Spanish 1 and 2
Spanish for Spanish Speakers 1 and 2
The DDEOCs are standards-based assessments, developed to measure course content as
defined by the course descriptions and standards delineated by the Florida Department of
Education (FLDOE, see http://www.cpalms.org). As such, these assessments will provide a
measure of instructional validity to ensure that students across the district are being instructed
in the content delineated by the FLDOE.
M-DCPS DDEOCs are secured, standardized
Districtwide assessments. They have been designed for computer-based administration
primarily via Thinkgate.
DDEOC Field Test administration will follow the security procedures outlined in the M-DCPS
Standards, Guidelines, and Procedures for Test Administration and Test Security. As per these
procedures, all employees are held to professional standards with regard to the security of test
content, handling of secure test materials, administration of assessments, and appropriate use
of test results. F.S. 1008.24 and State Board of Education Rule 6A-10.042, FAC, govern
assessment security and establish penalties for violation of test security rules.
6
Test Administration Policies and Procedures
Students to Be Tested
Classes were selected by random sampling conducted by the District Office of Research
Services. Principals were notified via Weekly Briefing 17427 if their school was chosen. A
separate email was sent to Principals advising which class(es) and period(s) were selected.
Test Accommodations
Accommodations are defined as any variation in the assessment environment or process.
Accommodations may include variations in scheduling, responding, setting, aids and equipment,
and presentation format. These variations should not change the level, content, performance
criteria, readability, or validity of the assessment. Keep in mind that all accommodations should
mirror those provided during instruction.
The approved testing accommodations are listed in SPED EMS, as documented on a current
Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Section 504 Plan. These accommodations should be
provided for students on the DDEOCs, to the degree they are available. Refer to the description
of the permissible accommodations in the following sections.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities and Section 504 Students
The following accommodations are permitted, if needed, for students with disabilities who have
current IEPs or Section 504 Accommodation Plans. Teachers should follow the procedures
outlined below and give special assistance only to those students who are eligible for such
assistance. The accommodations permitted are:

Flexible setting. Students may be administered the test individually or in a small group
setting. Additionally, students may require use of special lighting, adaptive furniture, or
special acoustics.

Flexible scheduling. Students may be administered the test during several brief
sessions or require extended time. Extended time means up to twice the stated time
limit.

Recording of answers. Students may use varied methods to respond to the test,
including the mouse, keyboard, assistive technology (as available), written, signed, or
verbal response. The teacher or test administrator may transcribe students’ responses if
noted on the IEP .

Mechanical aids. Students may use a magnifying device, a pointer, a noncalibrated ruler
or template, or other similar devices to assist in maintaining visual attention to the
passages and the questions. Approved manipulatives such as real coins to depict a test
item, an abacus, geoboard, and other graphical aids may also be used.

Auditory or sign language presentations.
The teacher may sign, provide oral
interpretations of, or read general directions. The reading test must be read by the
student using visual or tactile means. In all other content areas, items and answer
choices may be read aloud by the test administrator verbatim.
7

Dictionary. Students who use sign language as their primary means of communication
may use an English/sign or sign/English translation dictionary.
Special Formats for Students with Visual Impairments
Large print and Braille formats will not be available for the Spring 2015 DDEOC Field Test
administration.
Accommodations for ELL Students
The guidelines for all ELL students are as follows:

Flexible setting. ELL students may be offered the opportunity to take the test in a
separate room with the ESOL or heritage language teacher. Because the students are
not of legal age, parents must be informed of this option and should be asked for their
preferences in the test administration.

Flexible scheduling. ELL students may take the test during brief sessions.

Assistance in the heritage language. The ESOL or heritage language teacher may
answer students’ questions about general directions or test questions in a way that the
students would not be mistakenly led to infer the correct answer. During the reading
test, the teacher may not read words to the students included in the passages or
questions.

Dictionary. ELL students must have access to an English-to-heritage language
dictionary and/or heritage language-to-English dictionary, such as those made available
to ELL students in an instructional setting. However, a dictionary written exclusively in
the heritage language or in English may not be used. Dictionaries are not permitted for
use in the World Language assessments.
Scheduling Students for DDEOC Field Testing
A computer lab schedule should be a part of the initial plan. The number of computer labs and
available computers will dictate how the schedules should be arranged. Sufficient time should
be scheduled to allow for directions to be given and for students to log into the session. Special
arrangements should be made for students with an extended time accommodation.
8
Required Materials for Testing
Computer-Based Administration



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


M-DCPS 7-digit student identification number
Test identification number for each class (retrieve from Thinkgate)
Four function calculator (science Grade 6 and 7)
Scientific calculator (Physical Science, Physics, and Chemistry)
Reference sheets/Periodic Table (selected science – available in Appendix B)
Scratch paper, pencil (selected science)
Headphones (Spanish 2 and Spanish for Spanish Speakers 2)
English-to-heritage language dictionary (ELL students)
Preparing for Administration
The DDEOC are timed tests. Students should be given the allotted time to complete all
the items during one test session. The following table provides the time limits, by grade level
groupings. Extended time for ELL students and ESE students with an extended time
accommodation may have up to double the standard time limit.
Testing Times
Grade Level
Time Limit
Extended Time
Accommodation
# items
Middle
60 minutes
120 minutes
40-50 questions
High School
60 minutes
120 minutes
45-50 questions
DDEOC Field Test assessments must be given during the testing window listed on the
Schedule of Activities. Schools may determine the specific schedule to be followed within the
window.
Training for the Administration of DDEOC
District-wide training will be conducted by Student Assessment and Educational Testing (SAET)
staff via a Webinar for the test chairperson or principal’s designee at each M-DCPS school.
The test chairperson or the principal’s designee is responsible for training all classroom
teachers in the administration of the DDEOC assessments using the Thinkgate testing platform.
Topics for training include:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Procedures for maintaining test security;
Purpose of the DDEOC assessments;
Administration window;
School’s schedule for testing;
9
5. Testing format;
6. Arranging for appropriate accommodations, as necessary;
Testing Environment
The testing location should have comfortable seating, sufficient workspace, and good lighting.
The room where students take the test should be as free from outside disturbances as possible.
Students should be seated so that they have enough room and will not be able to view other
students’ answers.
Handling of Testing Materials
For computer-based testing (CBT), students will need login information PRIOR to the
administration of the assessment. Directions for retrieving and printing student login information
are included in this program guide.
Ancillary Materials
Scratch Paper
Students should be provided with scratch paper during the administration of the science tests.
After testing, all scratch paper must be collected and discarded in a secure manner to avoid
compromising test content.
Calculators
Four function or scientific calculators are necessary for the administration of selected science
assessments, as delineated in the table below. Students may use their own scientific
calculators or the classroom teacher can provide them one from a class set.
Reference Sheets and Periodic Table of Elements
Reference sheets and/or the Periodic Table of Elements for selected science assessments are
included in Appendix B or may be downloaded from the DDEOC page on the test chair
information site and printed at the school site. These reference sheets may also be used during
the year for instructional purposes.
Headphones
Headphones are required for the Spanish 2 and Spanish for Spanish Speakers 2. Schools will
need to make sure that computers used for these assessments have audio capabilities and that
the volume is enabled on the computer and sound level sufficient prior to testing.
10
Please refer to the following table for a summary of the courses that will require reference
sheets and calculators.
Subject
Science
Grade Level
M/J Comprehensive
Science 1 and 2
Physical Science/Physical
Science Honors
Physics/Physics Honors
World
Language
Spanish 2 and Spanish for
Spanish Speakers 2
Calculator
Reference Sheet
Headphones
Four
function
No
No
Scientific
Yes
No
Scientific
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Test Security
Proctoring
The DDEOC is a secure test administration. As such, visual barriers should be installed to
prevent students from viewing other computer monitors or students’ desks should be arranged
in a manner that would prevent cheating. The test administrator and proctors must actively
attend to the students during testing.
General Administration Guidelines
All DDEOC Field Tests will be administered in Thinkgate, and were developed as computerbased assessments. See Appendix C for procedures to be used for CBT administration through
Thinkgate. Paper-based administration is NOT permitted for this Field Test.
During the test session, remember the following:

Pass out any secure materials (i.e., test tickets, test booklets) to the students one-at-atime.

Provide individual restroom breaks as needed, and maintain the security of the test
during breaks. Students should not have access to electronic devices (e.g., cell phones,
smartphones, tablets) during breaks.

For short breaks (e.g., restroom), it is recommended that visual blocks be applied to
students’ computer screens (e.g., monitors turned off, folders taped to screens) instead
of having students exit and resume the test.

Record the start time and end time where visible to all students, and announce when 10
minutes remain.

Collect secure materials from the students one-at-a-time.

Any paper-based test booklets must be returned to locked storage immediately on
completion of the assessment.
11
APPENDIX A: Forms
12
CHECKLIST: BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER TESTING
Before Testing
Read the DDEOC Assessment program guide.
Meet with school’s administrators, microsystem technician, classroom teachers,
lab manager, and proctors to:
o
Train and review testing procedures for computer-based testing
o Verify minimum requirements and prepare computers for testing
o Schedule students and/or classes into the computer lab.
o Determine students needing accommodations.
Prepare for computer based testing by:
o Prepare materials
o Train test administrators
o Send letters of participation home with selected students
During Testing
Distribute student identification numbers to students
Administer the test following script in Appendix C.
Monitor test administrations
Make note of any problems encountered during testing
Make sure students close out the testing session properly by exiting the test and
closing the Internet browser.
After Testing
Arrange make-up sessions for students who were absent or unable to complete
testing
13
RECORD OF ABSENCES, EXEMPTIONS, AND INVALIDATIONS FORM
20_____ - 20_____ ADMINISTRATION
Name of Program _______________________
Grade Level of Program ________
School Name ____________________________________School Location ________
Name of Test Administrator _____________Assessment Date ____________________
STUDENT’S
NAME
STUDENT’S ID
NUMBER
SUBJECT
CODE
LA= Language
Arts
MA=
Mathematics
SC = Science
SS= Social
Studies
A = ABSENT
E = EXEMPTION
I = INVALIDATION
REASON
The test coordinator should retain a copy of this form for four months following the assessment
date.
DUPLICATE AS NEEDED
14
APPENDIX B
Reference Sheets
16
To be used for Physical Science and Physics Field Test
Reference Sheet
Density (D)
Average Speed (s)
Acceleration (a)
Momentum (p)
Force (F)
Work (W)
Power (P)
Percent Efficiency
(e)
Mechanical
Advantage (MA)
Potential Energy
(PE)
(
Page 1
)
Reference Sheet
Kinetic Energy (KE)
Heat (E)
Pressure (P)
Boyle’s Law
Gay-Lussac’s Law
Charles’ Law
Ohm’s Law
Electrical Power (P)
Frequency (f)
Wavelength (l)
Page 2
Periodic Table of Elements
Group
1
2
1
1A
1
H
2
2A
Carbon
1.008
12.01
3
Li
Lithium
6
7
4
5
6
7
12
Mg
3B
4B
5B
6B
7B
19
K
20
Ca
8
9
21
Sc
22
Ti
23
V
Calcium
Scandium
Titanium
Vanadium
37
Rb
38
Sr
39
Y
40
Zr
41
Nb
40.08
44.96
47.88
50.94
8B
24
Cr
25
Mn
52.00
10.81
Carbon
12.01
Nitrogen
Oxygen
Fluorine
12
19.00
20.18
1B
2B
13
Al
14
Si
15
P
16
S
17
Cl
18
Ar
51
Sb
52
Te
53
I
54
Xe
77
Ir
Actinide Series**
Rhodium
Hafnium
Tantalum
Tungsten
Rhenium
Osmium
178.5
180.9
183.9
186.2
190.2
192.2
104
Rf
105
Db
106
Sg
107
Bh
108
Hs
109
Mt
Iridium
Dubnium
Seaborgium
Bohrium
Hassium
Meitnerium
(277)
(276)
59
Pr
60
Nd
61
Pm
62
Sm
63
Eu
144.2
92
U
(145)
93
Np
150.4
94
Pu
232
231
Thorium Protactinium
36
Kr
50
Sn
76
Os
140.9
91
Pa
35
Br
49
In
75
Re
Praseodymium
34
Se
48
Cd
74
W
Cerium
33
As
47
Ag
73
Ta
140.1
90
Th
32
Ge
46
Pd
72
Hf
Lanthanide Series*
31
Ga
45
Rh
57
La
58
Ce
Argon
44
Ru
56
Ba
(268)
39.95
43
Tc
55
Cs
(265)
35.45
42
Mo
102.9
(227)
Chlorine
Krypton
101.1
(226)
Sulfur
Bromine
(98)
Rutherfordium
32.06
Selenium
95.96
Actinium
30.97
Arsenic
Molybdenum Technetium Ruthenium
Radium
Phosphorus
74.92
92.91
Francium
Silicon
72.64
Niobium
89
Ac
28.09
Germanium
91.22
88
Ra
26.98
Gallium
Zirconium
87
Fr
Neon
69.72
(271)
(270)
Neodymium Promethium Samarium
Copper
30
Zn
16.00
65.39
Nickel
29
Cu
14.01
63.55
Yttrium
138.9
10
Ne
58.69
Cobalt
88.92
Lanthanium
9
F
58.93
Iron
87.62
Barium
8
O
55.85
Strontium
137.3
7
N
54.94
Chromium Manganese
28
Ni
6
C
27
Co
85.47
132.9
18
8A
2
He
26
Fe
Rubidium
Caesium
17
7A
11
Aluminum
Potassium
(223)
10
24.31
39.10
5
5
B
Boron
3
Magnesium
16
6A
Helium
Transition Metals
9.012
Sodium
15
5A
4.003
Beryllium
11
Na
14
4A
Atomic Number
Symbol
Name
Atomic Mass
4
Be
22.99
4
6
C
Hydrogen
6.94
3
13
3A
Zinc
78.96
79.90
Palladium
Silver
Cadmium
Indium
Tin
Antimony
Tellurium
Iodine
Xenon
106.4
107.9
112.4
114.8
118.7
121.8
127.6
126.9
131.3
78
Pt
79
Au
80
Hg
81
TI
82
Pb
83
Bi
84
Po
85
At
86
Rn
Platinum
Gold
Mercury
Thallium
Lead
Bismuth
Polonium
Astatine
Radon
195.1
197.0
200.5
204.38
207.2
209.0
(209)
(210)
(222)
110
Ds
111
Rg
112
Cn
113
Uut
114
Fl
115
Uup
116
Lv
117
Uus
118
Uuo
(289)
(288)
(293)
(294)
(294)
68
Er
69
Tm
70
Yb
71
Lu
Darmstadtium Roentgenium Copernicium
(281)
(280)
(285)
64
Gd
65
Tb
66
Dy
Ununtrium
(284)
67
Ho
Flerovium Ununpentium Livermorium Ununseptium Ununoctium
Europium
Gadolinium
Terbium
Dysprosium
Holmium
Erbium
Thullum
Ytterbium
Lutetium
152.0
95
Am
157.2
96
Cm
Curium
158.9
97
Bk
Berkelium
162.5
98
Cf
164.9
99
Es
167.3
100
Fm
168.9
101
Md
173.0
102
No
175.0
103
Lr
(247)
(247)
(251)
(252)
Uranium
Neptunium
Plutonium
Americium
238
(237)
(244)
(243)
83.79
Californium Einsteinium
To be used for Physical Science and Chemistry Field Test
Fermium
(257)
Mendelevium
(258)
Nobelium
Lawrencium
(259)
(262)
APPENDIX C
Computer-Based Test Administration in Thinkgate
Computer Preparations
All computer workstations to be used for testing must meet the minimum specifications indicated
below on Thinkgate’s Technical Considerations document. Please check with your technology
coordinator or computer technician to verify that your workstations meet noted specifications.
Click on the link below to retrieve the document.

Thinkgate Technical Considerations Document
Browser for Student Testing
The Firefox browser should be installed and utilized during student testing. Specific guidelines
need to be followed for installing the Firefox browser on student workstations. Please refer to
the Thinkgate Technical Considerations Document and request assistance from your school’s
computer technician.
Disabling Browser’s Pop-up Blockers
Prior to testing, the pop-up blocker feature should be disabled on each workstation to avoid any
distractions to students while testing. Please consult with your designated school site computer
technician for specific instructions on disabling pop-up blockers for the browser that is currently
installed on your workstations.
Lockdown Browser feature
During any computer-based testing session the browser automatically locks down the testing
environment as an added level of security. Students are locked into the online test being
administered, which prevents them from accessing other applications during testing. Students
will not be able to open a new browser, view notes, open email, or send instant messages
during testing.
During testing if a student attempts to open any other application, a new tab, or window they will
immediately be locked out of all windows. A message will display that tells them they are
locked out and will need an administrator to unlock their screen. The test administrator would
need to access the Assessment Administration window, select that student’s name and hit
“continue” in order for the student to complete the testing session.
17
Preparing for Online Testing
Retrieving Test IDs – School Admin View
Access the Assessment link,
Navigate to the District’s Assessments tile. Select the new Secure tab and find the test.
18
Click the Administration icon
selected for online delivery.
that appears under the name of the test that is to be
Administration Icon
The Assessment Assignment screen appears. Note that all of the teachers listed are assigned
to the selected test. This screen contains the Class, Teacher, and Test ID. Additionally, an
Excel file can be downloaded with all of the teachers and Test IDs.
Note the filter options available for drilling down to a class.
Excel File
Test ID
Filter Options
A
Roster Form bubble sheet can be printed for each teacher who is scheduled for computerbased testing. This roster form contains the students’ name and Test ID and can be an efficient
19
way of providing the classroom teacher with the information needed to get started with
computer-based testing.
The Test ID should be provided to each teacher along with the Student ID Number. The Test ID
is needed to access the student testing portal.
Retrieving Test IDs – Teacher View
The Thinkgate Technology Platform provides an option for students to take assessments online.
Prior to beginning online testing, the assessment administrator is required to locate the Test ID
for the appropriate assessment and make sure that online testing is enabled. It is recommended
that the assessment administrator log into the platform and leave the Assessment
Administration screen open while the students navigate to the online testing portal and complete
the assessment.
20
21
Enabling and Disabling an Online Test
Click the square radio button of all the classes that you want to assign for online test
administration. Note that the “Enabled” button turns green. The “Enabled” feature must be
activated for all classes in order for students to sign into the Thinkgate testing platform.
Click the Enabled Online icon to activate all classes for online testing.
The Disabled Online icon should only be selected to temporarily delay testing for a class you
have enabled, due to unforeseen circumstances such as a fire drill, or lunch If testing is
delayed to another day, class(es) should be disabled to prevent students from going home and
signing into the Thinkgate testing platform website to complete testing.
Click the Administration icon
to access the Assessment Administration screen for any of
the classes to view students testing progress. Note that you can only view one Assessment
Administration at a time.
22
The Suspend icon enables you to disable specific students or the entire class. (due to illness,
lunch break, or two-day testing administration)
The Status column should be carefully monitored to ensure that students have Completed the
entire testing session. A blank status indicates that the student has never signed in to the
testing session. An In Process status denotes that the student is currently online testing or have
clicked out of the assessment without submitting their answers for scoring. If the latter is the
case, click the square radio button and click the Continue icon to restart the student. The
student can sign in and complete the testing session.
During testing a starting and ending time is recorded resulting in total time tested. Also, once
students submit their test from the student administration screen in Thinkgate a final test score
appears.
The Assessment Administration screen must be refreshed periodically to capture students live
scores during testing.
23
Monitoring Students Test Status
Teachers or Test Administrators can monitor their classes through the Assessment
Administration screen to determine if they have completed the assessment being administered.
Follow the steps below for monitoring students.
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Login onto Thinkgate with your username (employee ID) and password.
Click the Assessment link located on the top left side of the screen.
Locate the District Assessments tile and scroll to the test that students are currently taking.
Click the Administration Icon (spaceship looking graphic) under the name of the test.
This takes you to the Assessment Assignments screen.
Administration Icon
(spaceship looking icon)
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Click on the Administration icon for the class you want to monitor.
The
( Assessment Administration screen appears.
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While students are taking the test the status column shows In Process.
Once the students submit the assessment for scoring the Status column updates as
Completed and a score is recorded.
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There are additional icons on the Assessment Administration screen
Assessment – allows you to print the assessment ( this icon has been
disabled by the district)
Bubble Sheets – allows you to print bubble sheets
Enabled – in order to test the Enabled button must be activated.
Ensure that under Scheduling that it says Enabled for Security Status,
Content Window and Print Window
Continue – Click the box next to the students’ name if you have
suspended the test due the student becoming ill or the student logged
out in error by clicking the X in the right hand corner of the screen.
Note if the student clicks Finish, the test is submitted and scored.
Suspend – Click the box next to the students’ name if the students
have not finished the test or if the test will be administered over 2 days.
(Suspending the test disables the student from going home and
logging in to take the test)
Refresh icon should be used to refresh the screen while monitoring
students online activity. This allows you to see student scores in real
time.
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Students Sign-in Process to Thinkgate Testing Platform
Students should be directed to sign on to http://assessment.thinkgate.net/FLMiamiDade. A Test
ID and Student ID is needed to access the site. Students should have both credentials prior to
testing.
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Thinkgate CBT Test Administration Script
Today you will be taking a Field Test for the District Designated End of Course Assessment
_______ (name of course) on the computer. To access the test you will need a Test ID and
Student ID.
[If you are administering the Spanish 2 or Spanish for Spanish Speakers 2 assessment,
computers must be have working audio and the volume must be enabled. Students will require
headphones or earbuds to take the test.]
[If students need a reference sheet, calculator, or scrap paper please provide at this time.
These tools are not available at this time in the Thinkgate platform]
Direct student to type in the URL in the address bar:
Click on the Mozilla Firefox icon on your desktop.
[Write the URL on board http://assessment.thinkgate.net/FLMiamiDade on the board in the front
of the room.]
[Direct students to typing in the URL into their address bar.]
On the toolbar at the top of the screen, type the Internet web address that I have written on the
board.
or
[If a shortcut has been created direct students to click on the icon on the desktop named Login
Thinkgate or the name of the icon on their desktop. ]
[Once students have navigated to the student login page for Thinkgate their screen should
resemble the one below.]
The
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screen should be titled Online Testing Portal and in the left corner of the screen you should see
a logo with the name Thinkgate.
Raise your hand if you are not on the page I described or if you are having difficulty. [Walk
around to ensure that students are on the correct page]
[Provide students with their M-DCPS 7-digit student identification number and their Test ID]
In order to start you will need your 7-digit student identification number and the Test
Identification number that was provided to you.
Carefully type in the Test Identification number under the box titled, Test ID. [This number that
you obtained from the Assessment Assignment page for each teacher and class or if you
retrieved it from the answer sheet]
Next click your mouse in the box titled, Student ID. Type in your 7-digit Student ID. [This is MDCPS 7-digit student identification number]
Click the Start button.
[The welcome screen should appear]
The testing screen should now say Welcome and your name should appear.
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Please read silently as I read aloud:
Please read carefully before starting the test.
The test will lock if you leave the window and try to access the Internet at any time during the
test.
The test will lock if you try to open another software program while you are taking the test.
[Stress to students that they are not to access any other program on the computer.]
If you don’t know an answer you can skip the question and return to it later by flagging the item.
To flag an item simply click on the number of the item and the number icon should turn red.
Click Start to begin taking the test.
[Read the following directions to the students.]
Read each item and then with your mouse select the best answer response or choice by
clicking in the circle of the answer. If you decide to change an answer simply click in the circle
that you want to select and it will automatically deselect (or unselect) the previous answer
choice.
Click Continue.
Look at the blue heading bar at the top of the screen. In the left corner it should have your
correct grade level and name of the test.
In the middle of the bar your first and last name should appear.
Number 1 should be highlighted. This indicates that you are on question 1.
Math Screenshot
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Reading Screenshot
Scroll Bar
[If you are administering an assessment that utilizes passages, direct student to the scroll bar in
the middle of the screen. In order to navigate through the passage they would need to move
the scroll bar down to advance or up to reread a section].
Look at the black navigational bar at bottom of the screen.
Move over to the status area, which shows All,
Unanswered, and Flagged. The All shows the total
number of questions. The Unanswered shows the number
of questions you have left or that you have not answered.
The Flagged items show the number of items that you
Flagged to return to because either you wasn’t sure of the
answer or you wanted to review it again before answering
it. Click on the number of the item, once the number turns
red, the item becomes flagged.
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The navigational bar at the bottom of the screen allows you to move between screens. The
numbers indicate the number of the item. You can click the numbers to move to the next item
or to move back to an item.
Also, you can use the First, Prev, Next, Last, and Go to navigate through the screens.
The First button takes you back to the first item in the test.
The Prev button takes you back to the item that you did previously.
The Next button allows you to move to the next item.
The Last button allows you to move to the last item in the test.
The white box at the bottom with the number 1 in it allows you type in the number
of the test question and then click Go. This will take you directly to that test
question.
The Finish button should only be selected once you have completed answering all
of the questions. This submits all of your answers for scoring. Do not click on the
Finish button until you have completed the test, checked all your answers, and
make sure there are no blank or flagged items by reviewing the navigation bar at
the bottom.
Please read for students taking the Spanish 2 or Spanish for Spanish Speakers 2 ONLY.
You will have at least one question that contains an audio cue. In order to play the audio, press
the play button
.
You can adjust the volume by pressing the indicator bars to the right of the speaker to either
raise or lower the volume. You may pause or restart the audio as many times as needed.
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During the test if you need to use the restroom, please raise your hand and I will come to you.
Please do not get out of your seat during the testing session.
When you have completed the last question of the testing session, go back and review your
answers, then click the “Finish” test button.
If you decide that you want to review your answers, click the “Back” button or jump to specific
questions by using the “Previous” button, click the item numbers shown, or by typing the item
number in the box and selecting “Go”.
You may begin the test. If you need help, please raise your hand and I will come to you.
Thinkgate Note to Test Administrator:
You should see two green lights
at the lower right hand of the computer screen. This
means the program and internet are working correctly. If they turn red, you should “suspend”
testing until the system is restored.
If a student needs to use the restroom, or to provide a break, either turn off the computer
monitor and turn it back on when they return, or if the session is being monitored, you may
“Suspend” the student’s session and “Continue” when they return.
If a student becomes ill, suspend the session and resume it when they are able to continue.
When a session is resumed, the student will begin using the same Test ID and his/her student
ID number.
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Viewing Results for Secured Assessments in Thinkgate
While schools no longer need to report results, teachers and administrators can look at student
results after testing. Because these tests are secured, the only reports schools will be able to
see are the Secure Assessments Results Report.
The Secure Testing Online Report provides an interface for users to view results for
assessments identified as secure. The report provides criteria options for Year, School,
Teacher, Grade, Subject and Course to limit the results returned in the report.
The results of the report includes Course, Teacher, Assessment Name, Assessment
Description, Administered Date, Student ID, Student Name, Student Grade, % Correct, Items
Possible, Items Correct and Items Unanswered.
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APPENDIX D:
WHO TO CONTACT FOR INFORMATION
Issue
Administration of DDEOC Field Test
Curriculum
Contact Office
Phone Number
Kathleen Sierra
305-995-7520
Career and Technical
Language Arts/Reading
Mathematics
Physical Education and
Health Literacy
Social Science
Science
Visual and Performing Arts
305-693-3030
305-995-3122
305-995-1939
305-995-1963
305-995-1951
305-995-1939
305-995-1930
Allowable accommodations for English
language learners
Bilingual Education and
World Languages
305-995-2428
Allowable accommodations for students
with disabilities
Division of Special
Education
305-995-1295
Printing, scanning, and scoring of answer
sheets and downloading of score reports
Thinkgate Managers
Carlos Lopez
Michael Slakman
Lina Turnes
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305-995-2438
305-995-2437
305-995-2440