2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual
2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Reading and Mathematics Graduation-Required Assessment for Diploma (GRAD) Retests Written Composition Graduation-Required Assessment for Diploma (GRAD) Retests 1500 Highway 36 West T: (651) 582-8200 Roseville, MN 55113-4266 TTY: (651) 582-8201 http://education.state.mn.us Authorization Letter Authorized Users: Work Authorized: District Testing Personnel Graduation-Required Assessment for Diploma (GRAD) This letter contains the terms and conditions under which the State of Minnesota Department of Education is authorizing testing personnel as defined in the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments to administer the state-designated Graduation-Required Assessment for Diploma (GRAD) assessments. By accepting delivery of the tests and opening the testing materials for distribution, you agree to the terms and conditions set forth in this letter. You are authorized to administer the 2013–2014 GRAD assessments only in strict accordance with the Test Monitor and Student Directions accompanying the tests and in compliance with security requirements outlined in the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments. The State of Minnesota is and remains the owner of all intellectual property and copyrights in this work at all times. Permission to administer the test is granted without fee to Minnesota public school students. Reproduction of these tests is prohibited without the express written permission of the commissioner of the department. Unauthorized reproduction of these tests is a violation of the Federal Copyright Act and may expose you to substantial liability. Under the Federal Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C. Subsections 504 and 505, the State may recover the actual damages caused by a violation, or statutory damages ranging from $500 to $100,000 per violation, as well as the State’s attorney fees and other costs. Section 506 of the Act provides that certain copyright violations are criminal offenses, punishable by fines and imprisonment. These tests are nonpublic examination data and nonpublic security information under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minnesota Statutes Sections 13.34 and 13.37 (1994). The Data Practices Act provides for civil and criminal penalties for violations of the Act. The permission granted for this limited use is given to testing personnel alone, on a non-exclusive basis, and testing personnel may not transfer this right to any other person or entity. This letter describes the scope of authorization to use the above-described tests. By accepting delivery of the tests and opening the testing materials for distribution, you agree to be bound by all the terms and conditions set forth in this letter including the Test Monitor and Student Directions, the U.S. Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C. Section 101-810, Minnesota Data Practices Act, and Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13. State of Minnesota Department of Education Date: August 2013 Table of Contents Contact Information....................................................................................................... 1 Important Dates for 2013–2014 Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retests (September 2013 to February 2014) ................................................................................. 2 Important Dates for 2013–2014 Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retests (March 2014 to August 2014) ..................................................................................................................... 3 Important Dates for the 2013–2014 Written Composition GRAD (Retests) .......................... 4 Overview......................................................................................................................... 5 Service Provider ....................................................................................................................... 5 Organization of This Manual ..................................................................................................... 5 Description of Graduation Assessment Requirements ............................................................. 6 Students Enrolled in Grade 8 through 2011–2012 ................................................................... 6 Students Enrolled in Grade 8 in 2012–2013 and Later ............................................................. 7 Description of the GRAD Retests.......................................................................................... 7 Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retests ............................................................................ 7 Written Composition GRAD Retests ..................................................................................... 7 General Information for 2013–2014 .............................................................................. 8 Training Testing Personnel ....................................................................................................... 8 Security ..................................................................................................................................... 9 Test Materials Security Requirements .................................................................................. 9 Student Identification............................................................................................................. 9 Security Violations............................................................................................................... 10 Security Forms ........................................................................................................................ 10 Test Administration Report.................................................................................................. 10 Test Security Notification Form ........................................................................................... 10 Completing Security Forms During Test Administration ..................................................... 11 Minnesota Assessments Portal .................................................................................. 12 Test Information Distribution Engine (TIDE) ........................................................................... 12 Online Testing System ............................................................................................................ 13 Data Entry Interface ................................................................................................................ 13 Online Reporting System ........................................................................................................ 13 Learning Point Navigator ........................................................................................................ 13 Item Samplers, Online Calculators, and Student Tutorial ....................................................... 14 Technical Support ................................................................................................................... 15 Test Materials Shipment and Receipt ........................................................................ 16 Supplemental Information and Initial Test Materials Orders ................................................... 16 Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retests .......................................................................... 16 Written Composition GRAD Retests ................................................................................... 16 Test Materials Shipments ....................................................................................................... 17 Page iv 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Reading/Mathematics GRAD Retests Accommodated Test Materials Shipment ............... 17 Receiving Test Materials .........................................................................................................20 Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retests .......................................................................... 20 Written Composition GRAD Retests ...................................................................................20 Use of Written Composition GRAD Retests District Overage Materials .............................. 21 Additional Test Materials for Written Composition GRAD Retests ...................................... 21 Online Administration: Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retests .......................... 23 Preparing for Online Administrations ......................................................................................23 Technology Preparation ......................................................................................................23 Scheduling...........................................................................................................................23 Student Login ......................................................................................................................24 Test Monitor Directions for Online Administration ............................................................... 24 Allowable Materials .............................................................................................................24 Verifying Student Information ..............................................................................................25 Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retest Item Samplers and Student Tutorial .................. 25 Test Settings and Accommodations ....................................................................................25 Table 1: Test Settings and Accommodations in TIDE That Affect Online Testing .......... 26 Table 2: Accommodation Codes .....................................................................................27 Invalidations ........................................................................................................................28 Test Administration .................................................................................................................28 Scheduling Test Sessions ...................................................................................................28 Test Session Setup .............................................................................................................29 Administering Online Tests .................................................................................................29 Monitoring Testing ...............................................................................................................30 Reading and Mathematics Paper Accommodated Test Materials .......................................... 30 Allowable Materials .............................................................................................................30 Accommodations Codes .....................................................................................................31 Table 3: Accommodation Codes .....................................................................................31 Invalidations ........................................................................................................................31 Test Monitor and Student Directions for Paper Accommodations ....................................... 32 Test Administration..............................................................................................................32 Transferring Student Responses into the Data Entry Interface ........................................... 32 Return of GRAD Retests Accommodated Test Materials ................................................... 33 Paper Administration: Written Composition GRAD Retests .................................... 34 Preparing Test Materials .........................................................................................................34 Writing Prompt Folders........................................................................................................34 Written Composition GRAD Retests Answer Document ..................................................... 34 Applying District/School Labels to Answer Documents ....................................................... 34 Answer Documents with Incorrect Preprinted Student Information ..................................... 35 Hand-Bubbling Demographic Information ........................................................................... 35 Distributing Written Composition GRAD Test Materials ...................................................... 35 Test Administration .................................................................................................................36 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Page v Writing Prompt Folders ....................................................................................................... 36 Written Composition GRAD Retest (November 2013) .................................................... 36 Written Composition GRAD Retest (April 2014) ............................................................. 36 Accommodations................................................................................................................. 36 Test Codes, Accommodation Codes and Demographic Information .................................. 38 Reminders ........................................................................................................................... 38 Collection and Return of Test Materials .................................................................... 39 Reading/Mathematics GRAD Accommodated Test Materials ................................................ 39 Identifying Returned Test Materials .................................................................................... 39 Reading/Mathematics GRAD Retest Accommodated Test Materials ............................. 39 Shipping Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retests Accommodated Test Materials ......... 39 Box Labeling ....................................................................................................................... 41 Diagram 1: 10" Box with Label Flaps .............................................................................. 41 Diagram 2: Flat Box ........................................................................................................ 42 Written Composition GRAD Retest Answer Documents......................................................... 42 Identifying Returned Test Materials .................................................................................... 43 Written Composition GRAD Retest Secure Test Materials ............................................. 43 Shipping Written Composition GRAD Retest Answer Documents ...................................... 43 Sample YELLOW Written Composition GRAD DRC Return Box Label .......................... 44 Box Labeling ....................................................................................................................... 45 Diagram 1: 10" Box with Label Flaps .............................................................................. 45 Diagram 2: Flat Box ........................................................................................................ 46 Answer Document Status Report ........................................................................................ 46 Results Information ..................................................................................................... 47 Reading/Mathematics GRAD Retests Reporting Information ................................................. 47 Electronic Reports ............................................................................................................... 47 Paper Reports ..................................................................................................................... 47 Student Labels .................................................................................................................... 47 District and School Electronic Data Files ............................................................................ 47 Rescore Requests............................................................................................................... 47 Written Composition GRAD Retests Final Report Information ............................................... 48 Electronic Reports ............................................................................................................... 48 Student Essays ................................................................................................................... 48 Paper Reports ..................................................................................................................... 48 Student Labels .................................................................................................................... 48 District and School Electronic Data Files ............................................................................ 48 Late Scoring Fee ................................................................................................................. 49 Rescore Requests............................................................................................................... 49 Resources .................................................................................................................... 50 Online Resources ................................................................................................................... 50 Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) Website ......................................................... 50 Minnesota Assessments Portal ........................................................................................... 51 Page vi 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Suggestions for Program Improvements.................................................................................55 Appendix A: Check-in List for Test Materials ............................................................ 56 Appendix B: Collection and Return of Test Materials .............................................. 57 Appendix C: Shipping Test Materials......................................................................... 58 Appendix D: Script for Hand-Bubbling Demographic Information by the Student 59 Appendix E: Mathematics GRAD Formula Sheet ...................................................... 60 Appendix F: Direction Sheet for Reading/Mathematics GRAD Retest Online Administration ........................................................................................................... 61 Appendix G: Direction Sheet for Reading/Mathematics GRAD Retest Paper Administration ........................................................................................................... 62 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Page vii Contact Information Contact Information Statewide Testing Division 1500 Highway 36 West, Roseville, MN 55113 Email: [email protected] Fax: 651-582-8874 Area Code Contact Telephone Number Email Address 612 Jennifer Burton 651-582-8622 [email protected] 651, 763, 952 Tracy Cerda 651-582-8692 [email protected] 507, 320 Lisa Grasdalen 651-582-8485 [email protected] 218 Julie Nielsen-Fuhrmann 651-582-8837 [email protected] Additional Resource: Linda Sams, Manager, 651-582-8431 American Institutes for Research (AIR) 1-877-215-8749 (press 1 for questions on online testing, AIR systems, and login information) 1-877-218-7663 (fax) [email protected] Data Recognition Corporation (DRC) 1-877-215-8749 (press 2 for questions on paper assessments and shipping support) Attn: Minnesota 7303 Boone Avenue North Brooklyn Park, MN 55428 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Page 1 Important Dates 2013–2014 Important Dates for 2013–2014 Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retests 1 Responsible Party MDE MDE DAC Not applicable Not applicable DAC DAC DAC DAC 1 Description Eligible student names available in TIDE for testing from initial precode file 2 Precode files sent nightly 3 Last date for districts to order accommodated test materials 4 TESTING DATES Opens at 7 a.m. on day 1 Closes at 5 p.m. on last day Additional day for vendor customer service during testing window (7 a.m.–noon) Ship accommodated test materials by DSR and SSR files available on MDE website Final date to request rescore Quarterly shipment of student reports to district September 2013 January 2014 October 2013 November 2013 December 2013 blank Sep 3 Oct 18 Nov 22 blank Dec 20 blank Sep 3– Oct 8 Oct 18– Nov 12 Nov 22– Dec 10 blank Dec 20– Feb 11 blank Sep 27 Nov 1 Nov 29 blank Jan 31 blank Oct 1– Oct 9 Nov 5– Nov 13 Dec 3– Dec 11 blank Feb 4– Feb 12 blank Oct 5 Nov 9 Dec 7 blank Feb 8 blank Oct 11 Nov 15 Dec 13 blank Feb 14 blank Oct 16 Nov 20 Dec 18 blank Feb 19 blank Oct 30 Dec 4 Jan 1 blank Mar 5 blank Dec 2 Dec 2 Mar 3 blank Mar 3 No Retests No Retests February 2014 Students are eligible to retest every month the retests are offered. 2 In order to have a student loaded for online testing, any MARSS updates need to be made two days before the scheduled test date. Once MARSS is submitted, that data is gathered overnight and is visible in Test WES the next day. Any changes made in Precode Student Eligibility will be reflected in AIR’s systems the next day. Manual changes include adding a student, changing testing location or grade, or deleting a manual record. 3 Daily precode files are sent nightly. Districts may go to Test WES to view the list of the students included in the precode file and use Precode Student Eligibility to verify why a student may not be sent for testing. Precode Student Eligibility in Test WES may also be used to add a student when a student is not submitted in MARSS (e.g., “super seniors” who only need to test and are not enrolled) or to change testing location when a student is testing at a different location than sent in the precode file. 4 Accommodated test materials require manual processing and orders must be submitted prior to the beginning of the test window. See order forms in Appendix A of the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments for details. Page 2 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Important Dates 2013–2014 Important Dates for 2013–2014 Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retests1 Responsible Party MDE MDE DAC Not applicable Not applicable DAC DAC DAC DAC Date Description Eligible student names available in TIDE for testing from initial precode file2 Daily MARSS pull for precode3 Last date for districts to order accommodated test materials4 TESTING DATES Opens at 7 a.m. on day 1 Closes at 5 p.m. on last day Additional day for vendor customer service during testing window (7 a.m.–noon) Ship accommodated test materials by DSR and SSR files available on MDE website Final date to request rescore Quarterly shipment of student reports to district March 2014 April 2014 May 2014 June 2014 July 2014 August 2014 Feb 21 Mar 21 Apr 18 May 23 June 20 July 18 Feb 21– Mar 11 Mar 21– Apr 8 Apr 18– May 13 May 23– June 10 June 20– July 8 July 18– Aug 12 Feb 28 Mar 28 May 2 May 30 June 27 Aug 1 Mar 4– Mar 12 Apr 1– Apr 9 May 6– May 14 June 3– June 11 July 1– July 9 Aug 5–Aug 13 Mar 8 Apr 5 May 10 June 7 July 5 Aug 9 Mar 14 Apr 11 May 16 June 13 July 11 Aug 15 Mar 19 Apr 16 May 21 June 18 July 16 Aug 20 Apr 2 Apr 30 June 4 July 2 July 30 Sept 3 June 2 June 3 June 3 Sept 2 Sept 2 Sept 2 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Page 3 Important Dates 2013–2014 Important Dates for the 2013–2014 Written Composition GRAD (Retests) Responsible Party Description November 2013 April 2014 DAC Download manuals Supplemental Information and accommodated test materials ordering window in TIDE Precode data used for preprinted test materials 5 Receive test materials Order additional test materials 6 TESTING DATES MAKE-UP DATES Sep 13 Sep 13 Sept 23–Oct 4 Dec 16–Jan 24 Oct 2 Jan 24 Oct 23 Oct 23–Nov 11 Nov 6 Nov 12 Initial test date: Nov 8 Make-up date: Nov 14 Mar 18 or 25 Mar 18–Apr 21 April 15 April 22 DAC AIR DAC DAC Not applicable Not applicable DAC DAC DAC DAC Ship scorable test materials by Retrieve DSR and SSR files in MDE Secured Reports and assessment retest results in ORS Student reports arrive in district Last day to request a rescore Initial test date: April 18 Make-up date: April 25 Dec 12 May 23 Dec 18 Feb 10 May 27 Jul 18 5 Although preprinted test materials are produced from the precode on this date, nightly precode files are provided to AIR by MDE to update student enrollment and eligibility information in the Online Reporting System. MARSS updates must be submitted one day prior to the pull date to be included. 6 Additional test materials can be ordered until noon on the day before the end of the testing window so that test materials will arrive in time for test administration. Page 4 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Overview Overview Service Provider American Institutes for Research (AIR) is the testing service provider for the following assessments: Grades 3–8 Mathematics Optional Local Purpose Assessment (OLPA) Title I: Reading, Mathematics and Science Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA); Reading and Mathematics Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments-Modified (MCAModified); Reading, Mathematics and Science Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) GRAD Retests: Reading, Mathematics and Written Composition Graduation-Required Assessments for Diploma (GRAD) AIR has subcontracted with Data Recognition Corporation (DRC) for the paper assessments. DRC will be handling the printing, shipping, and processing for all paper test materials. For questions regarding online testing and the Online Testing System, Test Information Distribution Engine (TIDE), Learning Point Navigator, the Online Reporting System, and GRAD accommodated test materials orders, please call the AIR Help Desk at 1-877-215-8749 and press 1 for AIR. For questions regarding paper tests, including receiving and returning materials, please call the AIR Help Desk and press 2 for DRC. Organization of This Manual The first section of the manual provides a description of the GRAD retests and information regarding training personnel, test security, and the systems available on the Minnesota Assessments portal. The middle section of the manual describes the receipt of test materials, the online administration of the Reading and Mathematics GRAD retests (including paper accommodated test materials), and the paper administration of the Written Composition GRAD retests for students in grades 10–12. The last section of the manual discusses the collection and return of test materials to DRC, information about assessment results, and where to access resources referred to in this manual, as well as appendices that include documentation and checklists relevant to the diploma assessments. Forms are not included in the manual and can be found in the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments. When reviewing this manual, districts should also have access to the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments, TIDE User Guide, Test Monitor User Guide for the Online Testing System, the Online Reporting System User Guide, and Data Entry Interface User Guide. 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Page 5 Overview The Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments is available on the General Resources page of the Minnesota Assessments portal. View the General Resources page (http://www.mnstateassessments.org/resources/?section=1). All user guides are available on the User Guides page of the Minnesota Assessments portal. View the User Guides page (http://www.mnstateassessments.org/resources/?section=2). Description of Graduation Assessment Requirements The 2013 E-12 Education Omnibus Act (Chapter 116) put some changes in place for the graduation assessment requirements. In order to be eligible for a diploma from a Minnesota public high school, all students must fulfill graduation assessment requirements. Based on the new legislation in 2013, there are different routes depending on what year students were first enrolled in grade 8. Districts will determine what routes will be offered and used to meet the requirements. This section will provide an overview of the changes in the graduation assessment requirements, but this manual will focus on the Graduation-Required Assessment for Diploma (GRAD) as a route to meet the requirements. For additional information, refer to the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments, as well as resources available on the Test Administration page of the MDE website. View the Test Administration page (http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/SchSup/TestAdmin/index.html). Students Enrolled in Grade 8 through 2011–2012 These students can meet the graduation assessment requirements by meeting the GRAD requirements in reading, mathematics, and written composition, which include: Earning a proficient score. If students are proficient (achieve Meets or Exceeds the Standards) on a grade 10 reading Title I assessment (MCA, MCA-Modified, or MTAS) or grade 11 mathematic Title I assessment (MCA, MCA-Modified, or MTAS), they have met their graduation assessment requirement for that subject. Earning a passing score on the Written Composition GRAD or Reading and Mathematics GRAD retests, or having the Minnesota Alternate Assessment: Writing completed for them. Meeting GRAD alternate routes, which may include the following. o Meet mathematics alternate pathway requirements (for students in grade 8 through 2009–2010 only) o Receive an individual passing score (for students on an IEP or 504 plan) o Receive an English Learner (EL) exemption o Pass an accountability assessment from another state approved by MDE The new legislation also allows students to take the ACT assessment for college admission, the WorkKeys job skills assessment, the Compass college placement test, or the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (or ASVAB) to meet graduation assessment requirements in reading, mathematics, and writing. Page 6 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Overview A school district may also substitute a score from an alternative, equivalent assessment to satisfy the graduation assessment requirements in reading, mathematics, and writing. Students Enrolled in Grade 8 in 2012–2013 and Later These students will meet graduation assessment requirements through the career and college assessment system, which will first be administered in school year 2014–2015. The career and college assessment system will consist of a grade 8 and 10 Career and College Assessment and grade 11 College Entrance Assessment. Students not yet academically ready for a career or college based on their growth in academic achievement between grades 8 and 10 must take the college placement diagnostic exam before taking the college entrance assessment in grade 11. Additional information about these assessments will be provided when it is available. Description of the GRAD Retests Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retests The Reading and Mathematics GRAD retests are administered by computer using the Online Testing System. The Reading and Mathematics GRAD retests contain only multiple-choice items. The passing scale score is 50 or higher. The only students eligible to take a GRAD retest are those who were in a precode file submitted to MDE and are otherwise eligible to take a GRAD retest (that is, they have not met their graduation assessment requirements for that subject). The Minnesota Automated Reporting Student System (MARSS) is MDE’s primary system for reporting individual student data. Precode Student Eligibility in MDE’s Test WES system may be used to add a student when that student is not submitted in MARSS (e.g., a “super senior” who only needs to test and is not enrolled) or to change testing location when a student is testing at a location different from the one sent in the precode file. Written Composition GRAD Retests The Written Composition GRAD retest is a paper assessment that requires students to write an essay in response to a prompt. Written Composition GRAD retests are available in November and April. The range of possible scores is 1 through 6: the passing score is 3 or higher. 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Page 7 General Information for 2013–2014 General Information for 2013–2014 Please refer to the Important Dates sheets in the front of this manual for the testing windows for the GRAD retests. Training Testing Personnel The District Assessment Coordinator must ensure that all testing personnel, including Test Monitors, are trained before they handle test materials. Emphasis should be given to the following: All district and school staff must be aware of the security policies for handling test materials and online administration. MDE provides some training resources that districts can use to train Test Monitors and other staff on security requirements. See the next section for more information about security. No unauthorized person should handle the test materials. District and school staff should not view test items. All district and school staff involved in statewide testing should understand and follow test administration procedures and timelines. The Online Test Monitor Certification Course is strongly recommended each year for Test Monitors administering online assessments. This course provides information on the steps involved in starting, monitoring, and stopping an online test session in the Online Testing System and is available on the Minnesota Assessments portal. District and school staff who are involved in administering or handling any statewide assessment must sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement. The Non-Disclosure Agreement is available in two formats, and either version is acceptable for district documentation. Documentation must be kept on record at the district for 12 months after the end of the academic school year in which testing took place. An individual who signed a NonDisclosure Agreement early in the school year does not need to sign another one when testing begins, but all Test Monitors administering online assessments must complete the Non-Disclosure Agreement in the Test Information Distribution Engine (TIDE) in order to administer an online assessment. Page 8 • For the Reading and Mathematics GRAD retests, the online Non-Disclosure Agreement must be read and accepted on the Non-Disclosure tab in TIDE before they will be able to log in to the Online Testing System. District Assessment Coordinators can view a list of staff who have completed the Non-Disclosure Agreement on the Manage Users page in TIDE. Staff can also print out the resulting form and send it to the District Assessment Coordinator for documentation (if needed). • For the Written Composition GRAD retests, the Non-Disclosure Agreement is available in the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments. It must be signed and sent to the District or School Assessment Coordinator before staff can access test materials. 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual General Information for 2013–2014 Security All Minnesota assessments must be administered under standard testing conditions. Refer to the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments for more information about ethical practices within the assessment process and roles and responsibilities for testing. The district must use the directions that are provided in the applicable Test Monitor and Student Directions, this GRAD Retest Assessment Manual, Online Test Monitor Certification Course, and the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments. Districts must also keep documentation of completed Non-Disclosure Agreements (as described previously in Training Testing Personnel) for all personnel with access to secure test materials. Test Materials Security Requirements Test materials must be kept in a locked, secure location until they are distributed to the Test Monitor at the time of testing. Test Monitors must have access to a secure, locked location to store all test materials, including accommodated test materials, when the test materials are not being used. Do not leave test materials unattended before, during, or after testing. Test materials that are not being used should be placed in a locked, secure location. See Chapter 3 of the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments for further information. Student Identification All students taking assessments must have a valid MARSS/SSID number. A student must be eligible to test and be known to the Test Monitor in order to test. For online testing, students must log in using their first name as it appears in MARSS, their MARSS/SSID number, and the session ID. (The session ID is created after the Test Monitor starts a test session.) Students’ names must be loaded to TIDE for your district and/or school, depending on the Test Monitor’s user role, in order to be able to log in to the Online Testing System. If the Test Monitor has a district-level user role in AIR’s systems, then the district information on the student enrollment has to be up-to-date in TIDE in order for the student to log in; if the Test Monitor has a school-level user role, then the district and school information on the student enrollment has to be up-to-date. Similarly, the names of students who take the Reading and Mathematics GRAD retest using paper accommodated test materials must also be loaded to TIDE for your district and/or school since their responses must be entered into the Data Entry Interface. Student enrollment information must be updated in MARSS or Precode Student Eligibility in Test WES. For paper testing, students will verify the accuracy of preprinted information at the time of testing. Students with incorrect information on their preprinted label or answer document can continue to use the answer document (unless the label or answer document has another student’s name or MARSS number or the incorrect grade). However, if a student uses an answer document with incorrect student information preprinted on it or on its label, be sure to correct the information in MARSS. If you want the information on the student’s answer document to be correct, you can place a district/school label over the incorrect preprinted information and bubble in the correct information on the answer document. The MARSS/SSID 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Page 9 General Information for 2013–2014 number and other student demographic information must be accurately and clearly bubbled in order to avoid delayed results, and a district/school label must be applied. Security Violations Districts must report any known violations of test security to MDE. MDE must accept reports of a violation of test security from anyone with knowledge of such an incident and must investigate any reported incidents of breaches in test security. See Chapter 3 of the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments for more information. The consequences of a violation in test security may include: the invalidation of test scores if a violation is found to justify serious questions about the integrity of the results of the test administration; and/or other reasonable sanctions that are necessary to preserve the security and confidentiality of future tests and test administrations. Security Forms Test Administration Report The Test Administration Report—located in Appendix A of the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments—is used to record the occurrence of a variety of special circumstances. The Test Administration Report (or similar form created by the district) must be kept on file at the district for 12 months after the end of the academic school year in which testing took place. If the report is completed by the School Assessment Coordinator, a copy should be forwarded to the District Assessment Coordinator. Districts must maintain records necessary for program audits or monitoring conducted by MDE. Districts do not return the Test Administration Report to AIR, DRC, or MDE. The following are examples of special circumstances: The district uses a translator to translate test directions to an English learner. A student refuses to take an assessment, requiring the assessment to be invalidated. A student’s responses are transferred by staff to an answer document or entered into the Data Entry Interface. Test Security Notification Form The Test Security Notification Form—located in Appendix A of the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments—is used to report security breaches involving a state assessment. Security breaches include misplacing materials, leaving materials unsecured, sharing items prior to testing, and having unauthorized materials available during testing. For the GRAD retests, any misadministration is also considered a security breach and must be recorded on the Test Security Notification Form. Misadministrations include actions that result in a test being invalidated or administering the incorrect assessment or accommodation to a student. When a security breach occurs, the School Assessment Coordinator should contact the District Page 10 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual General Information for 2013–2014 Assessment Coordinator. The District Assessment Coordinators immediately complete the Test Security Notification Form and fax it to MDE at 1-651-582-8874. Completing Security Forms During Test Administration On testing day, District Assessment Coordinators should be available to answer questions from School Assessment Coordinators and, if necessary, complete the Test Security Notification Form in the event that a security breach on a state assessment occurs. School Assessment Coordinators should be available on testing day to answer questions from Test Monitors. The School Assessment Coordinator should make arrangements with the District Assessment Coordinator to ensure completion of either the Test Administration Report or the Test Security Notification Form. 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Page 11 Minnesota Assessments Portal Minnesota Assessments Portal The Minnesota Assessments portal (www.mnstateassessments.org) is AIR’s website where districts can access information about testing, including manuals, user guides, online item samplers, and secure systems including the Online Testing System, TIDE, the Online Reporting System, and Learning Point Navigator. A password is not required to access the portal; however, a username and password are required to access any of the secure systems. AIR uses a Common Login System (CLS) to integrate the secure systems and applications. CLS is designed to ease the login process and simplify navigation between secure systems. After you have logged into one system, you can switch between systems you have access to without needing to log out or log in again. The top center of your browser contains a drop-down menu listing all Minnesota Assessments systems. Your current system is displayed to the left of this drop-down menu. Test Information Distribution Engine (TIDE) The Test Information Distribution Engine (TIDE) is the system used to manage user roles, view students, and view and edit shipping information, as well as to order additional test materials for Written Composition GRAD. Student information is populated in TIDE, which is used to show Test Monitors the students who are eligible for testing and the students’ test settings and accommodations. District Assessment Coordinators add and manage additional users at the district and school levels. For questions on user roles and login information, District Assessment Coordinators should contact the AIR Help Desk at 1-877-215-8749 (press 1) or [email protected]. Following is a summary of key functions in TIDE for District Assessment Coordinators: Create and manage users Verify student test settings and accommodations for the Reading and Mathematics GRAD retests Upload rosters Complete specific TIDE activities for each of the Written Composition GRAD retests: • Indicate participation in the November and/or April administrations in order to receive regular test materials for each administration • Indicate supplemental information, such as selecting district overage amount and preprinted answer documents or labels • Verify “ship-to” addresses if test materials will be shipped to schools • Order accommodated test materials • Order additional test materials Additional information on TIDE functionality can be found in the TIDE User Guide. A table showing the systems, tasks, and features each user role in AIR’s online systems is able to access can be found on the Minnesota Assessments portal under Resources. Page 12 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Minnesota Assessments Portal Online Testing System The Online Testing System is the system students use to take online assessments and Test Monitors use to start test sessions and administer the online assessments. Students access the Online Testing System through a secure browser installed on their computers. The correct version of the secure browser must be installed on each workstation that students will use for online testing. Students will not be permitted to log in if they are using a secure browser that is not supported with the correct operating system version. The Secure Browser page on the Minnesota Assessments portal includes instructions for installing the secure browser on individual workstations as well as instructions for downloading the files onto a network and then copying them to the appropriate student workstations. Technology Coordinators can read more on how workstations will need to be set up in the Technical Specifications Manual for Online Testing. Test Monitors access their interface of the Online Testing System through the Minnesota Assessments portal. This interface allows Test Monitors to create test sessions, approve students, and monitor their test progress. Please refer to the Test Monitor User Guide for the Online Testing System for more information. Data Entry Interface The Data Entry Interface allows users to enter student responses for students who require paper accommodated test materials for the online Reading and Mathematics GRAD retests. The Data Entry Interface functions similarly to the Online Testing System. More information on the Data Entry Interface can be found in the Data Entry Interface User Guide. Online Reporting System The Online Reporting System allows users to see preliminary test results through Score Reports and to view students’ participation in testing through the Test Management Center. Score Reports allow district and school users to view students’ preliminary scores and track score trends within rosters, schools, and the district and to compare them with overall district data. The Test Management Center allows users to monitor student testing progress (e.g., how many students have been tested). More information about student test results and available reports can be found in the Online Reporting System User Guide. Learning Point Navigator Learning Point Navigator provides districts with educational and instructional resources for classroom use. Once students are assigned to teachers through rosters, teachers can log in to Learning Point Navigator and create assignments for students who need extra help in a subject or a specific content standard. Teachers can assign due dates and track their students’ progress. This system is linked to the Online Reporting System so users can access resources for students based on their performance on assessments. For details on how to use Learning Point Navigator, please refer to the Learning Point Navigator User Guide. 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Page 13 Minnesota Assessments Portal Item Samplers, Online Calculators, and Student Tutorial Several resources are available on the Minnesota Assessments portal to help students prepare for the test. Students must be given the opportunity to use the item samplers and practice using the online calculator before testing. Students also must be given the opportunity to review the online student tutorials prior to online test administration. Item samplers can be accessed from the home page of the Minnesota Assessments portal and can be accessed without logging in to one of the secure systems. Item samplers are provided to help teachers and students become familiar with the format and type of content included in the assessments, but they contain fewer items than an actual full-length test. Item samplers are available for both paper and online assessments. For online item samplers, a Guest User login option is available that allows anyone to access the online item samplers. The online item samplers must be accessed using either AIR’s secure browser or Firefox. If a student needs to use text-to-speech for mathematics, the secure browser must be used to access the item samplers. Text-tospeech is not available when the online item samplers are accessed using Firefox. The Test Monitor Training Site (accessed through the Minnesota Assessments portal) allows Test Monitors to practice creating and monitoring an online test session in conjunction with the online item samplers. Please refer to the Test Monitor User Guide for the Online Testing System for more information on using the online item samplers with the Test Monitor Training Site. When preparing students for online testing, the Test Monitor Training Site and online item samplers must be used. Using the Test Monitor Interface of the Online Testing System and an operational assessment to prepare students for online testing is a breach of security. Stand-alone online calculators are also available on the Minnesota Assessments portal under Student Resources for students to practice using outside of the item samplers. While students may access the stand-alone online calculators on mobile devices to become familiar with the online calculators, mobile devices cannot be used during testing. The same version of the calculator is available in the online test. NOTE: For desktops and laptops, calculators are supported in Firefox only; they may be accessible in other browsers but may not function optimally. For Android tablets, Google Chrome is the supported browser; for tablets running Apple iOS, use the native Safari browser. Student tutorials for the Reading and Mathematics GRAD retests are available on the Minnesota Assessments portal under Student Resources and provide students with information on how to use online tools (e.g., highlight, strikethrough, zoom, and calculator), navigate through the online tests, and answer items. Page 14 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Minnesota Assessments Portal Technical Support AIR technical and customer support is available Monday through Friday for assistance with installation of software, test session management, technical troubleshooting during testing, or questions regarding paper test materials and shipping procedures. Support contact information is as follows: Phone support: 1-877-215-8749 • When calling the AIR Help Desk, you will be prompted to “Press 2” for information about printed materials and shipment procedures, “Press 1” for all other questions, or remain on the line for the next available agent. • September–May: Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. • June–August: Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. • Saturday hours during the Reading and Mathematics GRAD retest window, 7:00 a.m. to noon Email support: [email protected] 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Page 15 Test Materials Shipment and Receipt Test Materials Shipment and Receipt Supplemental Information and Initial Test Materials Orders Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retests The Reading and Mathematics GRAD retests are online assessments; only accommodated test materials are shipped from DRC if ordered by the district. Districts may order accommodated testing materials for students who have an IEP or 504 plan or for students identified as LEP in MARSS by filling out the GRAD Accommodated Test Materials Order Form or GRAD 12 pt Font Accommodated Test Books Order Form found in Appendix A of the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments. There are no Supplemental Information windows for Reading and Mathematics GRAD retests. A comparability study in reading and mathematics showed that the online mode of delivery compared with paper and pencil did not adversely impact student performance. MDE understands, however, that in rare instances a student is unable to successfully use the online retest successfully and the large print version of the assessment is not an appropriate solution. For these instances, a 12-point font test book is available for general education students. To order a 12-point font test book, districts must fax to AIR the completed GRAD 12 pt Font Paper Test Book Request Form, which is available in Appendix B of the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments. The form must include the rationale for the request. Completed forms must be faxed to the AIR Help Desk at 1-877-218-7663. Please refer to the Important Dates sheets in the front of this manual to determine the ordering window for each test administration. Written Composition GRAD Retests District Assessment Coordinators must use TIDE to indicate whether they are participating in the Written Composition retest administrations, enter supplemental information, and order accommodated test materials for each administration of the Written Composition GRAD retests (November and April). Indicate participation: In order to receive regular test materials, districts must indicate that they will be participating in each administration (November and/or April). Once the information on the “Contact Information” tab has been verified, the “Participation” tab will open. Select “Yes” from the drop-down list if your district is participating and then select “Save.” Upon confirming participation, the “Orders” tab will open for districts to complete Supplemental Information and place orders for accommodated test materials. Page 16 • After confirming participation, districts and schools will automatically receive regular test materials (prompt folders and answer documents) based on the enrollment counts in MARSS and the number of students in grades 10–12 who have not taken or passed this assessment. • To address changes in student enrollment, schools will automatically receive overage test material. 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Test Materials Shipment and Receipt Complete Supplemental Information: Districts indicate in Supplemental Information whether they want to receive district overage, to have the materials sent to your district or to the schools and to receive labels or preprinted answer documents. In order to access the Supplemental Information, select the “Orders” tab and then select “Supplemental Information.” Order accommodated test materials (if needed): To order accommodated test materials, select the “Orders” tab and then select “On-Time Orders.” Enter the total quantity for each material type in the boxes in the “Total Quantity Ordered” column. District Assessment Coordinators can access the On-time (Initial) Orders tab under the Orders tab in TIDE to view the counts of regular test materials for their district and schools. Regular test materials quantities may be viewed, but no changes to these quantities are permitted in TIDE. These counts are updated based on precode files until the precode pull date for preprinted test materials. See the Important Dates sheets at the front of this manual for precode data pull dates. NOTE: April Written Composition test materials will be shipped on the date indicated in Supplemental Information for Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA). Test Materials Shipments This section provides a detailed inventory of the accommodated test materials shipment for Reading and Mathematics GRAD retests and the Written Composition GRAD retest materials shipment. Reading/Mathematics GRAD Retests Accommodated Test Materials Shipment The Reading and Mathematics GRAD retests are online assessments; only accommodated test materials are shipped from DRC if ordered by the district. Accommodated test materials will be packaged and shipped to the district. The District Assessment Coordinator will be responsible for delivery and return of the secure test materials. All accommodated test books and scripts will have a label with the student’s demographic information attached to the front of the accommodated test materials. Depending on the test materials ordered by the district, the shipment may contain the materials listed below. 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Page 17 Test Materials Shipment and Receipt Test Materials Description District Packing List Provides a summary of all accommodated test materials sent in the shipment from DRC. District Security Checklist Provides a list of security number sequences of test materials; should be used for recording any discrepancies. Reading and Mathematics GRAD Test Monitor and Student Directions for Paper Accommodations Contains the scripted directions and Direction Sheet for Test Monitors to use when administering the test using paper accommodated test materials. Large Print (18- or 24-point font) or Braille Reading and Mathematics GRAD Test Books For accommodated administration. Reading and Mathematics GRAD Test Books (12-point font) For accommodated administration. Mathematics GRAD Scripts For accommodated administration. BLUE Accommodated Test Materials return box labels Used for returning Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retest accommodated test materials. UPS-Return Shipping (RS) labels Used for shipping boxes back to DRC. Page 18 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Test Materials Shipment and Receipt Written Composition GRAD Retest Test Materials Shipment Test Materials Coordinator Box: District/School Packing List Description Provides a summary of all materials sent in the shipment from DRC. • Coordinator Box: School Box Range Sheet • Ship-to-district: List identifying the number of boxes packaged for each school and the number of boxes packaged for the district. Ship-to-school: List identifying the number of boxes packed for the site. Coordinator Box: School Packing Lists (district copies) Copies of all School Packing Lists (if ship-to-district). Coordinator Box: Order Summary Provides the total number of each material shipped. Coordinator Box: GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Contains information about receiving, administering, and returning test materials. Coordinator Box: Written Composition GRAD Test Monitor and Student Directions Contains a script for the Test Monitor to read aloud. Coordinator Box: Preprinted Labels For districts that selected labels to affix to student answer documents instead of preprinted answer documents; provided in the school’s Coordinator Box. Coordinator Box: District/School Labels Labels to be used on hand-bubbled answer documents. District/school labels are used for reporting purposes. District/school labels are provided at the school level and are only found in the school’s Coordinator Box. Coordinator Box: YELLOW Written Composition Answer Document Return Box Labels Used for returning Written Composition GRAD answer documents to DRC. Return box labels are provided only to the ship-to location. Coordinator Box: UPS-Return Shipping (RS) Labels Used for shipping boxes back to DRC. UPS-RS labels are provided only to the ship-to location. Coordinator Box: Voided Answer Document Plastic Bag Used for returning answer documents with written student responses that are not to be scored to DRC. Written Composition GRAD Prompt Folders Writing prompt folders are secure until the day of testing. Please verify that the correct prompt is being used for the test administration date. Accommodated Test Materials: Large Print Writing Prompt Folders (24-point font only) For accommodated administration. Accommodated Test Materials: Contracted Braille Writing Prompt Folders For accommodated administration. Preprinted and/or Blank Written Composition GRAD Answer Documents For Written Composition GRAD test administration. 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Page 19 Test Materials Shipment and Receipt Receiving Test Materials DRC will use UPS for all paper test material deliveries. District Assessment Coordinators can track their Written Composition GRAD test material shipments by using the Track Shipments tab under Orders in TIDE. Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retests For the Reading and Mathematics GRAD retests, accommodated test materials will be packaged and shipped to the district. The District Assessment Coordinator will be responsible for receipt and return of the secure test materials. District Assessment Coordinators should open boxes as soon as possible after receipt to allow for timely replacement of damaged or missing items. Test materials must be kept secure at all times. Written Composition GRAD Retests For the Written Composition GRAD retests, test materials will arrive at the district or school in boxes addressed to the Assessment Coordinator depending on the options selected in Supplemental Information. Test materials may be included in the Coordinator Box. For the April administrations, test materials will be shipped on the date indicated in Supplemental Information for MCA. If the ship-to-district option was selected, the District Assessment Coordinator is responsible for receiving test materials from DRC and then delivering test materials to each School Assessment Coordinator. If the ship-to-school option was selected, each School Assessment Coordinator is responsible for receiving test materials from DRC. NOTE: Answer documents associated with a school are linked to the school and should not be shared with other schools. District overage answer documents are linked to the district and should not be shared with other districts. The labels on each box reference the location they are shipped to and the boxes are sequentially numbered. Upon receipt of test materials, the District/School Assessment Coordinator should follow the steps below to maintain the integrity of the state tests. Open boxes as soon as possible after receipt to allow sufficient time for check in. Districts that receive school test materials should distribute them to the School Assessment Coordinators as early as possible to allow for timely replacement of damaged or missing items. Test materials must be kept secure at all times. Locate the white Coordinator Box with the yellow “Written Composition GRAD Assessment Coordinator Materials Enclosed” sticker attached. Find the School Box Range Sheet in the Coordinator Box that shows the number of boxes shipped to the district or school (depending on where the test materials were shipped). District Assessment Coordinators can use the School Box Range Sheet to easily sort boxes by school and verify that all boxes have been received. School Assessment Coordinators can use the sheet to quickly verify that all boxes have been received. If boxes are missing, please call the AIR Help Desk at 1-877-215-8749 and press 2 for DRC. Page 20 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Test Materials Shipment and Receipt Locate and review the District/School Packing List to verify the receipt of all test materials including coordinator materials and return materials (if applicable). • District Assessment Coordinators can print out copies of their district and school Written Composition GRAD packing lists by using the Track Shipments tab under the Orders tab in TIDE. Review this GRAD Retest Assessment Manual, the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments, the Written Composition GRAD Test Monitor and Student Directions, and the Important Dates sheets. The Check-in List for Test Materials, the Collection and Return of Test Materials, and the Shipping of Test Materials checklists available in the appendices of this manual should also be reviewed. These documents may be duplicated as needed. Organize and place test materials in a locked, secure location until they are distributed for testing. Writing prompt folders are considered secure until the state-designated administration date and must not be reviewed prior to the administration. Non-secure test materials, such as Test Monitor and Student Directions, may be distributed to Test Monitors upon receipt to allow them sufficient time to prepare for test administration. Save the boxes in which the test materials arrived. You can use them to return answer documents to DRC for scoring. Use of Written Composition GRAD Retests District Overage Materials If the district chose to receive an overage of test materials, the district overage materials are packaged separately. District overage should be used if any school needs additional or replacement test materials that the school overage cannot cover. The following procedure must be used to replace missing, damaged, or defective test materials in any school: Distribute additional test materials from the district shipment. Writing prompts and blank answer documents are shrink-wrapped in packs of 5 or 25. When distributing answer documents from the district overage, remind the school to apply a district/school label on the answer documents and to hand-bubble all applicable student demographic information. Bar codes on the district overage answer documents are associated with districts only, not schools. Therefore, overage answer documents with missing district/school labels can be traced only to the district level. If your district overage shipment cannot accommodate the need for test materials, place an additional order through TIDE. Additional Test Materials for Written Composition GRAD Retests It is important that every testing site have the right test materials for each of the students who should be tested. If the initial shipment of test materials does not include everything that students will need at testing time, the School Assessment Coordinator should contact the District Assessment Coordinator. The District Assessment Coordinator will either distribute additional test materials from the district overage or order test materials in TIDE during the Additional Orders window. The District Assessment Coordinator can have an additional order sent directly to a school. Allow time for the additional orders for Written Composition GRAD test materials to be delivered before the test administration dates. 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Page 21 Test Materials Shipment and Receipt NOTE: Orders must be entered by noon to be considered same-day business. Additional November Written Composition GRAD test materials can be ordered from October 23 to November 11, 2013. Additional April Written Composition GRAD test materials can be ordered from March 18 to April 21, 2014. If additional return labels and/or district labels are needed after the Additional Orders window closes, please call the AIR Help Desk at 1-877-215-8749 and press 2 for DRC. Page 22 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Online Administration: Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retests This section provides information on the online administration for the Reading and Mathematics GRAD retests. Refer to the Important Dates sheets in the front of this manual for testing windows. Accommodated test materials are shipped from DRC only if ordered by the district. See the Reading and Mathematics Paper Accommodated Test Materials section in this manual for more information on administering assessments with accommodations. Preparing for Online Administrations Technology Preparation Your Technology Coordinator should prepare the computer labs or other computers by ensuring that the computers meet the minimum requirements for testing. Work with your Technology Coordinator to make sure that these testing preparations have been done: All student workstations have the secure browser installed. The secure browser should be launched on each machine to ensure that it is connecting to the Online Testing System. Diagnostics have been run (by clicking Run diagnostics link on the Item Sampler login screen) to ensure that all features are working as intended and to access the text-to-speech check for mathematics. The text-to-speech check verifies that the audio is working and is set at the appropriate volume within the secure browser. Headphones are available for students to use during testing for the Mathematics GRAD. For a complete list of procedures and checklists, have your Technology Coordinator read the Technical Specifications Manual for Online Testing and Online Testing System Diagnostic Tools Information and Instructions, which can be found on the Minnesota Assessments portal under Technical Resources. In addition, District/School Assessment Coordinators should schedule computer labs for all testing sessions as needed and ensure that Test Monitors who have access to the AIR systems are able to log in to the Test Monitor interface of the Online Testing System. Scheduling A student must complete the Reading and Mathematics GRAD retest within one day. Most students will complete testing within one session. If a student needs to pause, he or she may resume testing within the same day but will be unable to review items or passages taken prior to pausing. Once students pause for 20 minutes, they cannot access any items or passages completed previously. 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Page 23 Online Administration: Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retests Online Administration: Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retests Online Administration: Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retests Online Administration: Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retests Student Login Students must log in using their first name as it appears in MARSS, their MARSS/SSID number, and session ID (the session ID is created after the Test Monitor starts a test session). District and School Assessment Coordinators can print a list of students with their MARSS/SSID numbers from TIDE to ensure that students have the correct information to log in to the Online Testing System. Detailed instructions can be found in the TIDE User Guide. This student information is considered secure and should be securely disposed of after testing is completed. Test Monitor Directions for Online Administration The Reading and Mathematics GRAD Test Monitor and Student Directions for Online Administration, available on the Minnesota Assessments portal, contain the scripted directions and Direction Sheet for Test Monitors to use when administering the online Reading and Mathematics GRAD retests. Districts have the following options for presenting the directions to students: Test Monitors may read aloud the script provided in the Reading and Mathematics GRAD Test Monitor and Student Directions for Online Administration to students before they begin to test. Test Monitors may make copies of the one-page Direction Sheet that is on the last page of the Reading and Mathematics GRAD Test Monitor and Student Directions for Online Administration or in Appendix F of this manual and distribute it to students. Test Monitors may project the Direction Sheet for the students who are testing. The Direction Sheet is located on the last page of the Reading and Mathematics GRAD Test Monitor and Student Directions for Online Administration or in Appendix F of this manual. Allowable Materials The following materials are provided to students for online test administration: Student login information Scratch paper (if provided by the district/school; students must write their name on it) A pencil or pen to use with scratch paper Calculators, if used (mathematics only) Headphones (mathematics only) Hard-copy mathematics formula sheets (if provided by the district/school); located in Appendix E Direction Sheet, if used The Test Monitor will also use a mathematics script in conjunction with the student testing online if a student requires the script accommodation. Page 24 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Online Administration: Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retests Verifying Student Information Students cannot be manually added into TIDE or the Online Testing System, and districts should update MARSS to add students for testing. If students who need to test are not in MARSS (e.g., homeschooled students), districts will use Precode Student Eligibility in Test WES to add students to the precode file that will be sent to TIDE. The Test Monitor should verify the accuracy of student information before approving students to test. Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retest Item Samplers and Student Tutorial To prepare for online testing, students should be provided with the opportunity to practice answering items and navigating in the Online Testing System through the online item samplers. The online item samplers can be accessed through Firefox or the secure browser. However, if a student needs to use text-to-speech, the secure browser must be used to access the item samplers; text-to-speech is not available when using Firefox. Test Monitors can also practice starting and monitoring test sessions through the Test Monitor Training Site. Students must NOT log in to the actual test when accessing the item samplers through the secure browser. They must select the “Go to the Online Item Samplers instead” link on the login page. Test Monitors also must NOT use the operational Test Monitor Interface for practice. For all practice cases, use the Test Monitor Training Site and online item samplers. Please refer to the Test Monitor User Guide for the Online Testing System for more information on using the online item samplers. A student tutorial, which is also available on the Minnesota Assessments portal under Student Resources, provides information on how to use online tools (e.g., highlighting, strikethrough, zoom) and how to navigate through the test. Test Settings and Accommodations Some online test settings and accommodations can enable students to participate in the online administration of the test. In other cases, students may need paper accommodated test materials, and district staff will enter the student responses into the Data Entry Interface; see the Reading and Mathematics Paper Accommodated Test Materials section later in this manual for more information. It is important to ensure that the correct test settings and accommodations are indicated for each student prior to test administration. Online test settings, accommodated text-to-speech, and accommodation codes should be set in TIDE by the District or School Assessment Coordinator before testing begins (see the TIDE User Guide for more information). 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Page 25 Online Administration: Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retests For online testing, District Assessment Coordinators should verify that the names of all students are loaded into TIDE. The names of all eligible students will be loaded into the TIDE system before each test administration and through nightly precode files that are sent, beginning on the day of the initial precode file through the end of the testing window. See the Important Dates sheets at the beginning of this manual for specific dates for each administration. Any student demographic information, including grade, must be updated in MARSS and cannot be changed in TIDE. Online Administration: Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retests Online Administration: Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retests If test settings, accommodated text-to-speech, or accommodation codes need to be changed at the time of testing, the Test Monitor can change them in the Test Monitor Interface of the Online Testing System when students request approval to begin testing (see the Test Monitor User Guide for the Online Testing System). In order to change the student’s online test settings, accommodated text-to-speech, or accommodation codes after the student has begun testing, the student will need to pause the test to allow the Test Monitor to change the settings and/or accommodations. The student will need to log in again and the Test Monitor will need to approve the student to continue testing. (For additional information, refer to the Test Monitor User Guide for the Online Testing System.) The online test settings affect only the online test and are set in TIDE on the Student Details page. Accommodated text-to-speech is an accommodation that affects the way a student experiences an online test, and it is also set in TIDE (see Table 1 below). Table 1: Test Settings and Accommodations in TIDE That Affect Online Testing Test Settings/ Accommodations Options Description This test setting is a color overlay applied to a student’s test. Color Choices None (default is white) Blue Yellow This setting is designed to help students who experience difficulties that are associated with the contrast or lighting of the screen. The default, None, uses a white background. Print Size Page 26 No default zoom applied Level 1 increases the font size by 25%. Level 2 increases the font size by 50%. Level 3 increases the font size by 75%. Level 4 increases the font size by 200%. The selected print size becomes the default for all items in that student’s test. Regardless of the print size assigned, all students have the ability to zoom in or out for each item; this setting affects the default size. Note: The default print size is 14 pt for grade 3 tests and 12 pt for all other tests. 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Online Administration: Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retests Table 1: Test Settings and Accommodations in TIDE That Affect Online Testing (continued) Text-to-Speech Options Description Standard Text-to-Speech: Text-to-speech is student initiated and reads questions and answer options for all students who choose to use it during testing. Text-to-speech is computer-generated audio and students will select what they want read when they right click on different parts of the question (e.g., question and answer options, selected text, specific answer option). The availability of text-to-speech cannot be turned off. Standard Text-toSpeech (default) Accommodated Text-to-Speech (MC) Accommodated Text-to-Speech: This accommodation is available only for students with an IEP or 504 plan or who are LEP-identified in MARSS. All text, graphics, and tables will have textto-speech. This accommodation is indicated in TIDE and can be changed at the time of testing in the Online Testing System, if needed. In addition, other accommodation codes are also indicated in TIDE. See Table 2 for the accommodation codes available for Reading and Mathematics GRAD retests. Table 2: Accommodation Codes Accommodation Code 12 18, 24 Accommodation Description 12-point font test books 18- or 24-point large print test books AT Assistive technologies BR Braille test book MC Accommodated text-to-speech (indicated by changing the test setting as described above) MS Mathematics script; can be used in conjunction with the online test or with a 12-point font, large-print font or Braille test book 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Page 27 Online Administration: Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retests Test Settings/ Accommodations Online Administration: Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retests Online Administration: Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retests Table 2: Accommodation Codes (continued) Accommodation Code Accommodation Description MT Made tape (reading only) OA Other accommodation SC Scribe TD Translated directions For more information regarding accommodations, please refer to the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments. Invalidations The invalidation (INV) test code is available for Reading and Mathematics GRAD retests. Invalidations are entered in TIDE on the Invalidations page. Please see the TIDE User Guide for more information on entering invalidations. The reason or situation for the invalidation must also be documented on the Test Administration Report and kept on file at the district in the event of an audit by MDE. If there is a possible security breach or misadministration, a Test Security Notification Form must be filled out and faxed to MDE. For more information, please refer to the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments. Test Administration Scheduling Test Sessions A student must complete the Reading and Mathematics GRAD retest within one day. Most students will complete testing within one session. If a student needs to pause, he or she may resume testing within the same day but will be unable to review items or passages taken prior to pausing if the test is paused for more than 20 minutes. To maintain a fair and valid testing system, this policy also applies in the situation where technical difficulties pause the test for more than 20 minutes. A GRAD retest will expire at the end of the day, and a student will not be able to restart a test at any other time during the testing window. Districts must plan ahead to allow students time to complete testing in one session or day. If a student leaves and does not return to complete the test, the student may not resume testing. Page 28 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Online Administration: Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retests Test Session Setup Administering Online Tests The Test Monitor ensures that the computers in the labs are turned on and have no software running other than the secure browser used for testing. The Test Monitor reads the script in the Test Monitor and Student Directions or distributes or projects the Direction Sheets. The Test Monitor logs in to the Test Monitor Interface of the Online Testing System, selects tests to be included in the test session, and starts the session. The screen will display a session ID, which the Test Monitor writes on the board or provides to students along with their login information. Students log in with their first name as it appears in MARSS, their MARSS/SSID number, and the session ID. This information must be entered exactly as is, with no extraneous spaces or characters. The student selects the test to take. Students will only be able to select tests that meet two conditions: (1) the student must be eligible to take the test and (2) the test must be included in the session. The Test Monitor sees the student requests to enter the session, reviews the test settings and accommodations, and approves the students to test. Students are offered a final chance to confirm their identity and test choices before beginning the test. Students taking the Mathematics GRAD retest will be prompted to verify that they can hear the sample text-to-speech audio before continuing the login process. The Test Monitor monitors the test administration. If administering the mathematics script in conjunction with an online test, the Test Monitor reads the script while the student follows along and answers the questions in the test. The Test Monitor ends the test session by clicking “Stop Session.” The Test Monitor collects all scratch paper, student login information, or other materials and returns them to the District or School Assessment Coordinator or securely destroys them as instructed after testing is complete. NOTE: Test Monitors must verify that the students are requesting to take the correct test before approving them. When they have confirmed that the correct students are requesting approval, the test settings and accommodations for those students are correct, and the students are attempting to take the correct test, they may approve the students to begin testing. 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Page 29 Online Administration: Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retests Test Monitors must create a test session on the day of student testing. Test sessions cannot be created in advance; a test session simply corresponds to a place and time where students are testing. Below are the steps a Test Monitor takes to start a test session. During the login process, students request entry into the test session. The Test Monitor receives that request on his or her workstation and can approve or deny the request. At this point, the Test Monitor can adjust the test settings or accommodations for students who need them. For instructions on setting up test sessions, refer to the Test Monitor User Guide for the Online Testing System. Online Administration: Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retests Online Administration: Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retests Monitoring Testing During testing, Test Monitors are able to monitor student progress from their computer. On the Test Monitor Interface of the Online Testing System, Test Monitors can view students’ testing progress after they have been approved for entry into the test session. The Test Monitor’s screen auto-refreshes regularly to show real-time testing progress and activity. The “Status” column displays the current status of each student as well as the number of items that have been answered by the student. Test sessions remain active when students are selecting an answer or using a navigation option such as clicking “Next” or “Back” or using “Past/Marked Questions” to review an item. The use of the calculator does not count as activity. Any inactivity of 20 minutes will pause a student’s test, which logs him or her out of the test session. If another 20 minutes elapse after the test is paused, the student will not be able to review previously answered questions. More detailed instructions for administering online tests can be found in the Test Monitor User Guide for the Online Testing System on the Minnesota Assessments portal. Reading and Mathematics Paper Accommodated Test Materials This section provides information on the administration of the Reading and Mathematics GRAD retest with paper accommodated test materials. All student responses must be entered into the Data Entry Interface. Accommodated test materials include the following: 12-point font test books Large print (18- or 24-point font) test books Braille test books Mathematics script • Can be used in conjunction with 12-point font, large print, or Braille test books. • Can be used in conjunction with the online test in a small group or individual setting. Refer to the previous section of this manual for information about online test administration. Allowable Materials The following materials may be provided to students for test administration based on the accommodations needed: Regular print, large print, or Braille test books Scratch paper (if provided by the district/school; students must write their name on it) A pencil or pen to use with scratch paper Calculators (if used; for mathematics only) Direction Sheet (if used) Page 30 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Online Administration: Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retests Accommodations Codes Before student responses from paper accommodated materials are submitted into the Data Entry Interface, the District or School Assessment Coordinator must indicate any student accommodations in TIDE (see the Test Monitor User Guide for the Online Testing System).See Table 3 for the accommodation codes available for Reading and Mathematics GRAD retests. Table 3: Accommodation Codes Accommodation Code Accommodation Description 12 12-point font test books 18, 24 18- or 24-point large print test books AT Assistive technologies BR Braille test book MC Accommodated text-to-speech (indicated by changing the test setting as described above) MS Mathematics script; can be used in conjunction with the online test or with a 12-point font, large-print font or Braille test book MT Made tape (reading only) OA Other accommodation SC Scribe TD Translated directions For more information regarding accommodations, please refer to the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments. Invalidations The invalidation (INV) test code is available for Reading and Mathematics GRAD retests. Invalidations are entered in TIDE on the Invalidations page. Please see the TIDE User Guide for 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Page 31 Online Administration: Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retests The Test Monitor will also use a mathematics script in conjunction with a student testing on a paper test book if the student requires the script and a 12-point font, large print or Braille test book. Online Administration: Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retests Online Administration: Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retests more information on entering invalidations. The reason or situation for the invalidation must also be documented on the Test Administration Report and kept on file at the district in the event of an audit by MDE. If there is a possible security breach or misadministration, a Test Security Notification Form must be filled out and faxed to MDE. For more information, please refer to the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments. Test Monitor and Student Directions for Paper Accommodations The Reading and Mathematics GRAD Test Monitor and Student Directions for Paper Accommodations contains the information necessary for Test Monitors to administer the Reading and Mathematics GRAD paper accommodated test materials. Districts have the following options for presenting the directions to students: Test Monitors may read aloud the script provided in the Reading and Mathematics GRAD Test Monitor and Student Directions for Paper Accommodations aloud to students before they begin to test. Test Monitors may make copies of the one-page Direction Sheet that is on the last page of the Reading and Mathematics GRAD Test Monitor and Student Directions for Paper Accommodations or in Appendix G of this manual and distribute it to students. Test Monitors may project the Direction Sheet for the students who are testing. The Direction Sheet is located on the last page of the Reading and Mathematics GRAD Test Monitor and Student Directions for Paper Accommodations or in Appendix G of this manual. Test Administration Students will respond directly in the 12-point font, large print or Braille test books. When administering a mathematics script in conjunction with paper accommodated test materials, the Test Monitor reads from the script while the student follows along and answers the questions in the test book. Transferring Student Responses into the Data Entry Interface The Data Entry Interface allows authorized users to enter student responses from accommodated materials for the Reading and Mathematics GRAD retests. Accommodations for students must be set in TIDE by the District Assessment Coordinator before students’ responses can be entered in the Data Entry Interface. All student responses must be entered during the testing window. Refer to the Data Entry Interface User Guide on the Minnesota Assessments portal for instructions on entering student responses into the Data Entry Interface. After all responses are entered into the Data Entry Interface, the Test Monitor should return all accommodated test materials to the District or School Assessment Coordinator. Districts must keep records of who entered student responses into the Data Entry Interface. This documentation should be kept for 12 months after the end of the academic school year in which testing took place in the event of an audit. Page 32 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Online Administration: Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retests Return of GRAD Retests Accommodated Test Materials 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Page 33 Online Administration: Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retests The accommodated test materials are secure and must be returned using the procedures for returning secure test materials described in the Collection and Return of Test Materials section of this manual. Paper Administration: Written Composition GRAD Retests Paper Administration: Written Composition GRAD Retests Written Composition GRAD retests are available in November and April. Preparing Test Materials Writing Prompt Folders The writing prompt folder has the prompt number and the date of administration on the front. The correct writing prompt folder must be used on the correct testing date. Packages of writing prompt folders may be opened for preparation and organization. However, they should then be securely stored until the testing date. Writing prompt folders may not be distributed prior to the day of testing. Paper Administration: Written Composition GRAD Retests Written Composition GRAD Retests Answer Document The Written Composition GRAD retests answer document is specific for each test administration (November and April). Discard all unused answer documents after each administration as they cannot be used for future administrations. The Written Composition GRAD retests answer document is also district- and school-specific. Answer documents are assigned to a school and should not be shared with other schools within the district. Answer documents from the district overage are assigned to the district and should not be shared with other districts. Schools that use any answer documents from the district overage must apply district/school labels and hand-bubble the student demographic information on the front of the answer document. The District Assessment Coordinator may order additional materials through TIDE during the Additional Orders window. See the Important Dates sheets in the front of this manual for these dates. All students must have a valid MARSS/SSID number in order to participate in the Written Composition GRAD test administration. Non-public school students taking part in any paper administration must also have valid MARSS/SSID numbers. Applying District/School Labels to Answer Documents The only purpose of the district/school label is to identify the district and school where the student’s results from a hand-bubbled answer document should be reported. These labels do not need to be applied to answer documents that have preprinted student information or preprinted labels applied. Schools will receive a set of YELLOW-STRIPED district/school labels with their test materials. Each district/school label includes a bar code identifying the district and school and the appropriate Written Composition GRAD retest administration. NOTE: The BLUE-STRIPED Title I district/school labels should not be applied to Written Composition GRAD retest answer documents. The district/school label must be applied to the front of all hand-bubbled answer documents in the box directly below the text “ALIGN TOP OF LABEL HERE.” Page 34 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Paper Administration: Written Composition GRAD Retests NOTE: Any hand-bubbled answer document returned without a district/school label will be attributed to the district and school that originally received that answer document. Never give a preprinted answer document to a student whose name does not match the name on the answer document. If you received a preprinted answer document or preprinted label with incorrect demographic information, you must apply a district/school label over the incorrect preprinted demographic information or preprinted label and then hand-bubble the demographic information. All students taking assessments must have a valid MARSS/SSID number. Hand-Bubbling Demographic Information If the district/school plans to use a district/school label and have students hand-bubble the information on the front of the answer document, please use the script in Appendix D of this manual. All students participating in the Written Composition GRAD retest must have valid MARSS/SSID numbers. The MARSS/SSID number and student demographic information must be accurately and clearly bubbled in order to receive the final student reports on time. If the MARSS/SSID number or student demographic information is incorrectly bubbled or missing, final student reports will be delayed. Distributing Written Composition GRAD Test Materials Districts should use their records to verify the names of all the students needing to take the Written Composition GRAD retest. If district documentation indicates that these students have passed the test or are no longer enrolled in the district, securely discard the preprinted answer documents or student preprinted labels for those students who will not test. Any used answer documents that are voided and not to be scored should be returned to DRC in the plastic bag that is provided with materials. The District or School Assessment Coordinator should assign students and testing materials to a Test Monitor. Test Monitors should also have the Written Composition GRAD Test Monitor and Student Directions at the time of testing. 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Page 35 Paper Administration: Written Composition GRAD Retests Answer Documents with Incorrect Preprinted Student Information Paper Administration: Written Composition GRAD Retests The following materials may be provided to students for test administration based on the accommodations needed: Regular print, large print, or Braille writing prompt folders (verify that the correct prompt is being used for the designated testing date) Answer documents with preprinted student information, preprinted labels applied, or district/school labels (for hand-bubbling student demographic information) Number 2 pencils with erasers Highlighters (optional) NOTE: Students must use a Number 2 pencil to complete all sections of the answer document. Students may NOT use mechanical pencils or pens. Test Administration Paper Administration: Written Composition GRAD Retests Writing Prompt Folders Each writing prompt folder identifies the date it is to be used. Please verify that the correct prompt is being used on the designated testing date. Written Composition GRAD Retest (November 2013) • Prompt #1 (November 6, 2013) is printed on white paper. • Prompt #2 (November 12, 2013) is printed on yellow paper. Written Composition GRAD Retest (April 2014) • Prompt #1 (April 15, 2014) is printed on white paper. • Prompt #2 (April 22, 2014) is printed on blue paper. Accommodations Some accommodations for the Written Composition GRAD include translated directions, scribe, and word processing supports. See Chapters 5 and 6 of the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments for more information and a complete list of accommodations. Districts may provide oral translations of test directions only. Districts are allowed to translate prompts because they are considered to be directions. The translation must strictly adhere to the literal meaning of the text in prompt, and translators may not define words or give examples to help students understand the prompt. See Chapter 6 of the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments for more information on the translated directions accommodation. The scribe accommodation may be provided to students in instances when visual or motor difficulties, including injuries, prevent them from writing their own answers. For the Written Composition GRAD, spelling and grammar are dimensions considered in the scoring rubric. Page 36 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Paper Administration: Written Composition GRAD Retests If the student dictates the essay verbally to a scribe, the student does not spell out words or provide punctuation. The scribe will transcribe the essay verbatim, spell words and provide punctuation. The writing test has then been modified, and the student will pass with an individual passing score. If the student writes the essay and it must be transferred to the answer document (e.g., illegible handwriting), then the essay must be transferred using punctuation and spelling as written by the student. The person transferring the student’s essay should be familiar with the student’s handwriting and should ask the student for clarification as needed. In this situation, the student wrote the essay and his or her spelling and grammar are being scored so an individual passing score is not required. This is not documented as a scribe accommodation but it must be documented on the Test Administration Report. Some accommodations require the use of a computer or word processor to produce the essay (see Chapter 5 of the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments for more information). When submitting student essays produced by word processors, follow this procedure: Write “Typed Response” on the applicable pages of the answer document using a Number 2 pencil. Write the answer document lithocode number on each page of the student’s writing response. The lithocode is located as a stand-alone eight-digit number on the bottom right corner of the front page of the answer document. The serial number located directly below the bar code should not be used. 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Page 37 Paper Administration: Written Composition GRAD Retests Print a copy of the student’s writing response. Paper Administration: Written Composition GRAD Retests Cut out and tape the student’s response into a scannable answer document so it fits within the text boxes provided. In order for the essay to be scanned by DRC, the copy must be trimmed to fit completely within the text boxes provided. Only the writing that is inside the box will be scored. Be sure to tape it securely to the answer document applying tape to all four sides of the typed response. Submit the scannable answer document with the other documents to be scored. Fill out a Test Administration Report with the names of the school personnel involved, indicating that these steps have been taken. Paper Administration: Written Composition GRAD Retests Test Codes, Accommodation Codes and Demographic Information Answer documents have spaces for entering test codes (e.g., invalidation), accommodation codes (e.g., Braille), and demographic information (Adult Basic Education, home schooled). Although certain demographic information may be preprinted (birth date, gender, grade), some information needs to be entered at the time of testing (e.g., prompt, home schooled). The test codes and accommodation codes also need to be entered at the time of testing, when appropriate. For more information regarding test codes and other demographic codes, please refer to Chapter 8 of the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments. Reminders Make sure that each student is taking the test that was assigned for that testing date. If a student’s answer document needs to be invalidated or other test codes need to be indicated, bubble in the applicable test code on the answer document, and return these answer documents with your used answer documents to be scored. Any answer documents that have a written response that are not to be scored must be returned in a plastic bag marked “Voided Answer Documents Do Not Score.” Voided answer documents that do not have a written response can be securely discarded. All unused overage and preprinted answer documents can be securely discarded. Transfer responses from large print and Braille prompt folders to scannable answer documents. See the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments for specific instructions. Page 38 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Collection and Return of Test Materials Collection and Return of Test Materials Reading/Mathematics GRAD Accommodated Test Materials Return all Reading and Mathematics GRAD retest accommodated test materials to DRC according to the ship-by dates in the Important Dates sheets in the front of this manual. Boxes must be properly packed and labeled. DRC will use UPS for all Reading and Mathematics accommodated test material shipments. Identifying Returned Test Materials Reading/Mathematics GRAD Retest Accommodated Test Materials Items that MUST be returned Items that should NOT be returned All used and unused 12-point font, large print and Braille Reading and/or Mathematics GRAD test books Reading and Mathematics GRAD Test Monitor and Student Directions for Paper Accommodations All used and unused Mathematics GRAD Scripts District Packing List District Security Checklist (keep a copy on file at the school and send the original copy to the district to keep on file for 12 months) UPS-RS and blue return box labels (discard one month after testing) Shipping Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retests Accommodated Test Materials The District Assessment Coordinator must schedule a return service pickup and the necessary arrangements. The School Assessment Coordinator must return all accommodated test materials to the District Assessment Coordinator in time for pickup. Place all used and unused Reading and Mathematics GRAD retests accommodated test materials in the original shipping boxes. When packaging materials for shipment, please observe the following guidelines: • Use filler (e.g., crumpled paper or bubble wrap) to make sure that secure test materials do not shift during transport. • Tape boxes securely using heavy-duty shipping tape. Affix a BLUE ACCOMMODATED TEST MATERIALS return box label addressed to DRC to the top of each box containing secure test materials. The return box labels were included with your accommodated test materials shipment. (See the sample DRC return box label on the next page.) 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Page 39 Collection and Return of Test Materials Affix a WHITE UPS-RS label to the top of each box, making sure that it is not applied across the box flap seam. Do NOT send any boxes via UPS without a UPS-RS label. The UPS-RS labels were included with your accommodated test materials shipment. • Please keep records of your shipments to DRC by keeping the tracking number(s). It is recommended that you copy each UPS-RS label being used. The UPS-RS number is located directly above the bar code in the middle of the shipping label. These tracking numbers do not need to be provided to DRC unless requested. • Districts must use the BLUE DRC return box label in addition to the WHITE UPSReturn Shipping (RS) label. See the Box Labeling section below for further instructions. If you do not have a daily scheduled UPS pickup, arrange for a pickup by calling UPS at 1-866-857-1501. (Do NOT call the UPS general pickup number found on the UPS website.) • Schedule a date and time for pickup, and inform UPS that you have UPS-RS labels. Have your UPS-RS labels available. Please schedule your pickup at least one day in advance. Same-day service is not available in all areas. • Tell the UPS service representative the tracking numbers printed on the UPS-RS labels. The service representative will use these numbers to bill the pickup and return charges to DRC. If you have a daily scheduled UPS pickup, you do not need to schedule a pickup. Place your boxes at your normal UPS pickup area; however, please set apart the DRC shipment for the driver. Ensure that office staff is aware of the location of boxes for pickup and test materials are kept secure. Page 40 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Collection and Return of Test Materials Box Labeling Different size boxes (boxes with flaps and flat boxes) are used to package materials based on the amount of materials being shipped. These same boxes should be used to return test materials to DRC. Return box labels and UPS-RS labels should be applied to boxes based on the following diagrams. Diagram 1: 10" Box with Label Flaps NOTE: It is recommended that you use at least three strips of tape across both the top and the bottom of the box to ensure the security of the contents during shipping. Please make sure that the box flaps with the old labels are folded down first and the blank box flaps are on top. 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Page 41 Collection and Return of Test Materials Diagram 2: Flat Box NOTE: Old UPS labels should be removed or completely covered up with a new UPS-RS label. If space is limited on the box, the Return Box label can be applied over the purple MN STATEWIDE ASSESSMENTS Secure Materials Enclosed label. If you have any questions about returning your accommodated test materials or would like to report any problems with scheduling your pickup, the District Assessment Coordinator may contact the AIR Help Desk at 1-877-215-8749 (press 2). Written Composition GRAD Retest Answer Documents After the tests are administered, the District/School Assessment Coordinator is responsible for collecting, packaging and shipping via UPS ALL used answer documents to DRC according to the ship-by dates in the Important Dates sheets in the front of this manual. Boxes must be properly packed and labeled. Completed answer documents must be returned with the appropriately colored return box label as soon as the main testing has been completed so scoring can begin. Make-up answer documents should be shipped separately to DRC. Please refer to the Important Dates sheets at the front of this manual for return shipping dates. Page 42 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Collection and Return of Test Materials Identifying Returned Test Materials Written Composition GRAD Retest Secure Test Materials NOTE: Test materials that must be securely disposed of are indicated with an asterisk (*). Items that MUST be returned: All used answer documents; used answer documents include answer documents completed by students and answer documents that have test codes indicated. Any answer documents with written student responses that are not to be scored must be returned in a plastic bag marked “Voided Answer Documents Do Not Score.” • • Items that should NOT be returned: • • • • • • • • All unused overage and preprinted answer documents* Voided answer documents with no written student responses* All used and unused writing prompt folders* All accommodated test materials* (large print and Braille writing prompt folders) 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Written Composition GRAD Test Monitor and Student Directions School Box Range Sheet, Packing Lists, Order Summary UPS-RS and return box labels (discard one month after testing) Shipping Written Composition GRAD Retest Answer Documents All used answer documents must be returned after the completion of testing. Unused answer documents should be securely destroyed. They cannot be used for future administrations. Keep all used answer documents in locked, secure storage until you have them all ready for return. The answer documents may be returned from either the district or the school as determined by the district. • If the ship-to-district option was selected and the answer documents are returned to DRC from a school, the district will need to provide the necessary labels to the School Assessment Coordinator. • If the ship-to-school option was selected and the answer documents are returned to DRC from the district, the school will need to provide the necessary forms and labels to the District Assessment Coordinator. Pack and return the used answer documents and plastic bag of voided answer documents. • All grades 10, 11, and 12 answer documents can be shipped together in one box. When packaging answer documents for shipment, please observe the following guidelines: • Use filler (e.g., crumpled paper or bubble wrap) to make sure answer documents do not shift during transport. • Tape boxes securely using heavy-duty shipping tape. 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Page 43 Collection and Return of Test Materials • Affix a YELLOW WC GRAD ANSWER DOCUMENTS return box label addressed to DRC to the top of each box containing used answer documents. The return box labels were included in the Coordinator Box. (See below for sample DRC return box labels.) Sample YELLOW Written Composition GRAD DRC Return Box Label Affix a WHITE UPS-RS label to the top of each box, making sure that it is not applied across the box flap seam. Do NOT send any boxes via UPS without a UPS-RS label. The UPS-RS labels were included in the Coordinator Box. • Please keep records of your shipments to DRC by keeping the tracking number(s). It is recommended that you copy each UPS-RS label being used. The UPS-RS number is located directly above the bar code in the middle of the shipping label. These tracking numbers do not need to be provided to DRC unless requested. • Districts must use a DRC return box label in addition to the WHITE UPS-Return Shipping (RS) label. See the Box Labeling section below for further instructions. If you do not have a daily scheduled UPS pickup, arrange for a pickup by calling UPS at 1-866-857-1501. (Do NOT call the UPS general pickup number found on the UPS website.) • Schedule a date and time for pickup, and inform UPS that you have UPS-RS labels. Have your UPS-RS labels available. Please schedule your pickup at least one day in advance. Same-day service is not available in all areas. • Tell the UPS service representative the tracking numbers printed on the UPS-RS labels. The service representative will use these numbers to bill the pickup and return charges to DRC. Page 44 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Collection and Return of Test Materials If you have a daily scheduled UPS pickup, you do not need to schedule a pickup. Place your boxes at your normal UPS pickup area; however, please set apart the DRC shipment for the driver. Ensure that office staff is aware of the location of boxes for pickup and materials are kept secure. Refer to Appendices B and C of this manual for checklists for preparing boxes of test materials for return to DRC and scheduling a UPS return service pickup. Box Labeling Different size boxes (boxes with flaps and flat boxes) are used to package materials based on the amount of material being shipped. These same boxes should be used to return test materials to DRC. Return box labels and UPS-RS labels should be applied to boxes based on the following diagrams. Diagram 1: 10" Box with Label Flaps NOTE: It is recommended that you use at least three strips of tape across both the top and the bottom of the box to ensure the security of the contents during shipping. Please make sure that the box flaps with the old labels are folded down first and the blank box flaps are on top. 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Page 45 Collection and Return of Test Materials Diagram 2: Flat Box NOTE: Old UPS labels should be removed or completely covered up with a new UPS-RS label. If space is limited on the box, the Return Box label can be applied over the purple MN STATEWIDE ASSESSMENTS Secure Materials Enclosed label. If you have any questions about returning your used answer documents or would like to report any problems with scheduling your pickup, the District Assessment Coordinator may contact the AIR Help Desk at 1-877-215-8749 (press 2). Additional UPS and return box labels can be ordered during the Additional Orders window in TIDE. Answer Document Status Report The Answer Document Status Report in the Track Shipments tab under Orders in TIDE is available to assist District Assessment Coordinators with tracking the return of used answer documents. The purpose of this report is to identify—before Student Score Reports are received—any discrepancies that might exist between the district records of what was returned to DRC and DRC’s records of what was received. Shortly after the assessment window, used answer documents can be tracked through TIDE by student name as they are scanned at DRC. Please allow at least 5 days between the time answer documents are shipped to DRC and the time they will be updated in TIDE. DRC will provide regular updates in TIDE on the status of answer documents as materials are received and scanned. Page 46 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Results Information Results Information Reading/Mathematics GRAD Retests Reporting Information Additional information about reports can be found in Chapter 10 of the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments. Electronic Reports Electronic student reports documenting the student’s score and whether the student has met the graduation requirement is available immediately after testing is completed in the Online Reporting System. Authorized users can log in to the Online Reporting System to view the student’s score and access printable student reports. The online reports look different from the paper reports and contain many, but not all, of the same elements as the paper reports. NOTE: The Online Reporting System presents a dynamic picture of test results that reflects student scores and pass status. These results can be used to allow districts to make decisions on remediation or instruction and to inform students and parents about likely graduation decisions. However, the final results reflected in the District Student Results (DSR) files are considered the official source of all assessment data. Paper Reports Districts receive paper copies of the Individual Student Reports (ISR) on a quarterly basis. Please refer to the Important Dates sheets at the front of this manual for the dates. Student Labels Districts receive labels with information about student performance on the test on a quarterly basis. Please refer to the Important Dates sheets at the front of this manual for the dates. District and School Electronic Data Files An electronic District Student Results (DSR) file that contains student-level data from the assessments—including demographic information, achievement-level information and various test scores—is available on the MDE Secured Reports section of the MDE website after each administration. An electronic School Student Results (SSR) file is also available. Rescore Requests See Appendix A of the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments for the Request for Rescore Form. There is a $125 fee per student per subject to perform a rescore. Complete the form and fax it to AIR at 1-877-218-7663 with a purchase order made payable to American Institutes for Research. The fee will not be charged if there is a score change. Rescore results will be sent in writing. Please allow up to two weeks for processing. Refer to the Important Dates sheets at the front of this manual for the last date to submit rescore requests. 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Page 47 Results Information Written Composition GRAD Retests Final Report Information Districts will receive results for the Written Composition GRAD retests in both paper form and electronic media as listed on the Important Dates sheets. Additional information can be found in the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments. Answer documents that are missing any information may be discrepant and will need to be resolved in Test WES through Postpublish Editing before student scores and essays can be viewed in the Online Reporting System. Electronic Reports Electronic student reports documenting the student’s score and whether the student has met the graduation requirement are available in the Online Reporting System as indicated in the Important Dates sheets at the front of this manual. Authorized users can log in to the Online Reporting System to view the student’s score and access printable student reports. The online reports look different from the paper reports and contain many, but not all, of the same elements as the paper reports. NOTE: The Online Reporting System presents a dynamic picture of test results that reflects student scores and pass status. These scores can be used to allow districts to make decisions on remediation or instruction and to inform students and parents about likely graduation decisions. However, the final results reflected in the DSR files are considered the official source of all assessment data. Student Essays Copies of the student essays are available in the Online Reporting System to authorized users. Copies of the student essays are not shipped to districts. Districts will need to access and save these files from the Online Reporting System. For more information please see the Online Reporting System User Guide. Paper Reports Districts receive paper reports of the ISRs following each test administration. Refer to the Important Dates sheets at the front of this manual for the dates. Student Labels Districts receive labels with information about student performance on the test with their ISR shipment. Please refer to the Important Dates sheets at the front of this manual for the dates. District and School Electronic Data Files An electronic DSR file that contains student-level data from the assessments—including demographic information, achievement-level information and various test scores—is available on the on the MDE Secured Reports section of the MDE website. An electronic SSR file is also available. Page 48 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Results Information Late Scoring Fee There may be a late scoring fee for any answer documents received by DRC after the deadline date listed on the Important Dates sheets located in the front of this manual. A $125 scoring fee may be charged for each answer document. Rescore Requests See Appendix A of the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments for the Request for Rescore Form. There is a $125 fee per student per subject to perform a rescore. Complete the form, and fax it to AIR at 1-877-218-7663 with a purchase order made payable to Data Recognition Corporation. The fee will not be charged if there is a score change. Rescore results will be sent in writing. Please allow up to two weeks for processing. Refer to the Important Dates sheets included in your test material shipment for the last date to submit rescore requests. 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Page 49 Resources Resources Online Resources The resources described in this section provide information and assistance to District/School Assessment Coordinators who are preparing to administer the Minnesota assessments. Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) Website On the MDE website (http://education.state.mn.us), the Division of Statewide Testing provides information about testing, including testing schedules, information to help District Assessment Coordinators edit and use test data, and technical documents, such as test specifications, for each assessment. Test specifications are specific rules and characteristics that guide the development of the content and format of a test. MDE Website Resources Testing Schedules MDE website > School Support > Test Administration > Minnesota Tests (http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/SchSup/ TestAdmin/MNTests/index.html) Test Specifications MDE website > Educator Excellence > Testing Resources > Test Specifications (http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/EdExc/Testi ng/ TestSpec/index.html) Technical Reports MDE website > School Support > Test Administration > Technical Reports (http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/SchSup/ TestAdmin/MNTests/TechRep/index.html) Page 50 Description Testing schedules for the current school year and draft versions of schedules for future years are provided. Test specifications are specific rules and characteristics that guide the development of a test’s content and format. This section of the website includes raw-toscale score tables for the Reading and Mathematics GRAD retests and explanation of why various raw scores can be associated with a scale score of 50 (the passing score). 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Resources Minnesota Assessments Portal The Minnesota Assessments portal (http://www.mnstateassessments.org) is the single entry point for many functions associated with administration of the Minnesota assessments. All AIR statewide testing services used by Minnesota districts and schools can be accessed in this portal including the following resources. Online Resources Online Test Monitor Certification Course Minnesota Assessments portal > Assessment Coordinator > Online Test Monitor Certification Course (http://www.mnstateassessments.org/ assessment-coordinators/) Training Resources Minnesota Assessments portal > Resources > Training > Minnesota Department of Education (http://www.mnstateassessments.org/ resources/?section=10) Online Item Samplers Minnesota Assessments portal > Item Samplers > Online Item Samplers (http://www.mnstateassessments.org/ item-samplers/#onlineItem) Description This course provides an overview of the roles and responsibilities of Test Monitors administering online assessments and shows how to start, monitor, and end test sessions using the Online Testing System. Various recorded trainings and training resources, including presentations on test security and test administration that may be adapted and used in district trainings, are available on this page. Item samplers for Reading and Mathematics GRAD retests are designed to familiarize test administrators and students with the item types, format, and content of the assessments. Item samplers contain fewer items than an actual fulllength test. They are not suitable for predicting how students will perform on a test. For online item samplers, a Guest User login option is available that allows anyone to access the online item samplers. The online item samplers must be accessed using either AIR’s secure browser or Firefox. If a student needs to use textto-speech, the secure browser must be used to access the item samplers. Text-to-speech is not available when using Firefox. 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Page 51 Resources Online Resources Test Monitor Training Site Minnesota Assessments portal > Teacher/Test Monitor > Test Monitor Training site (http://www.mnstateassessments.org/ assessment-coordinators/) Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retests Student Tutorial Minnesota Assessments portal > Resources > Student Resources (http://www.mnstateassessments.org/ resources/?section=3) Calculator (Online Stand-alone) Minnesota Assessments portal > Resources > Student Resources > Calculators (http://www.mnstateassessments.org/ resources/?section=3#calcs) Written Composition GRAD Retests Item Samplers Minnesota Assessments portal > Item Samplers > GRAD (http://www.mnstateassessments.org/ item-samplers/#grad) Page 52 Description The Test Monitor Training Site allows Test Monitors to practice creating and monitoring an online test session in conjunction with the online item samplers. Please refer to the Test Monitor User Guide for the Online Testing System for more information on using the online item samplers. The student tutorial is designed to familiarize students with the tools, features, and functionality students will experience when taking an online assessment. In addition, it will assist in familiarizing students with the item types and format of the online assessments. Stand-alone online calculators are available for students to practice using outside of the item samplers. While students may access the standalone online calculators on mobile devices to become familiar with the online calculators, mobile devices cannot be used during testing. The same version of the calculator is available in the online test. NOTE: For desktops and laptops, calculators are supported in Firefox only; they may be accessible in other browsers but may not function optimally. For Android tablets, Google Chrome is the supported browser; for tablets running Apple iOS, use the native Safari browser. Item samplers for the Written Composition GRAD retests are designed to familiarize test administrators and students with the format and content of the assessment. Item samplers are not suitable for predicting how students will perform on a test. Accommodated item samplers are also available for practice at this location. 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Resources Manuals, Directions, and Forms Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments Minnesota Assessments portal > Resources > General Resources (http://www.mnstateassessments.org/ resources/?section=1) Description This manual is the primary source of information for all Minnesota assessments. It has been prepared for District Assessment Coordinators, administrators, teachers and others who have a role in administering Minnesota’s assessments. It contains information needed to make informed decisions about administering statewide assessments in each school or district. In addition, this document familiarizes readers with responsible test administration practices. This manual also includes the Important Dates sheets for each assessment. Reading and Mathematics GRAD Test Monitor and Student Directions for Online Administrations and Reading and Mathematics GRAD Test Monitor and Student Directions for Paper Accommodations Minnesota Assessments portal > Resources > GRAD Assessments > GRAD Resources (http://www.mnstateassessments.org/ resources/?section=8) Written Composition GRAD Test Monitor and Student Directions Minnesota Assessments portal > Resources > GRAD Assessments > GRAD Resources (http://www.mnstateassessments.org/ resources/?section=8) Reciprocity Guidelines for High School Graduation Minnesota Assessments portal > Resources > GRAD Assessments > GRAD Resources (http://www.mnstateassessments.org/ resources/?section=8) 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Test Monitor and Student Directions contain stepby-step directions for Test Monitors giving a test for a particular assessment. For online administrations, the directions provide step-by-step instruction for preparing online test administration as well as starting, monitoring and stopping online test sessions. For paper administrations, the directions provide information on administering paper accommodated test materials. District/School Assessment Coordinators as well as Test Monitors should familiarize themselves with these documents prior to test administration. Test Monitor and Student Directions contain stepby-step directions for Test Monitors giving the Written Composition GRAD retest. District/School Assessment Coordinators as well as Test Monitors should familiarize themselves with these documents prior to test administration. This document describes the reciprocity guidelines that can be used to determine if students have met the graduation assessment requirements. Page 53 Resources Technology Information and User Guides System Requirements for Online Testing Minnesota Assessments portal > Resources > Technical Resources (http://www.mnstateassessments.org/ resources/?section=4) Technical Specifications Manual for Online Testing Minnesota Assessments portal > Resources > Technical Resources (http://www.mnstateassessments.org/ resources/?section=4) User Roles and Access to AIR’s Systems Minnesota Assessments portal > Resources > General Resources (http://www.mnstateassessments.org/ resources/?section=1) TIDE User Guide Minnesota Assessments portal > Resources > User Guides (http://www.mnstateassessments.org/ resources/?section=2) Test Monitor User Guide for the Online Testing System Minnesota Assessments portal > Resources > User Guides (http://www.mnstateassessments.org/ resources/?section=2) Page 54 Description This document covers recommended hardware, preferred software/browser combinations, and technical support Help Desk contact information. This document contains the technical specifications for online testing for Technology Coordinators, including information about internet and network requirements, hardware and software requirements, secure browser installation, and information about text-to-speech and voice packs. This document shows the systems, tasks, and features that each user role in AIR’s online systems is able to access. This user guide provides information districts will need to use the Test Information Distribution Engine (TIDE) application. This user guide provides information on using the Test Monitor Interface of the Online Testing System to administer online assessments. It also provides information how to use the online assessments and the online item samplers. 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Resources Technology Information and User Guides Online Reporting System User Guide Minnesota Assessments portal > Resources > User Guides (http://www.mnstateassessments.org/ resources/?section=2) Data Entry Interface User Guide Minnesota Assessments portal > Resources > User Guides (http://www.mnstateassessments.org/ resources/?section=2) Description This user guide provides information users will need to use the Online Reporting System. This user guide provides detailed instructions on how to enter student responses from paper accommodated test materials for online assessments. Suggestions for Program Improvements A Minnesota assessments comment sheet is provided in the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments. District Assessment Coordinators can use this comment sheet to submit suggestions for program improvements. Please fax completed sheets to MDE at 1-651-582-8874. You may also email your comments or suggestions to MDE at [email protected]. 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Page 55 Appendix A: Check-in List for Test Materials Appendix A: Check-in List for Test Materials WRITTEN COMPOSITION GRAD Retests Upon receipt of regular and accommodated test materials, the District/School Assessment Coordinator should follow these steps to prepare for test administration and maintain the security of the state assessments. Open boxes as soon as possible after receipt to allow sufficient time for check in. Locate the white Coordinator Box with the yellow “Written Composition GRAD Assessment Coordinator Materials Enclosed” sticker attached. Find the School Box Range Sheet in the Coordinator Box that shows the number of boxes shipped to the district or the school. Locate and review the District/School Packing List found in the Coordinator Box and verify the receipt of all test materials including coordinator materials and return materials. Review this 2013–2014 GRAD Retests Assessment Manual, the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments, the Important Dates sheets found in this manual and the Written Composition GRAD Test Monitor and Student Directions. These documents may be duplicated as needed. If the initial shipment of test materials does not include everything that students will need at testing time, the School Assessment Coordinator should contact the District Assessment Coordinator. The District Assessment Coordinator will either distribute additional test materials from the district overage or order test materials in TIDE during the Additional Orders window. The District Assessment Coordinator can have an additional order sent directly to a school. • Additional November Written Composition GRAD retest materials can be ordered from October 23 to November 11, 2013. • Additional April Written Composition GRAD retest materials can be ordered from March 18 to April 21, 2014. NOTE: Orders must be entered by noon to be considered same-day business. If additional return labels and/or district labels are needed after the Additional Orders window closes, please call the AIR Help Desk at 1-877-215-8749 and press 2 for DRC. Organize and place test materials in a locked, secure location until distributed for testing. Writing Prompt Folders are considered secure until the state-designated administration date and must not be reviewed prior to the administration. Non-secure test materials, such as Test Monitor and Student Directions, may be distributed to Test Monitors upon receipt to allow them sufficient time to prepare for the test administration. Save the boxes in which the test materials arrived. Use them to return answer documents to DRC for scoring. Page 56 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Appendix B: Collection and Return of Test Materials Appendix B: Collection and Return of Test Materials WRITTEN COMPOSITION GRAD Retests After the tests are administered, the District/School Assessment Coordinator is responsible for collecting, packaging and shipping via UPS ALL used answer documents to DRC. Collect ALL used answer documents; used answer documents include answer documents completed by students and answer documents that have test codes indicated. Answer documents with written student responses that are not to be scored must be returned in a plastic bag marked “Voided Answer Documents Do Not Score.” All unused overage and preprinted answer documents and voided answer documents with no written student responses should be securely discarded. They cannot be used for future administrations. Verify that ALL used answer documents have accurate preprinted student information, a preprinted label applied or a district/school label properly affixed in the designated area on the cover. Verify that students who took the Written Composition GRAD retest have the appropriate test code (e.g., invalidate) indicated on their answer documents if needed and return these answer documents with your used answer documents to be scored. Verify that all large print and Braille prompt folders have been transferred into scannable answer documents. Pack the used answer documents and plastic bag of voided answer documents together in a box. • All grades 10, 11 and 12 answer documents can be shipped together in one box. When packaging answer documents for shipment, please observe the following guidelines: • Use filler (e.g., crumpled paper or bubble wrap) to make sure answer documents do not shift during transport. • Tape boxes securely using heavy-duty shipping tape. It is recommended that you use at least three strips of tape across both the top and the bottom of the box to ensure the security of the contents during shipping. Please make sure that the box flaps with the old labels are folded down first and the blank box flaps are on top. Attach a YELLOW return box label to each box of answer documents. The YELLOW return box label is printed with “WC GRAD ANSWER DOCUMENTS”: • Districts must use a DRC return box label in addition to the WHITE UPS-Return Shipping (RS) label. 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Page 57 Appendix C: Shipping of Test Materials Appendix C: Shipping Test Materials WRITTEN COMPOSITION GRAD Retests Districts must schedule UPS return service pickup for each test administration. Refer to the Important Dates sheets located at the front of this manual for the deadline to schedule test materials pickup. • If the ship-to-district option was selected and the answer documents are returned to DRC from a school, the district will need to provide the necessary labels to the School Assessment Coordinator. • If the ship-to-school option was selected, each school will receive a Coordinator Box. If the answer documents are returned to DRC from the district, the school will need to provide the necessary forms and labels to the District Assessment Coordinator. Affix a WHITE UPS-RS label to the top of each box, making sure that it is not applied across the box flap seam. Do NOT send any boxes via UPS without a UPS-RS label. The UPS-RS labels were included in the Coordinator Box. • Please keep records of your shipments to DRC by keeping the tracking number(s). It is recommended that you copy each UPS-RS label being used. The UPS-RS number is located directly above the bar code in the middle of the shipping label. These tracking numbers do not need to be provided to DRC unless requested. If you do not have a daily scheduled UPS pickup, arrange for a pickup by calling UPS at 1-866-857-1501. (Do NOT call the UPS general pickup number found on the UPS website.) • Schedule a date and time for pickup, and inform UPS that you have UPS-RS labels. Have your UPS-RS labels available. Please schedule your pickup at least one day in advance. Same-day service is not available in all areas. • Tell the UPS service representative the tracking numbers printed on the UPS-RS labels. The service representative will use these numbers to bill the pickup and return charges to DRC. If you have a daily scheduled UPS pickup, you do not need to schedule a pickup. Place your boxes at your normal UPS pickup area; however, please set apart the DRC shipment for the driver. Ensure that office staff is aware of the location of boxes for pickup and materials are kept secure. Districts must use a DRC return box label in addition to the WHITE UPS-RS label. UPS and return box labels can be ordered during the Additional Orders window in TIDE. If additional return labels are needed after the Additional Orders window closes, the District Assessment Coordinator may contact the AIR Help Desk at 1-877-215-8749 (press 2). Review the Answer Document Status Report in the Track Shipments tab under the Orders tab in TIDE to track the return of used answer documents. If you have any questions about returning your used answer documents or would like to report any problems with scheduling your pickup, contact the AIR Help Desk at 1-877-215-8749 (press 2). Page 58 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Appendix D: Script for Hand-Bubbling Demographic Information by the Student Appendix D: Script for Hand-Bubbling Demographic Information by the Student SCRIPT HAND-BUBBLING ANSWER DOCUMENTS Give the student a new blank answer document. Have the student fill in the correct information on the answer document using the following directions. The MARSS/SSID number and student demographic information must be accurately and clearly bubbled in order to avoid delayed results. Before taking the test, you need to print your name and birth date on the front cover of your answer document. It is very important that you print the information correctly. Listen carefully as I read the instructions. Raise your hand if you have any questions. Mark only the spaces I tell you to mark. Do not make any stray marks on your answer document. If you make a mistake, erase your marks completely and then fill in the correct information. In the section labeled “STUDENT’S LAST NAME,” print your last name, starting at the left and printing one letter of your name in each box. If your last name is longer than the number of spaces, print only the letters that will fit. [Pause.] In the section labeled “STUDENT’S FIRST NAME,” print each letter of your first name. If your first name is longer than the number of spaces, print only the letters that will fit. [Pause.] In the box labeled “M,” print the first letter of your middle name. If you have no middle name, leave it blank. [Pause.] In the section labeled “BIRTH DATE,” under “MONTH,” fill in the circle next to the month in which you were born. In the two boxes under “DAY,” write the number of the day on which you were born. For days 1 through 9, write a “0” [zero] in the first box. For example, if you were born the 7th day of April, you would fill in the circle for April and write “07” in the boxes for the day. In the four boxes under “YEAR,” write the first two digits of the year in which you were born in the first and second box. [Pause.] Then, in the third and fourth box, enter the last two digits of the year in which you were born. Look at the section titled “GRADE.” Fill in your grade level for the 2013–2014 school year. [Pause.] Look at the section labeled “GENDER.” Fill in the appropriate circle for your gender. [Pause.] Before proceeding, make sure that each student has correctly filled in name, date of birth and gender in his or her answer document. Bubbling in circles and applying a district/school label should be done after testing. 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Page 59 Appendix E: Mathematics GRAD Formula Sheet Appendix E: Mathematics GRAD Formula Sheet Page 60 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Appendix F: Direction Sheet for Online Administration Appendix F: Direction Sheet for Reading/Mathematics GRAD Retest Online Administration You are now going to take the Minnesota Graduation-Required Assessment for Diploma (GRAD) retest. Testing Rules You will be given as much time as needed to complete the test today. If you have an emergency, raise your hand and the Test Monitor will come to you. Only one student at a time will be allowed to leave the room. You cannot have books, cell phones, dictionaries, thesauruses, or other reference materials during the test. The Minnesota Department of Education reserves the right to invalidate any test score if there is any reason to question its validity. Online Administration Once you begin the test, you cannot perform any other function on the computer. This includes accessing the internet or email. You cannot use the copy, cut or paste functions. Starting the Application If the login screen is not displayed, double-click the secure browser icon on the desktop to begin the test. Login Screen The login screen will be the first screen to appear. • • • • • • Enter the login information provided by the Test Monitor: o First Name o MARSS/SSID number o Session ID Select the “Sign In” button. Verify that your information is correct and then select the test you are taking. Once the Test Monitor approves the test, select the “Yes, Start My Test” button. For mathematics only: confirm you can hear the audio. Put on your headphones and select the green button. You can adjust the sound as needed. If you hear the audio and the voice is clear, select “Yes, I heard the voice.” If you do not hear the audio or if the voice is not clear, raise your hand. On the next screen, you can review test instructions and help. To begin the test, select “Begin Test Now.” After Testing Select the “End Test” button when you finish the last item on the test. Select an item or item page and then click the “Review My Answers” button to review your answers. You will be directed to the selected item or page. After you review all of your answers, select the “End Test” button again to return to the review screen. To submit your test, select the “Submit Test for Scoring” button and confirm that you wish to submit your test. Before you leave, you must turn in your login information, Direction Sheet, mathematics formula sheet, and scratch paper, if used, to the Test Monitor. All items within the test are secure and must not be discussed with others after testing is completed. 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Page 61 Appendix G: Direction Sheet for Paper Administration Appendix G: Direction Sheet for Reading/Mathematics GRAD Retest Paper Administration You are now going to take the Minnesota Graduation-Required Assessment (GRAD) retest. Testing Rules You will be given as much time as needed to complete the test today. If you have an emergency, raise your hand and the Test Monitor will come to you. Only one student at a time will be allowed to leave the room. You cannot have books, cell phones, dictionaries, thesauruses, or other reference materials during the test. The Minnesota Department of Education reserves the right to invalidate any test score if there is any reason to question its validity. Paper Administration Confirm the name printed on the test book is correct before opening your test book. Read the General Directions located in your test book before you begin the test. Try to answer all of the questions. You may take notes and highlight in your test book. You may write in this test book or use scratch paper. All answers must be marked in your test book. If you are taking the reading test, read each passage. After Testing When you finish the test, stop and check your answers. Before you leave, you must turn in your test book, this Direction Sheet, formula sheet (mathematics only), and scratch paper, if used, to the Test Monitor. All items within the test are secure and must not be discussed with others after testing is completed. Page 62 2013–2014 GRAD Retest Assessment Manual Upon request, this information will be made available in alternative formats. You have permission to reproduce and distribute this document from the Minnesota Department of Education. 3599/GRAD/DAM/2013-14
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