Audio
Webinar attendees are encouraged to use the “listen only mode.”
If you are experiencing audio difficulties, please make sure that your speakers are on and
that your volume is at a suitable level.
If you are still experiencing difficulties, click the phone icon
on the ribbon at the top of
your screen, and choose the Dial-out feature. This will link your phone with your user ID.
Louisiana Believes
Assessment and Accountability Monthly Call
December 15, 2015
Welcome
Objective: The monthly calls bring together test coordinators and accountability contacts
for the purpose of planning for and implementing statewide assessment programs.
Who: District Test Coordinators, Accountability Contacts, and District Technology
Coordinators
Topics:
1. Support Structures
2. Technology Readiness
3. Assessment
4. Accountability
Archives: http://www.louisianabelieves.com/resources/library/assessment
Louisiana Believes
Agenda
Support Structures
• Month by Month Checklist
Assessments
• Data Releases
• Preparing for Spring Assessments
• Accessibility and Accommodations
• Accountability
• ACT and WorkKeys
• Graduation Waivers
Technology
• Technology Readiness
• Using the Technology Readiness Tool (TRT)
• Preparing for Spring Assessments
Louisiana Believes
4
2015-2016 Month-by-Month Checklist
The 2015-2016 Assessment and Accountability Month-by-Month Checklist:
• Identifies key dates and deadlines for statewide assessment programs and
accountability processes
• Provides action steps to ensure readiness for administering statewide assessments
• Recommends resources for district and school staff
• Includes steps for Technology Readiness
The 2015-2016 Month-by-Month Checklist, updated early December, is available in the
Assessment Library.
Louisiana Believes
5
December Month-by-Month Checklist
Communication and Support
• Dec 15: Assessment and Accountability Monthly Call and Webinar
Assessment Preparation and Administration
• Nov 30-Dec 16: EOC Fall 2015 test administration window
• Submit EOC irregularity, void notification, and void verification forms to
assessment@la.gov by the end of each scheduled testing week
• Mid December: Distribute Guide to the Social Studies Field Test to appropriate staff, STCs
and school leaders
• Mid December: Distribute LEAP ELA and mathematics assessment guide
• Mid Dec- Jan: Technology Coordinators collect and report device and network readiness
via the Technology Readiness Tool (TRT)
• December 18: Submit ACT and WorkKeys Memorandum of Understanding and Guide
• Late December: Provide link to ELA and math paper-based practice tests to appropriate
staff, STCs and school leaders
Louisiana Believes
6
January Month-by-Month Checklist
Communication and Support
• Jan 5: Assessment and Accountability Monthly Call and Webinar
• Jan 7: Data Coordinators Monthly Call/Webinar
• Jan 7: Assessment Office Hours begins to occur each Thursday at 11 am
• Jan 13: District Planning Monthly Call/Webinar
Accessibility and Accommodations
• Jan 3: Finalize IEP, IAP, and ELL accommodations for LAA 1 and ELDA test administrations
Assessment Preparation and Administration
• DIBELS Next Winter Administration begins one week after holiday break with a three-week
testing window; test data entered into DDS no later than two weeks after administration
period ends
• Deliver test security, preparation, and administration training to STCs and other applicable
school and district personnel
• Notify STCs of available resources in eDIRECT secure portal
• Coordinate distribution of ELDA and LAA 1 test coordinator manuals (TCMs), test
administrator manuals (TAMs), and training video modules available in eDIRECT nonsecure portal
Louisiana Believes
7
January Month-by-Month Checklist
Assessment Preparation and Administration, cont.
• Ensure the appropriate number (and type) of calculators are available for each grade level
• Prepare for ELDA and LAA 1 testing which begins on February 3rd
• Share availability of online practice tests and Online Training Tools (OTT) that will be
available in January
• Complete the Technology Readiness Tool (TRT) by January 7.
Continuous Support
Continuous support is available when seeking information or assistance about assessment
administration and accountability.
Assessment@
• All stakeholders are encouraged to email assessment and accountability questions
and/or concerns to assessment@la.gov.
Assessment Hotline
• District-level staff may call the Assessment Hotline if they have assessment and
accountability questions that require immediate assistance.
844-268-7320
LDEData@la.gov
• District-level staff who need data or have questions about PII may email the data staff.
Louisiana Believes
January Supervisor Collaborations
The next set of Supervisor Collaboration Events will take place at the end of January.
Location
Date
Baton Rouge
8:30-12:30 • Assessments &
Results
1/25 8:30-12:30 • Principal Support
• Early Childhood
1/27 8:30-12:30
Education
1/28 8:30-12:30 • Struggling HS
Students
• Test administration
• Secure ID
Thibodaux
Natchitoches
Lafayette
1/20
Time
Topics
Audience
Head of:
• Curriculum &
Instruction
• Early Childhood
Education
• High School Programs
• Assessments
• Compass
• Technology
• Additional information about the January Supervisor Collaboration Event, including
specific session offerings, will be released in early January.
• Your Network will reach out to you to discuss whom from your district should attend and
how to register.
• Contact louisianateacherleaders@la.gov with questions about these events.
10
Agenda
Support Structures
• Month by Month Checklist
Assessments
• Data Releases
• Preparing for Spring Assessments
• Accessibility and Accommodations
• Accountability
• ACT and WorkKeys
• Graduation Waivers
Technology
• Technology Readiness
• Using the Technology Readiness Tool (TRT)
• Preparing for Spring Assessments
Louisiana Believes
11
Preparing for the Accountability Release
Over the past several days as individual conference calls were held with superintendents and charter
leaders related resources were both emailed and placed in the FTP. Resources placed in the FTP include:
Grades 4-8 Progress Point Rosters
These student-level rosters indicate those students for which progress points were earned for the 20142015 school performance score. These are similar to rosters available in prior years but now include
reasons that a student may have been excluded from eligibility.
Nonparticipation Rosters
In December BESE received and accepted one-year policy to address grades 3-8 ELA and math
assessment nonparticipation in 2014-2015. This policy allowed for:
• Use of prior year scores for nonparticipants where available
• Use of the average assessment index score earned in particular grade level and content for a school
where a prior year score is not available
• Carry forward of the 2013-2014 SPS and letter grade for 34 schools with greater than 10%
nonparticipation.
In order to inform districts of the application of this policy, 2014-2015 Nonparticipation rosters were
created and provided via the secure file transfer protocol (FTP) with a Nonparticipation Roster FAQ that
includes further explanation.
2014-2015 Accountability Release Timeline
Following the PARCC student report release, accountability results will be available as
reflected in the timeline below.
Date
Release
December 15
Parent Guide to School Report Cards: a guide to help parents
understand the data included in their school’s report card
December 16
Statewide School Performance Data: embargoed release of
statewide data prior to the public release and media call
December 17
District and school report cards: media call includes information on
school performance scores and public report cards
January/February
Principal and Superintendent Profiles: replaces the principal report
card; provides an in-depth look at district- and school-level data
Transitional student growth data for 3-8 ELA/math: historical
student performance data for teachers to support instruction
Compass Report: teacher performance data used to improve
instructional, observation, and feedback practices
Louisiana Believes
13
Student Test History
PARCC Student Reports
The following reports that were requested by districts/schools are available in the
Assessment Reporting System (ARS). Reports are listed under the site code where the
student is currently registered.
•
Merge Requests
•
Transfer Student/Missing Score Reports
Cumulative Stickers
Stickers for cumulative folders will be available in the FTP in early January. The folder will
include directions for printing the stickers. Math, ELA, Science, and Social Studies
assessment scores will be included as in prior years.
Student Test History Query
LEAPweb and LEAPdata will be replaced by a new query and test history reporting feature in
the Student Information System (SIS) in late January-early February. Functions will include:
• Ability to export reports based on enrollment
• System look up for individual students with unique ID and other de-identified data (e.g.,
first letter of first name, first three of last name)
Until SIS Test History feature is available, continue to send requests to LDEData@la.gov.
Agenda
Support Structures
• Month by Month Checklist
Assessments
• Data Releases
• Preparing for Spring Assessments
• Accessibility and Accommodations
• Accountability
• ACT and WorkKeys
• Graduation Waivers
Technology
• Technology Readiness
• Using the Technology Readiness Tool (TRT)
• Preparing for Spring Assessments
Louisiana Believes
16
eDIRECT Overview
A suite of online administrative resources are available to prepare for online testing
through DRC’s web-based test engine as well as support paper-based testing.
Test Coordinators will access the following through eDIRECT:
• Training resources
• Test Setup – Upload students, create test sessions, print test tickets, and monitor
testing status.
• Paper/Pencil Materials Management Tools – Order Additional Materials, Materials
Receipt Notice, Materials Accountability Form
• TA System
• Reports
Two Different Portals will be accessed in spring 2016:
• LEAP ELA/Math Practice Test eDIRECT
• All Spring 2016 Operational Tests eDIRECT
DRC Insight Overview
DRC INSIGHT Online Learning System is an online platform in which students will practice for
the online assessment and take the actual test. The system will provide:
• A web-based, online interface providing a secure, online testing environment.
• Online Tools Training (OTT) and Student Test Tutorials
• Environments in which students and administrators become familiar with the tools
and features available in INSIGHT.
The system will require installation on each student device. Additional installation
information will be included on the January 5 monthly call.
LEAP Practice Test Key Dates
The following LEAP Practice Test resources will be available through the practice tests
eDIRECT following the schedule below.
Key Dates
12/31
1/5
1/7
Modes
PBT
CBT
CBT
Event
Practice Tests Available (English version)
User Guide Posted
Manage Users System Available
1/7
CBT
Test Setup System Available for Student Upload and Test Session
1/7
Mid January
1/20
Late January
Early February
Mid February
CBT
CBT
CBT
PBT
CBT
CBT
Installables Available (DRC INSIGHT and TSM)
OTT and Tutorials Available (English version)
Practice Tests Available (English version)
Practice Tests Available (Math Spanish version)
OTT and Tutorials Available (Spanish version)
Practice Tests Available (Math Spanish version)
The call on January 7 will provide additional detail on each of the resources and processes
above.
Operational Tests Key Dates
The following ELDA, LAA 1, and LEAP operational resources will be available through the
operational eDIRECT following the schedule below.
Key Dates
Administration
1/5
1/5
Mid Jan
1/19
1/19
Mid Feb
2/4-3/11
LEAP
ELDA, LAA 1, LEAP
ELDA, LAA 1, LEAP
ELDA, LAA 1, LEAP
LAA 1, ELDA
ELDA, LAA 1, LEAP
LAA 1, ELDA
Mid Feb
LEAP
2/18
LEAP
2/18
LEAP
April
LEAP
4/11-5/13
LEAP
Mid April
LEAP
• Early
20 May
LEAP
Content
Area
All
All
All
All
All
All
All
ELA/Math/
SS
ELA/Math/
SS
ELA/Math/
SS
Social
Studies
All
ELA/Math/
Sci
Social
Studies
Mode
Event
CBT
BOTH
PBT
BOTH
PBT
BOTH
PBT
INSIGHT User Guide Posted for Tech Coordinators
eDIRECT User Guide (Manage Users System) Posted
eDIRECT User Guide (Materials Management System) Posted
eDIRECT Manage Users System Available
eDIRECT Materials Management System Available
eDIRECT User Guide (TA System) Posted
eDIRECT TA System
CBT
eDIRECT User Guide (Test Setup) Posted
CBT
eDIRECT Test Setup Available for Student/Test Session Upload
CBT
Installables Available (INSIGHT and TSM) for Tech Coordinators
CBT
OTT and Tutorials Available
BOTH
eDIRECT TA System
PBT
eDIRECT Materials Management System
PBT
eDIRECT Materials Management System
Agenda
Support Structures
• Month by Month Checklist
Assessments
• Data Releases
• Preparing for Spring Assessments
• Accessibility and Accommodations
• Accountability
• ACT and WorkKeys
• Graduation Waivers
Technology
• Technology Readiness
• Using the Technology Readiness Tool (TRT)
• Preparing for Spring Assessments
Louisiana Believes
21
Accessibility and Accommodations Update
The 2015-16 LEAP Accessibilities and Accommodations Overview is available in the
Assessment Library.
• Includes the same accessibility options and accommodations that were available in
2014-2015..
• Also includes new online items for spring 2016 testing that are listed in bolded text and
marked as “New”.
Forms which have been translated into multiple languages include the following and can be
found here.
• LEP Accommodations Forms
• ELL Parental Notification and Parent Letter
• Initial Evaluation
• PNP
Agenda
Support Structures
• Month by Month Checklist
Assessments
• Data Releases
• Preparing for Spring Assessments
• Accessibility and Accommodations
• Accountability
• ACT and WorkKeys
• Graduation Waivers
Technology
• Technology Readiness
• Using the Technology Readiness Tool (TRT)
• Preparing for Spring Assessments
Louisiana Believes
23
Appeal/Waiver of SPS
The Appeal/Waiver Request process allows districts and charter organizations with the
opportunity to request a recalculation of the SPS or a waiver of BESE policy.
• Data corrections shall not be grounds for appeal or waiver requests. All data corrections
should have been submitted during the appropriate data certification period.
• The completed request form must be signed by the superintendent or CEO.
• A completed request form and documentation with original signature must be received by
the LDOE no later than January 15, 2016.
• Send to:
Kristina Bradford
Louisiana Department of Education
Office of Academic Policy and Analytics
P.O. Box 94064
Baton Rouge, LA 70804
BESE Approved Policies
BESE approved several assessment and accountability policies during its December 2015
meeting:
• Combination Schools and EOC: For 2015-2016 and beyond, this policy ensures that
combination schools earn the same rewards as traditional high schools for students
participating in high school exams (EOCs) while still in middle school.
• ACT Index: For 2015-2016 and beyond, this policy supports Jump Start pathways in
high school by awarding points for student performance on ACT and WorkKeys –
whichever is higher – within the ACT index of high school performance scores.
• Social Studies Field Test: For 2015-2016 only, this policy ensures a steady formula for
elementary and middle schools while the state conducts a statewide field test in social
studies for grades 3 through 8.
• Assessment Participation: For 2014-2015 only, this policy addresses participation
concerns for grades 3 through 8 English language arts and Mathematics exams for
Spring 2015 testing.
Louisiana Believes
25
Agenda
Support Structures
• Month by Month Checklist
Assessments
• Data Releases
• Preparing for Spring Assessments
• Accessibility and Accommodations
• Accountability
• ACT and WorkKeys
• Graduation Waivers
Technology
• Technology Readiness
• Using the Technology Readiness Tool (TRT)
• Preparing for Spring Assessments
Louisiana Believes
26
ACT Memorandum of Understanding
The Department has developed two payment options for LEAs that wish to administer and
pay for additional ACT, ACT WorkKeys, and EXPLORE assessments to students who are not
otherwise funded through the state assessment contract. This includes seniors retaking the
ACT, students who are not pursing the Career Diploma who wish to take ACT WorkKeys, or
any administration of the EXPLORE exam.
Although the initial MOUs are legally sound, the Department is working to revise the MOUs
after consultation with LSBA and LASS leadership and the new versions will be available later
today.
The deadline for submission of either MOU and the related expected number of testers has
been extended to end of day Friday, December 18. LEAs may submit a scanned copy to
assessment@la.gov in order to meet the deadline.
The following documents are available in the Assessment Library to support district in
completing the MOU.
2015-2016 ACT Memorandum of Understanding Option 1
2015-2016 ACT Memorandum of Understanding Option 2
Guide to the 2015-2016 MOU
ACT and WorkKeys
Important Dates and Resources
Several resources and training sessions are available from ACT in preparation for upcoming
ACT and WorkKeys administrations.
Dates
Resources and Training
Available Now
ACT and WorkKeys 2015-2016 Schedule of Events
Available Now
Administration manuals* for the ACT and ACT WorkKeys are available here
*Paper Copies of the administration manuals arrived at central offices in late October. STCs will
initially receive one copy for training purposes; additional copies will arrive later with the test
materials shipments.
Available Now
ACT and WorkKeys Accommodations Videos/Webcasts are available here
December 15
Final day to submit ACT Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to LDOE available
here
January 5
ACT Test Administration Q & A
January 5-12
Verify testing enrollment and order WorkKeys Accommodated materials online
January 15
Submit ACT Testing off site proposals, if applicable
Additional training videos/webcasts and resources are available here.
Louisiana Believes
ACT Accommodations
Types of ACT Accommodations
As outlined in the Accommodations on the ACT Test document, the following types of
accommodations are available on the ACT:
• ACT-approved
• Non-college reportable
• Local Test Arrangements
ACT-Approved Accommodations And The TAA System
• ACT-approved accommodation requests no longer accepted.
• ACT recommends that advanced searches for students with approved accommodations in
Test Accessibility and Accommodations System (TAA)should be completed by January 18
• Reconsideration of ACT-approved accommodations requests must be entered no later
than January 29.
• ACT Approved Accommodations Late Consideration Forms accepted from Nov 23 through
February 10. See Schedule of Events for students who qualify here
• See the Test Accessibility and Accommodations User Guide for more information about
the TAA System.
Agenda
Support Structures
• Month by Month Checklist
Assessments
• Data Releases
• Preparing for Spring Assessments
• Accessibility and Accommodations
• Accountability
• ACT and WorkKeys
• Graduation Waivers
Technology
• Technology Readiness
• Using the Technology Readiness Tool (TRT)
• Preparing for Spring Assessments
Louisiana Believes
30
Special Education Graduation Waivers
The 2015-2016 Special Education Graduation Waiver Application is available in the
Assessment Library.
• The Spring 2016 deadline to submit applications and documentation is Jan 20, 2016.
• LEA administered assessments, including LAA 2 and GEE, must be offered twice and three
times yearly respectively on timelines determined by the LEA.
Louisiana Believes
Agenda
Support Structures
• Month by Month Checklist
Assessments
• Data Releases
• Preparing for Spring Assessments
• Accessibility and Accommodations
• Accountability
• ACT and WorkKeys
• Graduation Waivers
Technology
• Technology Readiness
• Using the Technology Readiness Tool (TRT)
• Preparing for Spring Assessments
Louisiana Believes
32
Technology Readiness
Technology readiness is an assurance that each
school site has the adequate number of devices,
bandwidth and network resources, staff and training
to support all online assessments for grades 3
through 11.
There are 5 groups of action steps which should be
completed in order to ensure successful online
testing. These groups of action steps are shown here.
More specific steps for completing each group of
actions are included in the Technology Readiness
Memo along with current and upcoming related
resources.
Evaluate Available Technology
(December-January)
Evaluate Network Capacity and
Configure Network Resources
(January - March)
Train District- and School-Level Staff
(January - March)
Prepare Students
(Late January- March)
Complete Final Preparations
(March - April)
Technology Readiness
Tools and Resources
Available now:
• Month-by-Month Checklist: Outlines actions required each month to prepare for
assessment and accountability administration including timelines for technology
readiness.
• Regular Updates via Monthly Calls and Weekly Newsletter: Important updates provided
through the District Planning Call, Data Coordinators Call, and Assessment and
Accountability Call.
• Assessment Library: Online library of available resources including archives of related
webinars and slide decks.
• Assessment Inbox and Hotline: District support is available through the assessment
hotline at 844-268-7320 and via assessment@la.gov.
• Device Requirements: Document outlining the current minimum and recommended
system requirements.
• Technology Readiness Tool (TRT): An online portal for collecting and assessing device and
network specifications for ensuring technology readiness of schools and districts.
Completion of TRT is required by January 7.
*Note an overview of TRT will occur at the end of this call.
Technology Readiness
Tools and Resources (cont’d)
Available beginning in January:
• Weekly Office Hours: Weekly webinar to provide regular updates and answer timely
questions related to technology readiness and assessment administration.
• User Guides and Training: Online systems user guides and training modules for
planning and administering both practice tests and assessments.
• Hands-on Training: During the January regional collaborative meetings, district staff
will be provided hands-on training in both the practice test and assessment online
portals.
• Testing Site Manager (TSM): A software application and toolset for planning,
configuring, managing, and troubleshooting district/school networks and devices to
ensure site readiness of each testing site.
• Technical Support FAQs: Information on how to access assistance via e-mail, phone,
and frequently asked questions.
• Practice Tests: Access to sample items will be provided through the online practice
test platform, Insight, and in a downloadable paper format.
• Online Student Tutorial: An Insight tutorial will allow students to become more
familiar with the online testing platform and all of the tools, accessibility and
accommodation features within the platform.
Technology Readiness
Tools and Resources (cont’d)
Available in February:
• Online Portal for Submission of Online Assessment Participation: Online portal
for indicating participation in grades 3-8 online assessments.
Available in March:
• Hands-on Training: During the March regional collaborative meetings, district
staff will be provided with additional opportunities for hands-on trainings.
• Manuals and Administrative Training: Test coordinator and administrator
manuals available, along with supporting resources including online training and
modules.
• Targeted Site Visits: Select districts will receive targeted site visits and support to
ensure district readiness for online assessments.
Computer-Based/Paper-Based Options for Testing
Districts can choose to administer LEAP Grades 3-8 ELA and mathematics testing as a
computer-based or paper-based assessment. LDOE will provide details about completing the
district selection survey during January 5 monthly call. See table below for options.
Options
Description
Allowable
District Options
All schools paper-based
All schools computer-based
Some schools all PBT and some schools all CBT
Yes
Yes
Yes
School Options
One or more grades at school use CBT while
other grades use PBT
One or more grades by class use CBT while
other classes use PBT
District-wide
School-by-school
Class-by-class
Yes
Grade Level
No
Yes
Yes
No
The Department will work with LEAs individually in the coming months to determine
technology readiness and best path forward.
Agenda
Support Structures
• Month by Month Checklist
Assessments
• Data Releases
• Preparing for Spring Assessments
• Accessibility and Accommodations
• Accountability
• ACT and WorkKeys
• Graduation Waivers
Technology
• Technology Readiness
• Using the Technology Readiness Tool (TRT)
• Preparing for Spring Assessments
Louisiana Believes
38
Technology Readiness Tool
One of the first steps in technology readiness is evaluating available technology. As in prior
years the Technology Readiness Tool will be used to support districts.
Data
• Collects detailed data on devices, network, and broadband levels
Collection
Reporting
• An assessment of a school’s current status
• Recommendations on additional resources and equipment needed to
meet technology targets
• Progress tracking and steps to achieving each target
Timeline
• Initial submissions due by January 7, 2016 in order to meet Act 772
reporting requirements including the technology footprint
• Final TRT Fall/Winter collection window closes January 25, 2016
Training
Webinar Training and Support for the TRT
• Twice daily at 10 am and 2 pm, M-TH from Dec 16-18 and January 4-7
• Passcode: edtech
• Phone Number: 1-800-832-0736; Room #: 3423625
TRT System Updates
Although the same tool has been used in prior years, the following updates have been
made.
• The tool has been updated to include the newest OS and browser releases.
• Older OS version and browsers such as Windows 95 and IE 8 are no longer supported
for assessments and will be reported as devices needing to be upgraded.
• The survey portion of the tool has been completely revamped and simplified to only
collect a few pieces of data.
• LEAs must complete the District Network Survey before completing the School
Network Surveys.
• Device data can either be entered directly within the portal or uploaded via a
spreadsheet. Survey data must be entered directly in the portal.
Louisiana Believes
40
Recommended Device Specifications
Louisiana Believes
41
Recommended Device Specifications - Continued
Supported
Operating Systems
Chrome OS
Chrome OS latest
stable channel version
Supported Hardware
Devices
Screen Size
Processor
Disk Space
Memory
9.7”
n/a
n/a
n/a
Minimum
n/a
n/a
n/a
Resolution
Non-touch-screen
devices plus the following
touch-screen devices:
Acer C720P
Lenovo N20P
Dell Chromebook 11
HP Chromebook 14 G3
Apple iOS
iPad 2 device or newer
iOS 8.1.3
iPad Air devices
iOS 8.2
iOS 8.3
iOS 8.4
Android
Lollipop 5.0 or higher
ASUS Transformer Pad
TF103CE
10”
Dell Venue 10“ (model
5050’)
Louisiana Believes
42
TRT Device Collection
Collects the following device information:
• Name
• Location or IP
• Operating system
• Processor
• Memory
• Screen resolution
• Browser
• Device count
• Device type
• Assessment environment
• Device owner
• Wireless
• Monitor/display size
Louisiana Believes
43
TRT District Broadband and Network Survey
Collects district and school
internet bandwidth:
• This data will pre-populate
the school network survey
for all school sites who
share bandwidth across
the district.
Louisiana Believes
44
TRT School Broadband and Network Survey
Collects the following data:
• Student counts
(LDOE will populate this data.)
• Network information
• Internet bandwidth
• Internet utilization
• Network bandwidth
• Network utilization
• Number of Wireless Access
Points
• Testing information
(LDOE will populate this data.)
Louisiana Believes
45
Agenda
Support Structures
• Month by Month Checklist
Assessments
• Data Releases
• Preparing for Spring Assessments
• Accessibility and Accommodations
• Accountability
• ACT and WorkKeys
• Graduation Waivers
Technology
• Technology Readiness
• Using the Technology Readiness Tool (TRT)
• Preparing for Spring Assessments
Louisiana Believes
46
eDIRECT Overview
A suite of online technology resources are available to prepare for online testing through
DRC’s web-based test engine as well as support paper-based testing.
Technology Coordinators will access the following through eDIRECT:
• Training resources
• Installation downloads*
• Device Toolkit*
*To be reviewed in January 5 training webinar
Two Different Portals will be accessed in spring 2016:
• LEAP ELA/Math Practice Test eDIRECT
• All Spring 2016 Operational Tests eDIRECT
47
DRC INSIGHT Overview
DRC INSIGHT Online Learning System is an online platform in which students will
practice for the online assessment and take the actual test. The system will provide:
• A web-based, online interface providing a secure, online testing environment.
• Online Tools Training (OTT) and Student Test Tutorials
• Environments in which students and administrators become familiar with the
tools and features available in INSIGHT.
The system will require installation on each student device. Additional installation
information will be included on the January 5 monthly call.
48
Testing Site Manager (TSM) Overview
The Testing Site Manager is a software application that contains a number of tools to
help a district plan, configure, manage, and troubleshoot the online testing
environment. The boxes below show the suite of available TSM software tools.
Content
Caching
Response
Caching
Ping Trend
Graphs
Capacity
Estimator
Load
Simulation
Benefits of the Testing Site Manager:
• Reduces demand on bandwidth by storing test content.
• May be installed on any computer within the local network.
• Required for any accommodated testing (Text-to-Speech)
• Saves student responses if the internet connection between the district and DRC
is temporarily lost.
49
Testing Site Manager (TSM) Overview
Internal
Network
Content Filter
District Firewall
Student
Workstation
50
TSM Caching Tools
Content Caching
• Content Caching stores test content on the TSM.
• When students login to test, cached content is retrieved from the TSM instead of
from DRC’s servers, thereby reducing demands on Internet bandwidth.
Response Caching
• Response Caching buffers and stores test responses on the TSM if testing computers
stop communicating with the DRC INSIGHT servers
• Cached responses are stored on the TSM for transmission to DRC when the
connection to DRC INSIGHT servers has been re-established
• Testing can continue if the connection to DRC is disrupted, but cached responses
must be transmitted to DRC before the student can log into the same test again
51
TSM Managing and
Trouble-Shooting Tools
Ping Trend Graphs
• Allows districts/schools to see times when Internet traffic is heaviest
Load Simulator
• Performs load simulations to estimate the amount of time it will take during testing to
download tests and upload responses
• Compares content download speeds from the TSM, from DRC, or a specific client
configuration
• Identifies machines not functioning as well as others in a lab setting
• May show potential whitelisting issues if data takes longer to download or fails to
download
Capacity Estimator
• Estimates the time it will take to download the web-based test engine based on the
number of students testing
• Estimates how long a student will wait for a test to load with and without Content
Caching via the TSM
• Estimates the time it will take for a student to receive the next question when he or
she finishes a question
52
LEAP Online Practice Test Key Dates
Online Practice Test training resources, installables, and Device Toolkit (DTK) will be
available through the practice tests eDIRECT based on the schedule below.
Key Dates
Event
1/20-5/6
Practice Test Testing Available (ELA/Math)
1/5
Live Training Webinar w/Q & A
1/5
eDIRECT and DRC INSIGHT User Guides Posted to eDIRECT
1/7
eDIRECT Manage Users System Available (DRC will set up DTCs)
1/7
eDIRECT Test Setup Available for Student Upload/Test Sessions
1/7
Installables Available (DRC INSIGHT and TSM)
1/7
Device Toolkit (DTK) Available
Mid January
OTT and Tutorials Available (English version)
Early February
OTT and Tutorials Available (Math Spanish version)
The call on January 7 will provide additional detail on each of the resources and processes
above.
53
LEAP Online Operational Test Key Dates
Online Operational Test training resources, installables, and DTK will be available through
the operational eDIRECT based on the timeline below.
Key Dates
4/11-5/6
Content Area
ELA/Math
5/9-5/13
Social Studies
1/5
All
Mid January
ELA/Math
Early February Math
Event
CBT Testing Window
CBT Testing Window
eDIRECT and DRC INSIGHT User Guides Posted to
eDIRECT
OTT and Tutorials Available (English version)
1/19
All
2/18
All
2/18
All
OTT and Tutorials Available (Spanish version)
eDIRECT Manage Users System Available (DRC
will set up DTCs)
eDIRECT Test Setup Available for Student/Test
Session Upload
Installables Available (DRC INSIGHT and TSM)
2/18
All
Device Toolkit (DTK) Available
April
Social Studies
OTT and Tutorials Available
54
Continued Support
Continuous support is available when seeking information or assistance about assessment
administration and accountability.
•
Assessment@
• All stakeholders are encouraged to email assessment and accountability questions
and/or concerns to assessment@la.gov.
•
Assessment Hotline
• District-level staff may call the Assessment Hotline if they have assessment and
accountability questions that require immediate assistance.
• 844-268-7320
•
DRC Customer Service
• Hours: 8:30 am-4:30 pm
• 844-268-7320
• LAHelpDesk@datarecognitioncorp.com
55
Next Steps
Key Dates
Action
Nov 30-Dec 16
Administer fall EOC tests
December
Distribute ELA and math assessment guides
DecemberJanuary
Distribute Guide to the Social Studies Field Test
DecemberJanuary
Provide link to ELA and math paper-based practice tests to appropriate staff
December
Access and share Testing Device Requirements for the online system
December
Access and share the Technology Readiness Memo
DecemberJanuary 7
Complete Technology Readiness Tool (TRT)
Dec-May 13
Administer WorkKeys online assessments
December 17
Prepare for School Performance Score release
Dec 18
*extended
deadline
Submit ACT and WorkKeys Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the original
signature of the superintendent/school leader
For more information, contact assessment@la.gov. Next call: January 5, 2015
Louisiana Believes