CMAS PARCC Spring 2015
English Language Arts
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
STAFF TRAINING FOR ETHICS AND ADMINISTRATION
Who needs to be trained?
All staff members involved in CMAS administration in any way
must be trained each year on ethical assessment practices and
standard administration policies and procedures.
This includes administrators, teachers, STRs, paras, office staff
members and other technology personnel.
Required Forms to
sign at CMAS
PARCC Staff
Training:
Attendance Sheet
& Security Form
ALL staff involved
in CMAS must
sign-in to verify
training and also
sign a Security
Agreement.
These forms are
available at
onlineassessment.
dpsk12.org 
under the
Administration tab
What will be covered today?
1. CMAS Overview
5. PARCC Practice
2. Your School Testing Schedule
for PARCC PBA
6. Testing Environment
3. Upcoming Test
Administrator/Proctor
training
8. Test Security
4. Infrastructure Trial
7. Testing Materials
9. Testing Irregularities
10. Next Steps
Overview of CMAS
Assessments
CMAS SCIENCE & SOCIAL STUDIES
CMAS ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS & MATH (PARCC)
What is CMAS?
Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) is the Colorado
state standardized assessment for language arts, mathematics,
science and social studies.
•
•
Language Arts and math are aligned to the Common Core State Standards
and created by the PARCC consortium
Science and Social Studies are aligned to the Colorado Academic Standards
and are Colorado-created
Why is CMAS important?
CMAS data will….
• provide valuable information on where students stand on the mastery of
the Colorado Academic Standards.
• Inform us if students are on track to graduate college and career ready
• Identify what is working and not working in our curriculum, instruction,
professional development and school leadership.
• help to ensure every child receives an equitable education on the path to
success.
Students need assessment data so teachers know students’ needs. Teachers
need assessment data so they can grow as educators and meet those needs.
CMAS Testing Windows 2014-15
Name
Content
Grade
Testing Window
CMAS English Language Arts English Language Arts and
& Math (PARCC) – PBA
Mathematics
3rd – 11th
Mar. 9-27, 2015
CMAS Science & Social
Studies
Science: 5th, 8th
Social Studies: 4th, 7th
Apr.14-May 1, 2015
3rd – 11th
Apr. 27-May 22,
2015
Science,
Social Studies
CMAS English Language Arts English Language Arts and
& Math (PARCC) – EOY
Mathematics
My School’ s Testing Schedule: PARCC PBA
Test Administrator / Proctor Training
Infrastructure Trial
DRESS REHEARSAL FOR TESTING
Infrastructure Trial
What is an Infrastructure Trial?
An infrastructure trial is a dress rehearsal for testing day, an opportunity for schools
and students to prepare by simulating a testing day environment.
How does the trial help us prepare for testing?
During the trial:
• We will confirm that our computers are configured correctly
• Test Administrators can practice logging into PearsonAccessnext and monitoring
student testing from their dashboard
• Students can practice how to log in to the test, become familiar with the tools and
features in the test, and can take an ELA or math practice test
Infrastructure Trial
PARCC Preparation
INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES AND PRACTICE TOOLS
Practice Tests for Students
Practice tests are a critical step in supporting students’ and
schools’ transition to the new assessment content and provide
hands-on experience with the test environment.
Practice Test are available for all CMAS tests:
•
•
English Language Arts and Math: parcc.pearson.com (select Test Preparation)
CMAS Science and Social Studies: www.pearsonaccess.com (select ePAT tab)
Student Readiness
During testing, Test Administrators are not allowed to help students
navigate within TestNav.
Test Administrators cannot….
• help with how to answer a question.
• show how to go to the next question or the review screen.
• assist with technology enhanced items, such as a drag and drop item.
It is strongly recommended that students have access and practice prior
to testing.
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Practice Tests for Students - PARCC
PARCC has created a wide range
of practice tests, tutorials and
sample items for students.
Get your students in to practice!
Items available for all grade
levels, for ELA and Math, and
both PBA and EOY tests.
Use this guide, available at:
onlineassessment.dpsk12.org/
 Posted under “Practice
Items”
PARCC Tutorials for Students
parcc.pearson.com  Test Preparation tab
Required Practice:
1. TestNav 8 Tutorial (~30 minutes)
2. Equation Editor
3. Text to Speech – available for
both ELA/L* and Math
4. Graphing Calculator
5. Printable Paper-Based Student
Tutorials
6. Online Student Tutorials
*ELA/L requires unique accommodation
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Practice Tasks for Students
Providing students with practice to the test content and functionality is a
critical step in supporting students’ and schools’ transition to the new
assessment content.
Instructional Guides for Teachers
Prepare for CMAS (PARCC) using Rigorous Tasks
• English Language Arts and Math
• Grades 3-11
Posted at standardstoolkit.dpsk12.org
 Click on the Monitor & Adjust tab, then select
Assessments.
Testing Environment
Unauthorized Visitors and the Media
•
Only students, Test Administrators, and authorized school, district, state
personnel, or state-sanctioned test monitors may be in testing areas
during administration
•
Parents and Guardians are not allowed in testing areas!
•
Media are not allowed to have access to the tests before, during, or after
test administration, or take pictures or video of testing materials or
testing students
The Test Environment
The testing environment must:
•
Be adequately lit, quiet, free of distractions,
and heated or cooled
•
Provide an adequate writing surface (paperbased)`
•
Be free of electronic devices and music
•
Have “Do Not Disturb” signs placed on the door
during test sessions
•
Not have food or drink (inc. candy, gum) near
computers, desks, and test materials
Testing Environment: Walls?
The testing environment must be free of any content-related posters or aids that
suggest possible answers to students:
• Word walls
• Steps for solving math equations
• Any content related materials
• Any resource that defines, explains, or illustrates terminology or concepts
• Any resource (books, posters, displays) that provides unauthorized assistance
during testing.
• Graphic organizers
• 100s charts
• Definitions
• Math manipulatives (unless IEP/504)
• Mathematical formulas and conversation tables (except math reference sheets)
Generally, posters that do not include content specific definitions, content related
processes or solutions may remain on the wall.
Refer to your
Test
Administrator
Manual for
more
information
on Prohibited
Classroom
Resources
Room Configuration and Active Proctoring
Test Administrators must:
•
•
•
Actively proctor by circulating throughout the room during the test
Remain attentive and in the room during the entire testing section.
Be able to see students working, not student work
25:1 – Student to Test Administrator ratio
•
•
If more than 25 students in a testing room, an additional test administrator or proctor must be
present.
Test Administrator must be able to actively monitor the space within the testing environment.
Students should not be able to see each other’s work from a normal testing
position.
Test Materials
Test Materials
Secure Materials
Non-Secure Materials:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Student Testing/Authorization
Tickets
Seal codes
Paper-based Test Booklets
Social Studies source books
Oral scripts
Used scratch paper
Any student work/responses
Mathematics Reference Sheets
prior to and after given to students
Test Administrator Manual (TAM)
Procedures Manual
Test Coordinator Manual (TCM)
Unused (not handed out) scratch
paper
Materials on Testing Day
Your SAL will distribute and collect test materials from Test Administrators every day
of testing

Your SAL will ask you to sign a Chain of Custody form when materials are distributed
to track the movement of all secure test materials.

No duplication of secure CMAS materials is permissible (exception: Oral Scripts
translated into languages other than Spanish).


Double-check you have all your materials before beginning your testing session!
Test materials may not be stored in classrooms prior to or following the
administration. Please help to ensure all testing materials are returned to a designated
secure location.

No Reproduction of Testing Materials
There is no reproduction of any test materials. This includes memorization,
photocopying, note-taking, photographing, scanning, emailing, text messaging, sign
language, or using social media.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Do NOT take a screenshot of any part of the CMAS computer-based assessment.
Do NOT make copies of any portion of the CMAS exams.
Do NOT copy, by any means, any student work that results from this assessment.
Do NOT look at the test prior to testing (paper tests) to prep students on what will be tested
(released and ePAT items are okay to share with students)
Do NOT share student’s responses with anyone verbally, through the internet, or in written format.
Do NOT attempt to score a student’s test before returning the materials (paper test).
Access to Secure Materials for Oral Scripts
Preparing for an Oral Script Accommodation (PARCC)
• Oral Scripts = Human Reader or Signer (not Text-to-Speech)
• PARCC will not provide an oral script for a Test Administrator
• In order to prepare for an Oral Script accommodation:
1.
2.
3.
Prior to materials arriving, review and understand the audio guidelines (Appendix J or I)
Review the text-to-speech tutorial so that the audio guidelines are understood
(parcc.pearson.com  Test Preparation)
Two days prior to testing, a TA may have supervised (by SAL) access to the assessment to
determine how to apply the audio guidelines. The TA must check the materials in and out
each day.
Headphones
1. All students need headphones for the PBA English Language Arts/Literacy
test (3 units). Exception: 8th grade does not need headphones for ELA/Literacy PBA
2. Headphones are required for students using Text-to-Speech or Spanish
audio, and also for certain accommodations.
3. Students can use their own headphones or ones provided by the school.
4. Headphones can be used as noise buffers.
Math Tools
Calculators:
Calculators are embedded within TestNav or schools can provide their own. Allowable
Calculators are:
• Grades 3-5: No calculators allowed, except for students with an approved calculator accommodation
• Grades 6-7: Four-function with square root and percentage functions
• Grade 8: Scientific calculators
• High school: Graphing calculators (with functionalities consistent with TI -84 or similar models)
Math Reference Sheets: Math reference sheets are embedded within TestNav.
Schools can also
provide them to students for regular classroom use and during testing.
 Sheets available for grades 5-8 and HS (parcconline.org)
Geometry Tools:
• Tracing paper, reflection tools, straight edge and compass are allowable materials for 8th grade and
Geometry. These are not required tools, but available to students who use them regularly during
instruction.
• Geometry tools are not allowed for grades 3-7, Algebra 1 and 2
Rulers and Protractors:
• Protractors are optional and allowable tool for 8th grade; Rulers and protractors are optional and
allowable tools for all high school Mathematics assessments.
Allowable Materials AFTER Testing Complete
Establish a school policy for allowing students to read a
recreational book or have other allowable materials after
completing a test section
Materials Allowed ONLY After Testing Completed
Recreational books
Textbooks for subjects other than the one being tested
Pamphlets, magazines, or periodicals
Test Administer Manual: Script Options
Inform Test Administrators which
script options they will read from the
Test Administrator’s Manual, based
on your school decision to read
materials after testing.
Test Security
Test Security Plan
Your SAL and school leader(s) have created a test security plan to
determine testing security protocols and a plan to handle testing
irregularities and security breaches.
This plan:
•
•
•
•
Establishes a chain of custody protocol for materials
Designates a central locked storage area for securing test materials
Documents that STRs, Test Administrators, and proctors have received necessary
documentation and training for successful, secure administration of the CMAS Test
What to do if there is a: student arrives late, is ill or disruptive, if there is a weather
delay, a power outage, etc.
Your School Security Plan
Emergencies
If a student becomes ill during a test:
• The student’s needs are the primary consideration.
• Note the time remaining
• The student will be allowed that amount of time to make-up the test.
If there is an emergency requiring the test to be stopped:
• Evaluate and respond to the emergency … safety first!
• If it is possible to do so without any risk to students and your self, note the time
remaining in the test session
• Students will be allowed to use the remainder of the testing time to complete
the session at a later date.
Technology Interruptions
Treat technology interruptions as any other “interruption to testing”
• Note the time of the interruption
• Students must be given remaining time to complete section
Troubleshooting Devices
• Shut down and reboot device
• Try a new device; repeat
• Call your SAL
Ethical Responsibilities
CMAS TESTING
CMAS is a Standardized Assessment
What is a “Standardized” assessment?
• A test that is given in a “standard” manner to all test takers, following specific
administration procedures, so that testing condition are the same for all test
takers.
Why is “Standardized” so important?
• Ensures that a test score that one student receives in one part of Colorado is
comparable to the test scores of every other student taking the test, even though
they may attend a different school or live in a different part of the state.
• Ensures that all students have an equitable opportunity to show what they know
and that no students are provided an unfair advantage.
Ethical Responsibilities
I understand that the purpose of the CMAS assessment is to measure the level at
which Colorado students meet the CAS and CCSS in the content areas assessed.
I understand my role in standardized testing is to allow students to work
independently without my help.
I understand that test administrators must follow the rules of standardization in order
for the students to receive a valid score.
I understand that the district analyzes unusual CMAS scores trends to ensure that all
DPS test scores are valid.
I understand that I must perform my professional responsibilities with honesty,
integrity, due care, and fairness.
Ethical Practices & CMAS
Teach to the standards, not the test
Provide all approved accommodations
Never share or alter student responses
Do not coach or clue students during test administration
In order to maintain standardization, test administrators must make sure their
students have the same CMAS testing experience as all of the other students
who are taking the same exam.
Potential Consequences of Unethical Behavior
Misadministrations of any kind:
• will negatively impact school and district accountability reports such as SPF
Misadministrations from unethical behavior:
• may affect compensation and evaluation determinations.
• may result in disciplinary actions including, but not limited to, reprimand,
suspension, dismissal, and loss of license.
Testing Irregularities and
Misadministrations
Report a Testing Irregularity
A testing irregularity is any action or event that occurs before, during or
after administration that may compromise the validity of the test.
Please contact your SAL immediately to report all testing irregularities,
concerns about breaches in test security or noncompliance with test
administration procedures.
When in doubt, ASK your SAL if something is allowable.
Do not make a judgment call!
Testing Irregularity - Test Supervision
• Explaining passages or test items to • Giving students more or less time
students
than is allotted for the unit
• Coaching students during testing.
• Encouraging students to finish early
• Not supervising students at all times • Allowing students to pass notes or
while secure test materials students
talk
are testing (e.g., grading papers,
• Providing unauthorized persons with
reading a book, newspaper or
access to secure materials
magazine)
• Formally or informally scoring student
• Leaving students unattended for any
responses to test items
period of time
Test Irregularity – Electronic Devices
It is not allowed to use a cell phone or other prohibited handheld
electronic device (e.g., smartphone, iPad) while secure test materials are
still distributed or while students are testing.
 Exception: Cell phones may be used by a Test Administrator to contact a SAL
It is not allowed to use a computer, laptop, or tablet while secure test
materials are still distributed or while students are testing.
 Exception: A computer may be used by a Test Administrator to administer a test
Test Security Breaches—Test Materials
• Leaving test materials unattended or failing to •
keep test materials secure at all times
• Viewing or permitting students to view secure
test content at any time other than during testing
•
• Reading or viewing the passages or test items
before, during, or after testing (Exception:
preparing for accommodations)
• Copying or reproducing (e.g., taking a picture of)
•
any part of the passages or test items or any
secure test materials or online test forms
• Altering or interfering with a student’s responses
in any way
• Making responses available to a student
Handling the test materials for a purpose other
than test administration (e.g., teacher takes a
Test Booklet home to review, Test Administrator
reads a student’s responses after school)
Revealing or discussing passages or test items
with anyone, including students and school staff,
through verbal exchange, email, social media, or
any other form of communication
Removing secure test materials from the school’s
campus or removing them from locked storage
for any purpose other than administering the test
Maintaining Security of CMAS
Manage Devices!
Have a plan in place to remove cell phones from students during testing.
Manage Seal Codes!
Seal Codes are needed to unlock sections of a test. Each section requires a
different Seal Code to access a test.
To maintain testing security with seal codes, you must…
• Remove seal codes from the board as soon as all students have logged into
a testing session
• Ensure you provide the correct seal code for a test session.
Next Steps
Ongoing Preparations for Testing
Before Testing:
• Practice Tests and Tutorials with students
• Infrastructure Trail
• Test Administrator Training
PARCC PBA testing begins on March 9th
Considerations….
During Testing Window(s), please ensure that….
• All staff members know your school’s testing schedule
• All staff members know what to do with students during testing days
•
(testing protocols)
All staff members know how to reach you during testing times (cell
phone, walkie-talkie, etc.).
Questions?
Thank You!