Spring 2014
FCAT 2.0 Writing
Training Materials
Overview
• These training materials are based on the Spring 2014
Writing Test Administration Manual and are available at
www.FLAssessments.com/Writing.
• These training materials highlight important information
regarding test administration policies and procedures.
• Not all information from the test administration manual is
included in this presentation, so it is imperative that
school staff read and familiarize themselves with all
information in the manual in addition to using these
training materials.
2
Appendices
Appendices in the Spring 2014
Writing Test Administration
Manual include:
• Appendix A—
Accommodations
• Appendix B—Test Security
Statute and Rule
• Appendix C—Forms, Cover
Sheets, Checklists, Signs
TAM 67-125
3
What’s New
Test Security Statute and Rule
• Florida Test Security Statute, Section 1008.24, F.S., and Florida
State Board of Education Test Security Rule 6A-10.042, FAC,
located in Appendix B, are now printed on perforated pages that
may be removed for review during trainings.
Student Grid Sheets
• The English Language Learner (ELL) category on student grid
sheets no longer records the length of time ELLs have been
receiving ESOL services but is now updated to record the length
of time ELLs have been enrolled in a U.S. school.
4
TAM IV; 8, 11-12; 83-87
Daily Administration
Schedule
Day 1 – Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Grades 4, 8, 10
Writing Test
60
minutes
Day 2 – Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Grades 4, 8, 10
Writing Make-Up Test
60
minutes
The FCAT 2.0 Writing extended testing window for the Visually Impaired (VI)
and Hospital/Homebound Program students is February 25th – March 3rd.
Note: Any deviation from this schedule requires written approval from the
FLDOE prior to implementation.
See back of TAM cover page; Training Packet
5
Students to Be Tested
• All Grades 4, 8, and 10 students, including
retained students, are required to participate
in FCAT 2.0 Writing.
English Language Learners (ELLs)
• All ELLs are expected to participate in FCAT 2.0 Writing.
Students With Disabilities
• Students with disabilities participate in the statewide assessment
program by taking one of the following:
– FCAT 2.0 without accommodations,
– FCAT 2.0 with accommodations, or
– Florida Alternate Assessment.
TAM 3-4
6
Students to Be Tested
Special Programs
District
Number
School
Number
Full-Time K-8
71
0300
Full-Time 9-12
71
0400
FL Virtual Academy
50
7079
Miami-Dade Online Academy
13
7001
Florida Home Education
13
9998
McKay Scholarship
13
3518
Florida Tax Credit Scholarship
97
9999
Hospital/Homebound*
(Brucie Ball Educational Center)
*District program not in the Test Administration Manual.
13
9732
FLVS
Make arrangements to test special program students.
7
TAM 5-6; 48; Training Packet
Allowable
Accommodations
Students With Disabilities
• Test administrators who will administer tests to
students using accommodations must familiarize
themselves with the information in Appendix A.
• Flexible Presentation
• Flexible Responding
• Flexible Scheduling
• Flexible Setting
• Assistive Devices and Tools
TAM Appendix A; 67-72; 75-81
8
Allowable
Accommodations (cont.)
ESOL Levels 1- 4 Only
– Students who are currently receiving services in a
program operated in accordance with an approved
district LEP plan:
• Flexible Setting
• Flexible Scheduling
• Assistance in Heritage Language
• Approved Dictionary
9
TAM Appendix A; 72-73
What To Do –
Temporary Section 504
• When a student sustains an impairment / injury during FCAT
2.0 administration, they may be eligible for Section 504
– You may consider scheduling the test on an available
make-up day, if possible, to provide more time to collect
written medical documentation from the parent and
schedule a 504 Eligibility Meeting
• Contact the Staffing Specialist for assistance and directions
on proceeding with a Section 504 Eligibility Meeting / Plan
• Send / provide a Notification of Meeting to the parent
• Only a designated LEA may facilitate a Section 504 Meeting
SPED Office Contacts
NORTH

North Central (305) 827-3025
– Alfreida Robinson
SOUTH

▪ Instructional Supervisor
▪ Instructional Supervisor
– Elena Hernandez
– Lourdes Alonso
▪ Lead Staffing Specialist

North (305) 827-3025
– Kate Cadieux
▪ Instructional Supervisor
– Cindy O’Donnell
▪ Lead Staffing Specialist
South Central (786) 268-4757
− Kathy Maguire
▪ Lead Staffing Specialist

South (786) 268-4757
− Helene Chait
▪ Instructional Supervisor
– Maria McMann Sifre
▪ Lead Staffing Specialist
Test Security
Per Test Security Statute, s. 1008.24, F.S., and Florida State Board
Rule, 6A-10.042, FAC, inappropriate actions by school or district
personnel can result in student or classroom invalidations, loss
of teaching certification, and/or involvement of law enforcement.
Examples of prohibited activities include the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Reading the Writing prompts before, during, or after testing
Revealing the Writing prompts
Copying the Writing prompts
Explaining or reading the Writing prompts for students
Copying or reading student responses or used planning sheets
Changing or otherwise interfering with student responses
Causing achievement of schools to be inaccurately measured or reported
12
TAM 12; Appendix B; 91
State and District
Requirements
•
Standards, Guidelines, and Procedures
for Test Administration and Test
Security available at
http://oada.dadeschools.net/TestChairI
nfo/InfoForTestChair.asp
– Adopted by School Board
– General Guidelines
•
Florida Test Security Statute and Rule
•
School Procedural Checklist (FM-6927)
•
District Monitors
13
TAM Appendix B; 91; Training Packet
Test Irregularities/
Missing Materials
• Test administrators should report any test irregularities
(e.g., disruptive students) and possible security breaches
to the school assessment coordinator immediately.
• Schools must investigate ANY report of missing
materials and report missing secure materials to Student
Assessment & Educational Testing (SAET) immediately
at 305-995-7520.
• If a test irregularity or security breach is identified, the
school assessment coordinator must contact SAET to
discuss possible test invalidations.
14
TAM 15; 59
Test Irregularities/
Security Breaches
• For test irregularities requiring further investigation by the district
and for security breaches, a written report and supporting
documentation must be submitted within 7 working days after the
irregularity or security breach was identified. The report must
include:
–
–
–
–
The nature of the situation
The time and place of the occurrence
The names of the people involved
A description of the communication between the district
assessment coordinator’s office and school personnel
– How the incident was resolved
– What steps are being taken to avoid future test irregularities or
security breaches
• Schools should submit completed reports and supporting
documentation to SAET to be forwarded to the FLDOE.
TAM 15-16
15
Electronic Devices
• Students may not have any electronic or
recording devices at their desks, in their pockets,
or anywhere they can reach them during testing
or break, even if they are turned off or they do
not use them.
• If a student is found to be in possession of ANY
electronic devices during testing OR during a
break, his or her test must be invalidated.
• Students and parents/guardians should be
made aware of this policy prior to testing.
16
TAM v; 17; 23-24; Appendix C; 107
Before Testing
17
TAM 20-24; 41-45
Communicate Testing
Policies
•
•
•
•
Electronic Devices Policy—If students are found with ANY electronic
devices, including, but not limited to, cell phones and smartphones, during
testing OR during breaks, their tests will be invalidated.
Leaving Campus—If students leave campus before completing the test (for
lunch, an appointment, or illness, etc.), they WILL NOT be allowed to
complete the test.
Testing Rules Acknowledgment—Prior to testing, students will sign below
a Testing Rules Acknowledgment on the back of the planning sheet that
reads: “I understand the testing rules that were just read to me. If I do not
follow these rules, my test score may be invalidated.”
Discussing Test Content after Testing—The last portion of the testing
rules read to students before they sign below the acknowledgment reads,
“After the test, you may not discuss the Writing prompt with anyone. This
includes any type of electronic communication, such as texting, emailing, or
posting online, for example, on websites like Facebook, Twitter, or
18
Instagram.
TAM 24
Receive Test Materials
• You will receive the following materials, as appropriate for
your school:
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
School Cover Memo
Packing List
School Assessment Coordinator Kit—clear plastic bag
PreID Rosters and Labels
Writing Planning Sheets
Writing Folders
Special Document Boxes (if applicable)
• Save the original boxes for returning TO BE SCORED materials.
• If you need additional materials, contact the Test Distribution
Center (TDC) at 305-995-3743.
TAM 41-42
19
Prepare Test Materials
School personnel must adhere to the following policies as
they prepare student materials:
• School staff may verify and apply labels and/or complete student grid
sheets no sooner than 3 days prior to testing (Feb. 20).
• Only the school assessment coordinator and school personnel
designated by the building/site administrator may open the shrinkwrapped packages and affix labels.
• Do not use student labels from previous administrations.
• Students are not permitted to assist in preparing secure
materials before testing or in organizing and returning materials
after testing.
• After preparation, all secure materials must be returned to locked
storage and remain there until testing begins.
20
TAM 8-9; Training Packet
Special Documents
• Ensure that the correct procedures are followed for administering tests to
students using special documents.
• Student responses must be recorded properly in all special documents
before they are submitted for scoring.
• Refer to the Special Document sections of the manual to ensure the
proper handling of these materials.
21
TAM 74-82
Chain of Custody Forms
• Schools are required to maintain a Test
Materials Chain of Custody Form located at
www.FLAssessments.com/Writing and in
Appendix C.
– Record accurate information on the form,
including the dates and times activities are
completed, the names of the people
performing activities involving the materials,
and information about the locked storage
room.
– Retain electronic or hard copies of
completed forms after materials are
packaged for return.
22
TAM 43; 95
District-Level Certification
Form
• Non-certified school personnel
designated by the school administrator to
assist test chairperson in handling
secure materials for statewide
assessments must be granted approval
by the FLDOE. (Please refer to Weekly
Briefing ID #: 14536.)
−Deadline to submit completed form to
SAET for approval was December 6.
Signed FCAT 2.0 Test Administration
and Security Agreement Form must
also be submitted with form.
−The approval will be valid for the
remainder of the school year.
23
Training Packet Attachment F
Writing Folders
• Writing folders include security numbers
to assist in the tracking of these secure
documents.
• A security number consists of a nine-digit
number followed by a check digit
(located in upper right corner of Writing
folders).
• School assessment coordinators and test
administrators must maintain records of
required administration information that
include the security numbers of Writing
folders assigned to them.
• If a Writing folder or planning sheet is
soiled, it must be reported to SAET at
305-995-7520.
TAM 11-12; 13-14
Students must write their name,
school and district name.
↓
24
PreID Labels
• PreID file is based on student information as of December 6
• The PreID roster should be verified against the school’s student
information database.
– Verify that students with PreID labels are still enrolled and will be tested.
• FIVE elements MUST be correct on a student PreID label:
– Student name
– Florida ID number
– District number
– School number
– Grade level
• Destroy labels in a secure manner if ANY of this information is incorrect.
• If any other preidentified information (e.g., date of birth) is incorrect, use
25
the label.
TAM 8-11
PreID Labels (cont.)
• Affix the label in the box in the lower left corner of the
student grid sheet.
• Do not remove labels once they have been affixed.
• Do not place a label over another label.
TAM 8-11
26
Train Test Administrators
and Proctors
• Train all test administrators and proctors, including non-schoolbased instructors (e.g., itinerant teachers). You must train
several employees to act as possible alternates.
• Test administrators must be certified educators.
• Test administrators who will be administering the test to students
using large print or braille materials must be trained in the use of
these test materials.
• Distribute test administration manuals and instruct test
administrators to read ALL appropriate sections including the
important information and instructions between the SAY boxes .
− Script must be read VERBATIM to students.
• Test administrators must NOT administer the FCAT 2.0 Writing
assessment to their family members or friends.
− Under no circumstances may a student’s parent/guardian be present
in a student’s testing room.
• Encourage test administrators to use the checklist found in
Appendix C and Attachment C in the Training Packet.
TAM 29-34; 43-44; Appendix C; 101
27
Proctors
•
•
•
•
School Personnel may
− Prepare, distribute, and collect materials under direct supervision
of the test administrator
− Complete student grid sheets
Non-school Personnel may
− Assist in monitoring test administration only
− Only be used as an “extra” pair of eyes
M-DCPS students may NOT serve as proctors.
FLDOE strongly recommends that a proctor be assigned to rooms
28
with 30 or fewer students whenever possible.
TAM 12; 13; 43
Security Agreement
Forms
• Test administrators and proctors must sign and return an
FCAT 2.0 Test Administration and Security Agreement,
which indicates that they:
− Have received training
− Have read the Test Security Statute and State Board Rule
− Have read all applicable portions of the test administration
manual
− Understand and agree to adhere to all test security and
administration policies and procedures
• Test administrators are required to sign a Test
Administrator Prohibited Activities Agreement in addition
to a Security Agreement. Test administrators must
record their certification numbers on this document.
29
TAM 44; 91; 93
Prepare the Room
for Testing
• The test should be administered in a room that has comfortable
seating, good lighting, and sufficient workspace.
• There must be at least three feet between students.
• Make sure that students are not facing each other when seated at
tables and are not in seating (stadium or staggered) that allows
them to easily view other students’ test materials.
• Post the sign that reads TESTING—Please Do Not Disturb on all
entrances to the testing room and display starting and stopping
times for students as soon as testing begins.
• Students must not have access to any unauthorized aids, including
visual aids on classroom walls or desktops (e.g., word lists,
punctuation charts).
TAM 20; Appendix C; 107; 111
30
Security Log
A Security Log
must be maintained
for each testing
room.
Anyone who enters
a room for the
purpose of
monitoring a test
MUST sign the log
for that testing
room.
31
TAM 22; Appendix C; 97
Test Group Codes
• A test group code is a unique four-digit number used as a security
measure to identify a group of students tested together.
• School assessment coordinators will distribute test group codes to test
administrators.
• Each testing room MUST use a different test group code.
• If students are absent for a test session, a different unique code must be
used for each make-up session.
• Note: Writing folders do not contain a field for a test group code;
however, test group codes must still be used to identify groups of
students tested together.
• Test group codes must be recorded with required administration
information and on seating charts.
TAM 23; 42
32
Seating Charts
• An accurate seating chart must be maintained for each testing room.
Seating charts must record the following information:
– Room name/number
– Student names and their location in the room during testing
– Direction students are facing
– Date
– Test starting and stopping times
– Test administrator name
– Names of proctors (if applicable)
– Test group code
• All seating charts must indicate the front and back of the room.
• If the seating configuration changes during testing, a new seating
chart must be created.
TAM 21; 43; Training Packet
33
Administration Record/
Security Checklist
• School assessment coordinators may use the checklist to
record the security numbers of the documents assigned to
and returned by each test administrator.
• A blank version of the form can be found in Appendix C and
at www.FLAssessments.com/Writing.
• Pre-populated lists with security numbers for all secure
folders assigned to each school are available for schools at
www.pearsonaccess.com/fl and select the correct test
administration (Spring 2014 Writing)
− Go to Test Setup > Order Additional Materials and
Tracking > Reports, and select Security Checklist Detail
34
from the drop-down list. TAM 14; Appendix C; 99
Required Administration
Information
• Test Administrators must record
and maintain the following
required administration
information:
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Students assigned to the room
Attendance information
Accommodations provided
Accommodations used
Test group code
Grade level
Unique security number of
secure documents assigned to
each student
– Signatures of test administrator
and school assessment
coordinator
– Dates for when Writing folders
are received and returned
35
TAM 42; Appendix C; 99
During Testing
36
TAM 25-38; 46
Supervise Test
Administration
• Students are using No. 2 pencils
• Students do not have books, notes, scratch paper (other than
their planning sheets), or electronic devices of any kind
• Students are using the correct assigned Writing folder and
planning sheet
• Students have signed below the Testing Rules Acknowledgment
• Students do not talk or make any disturbance
• Students are working independently
• Students who use their planning sheets allow themselves
enough time to write complete responses in their Writing folders
• Students are recording their responses in the appropriate area
TAM 26-27
37
Supervise Test
Administration (cont.)
•
It is not appropriate to use cell or classroom phones, grade papers, or work
on the computer during testing.
•
Students may be encouraged to continue working, but do NOT talk with
them about the prompt or help them with their responses.
•
If students finish the test before the allotted time for the session has elapsed,
they may be encouraged to go back and check their work.
•
Test materials may NOT be collected prior to the end of the 60-minute
session.
•
FCAT 2.0 Writing is administered in one 60-minute session – failure to
provide the correct amount of time will likely result in test invalidation.
•
Keep accurate time and display times for students as instructed in the script.
•
Security number(s) of the folder(s) assigned to and returned by each student
38
MUST be recorded and verified at the completion of testing.
TAM 26-27
Monitor Testing
• Distribute Writing folders and planning sheets for students in
each testing room immediately before testing is scheduled to
begin.
• Provide test administrators with additional materials, as
necessary.
• Monitor each testing room to ensure that test administration
and test security policies and procedures are followed,
seating charts and Security Logs are properly completed,
and required administration information is collected.
• Be available during testing to answer questions from test
administrators.
• Arrange for and supervise make-up administrations.
39
TAM 46
After Testing
40
TAM 39-40;47-58
Test Invalidation
•
•
A test MUST be invalidated if either of the following circumstances
occurs:
̶ A student has an electronic device during testing
̶ A student is cheating during testing
̶ A student is given an accommodation not allowed in the FCAT 2.0
Writing test
̶ A student is given an accommodation not indicated on the student’s IEP,
Section 504 plan, or ELL plan
̶ An error occurs in test administration or procedures that could
compromise the validity of test results
̶ A student is given unauthorized help during testing
A test MAY be invalidated if one of the following circumstances
occurs:
̶ A student becomes ill and is unable to finish
̶ A student is not allowed the correct amount of time
̶ A student was not provided an allowable accommodation indicated on
the student’s IEP, Section 504 plan, or ELL plan
̶ A disruption occurs during testing (e.g., severe weather)
41
̶ A student is disruptive during testing
TAM 17-19
Organize Materials
 Verify that all distributed secure materials have been returned. Complete the Test
Materials Chain of Custody Form.
 Report any missing materials to SAET at 305-995-7520 and conduct the
necessary investigation.
 Make copies of all collected required administration information, seating charts,
Security Logs, and Chain of Custody forms.
 Inspect students’ Writing folders for stray marks ONLY on student grid sheets,
verify that each student has completed the required information in the upper left
corner of the grid sheet, and remove any stray planning sheets. Do NOT open
Writing folders or review student responses.
 Check to make sure DNS bubbles have not been gridded by mistake and that
DNS bubbles are gridded on invalidated test documents.
 Organize test materials and hand-deliver to TDC by the scheduled return dates.
42
TAM 51-57
Document Count Forms
• Do not copy blank count forms; however, once the count
forms are completed, you may copy them for your
records. If you need additional count forms, contact TDC
at 305-995-3743.
• Verify that you have included all Writing folders from
make-up tests before you complete the forms.
• Place each completed form on top of the first stack of
corresponding TO BE SCORED Writing folders.
• Separate Document Count Forms must be completed for
any special program student documents (Home Ed,
Virtual School, etc.).
43
TAM 48-50
Ensure that the correct
district and school numbers
are gridded (refer to the chart
on page 48 of the manual for
special program
district/school numbers).
Grid the correct grade
level/document type,
number of documents under
the form, and special document
type, if applicable. Complete a
separate Document Count Form
for each grade level.
44
TAM 48-50
Paper Bands
•
•
•
•
•
Documents for each grade level and special program must be banded
separately.
On each paper band, provide the appropriate district/school number, school
name, number of TO BE SCORED documents contained in the paper band, and
number of banded stacks per Document Count Form.
Under Number of Banded Stacks per Document Count Form, number the
paper bands 1 of n, 2 of n, etc., where n is the total number of banded stacks per
Document Count Form.
Place a paper band around each stack of TO BE SCORED Writing folders. The
Document Count Form must be under the paper band on top of the stack
labeled 1 of n.
Seal the paper band and be sure that it securely holds the folders. Do not use
staples, paper clips, or tape.
45
TAM 51
Pack Test Materials
• Prepare the following types of boxes for return to TDC:
– All TO BE SCORED Writing folders—Red-labeled boxes
– All TO BE SCORED large print materials, if applicable—White-labeled
boxes
– All TO BE SCORED braille materials, if applicable—Pink-labeled boxes
– All NOT TO BE SCORED materials (including NOT TO BE SCORED
special documents)—Yellow-labeled boxes
– District Assessment Coordinator ONLY box
• It is your responsibility to package all materials correctly.
Mispackaged materials will delay reporting of student results.
• See pages 51–57 of the manual for instructions on the packaging
and return of test materials, including large print and braille
46
materials.
TAM 47-58; Friendly Reminder in Training Packet
Packaging Diagram
(Red Labeled Boxes)
FLVS
Academy
(50/7079
and/or
FLVS FT
Middle
71/0300 or
FLVS FT
High
71/0400)
Miami-Dade
Online
Academy
(13/7001)
Brucie Ball
Ed. Center
Hospital/
Homebound
(13/9732)
Note:
Place invalidated
documents marked
DNS below the
Document Count
Form and include in
count.
47
TAM 55; Friendly Reminder in Training Packet
Packaging Diagram
Special Documents
Reminder: Return
regular print folder
shipped in LP or BR
Kit, in Student
Envelope
48
TAM 56
District Assessment
Coordinator ONLY Box
• Place the following materials in the District Assessment
Coordinator ONLY box:
– All Planning Sheets (used with signed Testing Rules
Acknowledgement and unused)
– Original Administration Record/Security Checklist or school’s
developed form with all required administration information
– Original Security Logs
– Original Seating Charts
– Original Test Materials Chain of Custody Form
– Original Accounting for All Secure Documents
– Original School Procedural Checklist (FM-6927)
• Seal the box.
• Write District Assessment Coordinator ONLY on the side of
49
the box.
TAM 57; Friendly Reminder in Training Packet
Return Schedule
ALL WRITING MATERIALS
RETURN DATES
• RED - “TO BE SCORED” GRADES
4, 8, AND 10
• WHITE – “TO BE SCORED” large
print materials, if applicable
• PINK - “TO BE SCORED” Braille
materials, if applicable
• YELLOW – All “NOT TO BE
SCORED” materials (including NOT
TO BE SCORED special
documents)
• DISTRICT ASSESSMENT
COORDINATOR ONLY BOX
Elementary, K-8 Centers, Middle
Schools, Senior High Schools and
Alternative Centers:
February 28 - March 4, 2014
Note: Schools must hand-deliver all FCAT 2.0 Writing materials to TDC by 3:30 p.m.
50
at 13135 S.W. 26 Street, Miami, FL 33175.
Friendly Reminder in Training Packet
Online Resources
The following materials may be found on the PearsonAccess
website under the Support tab:
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Test administration manual
Forms to report missing materials and test irregularities/security breaches
Training materials
Comment forms
Blank Administration Record/Security Checklist
Security Log
Materials Return List
Braille Script
FCAT 2.0 Test Administration and Security Agreement, Test Administrator
Prohibited Activities Agreement, Test Materials Chain of Custody Form
– Parent/guardian letters
– Checklists for reference before, during, and after testing
www.PearsonAccess.com/fl, select Support Tab
51
Comment Forms
• After testing, test administrators and school
assessment coordinators are encouraged to
complete a Writing comment form located at
www.FLAssessments.com/Writing.
• FLDOE and Pearson appreciate valuable feedback
from district and school personnel.
52
TAM 40; 58
Contact Information
Student Assessment and Educational Testing
Maria C. Bruguera, Director
Email: mbruguera@dadeschools.net or
Mara Ugando, Staff Specialist
Email: mugando@dadeschools.net
Phone: 305-995-7520
Fax: 305-995-7522
53
Thank you for ensuring a secure and
successful FCAT 2.0 Writing
administration.
54