Directions for Testing Students
Using Scripts
The test administrator should verify the security of the testing environment prior to beginning a test session. (Refer to the subtopic Ensuring Test Security.) Test administrators must ensure students do not have access to digital, electronic, or manual devices during testing.
To ensure that all students are tested under the same conditions, the test administrator should adhere strictly to the script for administering the test. Scripts for each grade-level assessment are found in the Smarter Balanced DFAs and CAST DFAs topics in this manual.
When asked, the test administrator should answer questions raised by students but should never help the class or individual students with specific test items. No test items may be read to any student for any content area, unless specified as an accommodation in the Smarter Balanced Usability, Accessibility, and Accommodations Guidelines or the CAST Accessibility Supports for Operational Testing.
Please remember that the script must be followed exactly and used each time a test is administered.
All directions that a test administrator needs to read to students are indicated by the word “SAY” and are in boxes, so they stand out from the descriptive text. They should be read exactly as they are written, using a natural tone and manner. If the test administrator makes a mistake in reading a direction, the test administrator should stop and say, “I made a mistake. Listen again.” Then, the direction should be reread.
The test administrator should try to maintain a natural classroom atmosphere during the test administration. Before each test begins, the test administrator should encourage students to do the best they can.
Filling Out the Student Data Grid
The student data grid is located on the front cover of paper–pencil forms for ELA, mathematics, and CAST. Information about assigned designated supports and accommodations for students is entered into TOMS by the LEA CAASPP coordinator or CAASPP test site coordinator prior to entry of student responses in the DEI.
Figure 1 shows a sample student data grid on a mathematics form.
Figure 1. Sample student data grid on the front page of an answer booklet
In the sections that describe the student data grid, the material to be read aloud to the students is printed in boldface and is preceded by the word “SAY.” All other information is for the test administrator and should not be read to the students.
Before beginning, print on the board the names of the test administrator, school, and LEA. The test administrator’s name is the name of the person administering the test. Having the CDS code for Section 5 is not necessary; this information is provided with the DEI logon so is already associated with the student record.
Deliver these instructions to all students:
SAY:
Please follow these steps to complete the Student Data Grid on the front of your Student Answer Booklet. Find Section 1 at the top, “Student Name.” In that box, print your first and last name. In the box “Test Administrator,” print my name. In the box “School,” print the name of our school. In the box “LEA,” print the name of our school district.
SAY:
We will now complete Sections 2 through 4. Turn to the section “Statewide Student Identifier” in Section 4. Print your Statewide Student Identifier starting in the first box on the left. Fill in the corresponding circles under the numbers you have printed. If you do not know your Statewide Student Identifier, please raise your hand.
Pause and provide SSIDs to students who have their hands raised.
Proceed to the instruction box for Date of Birth.
SAY:
Find the “Date of Birth” section in Section 2. In the column below the space labeled “Month,” fill in the circle next to the month in which you were born.
Pause.
SAY:
In the space labeled “Day,” print the numerals of the day on which you were born. If there is only one numeral in your day of birth, print a zero before the numeral. For example, if your day of birth is the seventh, you would print the numerals zero and seven. In the two columns below, fill in the circles for the numerals of the day on which you were born. Fill in only one circle in each column.
Pause.
SAY:
There are three columns for the year in which you were born. Mark the circle for “19” or “20” in the first column. In the next two columns, fill in the circles for the numerals of the year in which you were born. Fill in only one circle in each column.
Pause.
SAY:
In Section 3, complete the top row with your last name, first name, and middle initial. Each of the boxes in which you have written the letters of your name has a column of circles below it. In the first column, fill in the circle that has the same letter as the first letter of your last name. Repeat the process for each of the other letters in your name. Mark only one circle in each column. For each empty space in the name section, fill in the blank circle in the top row.
To ensure accurate student identification, the Date of Birth section must be completed correctly. Make sure each student has filled in the correct circles for the month, day, and year of birth.
For Students Taking Smarter Balanced Assessments in Grade Eleven Only
EAP SECTION—READ TO STUDENTS IN GRADE ELEVEN ONLY
SAY:
The EAP will assist the CSU system in providing you information on your readiness for college-level written communication and mathematics/quantitative reasoning prior to starting your senior year. The results are used to determine a student’s placement in appropriate coursework once you have been admitted. The release of CAASPP results will not affect a student’s application for admission.
Please carefully read the statement presented as the last question in this test session. If you do not wish your results to be sent to the CSU, mark the “Do Not Release” circle. If you are considering or plan to enroll at a CSU, mark the “Release” circle. Your Smarter Balanced results for this test will be provided by selecting the Release circle. If you do not select to release your results, you may be requested to provide a copy of your results to the campus at a later time. Even if you have already answered this question at the end of an ELA or mathematics test you have already taken, you need to answer it for this test to have the EAP results of both tests reported.
END OF EAP SECTION