End of Course Tests (EOCT) Pre-Administration Webinar Spring 2013 March 5-7, 2013

1. End of Course Tests (EOCT) Pre-Administration Webinar Spring 2013 March 5-7, 2013 Our session will start momentarily • While you are waiting, please do the following: • Configure your microphone and speakers by going to: • Tools-audio-audio setup wizard • Enter/edit your profile information by going to: • Tools-Preferences-My profile... • Complete the information on the “identity” tab, click “OK” • To view the profile of another user, hover your mouse over his or her name in the participants window

2. AGENDA • Introductions • What’s New/Reminders • Purpose/Overview • Use of Calculators • Scheduling Considerations/Test Makeup Procedures • Students to Be Tested/Accommodations • Grading • Security/Testing Irregularities • Receipt, Return and Tracking of Materials • Scores and Reports • EOCT Important Dates • EOCT Resources • Contact Information

3. What’s New/Reminders • PearsonAccess FTE Requirement • Student Report Labels • Transition to CCGPS Standards: Mathematics & English/Language Arts • Electronic Individual Student Reports (ISRs) • Delivery Dates of Testing Materials • System Readiness Tools

4. PearsonAccess – FTE Requirement • When entering student data into PearsonAccess (either manually or via SDU Upload) systems are now REQUIRED to enter both FTE Number and GTID fields. • Values in the FTE field: • Must be numeric • Meet the required length of 9 digits • Cannot be blank • If requirements are not met, students will not be uploaded into PearsonAccess

5. Student Report Labels • Beginning Spring 2013, all districts will receive student report labels included in their shipment of scores and reports • Student Report Labels should be placed on a student’s permanent record

6. CCGPS Transition • In the 2012-2013 school year, we have transitioned to CCGPS • Mathematics • Introduced a new Coordinate Algebra EOCT beginning with Winter 2012 administration • Standard Setting was conducted in December 2012. This is not a field test or pilot. • Coordinate Algebra scores will be available after a representational sample is reached in Spring 2013 (in early/mid May). This could result in Coordinate Algebra reporting later than other mathematics EOCTs. On-Demand Reports for online testers will not be available for Coordinate Algebra until the sample is reached. Other math EOCTs will NOT be impacted. • English/Language Arts • Ninth Grade and American Literature aligned with new CCGPS standards beginning with Winter 2012 administration • Field Test Items for inclusion on new forms • Previously in Spring 2012 and Winter 2012 • Continuing in Spring 2013

7. Electronic ISRs • Electronic ISRs will be posted on PearsonAccess, regardless of whether or not districts request paper copies • Access to electronic copies “indefinitely” • Please note that districts who have not previously requested electronic copies will not have access to files prior to the Winter 2012 administration • Districts may download these files for their records

8. Staggered Delivery of Testing Materials Three test material delivery dates: • Systems testing the weeks of April 22ndand April 29th • April 8th-10th • Systems testing the weeks of May 6thand May 13th • April 22nd – 23rd • Systems testing the weeks of May 20th& May 27th • May 6th-7th

9. Online Testing – System Readiness Tools Additional resources available for districts to enhance the online testing experience. • System Readiness Tools: • System Checks • Infrastructure Trial • One-on-one training Note: Presentation on the can be found on the following EOCT page: http://www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/Assessment/Pages/EOCT-Presentations.aspx

10. EOCT Overview

11. Purpose • The purpose of the EOCT is to assess student achievement of the state adopted curriculum in core courses and to provide diagnostic data in support of improved student achievement. • The EOCT serves as a component in Georgia’s College & Career Readiness Performance Index (CCRPI).

12. EOCT Assessments • Ninth Grade Literature and Composition • American Literature and Composition • Biology • Physical Science • U. S. History • Economics/Business/Free Enterprise • GPS Algebra • GPS Geometry • Mathematics I: Algebra/Geometry/Statistics • Mathematics II: Geometry/Algebra II/Statistics • CCGPS Coordinate Algebra

13. EOCT Assessments • Each test booklet is divided into two sections. • Students may complete Sections I and II in day one or Section I in day one and Section II in day two. • Students may not complete a portion of a section and then complete the remainder of the section later in the day or the next day. • This will result in an invalidation of the test. • For example, if a student becomes ill during Section I and does not complete that section, the student may not complete the remainder of the Section I upon return to school.

14. EOCT Courses

15. Administration Windows • Remaining 2012-2013 Main administrations: • Spring 2013: April 22-May 31 • EOCT Retests CANNOT be given during the main administration window. All students eligible for retest must wait until the next retest administration which open June 17. • Summer 2013: June 17-July 19 • Remaining Spring 2013 Mid-months: • March 4-15 • Remaining Retest Administrations: • Winter 2012 Retest Administration: March 4-15 • Spring Retest Administration: June 17-July 19

16. Testing Modes • End-of-Course Tests may be administered via paper and pencil or online. • Paper/pencil assessments are available during the winter, spring and summer main administrations. • Online assessments are available for all administrations (including retest administrations). • Combination of both paper/pencil and online can be used during the main administration windows.

17. Use of Calculators • Calculators are allowed to be used on the following EOCTs: • CCGPS Coordinate Algebra • GPS Algebra/GPS Geometry • Mathematics I/Mathematics II • Physical Science • Economics • Calculators that store text or graphing calculators cannot be used. • Examiners should verify appropriate calculator use prior to the beginning of testing. • Electronic testing format provides “4-function” calculators. • Students are allowed to use their own calculators when testing online.

18. Scheduling Considerations • Diligent attention must be given to the development of a schedule that protects the security and integrity of the test administration. • EOCT may be scheduled at any time during the state testing window. • Systems may elect a one-day or a two-day administration; however, all schools in the system must follow the same schedule as closely as possible. • Individual subject areas must be administered on the same or consecutive days within the system. • At no time should some students complete a test one week and another group of students complete the same test the following week. • For scheduling examples, please refer to Page 66 of the Student Assessment Handbook. *Allowing flexibility in the scheduling of the EOCT, to meet the variety of school schedules that exist, is dependent upon everyone involved in the administration protecting the integrity of the program.

19. Scheduling Considerations • Schools must adhere to the testing times prescribed in the Examiner’s Manuals. • Total administration time for the tests is 90-120 minutes. • Additional time is required for disseminating materials, completing forms, and other test protocols. • Allowing too much or too little time may result in an invalidation. • When scheduling tests, consider the optimum time to administer the tests. • Consider logistics, including time and staffing. • During one-day test administrations, lunch should not serve as the break between sections I and II. To do so, would allow for potential breaches of test security.

20. Scheduling Considerations – Test Make-ups • The purpose of the make-up days is to administer the tests to students who are unexpectedly absent during the regularly scheduled administration. • Include sick days, verified court dates, etc. • Does not include personal vacations, school field trips. • When in doubt, contact GaDOE. • Make-ups must only be administered during the district’s window • Permission to test outside district window will only be considered in rare, case-by-case circumstances and must be pre-approved by GaDOE.

21. Students To Be Tested • Any student, regardless of grade-level, enrolled in an EOCT course must take the appropriate EOCT. • For example, if a student is taking a course to complete the state requirement for Mathematics I, that student must take the Mathematics I EOCT, regardless of the course title assigned by the local system.

22. Students To Be Tested • Students who are: • taking a block-scheduled course who complete the full year course in one semester will be tested at the end of that semester. • following a traditionally scheduled (36-week) course will be tested at the end of the second semester of the course. • completing a course at the end of one semester (typically Economics) will be tested at the completion of the course.

23. Students To Be Tested • Students enrolled (or dually enrolled) in: • alternative schools. • credit recovery or “make-up” courses. • college courses, online courses, or correspondence classes and are receiving credit towards graduation for an EOCT course. • Note: High schools are responsible for determining that post-secondary courses meet the criteria for dual enrollment. Scores will be counted as follows: • The college instructor must issue a numeric grade for the student. A letter grade may also be issued, but the high school must receive a numeric score for the course. • For high school credit, the course grade will be determined using the State Board required calculation.

24. Students To Be Tested • Middle School students enrolled in an EOCT course, whether or not they receive HS credit for the class. • These students are also required to take the appropriate CRCT. • Students with disabilities and English Learners (EL) who are enrolled in EOCT courses for credit. • Students who receive accommodations for instructional and classroom assessment purposes may also be eligible for accommodations during the administration of End-of-Course Tests. • Accommodations provided for statewide assessment must be listed on IEP, IAP, or EL TPC and should be consistent with the student’s instructional program.

25. Students To Be Tested • Students enrolled in your system who are also enrolled in EOCT courses via Georgia Virtual School (GAVS) • Must be administered the appropriate EOCT at their home school. • It is the school test coordinator’s responsibility to ensure that these students’ answer documents are coded accurately (“30” under SDU A) so that results may be reported to GAVS. • Documents not coded to reflect students enrollment with GAVS could delay or interfere with student grade reports.

26. Students To Be Tested • Students enrolling from non-accredited programs. • Must take and pass the EOCT with a minimum of 70 grade conversion score to receive credit for the course. • It is the responsibility of the local school system to determine whether criteria are met for awarding credit.

27. Students NOT To Be Tested • Students who wish to transfer credit in an EOCT course completed at an accredited institution. • Note: Students who enroll in coursework at another accredited institution while also enrolled in a public school are considered “dually enrolled.” • Students who have previously taken an EOCT course, took the accompanying EOCT and received core credit for the course. • For example, if a student is completing an EOCT course as an “elective”, the student would not be required to take the EOCT. The student isrequired to take the EOCT when they take and complete the course for “core” credit. • If you have questions in such circumstances, please contact GaDOE Assessment.

28. Students NOT To Be Tested • For the upcoming Spring 2013 Main Administration students who are eligible to take a retest administration. • This is not a Retest window. • Eligible students must wait to take the EOCT Retest during the next available Retest window • Summer 2013: June 17th -July 19th

29. Accommodations • Students who receive accommodations for instructional and classroom assessment purposes may also be eligible for accommodations during testing. • Accommodations provided for statewide assessment must be listed on IEP, IAP, or EL TPC and should be consistent with the student’s instructional program. • To avoid an irregularity, please ensure that students who should receive accommodations are properly identified prior to testing.

30. Accommodations • Only approved accommodations may be used. • Please refer to the Accommodations Manual and the Student Assessment Handbook. • Use of accommodations not on the list must be approved in advance by Melissa Fincher, Associate Superintendent for Assessment and Accountability. • Four to six weeks should be allowed for these requests to be reviewed.

31. What percentage of a student’s course grade does an EOCT comprise? Cohort 1 Students who enter grade 9 for the first time in SY2011 -2012 or after • Cohort 2 • Students who entered grade 9 for the first time between July 2008 and June 2011 • EOCT counts as 20% of course grade • EOCT counts as 15% of course grade The percentages for these two cohorts are defined by State Board of Education rule 160-4-2-.13 (STATEWIDE PASSING SCORE)

32. Grading • Students must earn a 70 or higher final course grade to pass the course and earn credit for graduation. • If your school awards 1.0 credit upon completion of a year long course, the EOCT should count as either 15% or 20% that final grade. • If your school awards 0.5 credit at the end of the first semester, and 0.5 credit at the end of the second semester, the EOCT should count as either 15% or 20% of the final second semester course grade.

33. Grading • If a student is not present for an EOCT administration (main or mid-month), the system may issue an Incomplete and allow the student to test during a future testing window (main or mid-month). • This Incomplete may remain as the student’s course grade until their testing requirement is fulfilled. • If, after attempts have been made to have the student test in a future window, the student does not take the EOCT, the course grade shall reflect that the student did not participate in the test. • The system may issue a zero as 15% or 20% (dependent upon date first enrolled in grade nine) of the final course grade. • There should be sufficient documentation to indicate the student was notified of testing opportunities and did not participate. • The EOCT is Georgia's assessment utilized for federal high school accountability. As a result, systems must provide for the participation of all students in completion of an EOCT course.

34. Security • Maintaining test security and test integrity is critical. • All EOCT must be administered and supervised by a Georgia-certified educator. • Students and teachers need to understand test protocols and the ramifications of not following testing procedures. • Violations may result in invalidation of students’ tests and/or referral to the Professional Standards Commission for disciplinary action. • The school principal is ultimately responsible for all testing activity in his/her school, and therefore, must be made aware of any issues involving testing or test security.

35. Security - Examiner Training • Everyone involved in the testing process MUST be properly trained and informed of their roles and responsibilities for test security. • Attendance at training must be mandatory and well-documented. • Untrained examiners must not be allowed to test. • Documentation of attendance at the district and building level (include agenda and materials used). • Ensure examiners have an opportunity to review examiner manual prior to testing date (in a secure environment). • Examiners should be clear on logistical procedures in place for security of materials.

36. Security - Test Materials • Student Test Booklets must be kept stored in a secure place accessible only by the principal and the test coordinator at all times. • Test materials must not be removed from their secure storage location for reasons other than the preparation of materials for testing, actual test administration, and the completion of tasks as prescribed by test manuals. • Shrink-wrapped packages must remain sealed until Test Coordinators are ready to prepare test materials for administration.

37. Security - Test Materials • Distribute testing materials as close to the actual testing time as possible. • Testing materials should only be issued to persons who have been carefully advised of their responsibilities for test security. • Only staff members who have been trained on the proper management of secure test materials should handle such materials. • All testing materials issued to persons administering tests must be counted carefully when given out and when returned. • If a problem occurs, School Test Coordinator should be notified immediately.

38. Security - Documentation • All persons receiving testing materials MUST sign a checkout sheet when they receive the materials. This sheet should show date and time. • Test Coordinators and/or Examiners MUST keep a record of all students tested for each EOCT administration. • In addition to student’s name and EOCT administered, please remember to include form numbers for each student in your documentation. Please be sure to keep copies of these records.

39. Security – During Testing • Students must write their names on the cover of their test booklet and any scratch paper. • Please follow all instructions in the test manuals exactly. • Do not add anything to, or delete anything from, the directions in the test manual. This violates standardized test conditions and may invalidate scores. • All testing materials must be collected and returned immediately after the testing session. • Please be reminded that Student Authorization Tickets and used scratch paper are considered secured materials and must be handled as such. • Examiners are responsible for turning them in and coordinators are responsible for verifying that they do. • For additional security information, please refer to pages 35-37 of the Student Assessment Handbook.

40. Testing Irregularities • Given the increased role of the EOCT as a part of Georgia’s accountability system, diligent attention must be paid to identifying and reporting all irregularities in a timely manner. • We can act swiftly and in the best interest of students if irregularities are reported during, or within48 hours of the close of the state administration window. • Failure to report irregularities in a timely manner could lead to the delayed and/or inaccurate reporting of scores in the State Longitudinal Data System (SLDS).

41. Testing Irregularities We STRONGLY recommend that districts: • Double-check accommodations prior to testing • Double-check that all students are slated to take the correctassessment(s) prior to testing • Keep accurate records (prior, during, and after the administration window) • all students testing, • the receipt and return of testing materials • Report irregularities during, or within 48 hours of the close of the state administration window

42. Reporting Testing Irregularities • All personnel in the local system must follow protocol as they become aware of testing irregularities. • Signs of any testing irregularity must be dealt with immediately. • Test Examiner > School Test Coordinator > System Test Coordinator > Melissa Faux • The school principal must also be made aware of any instances of a testing irregularity. • Reports of testing irregularities from persons other than the STC (or their designee), will be referred to the STC to ensure proper reporting protocols are followed. • Please do not include identifiable student information such as, social security numbers, GTID, or FTE numbers in emails sent to GaDOE.

43. Reporting Testing Irregularities • When you become aware of a testing irregularity, you should: • Contact GaDOE directly • This is required if the situation is an emergency, warrants further investigation of student and/or personnel misconduct, or if you have any questions. • Submit entry and upload any supporting documentation into the MyGaDOE portal • This is required of all irregularities. • All entries requesting an invalidation of student scores must clearly state so and include a detailed description of the circumstances which warrant an INV. Failure to do both will result in the entry being “REJECTED”.

44. Documenting Testing Irregularities • Once you’ve received the IRR or INV code, you MUST: • For paper/pencil assessments - Grid and bubble code on student answer documents • For online administrations - Enter code into PearsonAccess • Once received, IRR codes can be used on all future irregularities, however documentation must be entered into the portal. • Only the GaDOE may invalidate assessments.

45. Testing Irregularities – Portal Entry • All irregularities must be coded, documentation completed and submitted on the Testing Irregularity Form in the MyGaDOE Portal. • Each instance of an irregularity must be entered into the portal as a separate entry. • If more than one student is involved, please enter/upload all students in a single entry. • If more than one student is involved but different IRR/INV designations are needed, please enter/upload those students in two separate entries.

46. Testing Irregularities – Portal Entry • When entering the documentation into the portal, please: • Select the appropriate “Administration Cycle” – Spring 2013. • Select the appropriate “Administration” – EOCT Main. • Include the form number of the test that needs to be coded as an Irregularity or Invalidation. • Failure to include the form number when completing the Testing Irregularity Form will result in delayed and/or inaccurate reporting of scores. • Clearly indicate if a score should be invalidated, or counted as an irregularity. • If tests need to be invalidated, please select from drop down menu the reason for invalidation. • Describe in detail the circumstances surrounding the reason for invalidating the test.

47. Testing Irregularities - Paper • On answer documents, you must: • Fill-in the appropriate irregularity or invalidation bubble. • Grid the 5-digit SDU B code. • Failure to grid both the correct SDU-B code and fill-in the correct corresponding bubble will result in the delayed and/or inaccurate reporting of scores.

48. Testing Irregularities – Online • For students who test online, follow these steps in PearsonAccess: 1. Click on Test Management.

49. Testing Irregularities – Online • 2. Find and Select the student

50. Testing Irregularities – Online • 3. Once you find the student, click on Assigned Tests: