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NCTA Conference 2010. LSAT Test Security: Prohibited or Not?. Faisel Alam & Nancy Miller Law School Admission Council (215) 968-1100 LSAC.org. 7 US administrations/year 6 Total sections: 5 multiple-choice 1 UNSCORED writing sample 1 UNSCORED multiple-choice section
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NCTA Conference 2010 LSAT Test Security: Prohibited or Not? Faisel Alam & Nancy Miller Law School Admission Council (215) 968-1100 LSAC.org
7 US administrations/year 6 Total sections: 5 multiple-choice 1 UNSCORED writing sample 1 UNSCORED multiple-choice section 35 minutes per section Total testing time is approximately 4 hours (not including check in) One approximate fifteen minute break after section 3 All test takers within a room work on the same section Students wait until end of test to be dismissed (except for illness or cancellation of scores) Can only take a twice, but a 3rd time with permission from a law school MEET THE LSAT
LSAC REQUIRES A STANDARDIZED TESTING ENVIRONMENT • Test is given under the same conditions, no matter where it is administered throughout the world, no matter what day • Goal: make sure students take the test under the same conditions Standardized = Consistent
SECURITY: COMMON CONCERNS Pre-Knowledge: When someone gains access to test content before it is administered. How? While materials are being shipped or after materials have been delivered (during storage). Sadly, beware of internal fraud Materials are compromised during check in (unattended booklets) or during test distribution. OR
SECURITY: COMMON CONCERNS • Brain Dump sites • Sites designed for test takers to recreate the exam after leaving the testing center • Some sites sell parts of the exam • Message boards • Toplawschools.com • LSATdiscussion.com • Auction Houses • eBay, uBid, Craig’s List, etc.
SECURITY: COMMON CONCERNS Impersonation: When one person takes the test for another. • Use of another person’s ID / false ID • Switching of answer sheets • Changing seats • Mis-gridding the answer sheet • See page 2 and 3 in handout
1 is A 2 is C 3 is A SECURITY: COMMON CONCERNS Copying/Communicating: • Copying from another person (opportunistic) • Working on the wrong section or after time is called • Putting information on clothing, water bottle, etc. • Communicating with others during the test (i.e. color coded M&Ms: red is A, blue is B…) or at break • Stashing information or equipment in a restroom, hallway, etc. • Receiving information via text message or phone
SECURITY: COMMON CONCERNS http://damncoolpics.blogspot.com/2010/04/how-to-cheat-on-test.html
SECURITY: COMMON CONCERNS • Earphones • Test taker communicates with someone outside of testing area • Ear bud receiver fits comfortably inside ear
SECURITY: COMMON CONCERNS http://damncoolpics.blogspot.com/2010/04/how-to-cheat-on-test.html
BUTTONHOLE CAMERA SECURITY: COMMON CONCERNS Stealing test materials: • Taking test material out of the room or center (stealing pages from booklet) • Hidden recording devices (phones, pens, cameras)
SECURITY: COMMON CONCERNS VS When hygiene goes wrong…
SECURITY: COMMON CONCERNS • Stealing test materials: • Transmitting information via text/phone Cell Phones – not just for calling mom or dad Source: http://www.commonsensemedia.org/hi-tech-cheating
Prohibited electronic items include, but are not limited to: Electronic timers of any kind Beeping watches, alarm watches, calculator watches Cell phones, pay phones, beepers, pagers, PDAs Personal computers Calculators Photographic or recording devices Listening devices Headsets, iPods, or other media players Prohibited nonelectronic items include, but are not limited to: Books, dictionaries, papers of any kind Rulers, slide rules, compasses Mechanical pencils Briefcases, handbags, backpacks Earplugs Hat/hoods (except religious apparel) may not be worn on the head Weapons or firearms – immediate dismissal LSAC PROHIBITED ITEMS POLICY
ACTIVITY # 1: ALLOWED ITEMS: ID, wallet, keys, medical or hygiene supplies, tissues, pencils, erasers, sharpener, highlighters, snack, beverage, admission ticket Prohibited Items
TESTINGSTAFF PROVIDE THE BEST SAFEGUARDS AGAINST SECURITY BREACHES • Be alert • Don’t ignore a problem once you see it: address it • Support your fellow staff members • Know and follow the policies and procedures in the LSAC’s Supervisor’s Manual
THANK YOU! QUESTIONS? Faisel Alam Test Security Specialist Law School Admission Council falam@LSAC.org