Tips for a Successful ACCUPLACER Testing Session

(updated April 29, 2008)

This test guide has been prepared by EPCC Testing Services to assist high school staff in the proper administration of the ACCUPLACER tests as part of the El Paso Area College Readiness Initiative.

The test site administrator is responsible for insuring that all test day staff have been provided with training in the proper use of the ACCUPLACER Online test administration before issuing them a proctor log-on and password. Proctor training should take place prior to the start/day of the testing session.

Review pertinent sections of the Administrator’s Guide (found under the Resources Tab and clicking on >>ACCUPLACER Users Manuals >>Administrators Guide):

• Page 4: ACCUPLACER Online Setup (for internet browser configurations) • Page 72: Administer Tests (for training your proctors) • Page 27: Individual Score Report (if you need to reprint an individual score report) • Page 36: Score Roster Report (to pull a complete roster for all tested during a given period)

A little time spent planning the session, setting up the computer lab properly, and selecting/training your test staff will ensure that your test session and your overall test program runs smoothly. 1. Students: Identify those who will be tested and what test(s) each will take. Notify each student (well in advance) of the test date, session reporting time, test room location and any other pertinent information necessary for the test day (i.e. bring a photo ID; do not bring cell phones, calculators and excess personal items to the test room, etc). Include the appropriate briefings to parents if required by your school policy. 2. Computer Labs: Identify the computer labs that will be used for testing and ensure that they will be available for a five hour test period. Set up the computer lab according to the ACCUPLACER test specifications for online testing (see pages 4 – 6 of the Administrator’s Guide). 3. Test Security for ACCUPLACER Tests: The ACCUPLACER Tests must always be administered in a secured, proctored setting. The designated ISD test site administrator has full responsibility for the proper use and control of the ACCUPLACER test site. 4. Selection of Test Staff: Proctors may be any trusted member of the high school staff who has been provided training in online test administration. Factors to consider in selecting potential staff for ACCUPLACER test administration include that they:

• Do not need or plan to take the ACCUPLACER Tests for their own personal reasons (i.e. for enrolling in college courses) at a later date.

• Will sign a proctor security/confidentiality statement (if you require it). • Do not serve as test administrators for any of their own children, close relatives or the

children of very close friends (to prevent a perception of improprieties/conflict of interest).

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5. Assignment of Test Staff: Assign staff based on the number of computers/students in the lab and the layout of the lab. A good staff to student ratio is 1:25. An extra person at the beginning to assist in the ID/seating process is helpful. Once the actual test time has started, one person can easily monitor 25 examinees. The extra person may not need to remain in the test room but should be available close by to call in the event of an emergency and to provide a break for the assigned test room proctor. Provide proctor training (for new staff) or refresher training (for experienced staff) as necessary. 6. Test Rosters: Prepare test rosters and provide a copy to each test staff member on test day. 7. Proctor Passwords: Provide each test room supervisor and/or proctors with a proctor log-on and password for the test day. A “reports” password will be needed if you want proctors to pull out a score roster of all tested in the session. 8. Test Day Checklist for Testing Staff: You may find it helpful to provide a copy of this document to each of your trained proctors for use on test day so that they can use is as a guide to each major task.

Additional information about EPCC college placement testing can be found at:

www.epcc.edu/testingservices then click on “Placement Testing”

or by calling (during normal business hours): Gloria Palos, Testing Services Program Assistant: (915) 831-2816

Carolyn Buntyn, Director of Testing Services: (915) 831-2224

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ACCUPLACER Test Day Checklist for Testing Staff

This test guide has been prepared by EPCC Testing Services to assist high school staff in the proper administration of the ACCUPLACER tests as part of the El Paso Area College Readiness Initiative.

All activities outlined below are provided with the assumption that each staff member has received proctor training and instruction on proper test administration before the test session. 1. Before the Test Session: Obtain your proctor log-on and password from ISD administrator. Obtain test session roster of students to be tested and which test(s) each is to take. Plan how you will seat examinees (i.e. all first time testers in one area; re-testers in another,

will you pre-assign seats?). Do not allow examinees to choose their own seats. Set up the computer lab for ACCUPLACER (or ask lab staff to do this before the session):

• Internet access (browser types: IE 6.0+ or Netscape 7.0+ or MAC Safari 1.1+) • Operating system equal to Windows 98, 2000, NT, XP, or Mac OS 10.2+) • Macromedia Flash 7.0+ and Adobe Acrobat 6.0+ installed • Clear disc cache and re-set to lowest setting allowable on the computer, • Browser set to accept all “cookies” and “check for new pages each time” • Pop ups are not blocked and set to allow all from the secure ACCUPLACER site • Turn off screen savers and warning windows (i.e. “you are about to send a secure

document”) • Monitor display resolution set to 1024 x 768 • No access to word processing, spell checkers, scientific calculator, or email programs

Check that any wall posters or displays bearing formulas or tips on reading, writing and math and have been removed or covered.

Place one sheet of scratch paper and a pencil at each computer station. (Suggestion - use colored paper and rotate the color for each session). Do not allow students to use their own.

Check that you have a working printer in the test room and a supply of paper for score reports. Post “test in progress/do not disturb” signs on door of test room.

2. Logging on to the ACCUPLACER Online Test Program: Log on to www.accuplaceronline.com or https://www.accuplaceronline.com (for more secure

connection). Click on the “Systems Requirements Check” (in the upper right side of the screen). This will run a quick check that the computer is set up for proper test administration. Correct any “failed” items and run a re-check. Then click the “log on” button at the bottom.

Enter your proctor* log on and password. Once logged in, click on the “Administer Tests” tab. (*With a proctor access you should have only three tabs available to you: Administer Tests, Resources, and View Demo. If you have access to any other tabs, you should contact your test supervisor immediately to get you a proctor level access. Never administer a test session with a site manager level access! Never let a student see you enter your log on/password.)

Click on “Administer New Test Session” and select the test needed from the drop down menu: “All Placement 1 (or 2)” for those taking the full test battery or the individual retest for those taking only a retest.

Once you have selected the test you will be taken to the “Student Privacy Policy” screen. Minimize this screen so that you can close out the “Test Session Management” screen. Maximize the Student Privacy Policy screen (it should cover the entire computer screen) and you are now ready to seat the examinee.

The test program will “time out” after about 45 minutes, so seat students promptly after set up. If the program times out, you will need to log on again and repeat the steps above.

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3. Identification and Seating of Examinees: Open test room promptly at the announced session start time and receive examinees. It is

best if one person controls the check in/ID process and another directs students to their assigned seats. Do not let students select their own seats. Assigning seats establishes your control of the room.

Verify the identity of each student by checking their ID and comparing their face with the picture on ID. If the student did not bring an ID you may (1) use the HS yearbook to identify him/her, (2) ask them to get their principal or counselor to verify their identify or (3) dismiss the student from the test room. Note your test roster appropriately: “P” (present), “A” (absent), “D” (dismissed) or note about year book or HS staff identification.

Screen each student for unauthorized items (cell phone, calculators, book bags, etc). Tell them to place all belongings in a designated area of the room away from their seats. Phones should be turned off (not just set to vibrate). They may collect their belongings after the test.

Direct each student to their assigned seat and advise them to not touch the computer until all have been seated and you continue with test instructions.

When all students who arrived on time have been seated, close your test room and begin test instructions. Don’t wait for late arrivals.

4. Test Administration: Read the basic test instructions aloud and monitor students as they are completing the

demographic and background questions portions prior to the start of the test. Start the test for all at the same time. Note the start/stop times on your roster (and seating

chart if your test administrator requires you to provide a seating chart.) Actively monitor students as they are testing to insure that they are not communicating with

others or using any testing aids. Assist if there are computer/internet problems. Handle any late arrivals according to the instructions from your test supervisor. If late arrivals

are accepted, you should admit them only if you can provide them with test instructions without disturbing those who are already testing.

If students are still testing after three (3) hours, you should make announcements of “1 hour remaining” and “30 minutes remaining” at the appropriate times. Most student finish in less time.

5. Dismissing Students: Since the test sections are self paced, each student will finish at different time. After the last

test, the screen will show their test scores (if the ISD test administrator has activated this in the site set up - recommended).

They should notify you when they have finished their complete test group and their scores are showing. It is best to print a copy directly from this screen by clicking the “print” icon at the bottom. Use the print function in the “File” menu if you want to print more than one copy. Once you print the test scores, close out the student test screen by clicking the X in the upper right corner of the screen.

Provide a copy of the test scores to the student only if directed to do so by your ISD test administrator. If you do not give them a copy tell them when they can expect to meet with their counselor to receive/review their test scores.

Collect the student’s scratch paper/pencil. Never let a student take the scratch paper. It must be collected and shredded immediately after the test session.

Record each student’s ending time by their name on the roster or seating chart (if required). Dismiss the student from the test room. Students should collect their personal belonging as

they leave and should not be permitted back in the room.