CTB is in the process of developing test administration policies/procedures, all of which will be fully documented in ancillary materials to be made available by the end of September. Preliminary responses to the questions posed below follow. These responses pertain to the online versions only.

1. Security and testing room (before, during, after the test is given)

Throughout the TASC testing process, security precautions and procedures typically employed for high-stakes assessments should be followed. The CTB TASC team is also in the process of reviewing and adopting security procedures recommended in TILSA Test Security Guidebook, released May 2013, by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO).

Basic security and testing room requirements that will be used for the TASC operational administrations are also summarized in the CTB/McGraw-Hill Spring Research Study Test Directions for Teachers, specifically on pages 1, 2, 4, and 16.

2. Hardware requirements for computers (if different from field test)

Hardware requirements are the same as for the field test.

3. Internet requirements for online (if different from field test)

Requirements for online testing are the same as for the field test. Attached below are the documents that customer service provided for the field test as well as the standard OAS system requirements for each operating system.

4. What is the maximum length of time for one test session? 1 or two day sessions...what is the length?

The maximum length of time for one test session is approximately 7 hours*. The approximate time for each subtest is listed below:

Language Arts Reading 70 minutes Language Arts Writing

o Language 60 minuteso Writing 50 minutes

Mathematics 90 minutes

Social Studies 70 minutes Science 80 minutes

* Test times will be finalized after field testing is completed.

5. Physical layout requirements (if any) for the computer stations and required space between computers

Computer workstations should be arranged such that Examinees are 4-5 feet apart, preferably with partitions between them. Workstations should be outfitted with comfortable seating. There should be sufficient tabletop space to allow the Examinee to work with scratch paper (for applicable subject tests).

The testing center itself should be a clean, well lit, quiet area that is free from distractions. It should also have:

Separate area for staff to work without distracting Examinees Adequate space for the Examiner to be able to monitor the test administration

Wall posters or other items in the testing area that might provide answers to test questions should be removed or screened from view.

6. Maximum number of computers per testing session

Maximum number of computers is dependent on the local network and bandwidth. Each machine and Test Delivery Client install has a footprint of 10 kbps.

7. Number of proctors per X number of test takers

1 per 20 is typical.

8. Paperwork to be completed before the ticket is issued and process/timeline

Sites participating in the online testing will need to complete page 4 of the Subscriber’s agreement and the Site Agreement form. Once, these documents have been completed and submitted to CTB, you can begin the process of readying your computers for online testing. Be sure to consult the System Requirements prior to beginning the setup process to ensure your computers and network settings will be sufficient to run the TASC testing software.

The computer setup will require a software download on each computer that will be used for testing called the Test Delivery Client (TDC). Please also ensure that each computer has a supported version of JAVA and Adobe AIR\Flash per the system requirements. An optional download of the encrypted TASC test content can be loaded to each testing computer as well. If the test content is not preloaded then the content packages will download at the beginning of student testing.

The site administrator will need to work in the Test Administration System (TAS) to add students to the system, create test sessions and print out test tickets. Site users can also utilize the TAS to monitor the status of testing and ensure students have completed all assigned assessments.

9. Work to be completed at the conclusion of the test

The examinee will exit the test per the instructions in the system (i.e., will click “Finish” and confirm). The Examiner will collect the test ticket and scratch paper.

If there is a need for the test to be invalidated, the Examiner will ensure that the test ticket is clearly marked as such and will submit the ticket to the Test Coordinator. The Test Coordinator will then go into the system to invalidate the test.

Test Coordinators and Examiners will be provided with a complete set of detailed instructions with which to carry out their tasks.

10.Any special requirements for partial testers

When an examinee registers for the TASC, he or she may register for one or more of the five individual subject tests. When the examinee takes the test, he or she will be administered the subject test(s) for which they have registered. At the conclusion of the test(s), the process from #9 above is used.

If an examinee only takes a partial test, stopping midway due to illness or other interruption, then the test can be invalidated by the Test Coordinator. A complete set of detailed instructions regarding testing irregularities and the invalidation of tests will be provided.

11.Who from CTB will be the point person for CBT?

Charley Nalley will serve as the point person for site readiness/implementation questions as we prepare for the rollout of the platform and product. Following the rollout, questions should be directed to our Help Desk/Customer Service staff.