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 section Ensuring Test Security.) Test administrators must ensure students do not have access to unauthorized 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. To begin, select the appropriate grade level from the left navigation panel.

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. Students need to print their name, their test administrator’s name, school, LEA, and SSID only—because their responses are entered into the DEI, they do not have to mark any response circles or provide information in sections 2 and 5.

Information about assigned designated supports and accommodations for students is entered into TOMS by the LEA CAASPP coordinator or site CAASPP 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.

Deliver these instructions to all students:

Pause and provide SSIDs to students who have their hands raised.

For Students Taking Smarter Balanced Assessments in Grade Eleven Only

EAP SECTION—READ TO STUDENTS IN GRADE ELEVEN ONLY

END OF EAP SECTION