Using the DFA

Test Directions Overview

Before administering a test session, verify that the following tasks have been completed:

Ensure that TEs have completed the training and calibration requirements in the Moodle Training Site.
Ensure the TE is familiar with the instructions and testing guidelines in the PFA.
Review the How to Start an ELPAC Test Session document for detailed instructions on logging on to TOMS and starting a test session.
Verify the security of the testing environment prior to beginning a test session. (Refer to the Overview topic of the Test Security section of this manual.)
- Student seats are arranged so that students cannot view each other’s answers if a test session is administered to a group.
- All displayed instructional materials (for example, vocabulary charts, etc.) are covered or taken down.
- “TESTING IN PROGRESS—DO NOT DISTURB” signs are posted outside of the testing room.
- “Unauthorized Electronic Devices May Not Be Used at Any Time During the Testing Session” sign are posted.
Ensure that students do not have access to digital, electronic, or manual devices (e.g., cellphones, smart watches) during testing, unless it is an approved medical support.
If applicable, make sure each testing device or workstation has headphones or headsets (for use during a group administration of the Listening, Reading, and Writing domains). For the Speaking domain, headsets and a splitter for the test examiner and the student can be used during the Summarize an Academic Presentation task.
Recommended: Launch secure browsers on all testing devices before students sit down to test.

There are DFA documents in standard versions and versions for braille and visual impairment available for the following:

One DFA for all four domains for each grade level in K–2
DFAs by grade span for the Listening, Reading, and Writing domains (grade span three through five, grade span six through eight, grade span nine and ten, and grade span eleven and twelve)
A DFA for the Speaking domain only for each of the grade spans in grades three through twelve

These DFAs will be available to LEA ELPAC coordinators, site ELPAC coordinators, and ELPAC TEs for downloading and printing in the TOMS [Resources] tab.

To ensure that all students are tested under the same conditions, the TE should adhere strictly to the script for administering the test unless a student is assigned the non-embedded designated support for Simplified Test Directions. The scripts for administering the test can be found in the DFA. When asked, the TE should answer questions raised by students but should never help the class or individual students with specific test items.

All directions that a TE needs to read to students are indicated by the bolded word “SAY” and are in boxes so that they stand out from the regular text. The directions should be read exactly as they are written, using a natural tone and manner. If the TE makes a mistake in reading a direction, then the TE should stop and say, “I made a mistake. Let me say it correctly.” Then the direction should be reread.

The TE should try to maintain a natural classroom atmosphere during the test administration. Before each test begins, the TE should encourage students to do their best. Any time a student logs on to the testing system, the TE should follow the DFA script.

Scoring the Speaking Domain Locally

The Speaking domain is administered one-on-one with the student and TE and is the only domain that is scored locally, in the moment, by the TE. The TE has two options for capturing the student’s scores in the moment. One option is to log on to the DEI before administering the Speaking domain and enter the student’s scores directly into the DEI while administering the test. The second option is to use the score sheet (figure 1) in the DFA or, for K–2, the Writing Answer Book, which also includes the score sheet to record the student’s scores as the test is administered. This second option requires the TE to log on to the DEI as soon as possible after the Speaking domain administration has been completed and enter the scores for the student.

Student score sheet for recording Speaking domain scores

Figure 1. Speaking domain Student Score Sheet

During the administration of the Speaking domain, the Using the DEI chapter of this manual can be used as reference, as it provides the steps that must be followed for entering student Speaking domain scores into the DEI.

Securely destroy the used Student Score Sheet after a student’s scores have been entered into the DEI.

Audio Capture for the Speaking Domain

During the administration of the Speaking domain, the following guidelines apply to the audio capture tool. The TE should score what the student says, not what is recorded.

Rerecording: If any of the following issues occur, the TE may continue to the next question and does not need to rerecord:

The TE forgets to record a response.
The TE records a response on the wrong question.
There is a red triangle in the review box when ending the test session. If the audio capture times out after two minutes, the TE should allow the student to complete the response and score the complete spoken response and not only what was recorded.

Headsets: Use of headsets with a microphone for voice capture is not recommended, to enable interaction between the student and TE.