ASSESSMENT SECURITY POLICY AND PROCEDURES TEST SECURITY PLAN - 2020-2021 Audrey M. Williams, Ed.D.
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
ASSESSMENT SECURITY POLICY AND PROCEDURES
TEST SECURITY PLAN
2020-2021
Audrey M. Williams, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent of Assessment & Accountability
Amy Parker
Administrative Assistant
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SCHOOLS………………………………………………..…………………………..…………………………………………….... 4
ABOUT WHITFIELD COUNTY SCHOOLS…………………………………………………………………………………… 6
INTRODUCTION TO GEORGIA’S STUDENT ASSESSMENT PROGRAM………………………………………… 6
COMMUNICATION………………………………………..…………………………..………………………………………….. 7
PROGRAM OVERVIEW………………………………………..…………………………..…………………………………….. 7
Mandatory State Assessments Include……………………………………………………………………..… 7
Optional Formative Assessments Include……………………………………………………………………. 8
National & College Admissions Placement Assessments Include …………………………………. 8
PROCEDURES FOR TRAINING ALL PERSONNEL INVOLVED IN TEST ADMINISTRATION ……………… 8
District-Level Testing Overview Training ………………………………………………………………………. 8
Pre-Administration Workshops …………………………………………………………………………………... 8
School-Level Testing Overview Training ………………………………………………………………………. 9
Student Preparation Training ……………………………………………………………………………………… 9
ADDITIONAL TRAINING PROCEDURES …………………………………………………………………………………… 9
ASSESSING SPECIAL POPULATIONS ……………………………………………………………………………………… 9
Participation of all Students in Assessments ……………………………………………………………….. 9
Monitoring ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 10
District Assessments …………………………………………………………………………………………………. 10
SECURITY PLAN OVERVIEW………………………………………..…………………………..……….……………………. 10
TEST SECURITY POLICY………………………………………..…………………………..……….………………………….. 10
Test Security ……………………………………………………………………………………………………..……… 11
GOALS FOR 2020-2021 TESTING PROGRAM………………………………………..……………………………….. 11
IDENTIFICATION OF TESTING PERSONNEL………………………………………..…………………………….……... 11
GEORGIA STUDENT ASSESSMENT PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES …………………………………….…….. 12
Roles and Responsibilities………………………………………..……………………………………………….. 12
Superintendent...……………………………………..…………………………..……….……………………….…. 12
System Test Coordinator………………………………………..…………………………..……….…………….. 12
System Technology Director …………………………………………………………………………………….… 14
System Special Education Director …………………………………………………………………………..… 14
System Title III/ESOL Coordinator………………………………………..…………………………..………... 15
Principal …………………..……….……………………………….………………………………………………..…… 15
School Test Coordinator (SchTC) ………………………..…………………………..……….………………... 16
Examiner………………………………………..…………………………..……….……………………………………. 17
Proctor………………………………………..…………………………..……….…………………………………….… 18
TEST SECURITY MANAGEMENT………………………………………..…………………………..……….……………… 19
SECURE CHAIN OF CUSTODY………………………………………..…………………………..……….…………………. 19
Receipt of Materials from State Vendor………………………………………..…………………………….. 19
Distribution to Schools………………………………………..…………………………..……….……………….. 19
Inventory and Request for Additional Test Materials………………………………………..………….. 19
Reorders………………………………………..…………………………..……….………………………………….... 19
Storage of Secure Materials………………………………………..…………………………..……….………... 19
During the Testing Window/Period……………………………………………………………………………... 19
2 Whitfield County Schools Assessment & Accountability_2020‐2021After the Testing Window………………………………………..…………………………..……….………….…. 20
Test Check-in Process………………………………………..…………………………..……….…………….…… 20
LOST TEST MATERIALS………………………………………..…………………………..……….………………………….. 20
DEALING WITH EMERGENCY/UNEXPECTED SITUATIONS………………………………………..…………….… 20
Widespread School Closures Across the State……………………………………………………………... 20
Unplanned Fire Drill/Bomb Threats………………………………………..…………………………..…….… 21
Sudden Weather Event (such as severe weather)………………............................................... 21
Security Lockdown………………………………………..…………………………..……….……………………... 21
Power Internet Outage (Online and Paper/Pencil Testing)…………………………………………..… 22
Student Becomes Ill During the Test………………………………………..…………………………..…….. 22
TRANSFERRING STUDENT TEST SCORES ………………………………………………………………………………. 22
STEPS FOR REPORTING A TESTING IRREGULARITY ………………………………………………………………... 22
School Test Coordinator……………………………………………………………………………………………… 22
System Test Coordinator…………………………………………………………………………………………….. 22
APPENDIX 24
3 Whitfield County Schools Assessment & Accountability_2020‐2021SCHOOLS
1. Antioch Elementary School 8. New Hope Elementary School
Mrs. Tracie Dempsey, Principal Mrs. Carla Maret, Principal
Mrs. Carrie Bates, Test Coordinator Mrs. Chastity Blanchard, Test Coordinator
Mrs. Christina Pendley, Online Test Coordinator Mrs. Teresa Brown, Online Test Coordinator
1819 Riverbend Road | Dalton, GA 1175 New Hope Road | Dalton, GA
Phone: 706.278.7550 Phone: 706.673.3180
2. Beaverdale Elementary School 9. Pleasant Grove Elementary School
Mr. Robb Kittle, Principal Dr. Tim Wright, Principal
Mrs. Kerry Davis, Test Coordinator Mrs. Rena Graham, Test Coordinator
Mrs. Serephia Choate, Online Test Coordinator Mr. Jason Allen, Online Test Coordinator
9196 Highway 2 | Dalton, GA 2725 Cleveland Road | Dalton, GA
Phone: 706.275.4414 Phone: 706.259.3920
3. Cedar Ridge Elementary School 10. Tunnel Hill Elementary School
Mrs. Cindy Dobbins, Principal Mrs. Connie Kopcsak, Principal
Dr. Laurie Harless, Test Coordinator Mrs. Jennifer Leaderer, Test Coordinator
Mrs. Annette Nietzche, Online Test Coordinator Mrs. Tracy Hargis, Online Test Coordinator
285 Cedar Ridge Road | Dalton, GA 203 East School Street | Dalton, GA
Phone: 706.712.8400 Phone: 706.673.4550
4. Cohutta Elementary School 11. Valley Point Elementary School
Mrs. Lezlie Harris, Principal Mrs. Ali Finley, Principal
Mrs. Sharene Ledford, Test Coordinator Mrs. Brittany Sewell, Test Coordinator
Mrs. Emily Varnell, Online Test Coordinator Mrs. Andrea Brewer, Online Test Coordinator
254 Wolfe Street | Dalton, GA 3798 South Dixie Highway, SW | Dalton, GA
Phone: 706.694.8812 Phone: 706.277.3259
5. Dawnville Elementary School 12. Varnell Elementary School
Dr. Beth Tuck, Principal Mrs. Lisa Jones, Principal
Mrs. Angela Hayes, Test Coordinator Mrs. Paula Wheeler, Test Coordinator
Mrs. Sylvia Moore, Online Test Coordinator Mrs. Keri Blackwell, Online Test Coordinator
1380 Dawnville Road | Dalton, GA 4421 Highway 2 | Varnell, GA
Phone: 706.259.3914 Phone: 706.694.3471
6. Dug Gap Elementary School 13. Westside Elementary School
Mrs. Mandy Locke, Principal Dr. Sunshine Narramore, Principal
Mrs. Kathy Ford, Test Coordinator Mrs. Lisa Gregg, Test Coordinator
Mrs. Emily Rich, Online Test Coordinator Mrs. Regina Adams, Online Test Coordinator
2032 Dug Gap Road | Dalton, GA 1815 Utility Road | Rocky Face, GA
Phone: 706.226.3919 Phone: 706.673.6531
7. Eastside Elementary School
Mr. Ben Hunt, Principal
Mrs. Liz Pace, Test Coordinator
Mrs. Olivia Parrot, Online Test Coordinator
Mr. Terry Cline (ACCESS) Online Test Coordinator
102 Hill Road | Dalton, GA
Phone: 706.278.3074
4 Whitfield County Schools Assessment & Accountability_2020‐2021SCHOOLS
14. Eastbrook Middle School 19. Coahulla Creek High School
Dr. Greg Bailey, Principal Mr. Tracy Mardis, Principal
Mrs. Kathleen Gamble, Test Coordinator Mr. Drew Bragg, Test Coordinator
Mrs. Tippi Clayborne, Online Test Coordinator Mr. Drew Carter, Online Test Coordinator
1382 Eastbrook Drive | Dalton, GA 3361 Crow Road | Dalton, GA
Phone: 706.278.6135 Phone: 706.694.4900
15. New Hope Middle School 20. Crossroads Academy
Mrs. Belinda Sloan, Principal Dr. Jonathan Willard, Principal
Mr. Rodney Shields, Test Coordinator Mrs. Ethel Quintanilla, Test Coordinator
Mrs. Michelle Withrow, Online Test Coordinator Mrs. Benita Brock, Online Test Coordinator
1111 New Hope Road | Dalton, GA 2818 Airport Road | Dalton, GA
Phone: 706.673.2295 Phone: 706.271.2495
16. North Whitfield Middle School 21. Northwest Georgia College & Career Academy
Mr. Larry Farner, Principal Mr. David Moeller, CEO
Mr. James Morrison, Test Coordinator Mrs. Sherri Travisano, Principal
Mrs. Neely Byers, Online Test Coordinator Mrs. Robyn Scott, Test Coordinator
3264 Cleveland Road | Dalton, GA Mrs. Emily Walters, Online Test Coordinator
Phone: 706.259.3381 2300 Maddox Chapel Road | Dalton, GA
Phone: 706.876.3600
17. Valley Point Middle School 22. Northwest High School
Mr. Steve Edwards, Principal Mr. Britt Adams, Principal
Mrs. Anna Dodds, Test Coordinator Mrs. Amy Locke, Test Coordinator
Mr. Russell Kidd, Online Test Coordinator Mrs. Nancy Pettit, Test Coordinator
3796 South Dixie Highway | Dalton, GA Mr. Mike Sanders, Online Test Coordinator
Phone: 706.277.9662 1651 Tunnel Hill Varnell Road | Tunnel Hill, GA
Phone: 706.516.2200
18. Westside Middle School 23. Phoenix High School
Dr. Jonathan Schneider, Principal Mrs. Sherri Travisano, Principal
Mr. Brad Hayes, Test Coordinator Mrs. Robyn Scott, Test Coordinator
Mr. David Crawford, Online Test Coordinator Mrs. Leanne Spann, Online Test Coordinator
580 LaFayette Highway | Rocky Face, GA 2300 Maddox Chapel Road | Dalton, GA
Phone: 706.673.5349 Phone: 706.876.3600
24. Southeast High School
Mrs. Deni Pendley, Principal
Mrs. Mandie Jones, Test Coordinator
Mrs. Laurie Grant, (ACCESS) Test Coordinator
Mrs. Kristin Spoon, Online Test Coordinator
1954 Riverbend Road | Dalton, GA
Phone: 706.876.7000
5 Whitfield County Schools Assessment & Accountability_2020‐2021ABOUT WHITFIELD COUNTY SCHOOLS
The Whitfield County School System's vision, mission, and beliefs were developed in 2005 by the System Design Team,
comprised of a variety of both certified and classified staff members. In addition, the district solicits stakeholder input
throughout the process of generating the vision and goals. Initially, the superintendent presented a draft to school
personnel, requesting their feedback. School board members and school councils also collaborated in this process.
In 2015, as the school district began work on the Strategic Waivers School System (SWSS) contract with the GaDOE, the
vision, mission, and beliefs were slightly revised by the Strategic Planning Committee. Today, the collective commitment
that we have made to ourselves, to each other, and to students and families embodies the values of our community and
is the foundation for actions that will lead to school improvement.
VISION
We envision a valued and dynamic school district that prepares students for success in a global community.
MISSION
Our mission is to maximize student learning by providing challenging and engaging educational experiences in a safe
and supportive environment.
BELIEFS
1. We believe the needs of students, personnel, families, and the community are best met with a unified direction.
2. We believe our purpose is to lead students to success by engaging them in challenging and meaningful work.
3. We believe teachers are leaders who design learning experiences for students.
4. We believe our personnel, families, and community members are vital to the education of our students.
5. We believe in creating and maintaining a safe, inviting, and inclusive learning environment where everyone is
treated with dignity and respect.
All of our work begins with the Whitfield County Schools Vision, Mission, and Beliefs in mind. To ensure continuity, each
school's leadership team uses the Vision, Mission, and Beliefs as a foundation and customizes according to the unique
needs of their population. These belief statements are the underpinnings that guide the work of teacher leaders as they
design work, implement programs, and establish high expectations for students.
INTRODUCTION TO GEORGIA’S STUDENT ASSESSMENT PROGRAM
The purpose of the Georgia Student Assessment Program is to measure student achievement of the state-adopted
content standards and inform efforts to improve teaching and learning. Results of the assessment program are utilized
to identify students failing to achieve mastery of content, to provide teachers with feedback about instructional practice,
and to assist school districts in identifying strengths and weaknesses to establish priorities in planning educational
programs. The assessment program includes customized summative criterion-referenced tests at the elementary, middle,
and high school levels. In addition, Georgia participates in the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) in
grades 4, 8, and 12 and administers an English language proficiency test in grades K-12. A variety of resources, including
formative tools, are provided to assist parents, educators, students and the public with efforts improve educational
opportunities for students to fulfill the purpose and maintain the integrity of the statewide assessment program.
The Student Assessment Handbook is intended to provide System Test Coordinators (STC) and other personnel assigned
duties and responsibilities related to statewide student assessments with policy and guidance regarding those
assessments. In addition, the Student Assessment Handbook is to be used in conjunction with the Accessibility &
Accommodations Manual and the Assessment Administration Protocol Manual. These manuals together provide
resources and direction supporting the integrity of the assessment and to assure that results are valid and reliable.
Occurrences that violate test security risk damage to test integrity and could result in the invalidation of a system’s test
scores. Assessments in Whitfield County Schools are administered in accordance with the requirements of the governing
agency for the assessment and with a high level of security to ensure an appropriate testing environment, the integrity of
the assessment, and the validity of the data provided by the assessment.
6 Whitfield County Schools Assessment & Accountability_2020‐2021Employees of the district must comply with all Whitfield County Schools’ policies and Georgia Professional Standards
Commission (GaPSC) rules with regard to testing ethics. Employees who violate these provisions could be subject to
disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
A copy of the GaDOE Student Assessment Handbook, the Accessibility & Accommodations Manual and the Assessment
Administration Protocol Manual are located at the following locations:
• Your Google Drive folder for Whitfield County Schools Test Coordinators
• GaDOE Assessment Webpage
http://www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/Assessment/Pages/Information-For-
Educators.aspx
COMMUNICATION
Whitfield County Schools test security plans are communicated to the public and local educators through district and
school websites, and district and school level meetings. The testing calendars are posted on the district and school
websites. The required assessment orientation schedule is provided to school level test coordinators and school
administrators via Google Drive.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Whitfield County Schools testing program is a combination of National, State and District Level assessments. The
measured outcomes of each assessment and the curriculum assessed vary. The assessments are utilized to determine
the strengths and weaknesses of students as well as the instructional program.
Mandatory State Assessments
The purpose of the Georgia Student Assessment Program is to measure student achievement of the state-adopted
content standards and inform efforts to improve teaching and learning. Results of the assessment program are utilized
to identify students failing to achieve mastery of content, to provide teachers with feedback about instructional practice,
and to assist school districts in identifying strengths and weaknesses to establish priorities in planning educational
programs. The assessment program includes customized summative criterion-referenced tests at the elementary, middle,
and high school levels. In addition, if chosen Georgia schools could participate in the National Assessment of Educational
Progress (NAEP) in grades 4, 8, and 12 and administers an English language proficiency test in grades K-12.
Assessment materials, security guidelines, and administration procedures are provided by the GaDOE for the following
assessments (comprehensive information can be found in the GaDOE SAH related to each assessment):
Mandatory State Assessments Include:
• ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 in grades K-12 and Alternate ACCESS for ELLs in grades 1-12
o Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking
• Georgia Alternate Assessment (GAA 2.0)
o English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies in grades 5 and 8 and high school
o English/Language Arts and Mathematics, grades 3, 4, 6, and 7
7 Whitfield County Schools Assessment & Accountability_2020‐2021• Georgia Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills 2.0 (GKIDS 2.0)
o Beginning 2020-2021, Kindergarten students with significant cognitive disabilities will participate in
GKIDS 2.0. (These students will not participate in GAA 2.0.)
• Georgia Milestones Assessment System (Georgia Milestones)
o English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, grades 5 and 8 and high school
o English/Language Arts and Mathematics, grades 3, 4, 6, and 7
Optional Formative Assessments Include:
• DRC BEACON
o English/Language Arts, grades 3-8
o Mathematics, grades 3-8
• Keenville
o English/Language Arts and Mathematics, grades 1 and 2
National & College Admissions Placement Assessments Include:
Whitfield County Schools assessment program may include the administrations of, but not limited to:
• National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) – 4th and 8th graders
o The 2021 assessment will include the math and reading for grades 4 and 8 for state results. The
assessment window is January 25 – March 5, 2021 and includes national testing at grade 8 in civics and
United States History.
• Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT)/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) – 10th graders
o The PSAT/NMSQT is part of an integrated system of tests in the College Board’s redesigned SAT Suite of
Assessments. Tests include the SAT®, PSAT/NMSQT®, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9. All assessments are on a
common score scale which makes it easier to consistently measure grade appropriate reading, writing
and language, and math skills.
• SAT®
o The SAT® is part of the integrated system of tests in the College Board’s redesigned SAT Suite of
Assessments. Tests include the SAT®, PSAT/NMSQT®, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9. All assessments are on
a common score scale which makes it easier to consistently measure grade appropriate reading, writing
and language, and math skills that students have developed over time.
• Advanced Placement (AP®) Exams – high school students
o The Advanced Placement (AP®) program is designed to provide high school students with opportunities to
earn college or postsecondary credit and/or to determine appropriate placement in postsecondary
programs.
PROCEDURES FOR TRAINING ALL PERSONNEL INVOLVED IN TEST ADMINISTRATION
District-Level Testing Overview Training
Assessment & Accountability will conduct orientations related to the assessment program throughout the year. The SchTC
must attend Assessment Overview trainings at the beginning of the academic year. A portfolio of all presentations,
handouts, sign-in sheets will be kept as documentation in a SchTC notebook provided by Assessment and Accountability.
No main assessment administration materials will be provided to schools unless the SchTC has attended the training.
Pre-Administration Workshops
All SchTC must attend the Pre-Administration Workshop prior to the administration of each state mandated assessment.
These sessions provide a comprehensive overview of processes and procedures specifically related to individual
assessments and will review ethics policies related to assessment and accountability. Samples of all handouts and
presentations will be provided to all and posted on Google Drive.
8 Whitfield County Schools Assessment & Accountability_2020‐2021School-Level Testing Overview Training
The SchTC is responsible for training all personnel within their schools. All proctors, examiners (certified educators) and
monitors must be trained on procedures and test security. The Georgia Department of Education also recommends that
all staff members (paraprofessionals, custodial staff, and others) in the school who may be in classes during testing or
may be near the area where tests are stored, even though they do not have direct access to tests, should be aware of
security rules.
Student Preparation Training
Perform all necessary technology readiness checks and online student practice tests in advance of online testing. and
adhere to calculator and electronic device policies and guidelines.
At the beginning of the school year SchTC, examiners, and proctors must read and sign the Test Security Information for
School Test Coordinators/Examiners/Proctors document to certify that they understand the procedures that SchTC use
to inform them of their responsibilities.
The SchTC must retain a copy of all handouts, presentations, and sign-in sheets for their record as well as provide
Assessment & Accountability with the originals of the above materials at the time of returning materials at the end of an
assessment window.
ADDITIONAL TRAINING PROCEDURES
The SchTC and Principal is responsible for the additional assessment procedures below in addition to all within each
school test coordinator’s examiner’s manual, assessment orientations, Student Assessment Handbook, Accessibility and
Accountability Manual, and the Assessment Administration Protocol Manual.
• Students are only dismissed from their testing site once the majority of the students are finished and all testing
materials have been collected and returned.
• Guidance governing the inclusion and assessment of students with disabilities and EL students is based on the
section Assessing Special Populations (pages 84-105) of the Georgia Student Assessment Handbook. Prior to
testing the IEP, 504 and EL Accommodation spreadsheet is reviewed by the School Test Coordinator and certified
designee so that students be properly assessed in accordance with the specific accommodations and outlined.
• Coding for students with accommodations (Special Education, 504, etc.) is done by the SchTC and certified
designee prior to returning answer documents to the System Test Coordinator in a secure location.
• The SchTC and certified designee examine answer documents prior to returning them to the System Test
Coordinator to ensure the accuracy of student data, correct placement of labels, bubbles are correctly filled in
and that there are no stray marks.
• The SchTC and the certified designee will transfer Large Print/Braille answers in a secure location to the student
answer document following testing. The Validation Form for Transposing Answers document is completed by the
person transposing the answers and the person serving as a witness.
ASSESSING SPECIAL POPULATIONS
Federal and state laws require that all students participate in the state-mandated assessment program, including
students with disabilities and English Learners (EL). Specific guidance concerning the inclusion and assessment of
students with disabilities and EL students is outlined below; additional guidance is also outlined in each test’s
administration manual.
Participation of All Students In Assessments
Under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and the
Georgia State Board of Education (SBOE) Rule 160-3-1- .07, all students, including students with disabilities (SWD) and
English Language Learners (ELs), must participate in the state’s academic content standards and assessments. Where
all students are being assessed, students with disabilities in kindergarten, grades 3-8, and 11 must either participate in
9 Whitfield County Schools Assessment & Accountability_2020‐2021the associated general assessment or the alternate assessment (GAA 2.0). Decisions regarding the participation of
students with disabilities in statewide assessment must be made, on a case-by-case basis, by each student’s IEP team.
The IEP team should (a) consider the purpose of the assessment, (b) consider the feasibility of the student’s participation,
(c) determine what accommodation(s), if any, the student will need and document this in the student’s IEP, and (d)
document in the IEP the decision for the student to participate in the general assessment or for the student to participate
in the alternate assessment. If the student’s IEP team recommends that she/he not participate in the regular statewide
assessment, then the IEP must (a) document the reason the student will not participate, and (b) identify participation in
the Georgia Alternate Assessment (GAA 2.0). The IEP team must ensure the student meets the eligibility requirements to
participate in the GAA 2.0.
Monitoring
According to the Georgia Department of Education’s (GaDOE) Student Assessment Handbook (SAH), “The Principal,
Assistant Principal, and/or designated central office staff must monitor all testing sessions. This is especially necessary
when testing is being conducted in multiple locations within a building (begins on page 5 of the GaDOE SAH).”
District Assessments
Guidelines for the administration of local assessments may include, but not limited to:
• Some guidelines specific to local test security include directives that the tests cannot be taken home with
students, tests should be administered in a specific window of time, and tests cannot be altered.
• Each school’s formative assessment is also accompanied by a specific set of teacher directions specifying how
to administer the test, resources that can be utilized on the test, and testing time limits.
SECURITY PLAN OVERVIEW
The Whitfield County Schools Security Plan must be used in conjunction with the GaDOE Student Assessment Handbook
(SAH), the Accessibility and Accountability Manual, the Assessment Administration Protocol Manual, specific test
manuals, the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES), and the National Assessment of Educational Progress
(NAEP) guidelines.
This security plan includes definitions, policies, and procedures for the regulation of all aspects of test security including:
• information security
• exam publication, and
• exam administration
In many cases, these policies and procedures represent operational security goals that are already in different stages of
implementation.
The elements of this plan provide greater protection of the intellectual property of the assessments, reduce test fraud
and theft and maintain high program standards and integrity. The plan will be used to train staff, and as a reference
document to structure security roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations. The plan will be reviewed and
revised on at least an annual basis.
TEST SECURITY POLICY
It is the intent of the Whitfield County Schools to administer all assessments with integrity and validity. Care is taken to
ensure that all assessments are protected from any ethic violations, and to maintain high program standards. Employees
shall comply with Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) rules with regard to testing ethics. Employees
who violate these provisions shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
Test Security:
• Documents provided by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) and the information from Georgia’s
Student Assessment Handbook (SAH), the Accessibility and Accountability Manual, and the Assessment
Administration Protocol Manual is used to train school personnel.
10 Whitfield County Schools Assessment & Accountability_2020‐2021• Each year a Fall Assessment of General Information is held and includes all school test coordinators. A train-the-
trainer model is used to ensure test security in schools. The School Test Coordinator is responsible for training all
building personnel that might come into contact with the test.
Some topics covered are, but not limited to:
• Security Breaches
• Testing Irregularities
• Steps for Reporting a Testing Irregularity
• Unexpected Event Contingency Plan
• Cell Phone | Electronic Device Use On Georgia Standardized Assessment
• Online Logistics, Procedures, and Guidelines
• Assessment Overviews, Updates, and Changes
• Professional Ethics (Standard 11) – including reporting requirements and disciplinary actions
• Georgia Student Assessment Program Roles and Responsibilities
o Superintendent,
o System Test Coordinator,
o System Technology Director,
o System Special Education Director,
o System Title III Coordinator,
o Principals,
o School Test Coordinators,
o Examiners, and
o Proctors.
• Test Distribution and Storage of Secure Test Materials
GOALS FOR 2020-2021 TESTING PROGRAM
• All schools will test online, unless a student has an accommodation needing a paper pencil assessment or needs
a large/print or a braille assessment.
• Maintain online test administrations for a more secure administration.
• Reduce the number of testing irregularities.
• Maintain and disseminate a comprehensive district Test Security Plan.
• Provide a conducive testing environment for all students in Whitfield County Schools.
Educators who have not been trained may not participate in the test administration. Anyone who has not been trained
may not handle the tests. At the conclusion of each test administration each test examiner and proctor must certify
appropriate procedures were followed in the administration of the test by signing an Examiner’s or Proctor’s Certification
of Adherence to Prescribed Test Administration Form.
IDENTIFICATION OF TESTING PERSONNEL
According to the Georgia Department of Education, the principal has the ultimate responsibility for testing within the
school. The principal must identify an individual who holds an educator’s certificate with Georgia’s Professional
Standards Commission (GaPSC) to act as School Testing Coordinator (SchTC) and Online School Testing Coordinator
(Online SchTC). The principal must complete a WCS Principal Testing Location Form identifying the SchTC, identifying the
designated secure location for test materials, designating individuals with access to the secure location, and agreeing to
uphold a high level of integrity in the school’s testing program. If there are any changes of the test coordinator during the
year, the principal must resubmit the WCS Principal Testing Location Form to the System Testing Coordinator.
Assessment and Accountability will provide all SchTC with the Student Assessment Handbook, the Accessibility and
Accommodations Manual, the Assessment Administration Protocol Manual, and the WCS Test Security Plan. The principal
and SchTC are responsible for receiving and reading all manuals.
11 Whitfield County Schools Assessment & Accountability_2020‐2021GEORGIA STUDENT ASSESSMENT PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES (Student Assessment Handbook-pages 33-39)
Roles And Responsibilities
The following section outlines the roles and responsibilities for school level personnel published by the Georgia
Department of Education (GaDOE) in the Student Assessment Handbook (SAH). Professional ethics are covered in more
detail on pages 24-27 of the 2020-2021 SAH.
The Code of Ethics for Educators 505- 6 -.01 (Effective October 15, 2019) can be found at this link:
http://www.gapsc.com/Rules/Current/Ethics/505-6-.01.pdf
Superintendent – Dr. Judy Gilreath
1. Has ultimate responsibility for all testing activities within the local school system.
2. Appoints the System Test Coordinator.
3. Supervises Principals and System Test Coordinator to ensure that they fulfill their specific responsibilities for
the administration of tests.
4. Maintains contact with System Test Coordinator to become thoroughly informed of all testing activities.
5. Conducts investigations of reported testing irregularities (e.g. student cheating, unethical professional conduct).
Reports unethical professional conduct to the Educator Ethics Division of the GaPSC.
6. Monitors testing activities in the local school system to guarantee compliance with regulations established by
the State Board of Education (SBOE) and current legislation.
7. Informs local board members, parents, and other citizens about requirements pertaining to statewide testing.
8. Ensures that appropriate local personnel attend GaDOE workshops concerning state assessment programs.
9. Ensures that the appropriate personnel complete all necessary readiness checks for online testing.
10. Ensures that personnel enforce prescribed calculator, cell phone, and electronic device guidelines.
11. Reviews and returns certification/verification forms to the Office of Assessment and Accountability at the
GaDOE by the due dates.
12. Ensures that Principal’s Certification Forms are completed after each test administration and retained as
required.
13. Approves all special administrations.
14. Informs stakeholders residing within the local system’s area concerning the collective achievement of enrolled
students by school and system.
15. Ensures that local calendars are planned so that all tests are administered according to the state published
testing calendar.
16. Completes the Superintendent’s Certification survey form in the MyGaDOE portal due January 31 each year for
assessments conducted August 1-December 31 as well as July 31 each year for assessments conducted
January 1-July 31 each year.
System Test Coordinator – Dr. Audrey M. Williams
1. Must be designated by the Superintendent.
2. Acquires and maintains current information on the statewide testing program, including the section for
Students with Disabilities and special populations. The STC is expected to be familiar with guidance and
information found in the Student Assessment Handbook, the Accessibility & Accommodations Manual, and the
Assessment Administration Protocol Manual. In addition, the STC is expected to review all communication
through emails, Assessment Updates, and guidance posted to the Testing/Assessment website
(http://testing.gadoe.org) including links to the For Educators webpage and testing program sites.
3. Coordinates all test administration activities within the school system including collaboration with the
Technology Director and/or technical staff, Special Education Director and/or designated staff, Principals, and
SchTCs.
4. Coordinates with System Technology Director or Coordinator for the appropriate implementation of technology-
based test administrations including scheduling, training, system and device requirements, and other
communications.
5. Serves as liaison between the system and the GaDOE for all test administration activities.
12 Whitfield County Schools Assessment & Accountability_2020‐20216. Coordinates all training plans related to test administration activities (online and paper), ethical behavior of
personnel, and test security for personnel and students.
7. Coordinates with various local system divisions to ensure successful test administrations (Special Education,
Technology, Title III, etc.)
8. Assumes responsibility for carrying out the approved plan for administration of all tests.
9. Furnishes all information and submits all forms required by the GaDOE by specified dates.
10. Ensures principals complete the Principal Certification Form for each administration and maintains these forms
for five years.
11. Orders special format tests (Braille, large print, advanced reading aids, etc.).
12. Receives test materials from GaDOE at a designated time and place and maintains them in a secure location.
13. Reviews and follows all procedures in all administration manuals and is familiar with administrators’ roles and
proctors’ roles.
14. Ensures that appropriate security provisions and technology readiness checks are in place/ completed relative
to online testing environments including, but not limited to, security of logins, test tickets, passcodes, seating
arrangements, etc.
15. Adheres to test dates, time schedules, and specified instructions set by the GaDOE and returns all materials to
GaDOE and/or its contractors as specified and by the prescribed date(s).
16. Ensures that each test setting (room) is suitable, has an assigned trained examiner, and has the appropriate
number of trained proctors.
17. Ensures that prescribed calculator, cell phone, and electronic device guidelines are applied in each school.
18. Accounts for all test materials delivered to the school system and for the disposition of specific materials.
19. Attends statewide testing program meetings/webinars and redelivers to local school coordinators.
20. Arranges schedule for staff to monitor schools during testing sessions.
21. Trains all SchTCs in test security protocols and assessment administration policies and procedures and ensures
examiners, proctors, the system Special Education Coordinator (on the administration of the GAA 2.0), the
system ESOL Coordinator (on the administration of ACCESS for ELLs/Alternate ACCESS), and any others who
have responsibilities related to testing and/or testing materials receive training by appropriate personnel prior
to all assessment administrations.
22. Ensures that principals and SchTCs are aware of and follow the protocols/procedures prescribed in Student
Assessment Handbook, Accessibility & Accommodations Manual, Assessment Administration Protocol Manual,
testing manuals, and other ancillary materials.
23. Maintains a portfolio of all training session materials and rosters of attendees for documentation purposes.
24. Answers questions of all SchTCs and Principals and makes decisions regarding testing, when appropriate.
25. Ensures that SchTCs account for all students in terms of testing requirements.
26. Ensures that all SchTCs or other designated personnel have been trained to assign appropriate accommodations for
students accurately in the online platform prior to administration of assessments, and that any corrections made to
accommodations include the printing of a new test ticket where required. This requires establishing a protocol for
monitoring and review of the assignment of appropriate accommodations for students at the district and/or school
level.
27. Ensures strict test security and reports to Superintendent concerning testing irregularities (e.g. student cheating,
unethical professional conduct).
28. Communicates to the Assessment Administration Division when testing irregularities occur.
29. Distributes test results to the Superintendent and to the schools in a timely manner and ensures that students are
informed of the expected date for the return of the test results.
30. Interprets test results to school personnel and appropriate others.
31. Ensures that local calendars are planned so that all tests are administered according to the state published testing
calendar that provides testing dates for the current and future academic years.
32. Ensures that students, parents, and other stakeholders have access to information concerning all test
administrations and utilization of test results.
33. Works with system personnel to communicate to parents of students with IEPs, IAPs, and ELL/TPC plans pertinent
information regarding all statewide tests.
13 Whitfield County Schools Assessment & Accountability_2020‐2021You can also read
