TESTING AND ACCOUNTABILITY DEPARTMENT

New Hanover County Schools

September 2012

ACT and PLAN

Outcomes Provide information to administrators to assist in

the successful planning & administration of the PLAN and the ACT.

Review decisions/activities school principals and appointed testing staff need to know to complete the “Establishment Process” for ACT testing.

Review accommodations application process for ACT testing.

PLAN

What is the PLAN? Serves as the entry measure of academic progress toward college

and career readiness when used with the ACT (Grade 11).

Curriculum-based achievement test that measures college readiness and assesses academic progress.

English -15 Math - 19 Reading - 17 Science - 21

Non-cognitive section provides vital planning information Career Interest Inventory and educational/career plans collected. Needs Assessment Students indicate areas in which they need help Demographic Information

Target Students PLAN – Oct 10; Make up by Oct 16

All 10th grade students English (30 min), Math (40 min), 5-10 min Break; Reading (20 min), Science (25 min)

Accommodations do not need to be approved prior to testing

Materials Received Supervisor’s Manual “Why Take the Plan” handouts

English and Spanish Testing Department will send parent letter

“Instructions for Completing Your Answer Folder” Test booklets Answer folders School headers Return envelopes School poster

PLAN Resources and Schedule http://www.act.org/aap/northcarolina/

PLAN Cognitive Sections administered – October 10 Makeups by October 16.

NHCS will Implement a 2 Day Administration

Non-cognitive student information components of the test are administered on Day 1 (Between October 1 and October 9).

Academic tests administered on Day 2 English (30 min), Math (40 min), 5-10 min Break; Reading (20 min), Science (25 min)

NHCS will Implement a 2 Day Administration

Non-cognitive student information components of the test are administered on Day 1 (Between October 1 and October 9).

Academic tests administered on Day 2

Test Administrator TrainingBefore testing - Standard procedures (p. 6)

Inform parents. Distribute copies of Why Take the PLAN ? to students

Train test administrators (MUST be certified staff) Provide accommodations for those with IEP, 504, LEP (page 14-15) Notify Testing the number of additional Supervisor’s Manuals

needed by October 2 Train Proctors p.4 (NC State Testing Requires proctors in each

session) Plan room assignments (3 ft rule) Secure test materials

Student - Test booklet (paper and pencil), # 2 pencil w/eraser, scratch paper, calculator

Teacher - Door sign, absentee form Identify local codes (page 11 Block V on answer document)

Before Testing: Pre ID Bar Code Labels Pre ID labels saves administration time and ensures

accuracy

Apply to page 1 of the answer folder prior to test day. Pre-ID labels will be shipped separately from test

materials.

Make certain pre-ID barcode label corresponds to correct student (e.g., double-check labels for twins, students with the same/similar first and last names).

PLAN - During Testing

During testing - Standard procedures Time for testing Display door sign. Testing accommodations must be provided. Generate a plan for emergencies. Develop a plan for make-up testing by October 16th.

Components needed for PLAN Certified Test Administrator Proctor Irregularities – Contact Testing Office

PLAN Schedule After Testing

Plan for Makeups to be completed by October 16.

Materials must be shipped by October 16. Schools ship directly to ACT. UPS

Store used student test booklets and use with students/parents once scores arrive. Estimated arrival time – December

Return Test Supervisor manual, unused test booklets and unused answer documents to the Testing Office on October 18th.

ACT

ACT

ACT – March 5 All 11th grade students:

English (45 min), Mathematics (60 min), 15 min Break; Reading (35 min), Science (35 min), 5 min Break; and Writing (30 min)

Snack after 2nd test No breaks for lunch Total for tests, break, administrative – 5 hours

Accommodations must be approved prior to testing

ACT Test Dates Initial Standard Time Test Day – March 5

Makeup Standard Time Test Day – March 19

Accommodations Testing Window March 5 – March 19 for both ACT-Approved and

State-Allowed Accommodations

2011-2012 State Testing Program Overview

Administration must meet Standard Testing Requirements NC Accountability Model

ACT is used for accountability in 2012-13

Scores from ACT-Approved accommodations College-reportable scores accepted by all colleges and universities in the

U.S. Scores from State-Allowed Accommodations are available to state and

schools only (these are NOT college-reportable) NCAA accepts for initial eligibility

Coaches may not administer/proctor for the ACT

Key School Personnel Test Supervisor (TS)

Recommend current test coordinator Must be available to receive test materials May not be a coach

Back-up test Supervisor (BU) Cannot be same person as TS Should have previous test coordinator experience

Test Accommodations Coordinator Recommend EC/School-based Chair Collaborate with school personnel to determine

which students need to test with accommodations

ACT Immediate Critical DatesBy Sept 4: Receive email

regarding online services; respond to questions

Sept 21: Submit Principal Establishment Form; appoint TS, BU, and TAC

Oct 5: Submit Test Supervisor (TS); Back-up Supervisor (BU); and Test Accommodations Coordinator (TAC) forms due

November 1: Training Webcast for TS, BU, and TAC become available and must be Completed.

November 30: ACT must receive application for ACT-approved Accommodations.

Test Site Establishment Test site – Regular classroom administration

No more than 30-35 students in a room 1 proctor in each room Each test administrator must have a copy of

Supervisor’s Manual Test administrators/proctors may not serve in rooms

where relatives are participating in the ACT.

WECHS and IBECHS must complete a Proposal for Off-site Administration

Accommodations ACT provides accommodations in

accordance with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Professionally diagnosed disability Must have a current IEP or 504 Plan Current IEP or 504 Plan must document

requested accommodations State-approved accommodations

Will be used for state assessment purposes Will not be reported to colleges, scholarship

agencies

Q and A