Ohio State Test Administration Review

Which classroom items must be removed or covered prior to testing?

• Content related to the subject matter of the day's test.

• Content related to any tested area subject matter.

• Graphic organizers and mnemonic devices to help with good testing strategies.

• Inspirational and encouraging quotes and images.

Answer explanation

Any resource that may provide assistance or advantage to student during a given test, including graphic organizers and mnemonic devices, must be covered or removed. It is not necessary to remove items for future or past tests, only the active subject area.

The maximum allowable time on either Part of the ELA test in grades 6-12 is:

• 2 hours

• 3 hours, 30 minutes

• 1 hour, 45 minutes

• 90 minutes

Answer explanation

State testing guidelines allow for an extra 15 minutes on each of the grades 6+ ELA tests, for a total of 2 hours per test. As published, the directions are confusing to many TAs.

The on-screen timer displays the student's official elapsed time.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Unlike the ACT, the on-screen timer is considered a reference for this test. The Test Administrator is the official timekeeper.

Calculators are permitted on:

• All Mathematics assessments

• No assessments permit calculators

• Mathematics Parts 1 & 2 for 8th grade and up, and Part 2 only for grades 6 and 7

• All part of grades 6+ Math and Science

Answer explanation

Calculators that meet the test guidelines can be used on Part 2 of Grades 6 & 7 Math, and both parts of Grade 8+ Math tests, or as allowable in a students IEP or 504 plan.

For the Test Administrator, what is the most tangible benefit of carefully following the script?

• Students will ask fewer questions about the test.

• The TA is less likely to have technical issues due to a missed step.

• The TA is better able to evade the wrath of the testing police.

• Students feel cheated when the TA doesn't read everything in detail.

Answer explanation

Adherence to the oral script is the best way to kick off a testing session smoothly. TAs who become too relaxed in their use of the script more frequently encounter technical issues due to missed steps. And if that's not a good enough reason, read it because it's required (TAM, 8.1)

Students who finish testing before the rest of the group may

• use their Chromebook to quietly play games or watch videos.

• read or work on items unrelated to the test subject area.

• review their test responses with other peers who are also finished.

• play charades, Heads up-7 Up, or another quiet game with other peers.

Answer explanation

Following testing, students may read or work on materials unrelated to the test subject. All security provision remain in place until testing concludes and TAs must ensure testing students are not unduly disrupted. Local testing policy prohibits students from using their devices for purposes other than testing. Avoid after-testing activities that may incentivize students to rush to finish quickly.

Speech-to-text support is an example of:

• Universal tools

• Designated Supports

• Accommodations

• Administrative considerations

Answer explanation

Speech-to-text is an example of an "Accommodation" that must be prescribed in the student's IEP or 504 plan, based on specific criteria. Furthermore, student STT users must be trained on the tool in advance.

Students may use headphones for read-aloud support on which tests, regardless of their IEP or 504 status?

• Science

• Social Studies

• Mathematics

• English Language Arts

Answer explanation

Text-to-speech (read-aloud) support is available universally to all students on Math, Science, and Social Studies. TTS support for ELA requires IEP or 504 documents. All students may use unplugged, non-Bluetooth headphone or ear protection for noise blocking on any test.

Which of these is not a criterion for receiving Text-to-speech (Reading Access) supports in ELA for students with an IEP or 504.

• The student is visually impaired and is not yet able to use contracted braille

• Student has one or more disabilities that several limit or prevent them from decoding or making meaning from printed text.

• The student receives ongoing, intensive instruction and/or interventions in foundational reading skills.

• The student is two or more grade levels behind his or her same-aged peers.

Answer explanation

Reading Access support (TTS) on ELA assessments is not designed to close the gap for students who struggle to read at the same level as their peers, or who will do poorly on the reading test. Instead, this is designed to support students whose disabilities interfere with their ability to decode print at a more foundational level.

Which is not an allowed support?

• Tapping a student's desk to redirect

• Reading aloud an unfamiliar word

• White noise

• Showing a student where to find the strikethrough tool

Answer explanation

It is not permissible to read-aloud any portion of the test outside the testing scription. Redirection and white noise are considered universal and designated supports. During testing, TAs may assist with navigation and the location of tools, but may not demonstrate their use or assist with questions about test content.