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Online Test
Administration Manual
Delaware Comprehensive Assessment System (DCAS)
For all DCAS Assessments
2013–2014
© Delaware Department of Education, 2013
Descriptions of the operation of the Test Delivery System, Test Information Distribution Engine, Online Reporting System,
and related systems are property of the American Institutes for Research (AIR) and are used with permission of AIR.
© Delaware Department of Education, 2013
Descriptions of the operation of the Test Delivery System, Test Information Distribution Engine, Online Reporting System,
and related systems are property of the American Institutes for Research (AIR) and are used with permission of AIR.
DELAWARE COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT SYSTEM (DCAS)
SUPPORT
The DCAS portal at de.portal.airast.org is the home for all DCAS information. All manuals, brochures, and information
are available on the portal. Additionally all DCAS applications can be accessed through links on the portal. The portal is
where all announcements and news will be posted.
For questions regarding the online testing system or for additional assistance, please contact the DCAS Help Desk at the
American Institutes for Research (AIR).
When contacting the Help Desk, provide as much detail as possible about any issues encountered. This may include
the following:
Any error messages that appeared
Operating system and browser information
Information about network configuration
The Help Desk is open Monday through Friday from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern time. During these hours, staff
will respond promptly to calls.
The Help Desk should be contacted for the following situations:
1. Testing environment is down or unavailable.
2. User accounts are not available or are not able to administer tests.
For the following situations, contact DDOE:
1. Incorrect or missing student(s) or student information
2. Incorrect or missing student accommodations
For the above situations, additional information is provided later in this document.
American Institutes for Research
Help Desk Contact Information
Phone: 1-877-560-8331
Fax: 1-877-231-7813
E-mail: DCASHelpDesk@air.org
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Table of Contents
Introduction and General Information............................................................................................................................................1
Introduction.......................................................................................................................................................................................1
Updates to Testing for 2013–2014................................................................................................................................................1
Important Dates................................................................................................................................................................................2
Roles and Responsibilities in the Online Testing System........................................................................................................2
Prior to Test Administration..............................................................................................................................................................5
DCAS General Administration Best Practices............................................................................................................................5
Student Participation.......................................................................................................................................................................6
Student Features...............................................................................................................................................................................6
Student Features for Accommodations........................................................................................................................................6
Student ID Numbers.........................................................................................................................................................................7
Assessment Accommodations........................................................................................................................................................7
View Student Details........................................................................................................................................................................7
About Student Testing Restrictions.............................................................................................................................................7
Functional Assessment Accommodations ..................................................................................................................................8
Paper Braille Forms and Paper-and-Pencil Tests.....................................................................................................................10
Exempt Students.............................................................................................................................................................................10
Preparing Students for Testing....................................................................................................................................................10
Test Security and Materials..........................................................................................................................................................11
Allowable Resources.......................................................................................................................................................................11
Delaware Department of Education State Assessment System Security and Violations...............................................13
During Test Administration.............................................................................................................................................................16
Establishing Appropriate Testing Conditions..........................................................................................................................16
Launching Student Secure Browser............................................................................................................................................17
Establishing Test Session..............................................................................................................................................................17
Administering the Test..................................................................................................................................................................18
Administer Makeup Testing.........................................................................................................................................................24
Following Test Administration........................................................................................................................................................25
Destroying Test Materials.............................................................................................................................................................25
Reporting Test Irregularities.......................................................................................................................................................25
Reporting Testing Incidents.........................................................................................................................................................26
Reporting Testing Exemptions or Incidents.............................................................................................................................26
Reporting Testing Security Incidents.........................................................................................................................................27
Appendix A: 2013–2014 DCAS Resources.....................................................................................................................................29
Appendix B: Directions for Administration (Printable Version).............................................................................................31
Appendix C: Test-Taking Strategies for Students........................................................................................................................35
Appendix D: What to Do When........................................................................................................................................................39
Appendix E: DCAS After-Testing Suggestions..............................................................................................................................41
Appendix F: Math Resources............................................................................................................................................................43
Appendix G: Science Resource..........................................................................................................................................................51
Appendix H: Worksheet for Scheduling Online Assessments..................................................................................................53
Appendix I: Handheld Calculator Policy........................................................................................................................................55
Calculator Memory Clearing .......................................................................................................................................................56
Appendix J: System Requirements for Online Testing..............................................................................................................57
Minimum Hardware Requirements for Desktop Computers................................................................................................57
Secure Browsers...............................................................................................................................................................................58
Supported Operating Systems and Web Browsers..................................................................................................................59
Requirements for Appropriate Display (Monitors)................................................................................................................60
Contacting the DCAS Help Desk .................................................................................................................................................61
Introduction and General Information
Introduction
Delaware’s state assessments in Reading, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies are delivered online using the
Delaware Comprehensive Assessment System (DCAS). These tests include grades 2–10 Reading and Mathematics
blended assessments; grades 4 and 7 Social Studies; grades 5, 8, and 10 Science; and End of Course (EOC) tests.
Throughout this document, DCAS will be used to refer to all of these tests, including the EOC assessments.
Grades 2–10 Reading and Mathematics are used to show growth and calculate AYP. EOC tests permit students to show
knowledge learned throughout the course of their high school classes.
This Test Administration Manual (TAM) provides needed information regarding policies and procedures for the DCAS.
Some testers with the paper-and-pencil or Braille accommodation are still tested using paper tests. These testers are
addressed in the separate Paper and Pencil Test Administration Manual.
Separate user guides (located at de.portal.airast.org) contain screenshots and step-by-step instructions on how to use the
DCAS. A list of all available user guides is included as Appendix A.
DCAS comprises several related systems or applications. All of these systems are accessible via the DCAS portal.
Updates to Testing for 2013–2014
This year, DCAS is supported on current-generation iPad and selected Android tablets, as well as Chromebooks.
••
The student interface has a new design that will appear across all secure browsers and operating systems,
including tablets. This design does not change how students respond to questions. However, there are a few
changes:
oo The buttons in the bottom of the screen (zoom, calculator, formula, back, next, etc.) now appear at the
top of the screen.
oo Item-based icons, including Mark for Review, are larger.
oo The Global and Context menus are larger and easier to read.
••
Any supported iPads or Android tablets that will be used for student testing must have the mobile secure
browser installed.
••
To test using Chromebooks, students must log into Chromebooks using a secure login (not their regular login).
This secure login provides access only to the Student Testing Site and Practice and Training Tests. All other sites
will be blocked.
Refer to the About Mobile Secure Browsers and Chromebooks for instructions on mobile secure browser installation and
how to manage the Chromebooks environment.
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Table 1. Key Icons and Elements
Icon
Description
Warning: This symbol accompanies important information regarding actions that may cause errors.
Caution: This symbol accompanies important information regarding a task.
Note: This symbol accompanies helpful information or reminders.
Important Dates
Table 2: Assessment Calendar
FALL 2013 DCAS Assessment
Date
Event/Activity
August 19 – October 18, 2013
DCAS – Fall Test Window for Reading and Mathematics, grades 3 – 10
August 30, 2013
Deadline to confirm that all students’ information, including accommodations (e.g., paper or
homebound) are set in e‐school for the DCAS Fall test window Reading and Mathematics.
SPRING 2014 DCAS Assessment – Reading and Mathematics
Date
Event/Activity
December 16, 2013
Deadline to confirm that all students’ information, including accommodations (e.g., paper or
homebound) are set in e‐school for the DCAS Spring Window 1 Reading and Mathematics, and
EOC.
January 6 – 31, 2014
Spring Test Window 1 for EOC Algebra II, Integrated Math III, and US History; optional EOC
Biology
January 20 – May 30, 2014
DCAS – Spring Test Window 1 for Reading and Mathematics, grades 3 – 10
SPRING 2014 DCAS Assessment – Science and Social Studies
Date
Event/Activity
March 17, 2014
Deadline to confirm that all students’ information, including accommodations (e.g., paper or
homebound) are set in e‐school for the DCAS Spring Window 2 Reading and Mathematics, and
EOC.
April 14 – June 2, 2014
Spring Test Window for Science, Grades 5,8 and 10
April 21 – May 23, 2014
Spring Test Window 2 for EOC Algebra II, Integrated Math III, and US History; optional EOC
Biology
May 19 –June 2, 2014
Spring Test Window for Social Studies, Grades 4 and 7
Roles and Responsibilities in the Online Testing System
All test coordinators, test administrators and school administrative staff who will be involved in
DCAS administration must complete the DCAS Test Administrator Training and Updates Course.
This course will provide training on how to properly administer a DCAS test, DCAS security
and the changes to all DCAS applications. Successful completion of training is required prior to
administration of DCAS assessments.
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District Test Coordinators
District Test Coordinators (DTCs) are responsible for coordinating testing in their district. They should ensure that the
School Test Coordinators (STCs) and Test Administrators (TAs) in their districts are appropriately trained and aware of
policies and procedures. DTCs should also ensure that their STCs are trained in the reporting system.
Table 3: District Test Coordinator Checklist
Activity
Completion
Attend School Test Coordinator Training and review all DCAS assessment
updates
August and January
Review scheduling and testing requirements with STCs
Before each testing cycle
Train district personnel in the use of the reporting system
Ongoing
Work with schools to review DELSIS and TIDE student rolls
Before and during each testing cycle
Ensure all STCs and TAs are trained on how to properly administer the DCAS by
completing the Test Administrator Training and Updates course
Before administering tests
Review and submit incidents, exemptions, security incidents, and data reviews
to DDOE from the Assessment Request Application
Ongoing. Deadline for all submissions will be
one week after testing window closes.
Before administering any assessments complete DCAS Security form and
ensure that all STCs and TAs have completed DCAS Security forms
Before administering tests
School Test Coordinators
An STC can be a principal, vice principal, technology coordinator, counselor, or other staff member. We recommend
that the STC be a person with non-instructional or limited instructional duties so that she or he can coordinate testing
activity in the school.
STCs are ultimately accountable for ensuring that testing is conducted in accordance with the test security and other
policies and procedures established by the Delaware Department of Education. STCs must
identify TAs and ensure that they are properly trained by completing online Test Administrator Training and
Updates course as scheduled and available in PDMS;
create or approve testing schedules and procedures for the school;
work with technology staff to ensure that necessary secure browsers are installed and any other technical issues
are resolved;
monitor testing progress during the testing window and ensure that all students participate as appropriate; and
address testing problems as needed.
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Table 4: School Test Coordinator Checklist
Activity
Completion
Attend School Test Coordinator Training and review all new DCAS assessment
updates
August and February
Complete DCAS Security forms and ensure that all TAs have completed DCAS
Security forms
Before they administer any test
Assure that all Test Administrators complete DCAS Test Administrator Training
and updates course
Before each test window
Work with technology personnel to ensure the DCAS secure browser has been
installed and is working on all computers to be used with testing
Before or during testing window
Complete test schedule*
Before testing window opens
Review students in both DELSIS and TIDE applications before student is tested
Before and during each testing window
Ensure all students in DSCYF, DAPI, or CDAP programs have home school record
Before and during each testing window
Make sure accommodations have been reviewed and updated in Assessment
Accommodations Database and are correct in TIDE
Before and during each testing window
Enter any incidents or exemptions required for any DCAS testing window in the
Assessment Request Application
Ongoing. Deadline for all submissions is one
week after testing window closes.
Submit any data reviews to State Assessment Coordinator
Ongoing
*A sample test schedule worksheet is available in Appendix H for help in developing testing schedules.
In addition, STCs who also act as TAs must review all user guides and other manuals.
Test Administrators
TAs administer the DCAS. The DCAS may be administered only by
•• Delaware-certified educators (teachers, administrators, or guidance counselors);
•• paraprofessionals, if closely supervised by a Delaware-certified educator;
•• translators (if they are not Delaware-certified educators, they must be closely supervised by a
Delaware-certified educator); and
•• substitute teachers (if they are not Delaware-certified educators, they must be closely supervised
by a Delaware-certified educator).
If there is a severe shortage of staff, a test may be administered by
•• student teachers acting as TAs, if closely supervised by a Delaware-certified educator, and
•• student teachers and school support staff to act as proctors.
Table 5: Test Administrator Checklist
Activity
Completion
Review necessary manuals and user guides (shown in Appendix A)
Before testing
Complete the DCAS Test Administrator Training and Updates and sign DCAS
Security form
Before testing
Prepare the testing environment, ensuring that students have the necessary
equipment and materials, including scratch paper, pencils, and rulers as
appropriate
Before testing
Administer the DCAS, following the Directions for Administration
During testing
Report testing irregularities
After testing
Dispose of all testing materials including print on request documents and
scratch paper in a secure manner
After testing
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Prior to Test Administration
DCAS General Administration Best Practices
Advise all students and teachers to review the DCAS Test-taking Strategies in Appendix C and on the DCAS
portal.
Review DCAS After-Testing Suggestions in Appendix E and adopt a school policy.
Set up a school-wide procedure to restrict unauthorized electronic devices from the testing environment.
All student tests should be completed before the last day of testing.
Determine whether all students and accommodations are appearing correctly in the DCAS TIDE application. Do
not begin to test any students until the data are correct and available in DCAS. This will reduce the number
of test resets.
Students should review their items before any pause expected to be longer than 10 minutes even though there
is a 30-minute pause rule. A pause will start officially when the student test is paused by the student or the Test
Administrator.
All student tests should be paused and exited if students are taking a break, going to lunch, leaving the testing
room for any reason. Students should have the opportunity to review all answered test questions and should be
reminded to do so.
Students should be reminded not to discuss the test with anyone during breaks.
Pausing should not be used for lunch or other breaks. The pause rule has been put in place to allow students to
access their tests if a situation beyond their control occurs and they are able to log back into the test before the
pause time expires.
All data reviews must be submitted to DDOE by no later than three days prior to the close of each testing window. No late submissions will be accepted.
All requests for resets, grace period extensions, or invalidations must be submitted to DDOE no later than three
days prior to the close of each testing window. This will allow resets or grace period extensions to be completed
and the student given the opportunity to test successfully. Please submit these within the Assessment Request
Application.
Do not begin a student’s Spring II opportunity if his or her Spring I opportunity is in need of a reset. This action
will result in the resetting of BOTH opportunities.
Remember to review tests started for students. Students should complete a subject area test within two weeks
of starting it even though 30 days are allowed. Use participation reports to review tests already started. Any
expired tests will not be reopened, and the student will lose the opportunity to complete an assessment unless
a reset is justified.
Student questionnaires will be administered in the spring session for specified grade levels and must be completed after the student has completed the specific DCAS test. For example, when the DCAS Reading Spring
administration has been completed, the student must also complete the questionnaire.
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Student Participation
Students from all Delaware public schools in the specified grade levels must participate in the DCAS
unless they receive a special exemption, are being administered DCAS Alt-1, or qualify as recently
arrived English language learners (see the DCAS Guidelines for Inclusion for more information on
recently arrived English language learners). All students will have the opportunity to practice with
sample items prior to the administration, and in many cases, it is most appropriate to wait until after
this practice session to make the final decision regarding testing.
Student Features
Zoom in on test questions: Students can make test questions (text and graphics) larger by clicking on the zoom
icon. Available print sizes:
ŸŸ No default zoom applied (14 point for grades 3–4, 12 point for grades 5–10)
ŸŸ Level 1 (1.25 × default)
ŸŸ Level 2 (1.25 × Level 1)
ŸŸ Level 3 (1.25 × Level 2)
ŸŸ Level 4 (1.25 × Level 3)
Line Reader – to help students move a line up/down the screen to help them read.
Item/Passage – font size selection allows item font size to be altered independently from passage font.
Highlight passages (or sections of passages) in the Reading tests.
Pause the test and return to the question they were on.
Cross out multiple-choice response options: Students can eliminate response options by using the
strikethrough function.
Mark a question for review: Students can use the flag function to mark a question to return to later. (Note: If a
test is paused for more than 30 minutes, the student will not be allowed to return to marked questions.)
Measurement Tools, including ruler, compass, straight-edge and protractor for items that have an image.
Item Font size Tool – The default item font size can now be altered independently from passage font size.
With TA approval, students who use a color overlay during regular classroom time may change the screen color.
Students who expect to use this accommodation must be given the opportunity to try out the color schemes
during the practice test in order to choose a color scheme well in advance of the test. The screen color choices
include the following:
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
Blue
Light Blue
Grey
Light Grey
Green
Light Green
Magenta
Light Magenta
Yellow
Light Yellow
With TA approval, students can use print on request in lieu of using a paper-and-pencil copy of the DCAS
test form.
Student Features for Accommodations
New Voice Pack for Windows, providing a higher quality voice for Text-to-Speech
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New Voice Pack Available for Windows
Pursuant to an agreement between NeoSpeech™ and the American Institutes for Research (AIR), authorized users may
download and install the NeoSpeech™ Julie (English) and Violeta (Spanish) voice pack. This voice pack is to be used
only in conjunction with, and not separate from, the online assessments delivered by AIR’s Online Testing System.
Instructions for accessing, downloading, and installing this voice pack are included the TIDE User Guide.
You can listen to a demo of the “Julie” and “Violeta” voice pack by going to the NeoSpeech™ website (www.neospeech.
com) and selecting “Play.” (The voice pack and text options are located on the left side of the home page.)
Student ID Numbers
All students must be registered at their testing schools before they can take any DCAS test. The student must be
registered in the DCAS TIDE system in the correct school.
If a student is not registered at the testing school, this information must be updated in the student information system
before the student can be tested. Data from the student information system will be uploaded nightly into DCAS.
Students will log into the DCAS secure browser using their legal first names (i.e., first names as they appear in DELSIS),
their state ID (SSID) numbers, and a test session ID. Make sure that this information is available for students prior
to testing by verifying it in the TIDE application. However, remember that student personal information, including
IDs, is confidential. If materials are distributed to students containing both the student name and the SSID, these
materials must be collected before the students leave the testing room and then shredded.
Assessment Accommodations
Available Assessment accommodations in the testing system for students with documented IEPs or 504 plans or
students identified as English language learners include text-to-speech, Spanish-English side-by-side, and default large
print. These accommodations must be set by entering the accommodations in the DCAS Accommodations Database at
least 72 hours prior to testing time.
Please verify the student’s accommodations prior to allowing a student to login to a test session.
Once a student has begun the test, the accommodations cannot be changed, and the student test
will need to be reset. These accommodations should be reviewed in DCAS Accommodations and the
Accommodation screen in the DCAS TIDE application.
View Student Details
This page shows the demographic information for the student you have selected. Most information on this page is readonly. You cannot edit any student attributes, including personal identifier information.
Student information indicated with an asterisk (*) must be updated in DELSIS. Any student information marked with
an asterisk that is incorrect must be updated before the student can test. All DELSIS updates will be applied to the TIDE
system within two to three days.
About Student Testing Restrictions
Only District Test Coordinators and School Administrators can edit students’ testing restrictions. If the test restriction
flag is set for any content, this means the student is restricted from taking any DCAS test, including the DCAS – Alt1,
for the specific content area. To remove the test restriction flag for those students who should be tested in DCAS – Alt1,
uncheck the box for the necessary content area(s).
Note: The Alternate Accommodation flags are set by the DCAS-DAPA Portfolio accommodation (500)
and for each content area. Each Alternate Accommodation content area must display a check mark
(flag) in order for the student’s score to be entered using the Score Entry Interface system.
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A student must be provided with all accommodations entered in the DCAS Accommodations Database. Students may
refuse to use an accommodation, but they must be offered the opportunity to use the accommodations.
During the DCAS, students with IEPs and 504 plans may only use DCAS accommodations that they regularly use in the
classroom. If questions arise about the use of specific accommodations with the DCAS, please contact Helen Dennis at
the Delaware Department of Education at 302-735-4090 or Brian Touchette at 302-735-4210.
Functional Assessment Accommodations
The following accommodations are available during the student test session:
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Table 6: DCAS Accommodations
DCAS Accommodations
Accommodation Code
Text to Speech
• Items (106, 600)
• Passages (119, 606)
Print on Request
• Items (121, 803)
• Passages (122, 804)
Color Overlay
106
Print Size
102
Language (Stacked Spanish)
703
Please verify that the student’s accommodations are correctly marked on the left side of the Student Details page.
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Paper Braille Forms and Paper-and-Pencil Tests
Paper Braille forms and paper-and-pencil tests in English are also available. Enter the correct accommodation codes in
the online accommodations system. The Department will notify AIR of which schools and students require Braille forms
and paper-and-pencil tests. These tests must be ordered well in advance of the test date. The Department will provide
the date by which paper-and-pencil and Braille tests must be ordered. Please note that there are no grade 2 paper-andpencil or Braille tests.
Exempt Students
Some students may qualify for an exemption from the DCAS during a particular testing window. These include the
following:
Students receiving services at an out-of-state residential program that is approved by the student’s IEP
For the Reading test only, recently arrived ELL students (who have been in U.S. schools less than one year at
time of testing)
Students too ill to test or students who have recently experienced severe traumatic events
Other student situations identified by the school and evaluated and approved by the Department
Please do not enter any exemption requests until the close of the testing window unless the student’s disposition is
known to be permanent. All exemptions must be entered no later than one week after the testing window closes.
Remember, not all accommodations available in the classroom are to be used in DCAS testing. Only these specifically
identified in Assessment Accommodations may be used during testing.
Preparing Students for Testing
In order to best prepare students for testing, provide them with the following instructions as applicable:
Remind students to take their time; this is not a timed test.
Remind students to read every question carefully and try their best on every question before proceeding; don’t
skip the hard items, but instead try harder.
For non-multiple-choice items, students should do each part of the item even if they don’t know the full answer. They may know enough about the topic to earn partial credit.
Discourage students from randomly selecting answers in order to see what the test looks like.
Remind students to return to flagged items quickly rather than wait for the end of the test. Best practice is to
return to items within 4–6 questions and return to flagged reading items before moving to the next passage.
Students should use the highlighter tool and other computer features as needed.
Students should use their scratch paper to take notes and work through multi-step questions.
Remind students to do a last check before they submit their test.
Please have the students take the practice test to become familiar with the new screen layout and location of
the “movement” and other icons.
Students should try to be well-rested and have a good breakfast the day of testing. A relaxed and confident
attitude is the goal when testing.
It is highly recommended that all students try the practice test, the student training test, and the
constructed-response item tutorial before testing.
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The DCAS includes the following question types:
Multiple-choice items: The student selects an answer option by clicking anywhere on the answer choice.
Short-answer items: The student types a short-answer response into a response box.
Constructed-response items: The student uses the mouse or keyboard to manipulate items or draw responses in
the response box.
Test Security and Materials
The security of assessment instruments and the confidentiality of student information are vital to maintain the
validity, reliability, and fairness of the results. There will be systematic checks and balances of the test data to locate
discrepancies among scores. The DDOE will monitor testing and conduct investigations of reported breaches of security.
DCAS is covered by the terms outlined in Subchapter IV of Chapter 1, Title 14 of the Delaware Code.
All test items, test materials, and student-level testing information are secure documents and must be appropriately
handled. Secure handling must protect the integrity, validity, and confidentiality of assessment questions, prompts, and
student results. Any deviation in test administration must be reported to ensure the validity of the assessment results.
Mishandling of test administration puts student information at risk and disadvantages the student because tests
that are improperly administered may be invalidated. Failure to honor security severely jeopardizes district and state
accountability requirements and the accuracy of student data. All test administrators must take the Test Administrator
Training and sign the DCAS Security form after reviewing the Delaware Department of Education State Assessment
System Security and Violations section on pages 13–15.
Because the DCAS is administered online, printed test materials will be shipped only for those students requiring
the paper-and-pencil accommodation or students identified as homebound. Confirm that all students’ information,
including their accommodations (e.g., paper or homebound), are set in e-school to ensure on-time delivery of materials.
On-time orders are the orders set in e-school before the close of the on-time order window. In order to be included
in the on-time order, the homebound or paper accommodation must be set for the student. If additional orders are
needed, they will be accepted by the DCAS Help Desk beginning the day that material arrives in the district. These
orders will be shipped several times a week. Additional orders must be placed by the SAC.
If a student is homebound, the flag must be set in e-school in order for the student to receive a paperpencil test.
A quantity of this manual has been shipped to the schools. Manuals, user guides, and other information can also be
found online at de.portal.airast.org. STCs and TAs will be able to print additional materials from this site. A separate
manual, the Paper and Pencil Test Administration Manual, contains more information related to paper-and-pencil testing.
The following test materials must be securely shredded and recycled immediately after each testing session and may not
be retained from one testing session to the next:
Scratch paper and all other paper handouts written on by students during testing
Any reports or other documents that contain personally identifiable student information, including cards with
student ID numbers used to help students log into the online system
Allowable Resources
During the administration of the Reading test, the use of resources such as a dictionary, thesaurus, literature texts, or
literary glossaries is NOT permitted. Only ELL students who have an accommodation to use a paper English dictionary
may use one for the DCAS. Wall charts that contain literary definitions must be removed or covered during the testing
session. During administration of the Social Studies test, charts containing dates or historical information must be
removed or covered. During administration of the Mathematics and Science tests, students must NOT have access
to notes, textbooks, maps, or charts. Protractors are NOT allowable resources for the online Mathematics test. The
resources listed in Tables 7 and 8 may be provided to students during the DCAS test.
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Table 7: Allowable and Not Allowable Resources
Mathematics Tests
•• NO Protractors
•• NO access to notes, textbooks, maps or charts
Social Studies Tests
•• NO charts containing dates or historical information; they must be removed or covered during testing
Science Tests
•• NO access to notes, textbooks, maps or charts
Reading Tests
•• NO dictionary, thesaurus, literature texts or literary glossaries allowed
•• ONLY ELL students who have an accommodation to use a paper English dictionary may use one for the DCAS
•• NO wall charts that contain literary definitions; they must be removed or covered during testing
Table 8: Allowable Additional Resources for the DCAS Tests
All DCAS Tests
Pen or pencil.
Blank or grid scratch paper (must be securely shredded immediately after a test administration) and a ruler for drawing on scratch paper only.
Posters offering students encouragement or inspiration without any specific content related to content standards.
Online test keyboard navigation symbols (found in the Test Administrator User Guide)
• Department-approved keyboard navigation symbols can be provided to students as a poster or wall chart or as individual
handouts. However, if students write on them, the handouts will need to be shredded after testing.
Students using the Spanish-English side-by-side accommodation will need to have an English version of the help screens printed out and
available during the test, because all the help screens, instructions, and error messages will be in Spanish only.
Headphones will be needed by students who are using the text-to-speech feature (in which the computer reads aloud portions of the test).
Mathematics Tests
Calculators:
• The calculator accessible within the DCAS is allowed during testing. See Online Calculators in the DCAS Tests (2013–2014) at
http://de.portal.airast.org
• School handheld calculators as specified in Appendix I.
Department-approved formula:
• Only the formula sheets accessible in the DCAS are allowed during the Mathematics test. (Available in Appendix F)
Grid Paper:
• It is mandatory to provide two sheets of graph paper per student for each Mathematics test. Students in grades 2–5 should
have a ½-inch grid. Students in grades 6–10 should have a ¼-inch grid. Both grids can be located in Appendix F or on the
DCAS portal.
Hundreds Table:
• The hundreds table accessible in the DCAS is allowed during the grade 2 Mathematics test.
Science Tests
Department-approved Periodic table:
• Only the Periodic table accessible in the DCAS is allowed during the Science test. (Available in Appendix G)
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Delaware Department of Education State Assessment System Security
and Violations
Definitions.
The following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
1) “State Assessment System” means the assessment program established pursuant to Subchapter III of this title,
including the assessments administered pursuant thereto; and
2) “Department” means the Delaware Department of Education;
3) “Individual” means a student, teacher, administrator, local or state school board member, or other employee,
agent or contractor employed by the Delaware public school system whether local or at the state level, and including an employee, agent or contractor of a charter school;
4) “School district” means any school district, special school or charter school created pursuant to the provisions
of this title;
5) “Assessment administration” means the range of activities from the initial procurement of secure assessment
materials including those delivered via the computer through testing and the return of secure assessment materials to the Department or its agents;
6) “Log-in” means the process of accessing the assessment website;
7) “Secure browser” means the computer browser that prevents the student from accessing functions of the computer that are not allowed during assessment;
8) “Student Identification Number” means the unique identification number assigned to each student in the State
of Delaware under which his or her student records are maintained; and
9) “Assessment site” means the physical location of the assessment administration, including a computer lab,
classroom, or other room.”
Security and data procedures.
a) The Department shall promulgate rules and regulations to ensure the security of the assessment administration, training of personnel and the collection and reporting of assessment data.
b) The Department’s rules and regulations shall provide for:
1) The security of the printed materials during assessment administration and the storage under lock
and key of all secure assessment materials, including answer documents, before and after assessment
administration;
2) Procedures to safeguard computer access information and use the secure browser, including printing of
assessment content
3) The proper administration of assessments and the monitoring of assessment administrations by school
district personnel; and
4) Procedures for the accurate and timely collection, storage and retrieval of state assessment system
materials and data.
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Assessment behavior violations.
It is an assessment security violation for an individual to fail to follow state assessment administration procedures
promulgated by the Department, and no individual shall:
1) Give any examinee access to secure assessment items or materials except in the regular course of an authorized
administration of the state assessment system;
2) Give unauthorized individuals or other persons access to secure assessment items or materials;
3) Copy, reproduce, use, or otherwise disclose in any manner inconsistent with assessment security regulations and
procedures any portion of the secure assessment materials;
4) Provide answers during the assessment administration either orally, in writing, or by any other means to any
examinee;
5) Coach any examinee during the assessment administration by giving the examinee answers to secure questions
or otherwise directing or guiding a response or by altering or interfering with the examinee’s response in any
way;
6) Fail to follow security regulations and procedures for the storage, distribution, collection and return of secure
assessment materials or fail to account for all secure assessment materials before, during and after assessment
administration;
7) Fail to properly monitor assessment administration, including permitting inappropriate collaboration between
or among individuals; fail to remove or cover non-allowable resources from the assessment site during the
assessment administration; or fail to destroy scratch paper used by students during the assessment
administration;
8) Fail to prohibit students from accessing or using electronic equipment (e.g., cellular phones, personal digital
assistant devices, iPods, electronic translators), other than those authorized for use by the Department for the
assessment administration;
9) Fail to confirm proper identification of students being administered the assessment or intentionally give a
student the wrong student identification number during the log-in, causing any student to log in and take the
assessment under another student’s records;
10)Fail to collect and destroy any materials bearing student identification number(s) and student name(s) used to
provide student(s) with this information during the assessment administration;
11)Produce unauthorized copies of assessment content from the computer website; fail to properly destroy authorized copies; or allow copies to be taken outside the assessment site;
12)Allow assessment administration by unauthorized personnel or personnel who have not received assessment
administration certification;
13)Administer secure assessments on dates other than those authorized by the Department;
14)Participate in, direct, aid, counsel, assist, encourage or fail to report any of the acts prohibited in this subchapter;
or
15)Refuse to disclose to the Department information regarding assessment security violations; or
16)Refuse to cooperate in the investigation of a suspected breach of assessment security, whether such investigation is conducted by a school district or the Department. The investigation shall include a review of mitigating
circumstances, if applicable.
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Data reporting violations.
School districts and individuals shall not:
1) Fail to report assessment scores, numbers of students administered the assessment or any other data
element required to be reported to the Department;
2) Report incorrect or otherwise inaccurate assessment scores, numbers of students administered the
assessment or any other data element required to be reported to the Department;
3) Exclude a student from participation in the state assessment except in accordance with the regulations of
the Department;
4) Refuse to disclose to the Department information concerning a violation of the foregoing data reporting
requirements; or
5) Refuse to cooperate in the investigation of a suspected data reporting violation, whether such
investigation is conducted by a school district or the Department. The investigation shall include a review
of mitigating circumstances, if applicable.
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During Test Administration
Establishing Appropriate Testing Conditions
The STC and TAs will need to work together to determine the most appropriate testing option(s) and testing
environment based on the number of computers available, the number of students in each tested grade, and the average
time needed to complete each test. Testing students in classroom-sized groups is preferable to administering tests to
large groups in large facilities. Establishing smaller groups lessens test fear and anxiety for the students and facilitates
monitoring and control for the TA.
The test administration should be conducted in a room that does not crowd students. Good lighting, ventilation, and
freedom from noise and interruptions are important factors to be considered when selecting a site.
The room should be prepared for test administration. Information that is displayed on bulletin boards, chalkboards,
or charts and that might be used by students to help answer questions should be removed or covered. This applies to
rubrics, vocabulary charts, student work, posters, graphs, charts, etc. It may also be helpful to block off hallways by
posting signs in halls and entrances. Reroute traffic, if necessary, in order to promote optimum testing conditions.
Cell phones or other electronic devices are not allowed in the testing room.
It may be helpful to place a “TESTING—DO NOT DISTURB” sign on the door.
The test administration should be conducted with the following requirements to promote optimal testing conditions:
Room Requirements
•• Good lighting, ventilation and freedom from noise and interruptions
•• Bulletin boards, chalkboards or charts with any information (rubrics, vocabulary, student work, posters, graphs, etc.) must be removed or
covered
•• Post sign outside door and in the hallway, that states “TESTING – DO NOT DISTURB”
•• Re-route traffic in hallways to minimize noise and distractions
•• NO Cell phone or other electronic devices allowed in the testing room
Seating Requirements
•• Arrangements for student seating should be completed prior to the test administration
•• Students should be seated so that they will not be tempted to look at the answers of others
•• Because the test is adaptive, it is unlikely that a student would see the same question another student sees; however, appropriate seating
arrangements should be used to discourage students from aiding one another
Time Requirements
•• When setting testing times, remember to account for any time needed to start computers, load secure browsers and log in students.
Students should be seated so that they will not be tempted to look at the answers of others. Because the test is
adaptive, it is unlikely that a student would see the same question another student sees; however, appropriate seating
arrangements should still be used to discourage students from aiding one another. To prevent confusion, arrangements
for student seating should be completed prior to the test administration.
When setting testing times, remember to account for any time needed to start computers, load secure browsers, and log
in students.
Establish procedures to maintain a quiet testing environment throughout the testing session, recognizing that some
students will finish more quickly than others. Review DCAS After-Testing Suggestions on the portal and adopt a school
policy. If students are allowed to leave the testing room when they finish, explain the procedures for leaving without
disrupting others and where they are expected to report once they leave. If students are expected to remain in the
testing room until the end of the session, instruct them on what activities they may do after they finish the test.
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The online tests are NOT timed, and students may begin a computer session and complete it at
another time. All testing must take place during the designated testing window. It is not good testing
practice to allow an excessive amount of time to pass between beginning a test in a particular subject
area and completing it (even though up to 30 days are allowed).
Launching Student Secure Browser
Note: It is recommended that TAs rather than students launch the browsers in order to prevent students
from accessing other applications. Once the secure browser is launched, students can no longer access other
applications.
A secure browser is required to access the DCAS tests. The secure browser provides a secure
environment for student testing by disabling hot keys, copy, and screenshot capabilities and access
to the desktop and applications (Internet, e-mail, and other files or programs installed on school
machines). The secure browser will not display the IP address or other URL for the student
testing site.
Remember that the secure browser is needed for the student computers only. The Test Administrator
will need Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox to access the Test Administrator Interface application.
Students cannot access other computer applications from within the secure browser, even if they know the keystroke
sequences. The “back” and “forward” browser options are not available, except as allowed in the testing environment as
testing navigation tools. Navigation in the testing environment is managed using the appropriate buttons and features
within the secure browser. Students will not be able to print directly from the secure browsers. If students have the
print-on-request feature enabled, their print requests go to the TA’s computer.
During testing, the desktop is unavailable. To exit the secure browser, students must “PAUSE” (to save the test for
another session) or answer all items and complete a test.
Before students arrive to take a test, make sure that the student login screen is showing on each computer.
1. Ensure that all applications on the computer (e.g., Internet Explorer, Word, etc.) are closed.
2. Click the DCAS icon on each computer to open the secure browser.
Establishing Test Session
Following are the steps the TA will need to take during testing, including statements to be read to students. These
instructions can also be found in Appendix B, formatted for printing as a separate document.
Distribution of Materials
Distribute any needed materials (see Table 7, Allowable Additional Resources, in the section on preparing for the DCAS).
Log into Test Administrator Site
Log into IMS using your regular username and password. Select the TA Interface application. If you do not have a
username and password or you cannot access the TA Interface, contact your STC.
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Creating Test Session
In the upper left corner, select the test(s) that you will administer in the test session (e.g., grade 3 Reading).
After you have selected the test(s) that should be included, click [Start Session]. A Session ID will automatically
be generated and will appear in the top center of the screen. This Session ID will generally have four letters followed by a dash and then a number (for example, SMIT-01).
Students will need this test session ID to log into the test.
The test session must be created on the day of testing. Students from the same class who take tests at different times
or with different TAs will not have the same test session ID.
Appendix B contains a checklist that will allow you to identify all steps to be completed before starting a testing session.
This is a document that can be copied and used when you are administering a student test.
Administering the Test
In order to ensure that all students are tested under the same conditions, you should adhere strictly to the Directions
for Administration. These instructions can be found in the boxes in bold on the following pages. When asked, you
should answer questions raised by students, but you should never help the class or individual students with specific
test items. No test items can be read to any student for any content or subject area unless the student has the
specific accommodation. This information is also available in Appendix B for use when administering a test.
Please remember that the Directions for Administration must be followed exactly and used each time a test is
administered. If you are resuming a test and are sure that all students are able to log in without hearing the login
directions again, you may skip the italicized portions of the directions.
All directions that you are to read to students are indicated by the word “SAY” and are in boxes so that they stand out
from the regular text. Read these directions exactly as they are written, using a natural tone and manner. If you make a
mistake in reading a direction, stop and say, “I made a mistake. Listen again.” Then read the direction again.
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Try to maintain a natural classroom atmosphere during the test administration. Before each test begins, encourage
students to do their best.
SAY: Today, you will take a test in the area of [insert name of test being given at this
time]. You will be given a Test Session ID that is required to start the test. If you need
an individual break during the test, raise your hand and wait for my instructions and
permission.
Once you have logged in, you will have to wait for me to approve the test before you
can start. I’ll be checking that you have correctly entered your ID number and other
information.
Give Students the Test Session ID
Write the test session ID for the test(s) you will be giving on the board or another place where students can see it. Make
sure students know that they must enter the test session ID exactly as it is written, without extra spaces or characters.
SAY: Enter your legal first name (not your nickname), your SSID, and the test session
ID that I provided. Raise your hand if you cannot see these numbers well enough to
type them on your keyboard. Please do not share your SSID as it is your own private
information. Once you have successfully logged in, you will see a screen with your full
legal name, birth date, SSID, school, and grade. If all of the information on your screen
is correct, select YES to continue. If any of the information is incorrect, please raise your
hand so that you can show me what is wrong.
Make sure all students have successfully entered their information. Be sure that the students use their legal first
names, not nicknames. If a student is unable to log in, he or she will be prompted to try again and provided with a
message describing the reason (an invalid SSID, for example). If the student is still having difficulty, the TA can look up
the correct information using the Student Lookup function on the TA Site. TAs may assist students with logging in if
necessary. Student information could also be provided to students ahead of time on a card to help them type it
in accurately.
However, please remember that student ID numbers are confidential information and cards would need to be collected
and shredded if used.
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If the problem cannot be resolved, please contact the Delaware Department of Education.
SAY: On the next screen, select the test you will be taking today. If you are starting a new
test, click START TEST; if you are continuing a test started earlier, click RESUME TEST.
After you have selected your test, you will see a screen with a moving bar and message
saying that you are waiting for Test Administrator approval. This step helps ensure that
you are taking the correct test. Please wait quietly while I verify each of your tests.
In the event of technical difficulties with the secure browser, contact the technology coordinator, STC, or DCAS
Help Desk.
Approving Students for Testing
After students log in, you must confirm that these are the correct students to take the test and approve the students’
login requests. The upper right corner of your screen will always display a list of students who are awaiting approval at
any time.
Please make sure the correct student has logged in. If you are administering more then one subject in
a test session, please make sure the student has selected the correct subject.
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Once students begin appearing in the preview box, you can click [Approvals (#)] to open the Approvals pop-up window.
Review each student’s test settings and edit as necessary. You can either click [Approve] for each individual student
(recommended) or, when you are satisfied that all students in the list can be approved, click [Approve All Students].
Reminder: If any student’s test settings are incorrect, do NOT approve that student.
To refresh the list of students awaiting approval at any time, click the [Refresh] button at the top of the pop-up window.
SAY: After I approve you to begin testing, you will see a screen asking you to confirm
your test subject and settings. If all the information is correct, you may select YES,
START MY TEST. If any of it is incorrect, please raise your hand and I’ll be with you
shortly.
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Each student will be logging in at a different time. Monitor the sessions and get all students logged in who are currently
ready before assisting any students who are having problems.
SAY: Before your test appears, you will see a tutorial page listing the test tools and
buttons that may be used during the test or that will appear on the test. Please read this
carefully. You can also find this information during your test by clicking the HELP button
in the top right corner.
You must answer each question on the screen before going on to the next question.
If you are unsure of an answer, find the best answer; there is no penalty for guessing.
Select what you think is the best answer. If you would like to review that answer at a
later time, mark the item for review by using the flag function in the upper right corner of
the screen before going on to the next question. Flagging the item will remind you to go
back and decide whether you need to change the answer during this test session.
You may PAUSE at any point in the test by clicking PAUSE rather than NEXT after
answering an item. However, you should try to answer at least one item before pausing.
If you PAUSE a test for more than 30 minutes, you will not be able to review or change
the answers to items you have already answered.
Your answers need to be your own work. Please keep your eyes on your own test and
remember that there should be no talking. The PAUSE button is used to stop the test.
Please raise your hand if you need a break and ask me prior to clicking PAUSE. When
you are ready to begin your test, click BEGIN TEST NOW at the bottom of the page.
Each student will be logging in at a different time. Monitor the sessions and get all students logged in who are currently
ready before assisting any students who are having problems.
Note: The student will not be able to return to previously answered or marked questions if the test
has been paused for 30 minutes or more. However, on the Reading test, if the student selects PAUSE
without answering all of the items in an item set, he or she will be allowed to return to the screen/
page containing that item set and continue; however, the student will not be able to review and
change responses on any prior test screens/pages.
After a pause, the student’s test opportunity can be resumed at any time within 30 days of the time
the student first started the test; after that, the test record is expired and the opportunity is lost.
The ability of the test to be paused is not intended for lunch or breaks in which students can
communicate about the content of the test.
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Monitoring
Once students have started their tests, circulate through the room to ensure that all conditions of test
security are maintained. You may also use the TA Site to view the testing progress of any student. This
site will not show test questions or scores but will let you see how many questions have been delivered
to each student (e.g., question 24 of 40).
The TA Site is designed to automatically refresh every minute; you can manually refresh at any time by clicking the
[Refresh Now] button at the top left of the page. Do NOT click the web browser’s refresh button.
If you notice that a student is off task, you may say the following statement to the student, verbatim, to keep him or her
focused.
SAY: It is important that you do your best. Do you need to pause the test and take a
break?
Warn Students Before the End of the Test Session
When there are approximately 5 minutes left for the test session, give students a brief warning.
SAY: We are nearing the end of this testing period. Please review any completed or
marked items now. If you have not finished, you will have another opportunity to finish
the test at another time.
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End the Test Session and Log Out of the Test Administrator Site
After answering the last question, each student is presented with a screen prompting him or her to review answers
(marked and unmarked) for all questions available to the student (presented after any pause taken) or to end the test.
Tests can no longer be paused after the last question has been presented.
After answering the last question on the test and reviewing test questions, students must end their test. They do so
by clicking [REVIEW MY ANSWERS] or [SUBMIT TEST FOR SCORING]. If a student clicks [SUBMIT TEST FOR
SCORING], the student will not be able to review answers.
SAY: The testing session is now over. If you have finished, click [SUBMIT TEST FOR
SCORING]. If you have not finished, click [PAUSE], and you will be able to finish at
another time. I will now collect any scratch paper or other materials.
Collect any scratch paper. Then click [Stop Session] to end the test session and pause any student tests in your session
that are still in progress. When you are finished, you can log out of the TA Site by clicking the [Logout] button at the
top right.
Administer Makeup Testing
Students who are absent during their regular testing period can be tested at any time during the DCAS test window. All
students who can be appropriately tested must participate in the test.
In addition, any students who have not completed their tests should be allowed to do so within the DCAS test window.
STCs will be able to monitor student participation and plan for makeup testing through the DCAS Participation Reports
application. This application allows users to see how many students have not yet started testing, have started testing, or
have completed testing. A separate Online Reporting System User Guide is available to guide users on this system.
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Following Test Administration
Destroying Test Materials
The following test materials must be securely shredded and recycled immediately following each testing session and may
not be retained from one testing session to the next:
Any print on request documents printed for the students use during testing. The TA interface can generate a
report that allows you to track all documents printed to make sure you have retrieved all printed documents.
Scratch paper and all other paper handouts written on by students during testing.
Any reports or other documents that contain personally identifiable student information.
Reporting Test Irregularities
Testing irregularities are unusual circumstances that impact an individual or group of students who are testing and may
potentially affect student performance on the test or interpretation of those scores. Examples of testing irregularities
include major disruptions to a test, such as a fire drill, a schoolwide power outage, or a force majeure (i.e., a natural
disaster) that impacts either test security or test validity. See Appendix D for specific examples and instructions.
During an event such as a fire drill or other evacuation, safety is the top priority. If the TA can safely access the TA
workstation before evacuating the testing environment, then the TA should pause all tests before evacuating. If the TA
cannot safely access the TA workstation, then the TA should evacuate and secure the testing environment in a manner
consistent with the school’s evacuation policy. Upon returning to the testing environment, the TA should pause all tests
before students return to their stations. This helps ensure that students do not sit at the wrong computer by mistake.
Testing irregularities also include the administration of test accommodations to a group of students or to an entire class
without an investigation of individual student need.
In instances where a student has been paused longer than the maximum pause time due to circumstances beyond his
or her control, a “grace period extension” can be granted. This extension will allow the student to review previously
answered questions. These instances may include power outages, vendor technology issues, or computer issues.
In rare cases where testing improprieties or irregularities occur during administration of an online test, the Department
may invalidate impacted tests, although invalidation will not occur automatically. The Department will not invalidate a
test until it verifies the facts associated with the alleged testing impropriety or irregularity. If a test is invalidated, the
test results and student responses will be omitted from the testing, reporting, and accountability systems (regardless of
whether the impropriety or irregularity was initiated by an adult or a student).
In extremely rare instances, the Department may reset a student’s online assessment at the request of the school
district if the Department determines that a reset does not compromise the security or validity of the assessment. If an
online test is reset, the student responses will be removed, and the student may retest.
If testing improprieties or irregularities occur during administration of a paper test, the Department may refrain from
scoring the student response. As an alternative, the Department may allow the student to retest at the request of the
school district if the Department determines that the retest can be completed during the official testing window and
allowing the student to retest will not compromise the security or validity of the assessment.
All of these testing irregularities must be reported through the Assessment Request Application. No
resets or grace period extensions will be given if an entry has not been recorded in this application.
A reset is when the testing opportunity is reset for the student; the student must take the necessary test again. A grace
period extension can be granted when a student is paused beyond the 30-minute pause rule and can no longer review
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past responses. The grace period extension allows the student to move forward and backward in the test. This extension
is usually allowed when the student’s test was affected by the pause rule through no fault of his or her own (e.g.,
network outage).
Reporting Testing Incidents
Occasionally an emergency beyond the control of the TA will arise, necessitating some unusual action. Please see
Appendix D, What to Do When, in this document.
For example, if a student becomes ill during the course of a test, the testing session for that student should be ended
immediately. You should pause the student’s test session, and the student may continue the test at some later time. In
such cases, a few minutes should be set aside for orientation at the beginning of the new session.
Testing incidents can also include major disruptions to a test, such as a fire drill, a schoolwide power outage, or a force
majeure (i.e., a natural disaster), that impact either test security or test validity. During an event such as a fire drill or other
evacuation, safety is the top priority. When administering a test, if you can safely access the TA workstation before
evacuating the testing environment, then you should pause all tests before evacuating. If you cannot safely access the
TA workstation, then you should evacuate and secure the testing environment in a manner consistent with the school’s
evacuation policy. Upon returning to the testing environment, you should pause all tests before students return to their
stations. This helps ensure that a student does not view or complete another student’s test if he or she sits at the wrong
computer by mistake. Please see Appendix D, What to Do When, in this document for further examples.
Reporting Testing Exemptions or Incidents
TAs should use the Assessment Request Application for any incident that occurred during testing (e.g., an error
in administration) if it could affect a student’s test scores. It is not necessary to report minor incidents such as an
uncooperative or sleeping student or accidental noises in the environment from a garbage truck, public address system,
etc. Please see Appendix D, What to Do When, for more detailed information on testing irregularities.
Incident reports and special exemption requests must be submitted by the designated staff member (usually the STC)
using the online system. Log into the Delaware Identity Management System (IMS) with your username and password.
Next, click the link for Assessment Request Application. Click the desired request form. Do not submit paper requests.
District offices are responsible for collecting and retaining supporting documentation, such as doctors’ notes. Do not
send supporting documentation to DDOE.
STCs must initiate the process by submitting the exemption requests and incident reports online before the
SAC can approve them and forward them to DDOE.
All administrations of the tests are conducted under standardized procedures described in this Test Administration
Manual. Individual irregularities, such as suspicion of cheating, should be reported immediately by the TA to the STC
or the SAC. Invalidation of a test because of testing irregularity shall be determined after a thorough investigation and
consultation among the SAC, the STC, and the charter school director or district superintendent.
All incidents or exemptions for each testing window must be submitted to DDOE no later than one
week after the testing window has closed. No exemptions for a specific testing window should be
submitted until it is certain that the student will not be tested in that testing window. All efforts must
be made to test all students within each testing window.
It is very important that a student NOT begin the Spring II opportunity if his or her Spring I
opportunity needs to be reset. In the event that a student HAS started the second opportunity and his
or her first opportunity needs to be reset, BOTH opportunities will need to be reset.
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Reporting Testing Security Incidents
STCs and SACs are required to report testing security incidents to DDOE using the Assessment Request Application.
TAs and STCs who have witnessed, been informed of, or suspect the possibility of a testing incident that could
potentially affect the integrity of the tests, the data, or the test results should immediately contact their SAC.
The following information should be provided:
Name and role of person reporting incident
School name
Date of incident
Description of incident
ŸŸ Type (e.g., cheating, copying items)
ŸŸ Scope (e.g., individual, class, grade level, schoolwide)
ŸŸ By whom (e.g., student, school personnel)
ŸŸ Actions taken by the district or charter school as a result of the incident (e.g., disciplinary, corrective or
other)
Any breach in test security may result in personnel action.
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Appendix A: 2013–2014 DCAS Resources
All materials are available on the DCAS portal at de.portal.airast.org.
Table A-1: Resources for the DCAS
Resource
Description
Online Test Administration Manual
Manual that includes information for School Test Coordinators, Test Administrators, and other
roles. This manual describes the policies and responsibilities for each role in online testing.
Test Administrator User Guide
Guide that offers specific instructions on how to use the online system. Includes screenshots
and a troubleshooting guide.
TIDE User Guide
Guide that offers specific instructions on how to use the TIDE system to perform tasks related
to online testing.
Online Reporting System User Guide
Guide that offers instructions on how to use the online reporting and participation reports
system.
Test Administrator Training and Updates
Live and Online Training and Updates
Student Training Test
Resource for students to learn and become familiar with the types of items that will be on their
online tests. Online guides are available to help students learn about each item type.
Student Practice Test
Resource for students to become familiar with the content of the online test.
Guidelines for Inclusion
Guide that offers instruction for inclusion of students in the DCAS.
Paper and Pencil Test Administration Manual
Manual that includes information on paper-and-pencil testing.
Online Calculators in the DCAS Tests
A quick reference guide for the online calculators in the DCAS tests.
System Requirements
Information on hardware and software requirement, including supported operating systems
and web browsers for all DCAS applications.
Handheld Calculator Policy
Policy for the use of handheld calculators.
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Appendix B: Directions for Administration (Printable Version)
This document provides a shortened version of the information provided in the During Testing section of this manual,
which is suitable for printing and using during the DCAS test administration. All instructions to be read to students are
exactly the same.
Before Testing
Practice administering an assessment on the TA Training Site.
Know what your students will see. Try out the practice and training tests.
1.
Make sure you are prepared for testing.
Complete the pre-recorded training session for any updates to the Test Administration
procedures. Please sign the DCAS Security Form.
Download and read relevant user guides and manuals, including this DCAS Online Test
Administration Manual.
2.
Make sure students are prepared for
testing.
Make sure all your students have tried the grade-appropriate practice test and training test
before testing.
3.
Get a list of secure State Student
Identification Numbers (SSIDs).
Students will log into the online system using their legal first names, their 10-digit State
Student Identification Numbers (SSID), and a Test Session ID. Talk to your School Test
Coordinator about how you will obtain this list. Remember that student personal information,
including State Student Identification Numbers (SSIDs), is confidential.
4.
Get a list of all DCAS Accommodations
for any students who will be testing with
you.
Remember to validate and review all student accommodations to make sure a student has the
correct accommodations available in DCAS TIDE. Do not begin testing any students until
all accommodations have been verified and are available in DCAS TIDE.
During Testing
5.
Launch the secure browser on each
computer students will use for testing.
Before students arrive to take a test, make sure that the student login screen is showing
on each computer. Click the DCAS icon on each computer to open the secure browser. It is
recommended that TAs rather than students launch the browsers in order to prevent students
from accessing other applications. Once the secure browser is launched, students can no
longer access other applications.
6.
Distribute pencils and scratch paper, if
needed.
During the DCAS test, scratch paper may be used for any of the tests.
7.
Log into the TA Site.
Using your regular username and password, log into the TA Site at
de.portal.airast.org. If you do not have a username and password, contact your STC.
Create a test session.
In the upper left corner, select the test(s) that you will administer in the test session
(e.g., grade 3 reading). After you have selected the test(s) that should be included, click
[Start Session]. A Session ID will automatically generate and appear in the top center of
the screen. This Session ID will have four letters followed by a dash and then a number (for
example, SMIT-01).
8.
9.
Read directions from the Online Test
Administration Manual to students.
SAY: Today, you will take a test in the area of [Insert name of test being given at
this time]. You will be given a Test Session ID that is required to start the test.
If you need an individual break during the test, raise your hand and wait for my
instructions and permission. Once you have logged in, you will have to wait for me to
approve the test before you can start. I’ll be checking that you have correctly entered
your ID number and other information.
31
During Testing
Write the test session ID for the test(s) you will be giving on the board or some other place
where students can see it. Make sure students know that they must enter the test session ID
exactly as it is written, without extra spaces or characters.
10. Give students the test session ID.
SAY: Enter your legal first name (not your nickname), your SSID, and the test session
ID that I provided. Raise your hand if you cannot see these numbers well enough to
type them on your keyboard. Please do not share your SSID as it is your own private
information. Once you have successfully logged in, you will see a screen with your full
legal name, birth date, SSID, school, and grade. If all of the information on your screen
is correct, select YES to continue. If any of the information is incorrect, please raise your
hand so that you can show me what is wrong.
On the next screen, select the test you will be taking today. If you are starting a new
test, click START TEST; if you are continuing a test started earlier, click RESUME
TEST. After you have selected your test, you will see a screen with a moving bar and
message saying that you are waiting for Test Administrator approval. This step helps
ensure that you are taking the correct test. Please wait quietly while I verify each of
your tests.
After I approve you to begin testing, you will see a screen asking you to confirm your
test subject and settings. If all the information is correct, you may select YES, START
MY TEST. If any of it is incorrect, please raise your hand and I’ll be with you shortly.
Students can now log in using their names, their ID numbers, and the test session ID. The
upper right corner of your screen will always display a list of students who are awaiting
approval at any time. Once students begin appearing in the preview box, you can click
[Approvals (#)] to open the Approvals pop-up window. Review each student’s test settings
and edit as necessary. You can either click [Approve] for each individual student or, when you
are satisfied that all students in the list can be approved, click [Approve All Students]. To
refresh the list of students awaiting approval at any time, click the [Refresh] button at the
top of the pop-up window.
11. Approve students for testing.
SAY: Before your test appears, you will see a tutorial page listing the test tools and
buttons that may be used during the test or that will appear on the test. Please read
this carefully. You can also find this information during your test by clicking the HELP
button in the top right corner. You must answer each question on the screen before going
on to the next question. If you are unsure of an answer, find the best answer; there is no
penalty for guessing. Select what you think is the best answer. If you would like to review
that answer at a later time, mark the item for review by using the flag function in the
upper right corner of the screen before going on to the next question. Flagging the item
will remind you to go back and decide whether you need to change the answer during this
test session.
You may PAUSE at any point in the test by clicking PAUSE rather than NEXT after
answering an item. However, you should try to answer at least one item before pausing.
If you PAUSE a test for more than 30 minutes, you will not be able to review or change the
answers to items you have already answered.
Your answers need to be your own work. Please keep your eyes on your own test and
remember that there should be no talking. The PAUSE button is used to stop the test.
Please raise your hand if you need a break and ask me prior to clicking PAUSE. When you
are ready to begin your test, click BEGIN TEST NOW at the bottom of the page.
32
During Testing
12. Monitor student progress.
The TA Site will not show test questions or scores but will let you see how many questions
have been delivered to each student (e.g., question 24 of 40). The TA Site is designed to
automatically refresh every minute; you can manually refresh at any time by clicking the
[Refresh] button at the top left of the page. If you notice that a student is off task, you may
say the following statement to that student.
SAY: It is important that you do your best. Do you need to pause the test and take a
break?
13. Give students a 5-minute warning before
the end of the test session.
14. End the test session and log out of the
TA Site.
15. Collect any used scratch paper.
SAY: We are nearing the end of this testing period. Please review any completed or
marked items now. If you have not finished, you will have another opportunity to
finish the test at another time.
SAY: The testing session is now over. If you have finished, click [SUBMIT TEST FOR
SCORING]. If you have not finished, click [PAUSE], and you will be able to finish at
another time. I will now collect any scratch paper or other materials.
Then click [Stop Session] to end the test session and pause any student tests in your session
that are still in progress. When you are finished, you can log out of the TA Site by clicking the
[Logout] button at the top right.
Used scratch paper must be shredded and disposed of after testing.
33
Appendix C: Test-Taking Strategies for Students
Test-Taking Strategies for DCAS Adaptive Online Reading and Mathematics
Assessments in Grades 3-10
1. Take your time – this is not a timed test.
2.
Try your best on every item before proceeding to the next item.
3.
Try harder on hard items – do not just skip them.
4.
Do NOT flip through the test randomly selecting answers just to see what the test is like.
5.
Check any calculations you are not sure of with the calculator before you proceed to the next item.
6.
If you do flag an item to review, go back to it as soon as possible – within 4 to 6 items. For reading, return to
flagged items before going to the next passage. It is not good practice to wait to the end of the test to check
flagged items.
7.
Read item passage and item carefully.
8.
Use the highlighting and other computer features to aid you with your reading. Use the scratch paper to take notes
about the reading passage.
9.
When using the online calculator, use the scratch paper to make notes of numbers to enter and answers.
10. On items that are not multiple-choice, do each part of the item. Even if you do not know the full answer, you may
know enough about the topic to earn partial credit. Do not leave any question blank.
11. When you finish the test, check your answers one more time.
12. Be well rested. Get plenty of rest the night before testing.
13. Eat a good breakfast.
14. Stay relaxed and confident while taking the test.
35
Test-Taking Strategies for DCAS Adaptive Online Science Assessments
(Grades 5, 8, 10)
1. Take your time – this is not a timed test.
2.
Try your best on every item before proceeding to the next item.
3.
Try harder on hard items – do not just skip them.
4.
Do NOT flip through the test randomly selecting answers just to see what the test is like.
5.
If you do flag an item to review, go back to it as soon as possible – within 4 to 6 items. For reading, return to
flagged items before going to the next passage. It is not good practice to wait to the end of the test to check
flagged items.
6.
Read item carefully.
7.
Use the highlighting and other computer features to aid you.
8.
Use the scratch paper to solve and work through multi-step items.
9.
On items that are not multiple-choice, do each part of the item. Even if you do not know the full answer, you may
know enough about the topic to earn partial credit. Do not leave any question blank.
10. For high school assessments, be familiar with the periodic table -- sample available at:http://de.portal.airast.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Periodic_Table.png
11. When you finish the test, check your answers one more time.
12. Be well rested. Get plenty of rest the night before testing.
13. Eat a good breakfast.
14. Stay relaxed and confident while taking the test.
36
Test-Taking Strategies for DCAS Non-adaptive Fixed Form End-of-Course
Assessments and Social Studies (Grades 4, 7) Assessments
1.
Take your time – this is not a timed test.
2.
Try your best on every item. If you are unsure of an answer, eliminate the incorrect choices and choose from those
that are left.
3.
Read item graphic and item carefully.
4.
Use the highlighting and other computer features to aid you. Use the scratch paper to take notes about the item
and graphic.
5.
On items that are not multiple-choice, do each part of the item. Even if you do not know the full answer, you may
know enough about the topic to earn partial credit. Do not leave any question blank.
6.
When you finish the test, check your answers one more time.
7.
Be well rested. Get plenty of rest the night before testing.
8.
Eat a good breakfast.
9.
Stay relaxed and confident while taking the test.
Summary
The test-taking strategies above have been assembled based on our growing body of knowledge and experience with
computer-adaptive assessments, and more specifically, the DCAS assessment program.
37
Appendix D: What to Do When
Description
What to Do
Before Testing
A. A student is chronically truant.
Do not submit incident report. No exemptions will be granted.
B. A student is present at school but refuses to take the test any time
during the testing window.
Submit an incident report in the Assessment Request Application for the
individual student for the affected tests.
C. A student is being treated as in-patent in a non-DSCYF mental health
facility during the testing window.
Submit a request for an exemption in the Assessment Request Application.
Keep letter from the doctor on file at the district office.
D. A student was recently released from a mental health facility, and his
or her doctor believes the student should not test.
Submit a request for an exemption in the Assessment Request Application.
Keep letter from the doctor on file at the district office.
E. A student is not showing for the school in which he/she is currently
enrolled.
Review Delsis 2.0 and e-school. If the student is correct in these
applications, submit a data review in the Assessment request application to
your STC and submission to DOE for review.
F.
Review DCAS Accommodations to make sure all accommodations are
correct. If the accommodations are correct, submit a data review in the
Assessment Request Application to your STC and submission to DOE for
review.
A student does not show correct accommodations in DCAS TIDE.
G. A student is hospitalized or homebound with a serious or terminal
illness.
Submit a request for an exemption in the Assessment Request Application.
Keep letter from the doctor on file at the district office.
H. There is a death in the family before or during the testing window.
Determine whether the child can be tested at the end of the testing window;
if that will not be feasible, submit an exemption.
I.
A student is in a DSCYF juvenile detention facility.
Do not submit an exemption. Make sure student has a home school record
associated with your district and the student has been enrolled at detention
facility.
J.
A student is in a court-ordered private placement in-state.
Submit a request for an exemption in the Assessment Request Application.
Keep letter from facility on file in district office. If the student does return,
he or she must be given the opportunity to test.
K. A student is in a court-ordered private placement out of state.
Submit a request for an exemption in the Assessment Request Application.
Keep letter from facility on file in district office. If the student does return,
he or she must be given the opportunity to test.
L. A student is in DAPI or Consortium Discipline Alternative Program
(CDAP).
Student will be tested at current CDAP facility. Make sure student has
home school record and the CDAP facility has entered the student
record for its facility.
M. A student is in an adult prison.
Submit a request for exemption in the Assessment Request Application.
N. A student delivers a baby shortly before or during testing.
Submit a request for exemption in the Assessment Request Application.
Keep letter from doctor on file at the district office.
O. A student who wears glasses or takes medication on a daily basis is
without them on testing day.
Postpone testing for student and have student take test at a later time in
the testing window.
P.
A student qualifies for English as a Second Language (ESL) services,
but the student’s parent/guardian/caregiver has withdrawn
him or her from ESL services. Can this student have testing
accommodations? Can this student qualify for an exemption in the
Reading test?
If a student meets the criteria to be identified as an English language
learner (ELL) and receive ESL services, a student may receive ELL
accommodations even if parent/guardian/caregiver has withdrawn the
student from ESL services.
Please see the Guidelines for Inclusions for ELL Student to determine
whether a student can be excluded from the Reading test.
39
Description
What to Do
During Testing
A. A student becomes sick during testing.
Pause student test and allow student to return during make-up session(s) to
finish test.
B. A student is removed from test session due to student misbehavior.
Pause student test and allow student to return during make-up session(s) to
finish test.
C. A student is given a test accommodation that is not in his or her IEP.
Submit an incident report in the Assessment Request Application
indicating name(s) and ID numbers of students involved. Indicate which
accommodations were incorrectly provided. The student test will be reset so
the student is able to take the test with appropriate accommodations.
D. A student starts a test without his/her accommodations available on
the test.
Submit an incident report in the Assessment Request Application indicating
name(s) and ID numbers of students involved and request a test reset.
Make sure all accommodations are correct in DCAS Accommodations
and then successfully transferred to DCAS TIDE for specific student. The
student’s test will be reset so the student is able to take the test with
appropriate accommodations.
E. A testing behavior violation occurs (list on page 13 of the TAM).
Report incident in the Assessment Request Application to the district’s
State Assessment Coordinator, who will contact the DOE Accountability
Resources office. The School Test Coordinator or State Assessment
Coordinator should submit an online incident report. Refer to security
policy and procedures in this manual.
F.
Submit an incident report in the Assessment Request Application. Enforce
district policies for student misconduct.
A student is cheating.
G. It is identified that a student who has test accommodations has not
been provided one or more of these accommodations during a test
session.
Submit an incident report in the Assessment Request Application. Make
sure the student is provided with appropriate accommodations for any
remaining test sessions. Student test will be reset so the student can take
the test with the correct and appropriate accommodations.
H. A student moves out of the school before all test sessions are
completed.
Student can complete testing in new district if moving within the state; no
action necessary.
I.
J.
Identify which test (content) sessions the student has or has not completed
by reviewing the DCAS Participation reports, and test the student in makeup test sessions if the student’s class has already tested.
A student moves into the school in middle of testing window. He or
she has completed part of the test in previous school.
The student should be administered all tests that he or she can complete
before the testing window has ended. If the student needs accommodations,
A student registers in school from out-of-state during testing window.
the DCAS Accommodations application will always remain open, and all
accommodations can be entered at any time.
K. The building experiences a fire drill, emergency situation, or extended
power outage.
The TA should ensure student safety and pause the test if time permits.
Testing should be continued when order is restored if time permits. If not,
a new test session must be scheduled to give the students sufficient time to
complete the test.
L. The building experiences a fire drill, emergency situation, or extended
power outage or computer issue and students are unable to return to
review tests before the pause time expires.
If the students were unable to access their tests before the pause rule has
expired, submit an incident report in the Assessment Request Application
identifying all students affected and request a grace period extension. This
will all the students to review previously completed work.
40
Appendix E: DCAS After-Testing Suggestions
When administering an untimed test, students will finish at different times. What students are allowed to do while
other students finish is a dilemma. Here is DOE’s list of recommended, suggested and prohibited activities. This list is not
complete. If you have doubts about the appropriateness of an activity, contact Jim Hertzog to discuss at 302‑735‑4090
or james.hertzog@doe.k12.de.us.
Activity
Leave the testing room and report
back to regularly scheduled activity
Leave the testing room and report to
pre-designated, monitored holding
area, with or without a scheduled
activity
Sit quietly in their seats
Status
Recommended
Suggested
Allowed
Rationale
Student instructional time is not wasted
Students are engaged
This is difficult for many students
Read a preapproved book or preassigned material not related to the
tested subject
Suggested
Quiet, not a major security risk
Write in a journal, diary, or on any
paper
Prohibited
Security risk that students may transmit
item content
Listen to music on their IPod, etc.
Prohibited
Electronic devices are not allowed in the
testing room
Use their cell phone
Prohibited
Electronic devices are not allowed in the
testing room
Play video games on the computer
Prohibited
Too distracting to other students
Use the computer to research answers
to questions they missed
Prohibited
Security risk with other students still
testing
Use the computer to communicate
Prohibited
Security risk that students may transmit
item content
Use the computer for any other
reason
Not recommended
Talk or signal to other students
Prohibited
Too distracting to other students and
security risk
Move about the testing room
Prohibited
Too distracting to other students
Too difficult to monitor
41
Appendix F: Math Resources
The DCAS Math Resources are ½ inch graph paper, ¼ inch graph paper, 100 chart, grades 6–8 formula sheet, and grade
9–10 formula sheet.
43
44
45
46
GRADE 6-8 MATHEMATICS
REFERENCE SHEET
AREAS OF POLYGONS
VOLUMES
Parallelogram
A = bh
Cube
Rectangle
A = bh or A=lw
Square
A = s2 OR A = s × s
Rectangular Prism V = lwh or
V = Bh
Triangle
A=
1
2
bh
Cylinder
V = πr2 h
Trapezoid
A=
1
2
h(b1 + b2)
Cone
V=
1
3
πr2 h
Pyramid
V=
1
3
Bh
V = s3
where B = area of the base
where B = area of the base
CIRCLES
RIGHT TRIANGLES
C = 2π r
OR C = π d
a
A = πr2
π=
22
7
b
a2 + b2 = c2
OR π ≈ 3.14
SURFACE AREAS
Cube
SA = 6s2 OR SA = 6×(s×s)
Cylinder
SA = 2π r h + 2π r 2
c
47
GRADE 9-10 MATHEMATICS
REFERENCE SHEET
VOLUMES
AREAS OF POLYGONS
Cube
V = s3
Prism
V = Bh
Cylinder
V = πr2 h
Parallelogram
A = bh
Rectangle
A = bh
Square
A = s2
Triangle
A=
1
2
bh
Cone
V=
1
3
πr2 h
Trapezoid
A=
1
2
h(b1 + b2)
Pyramid
V=
1
3
Bh
where B=area of the base
where B = area of the base
Sphere
V=
CIRCLES
C = 2π r
OR C = π d
4
3
πr3
RIGHT TRIANGLES
A = πr2
c
a
SURFACE AREAS
θ
SA = 6s2
Cube
Cylinder
SA = 2π r h + 2π r
Sphere
SA = 4π r 2
b
2
a2 + b2 = c2
Trigonometric Ratios:
sin θ = ac
cos θ = bc
OTHERS
d=
(x 2 − x 1)
2
+ (y 2 − y 1)
tan θ = ba
2
d = rt
Interest = principal × rate × time
Slope: m =
y 2 − y1
x 2 − x1
48
49
Appendix G: Science Resource
Periodic Table
51
Appendix H: Worksheet for Scheduling Online Assessments
It is recommended that schools have at least one lab or mobile cart where all students in a single class can be assessed at
the same time for ease of administration. The online assessment scheduling worksheet on the next page shows how to
estimate the number of days needed to administer one opportunity for each student at your school to take the Online
DCAS Reading, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies Assessments, depending on the grade level in which they are
enrolled. A typical student will need two sessions of approximately 30 minutes, or about 60 minutes, to complete one
DCAS Assessment.
53
54
Step 5 630 ÷ 60 = 10.5 days required for the school to
test students once.
Step 5 Divide the total number in Step 1 by the result of
Step 4. This gives you the total number of days required for
your school to test students once.
Total
Total
Step 4 30 × 4 = 120 ÷ 2 = 60
10
10
Step 4 Multiply the results of Steps 2 and 3 and divide
by two.
9
9
Social
Studies
Step 3 The school will test 4 class periods each day of the
week.
8
8
Science
Step 3 At your school, how many class periods per day
will be used for testing?
7
7
Math
Step 2 The school has one lab with 30 computers.
6
6
Reading
Step 2 At your school, how many computers are available in
all computer labs/mobile carts that will be used for the DCAS?
5
5
Grade
4
Social
Studies
4
Science
3
Math
3
Reading
Step 1 An elementary school has 90 students in
grades 3, 4, and 5.
Step 1 At your school, how many students in each tested
grade will take the DCAS?
Grade
EXAMPLE
FORMULA
Appendix I: Handheld Calculator Policy
An online calculator is provided for use on the DCAS. The use of a handheld calculator is not required, but if one is
used, only approved calculators are permitted for the DCAS mathematics tests in grades 3 thru 10. Students should
be thoroughly familiar with the operation of the calculator they plan to use on the assessment. Students should
also have experience with the basic paper-and-pencil techniques of mathematics and be able to apply them when
technological tools are unavailable or inappropriate.
Calculator Use and Restrictions Policy for Grades 3 – 5:
••
Grades 3 – 5 may only use a basic four-function calculator (+, -, x, and ÷). The calculator may not have any
additional function keys; such as, square root (√ ), sign ( ± ), percent ( % ), etc.
Calculator Use and Restrictions Policy for Grades 6 – 8:
••
Grades 6 – 8 may not have any function keys which perform mathematical operations involving fractions; such
as, the fraction key (
) or fraction to decimal key (F ⬌ D).
Calculator Use and Restrictions Policy for Grades 3 – 10
The following are NOT allowed for the DCAS:
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
Non-calculators such as cell phones, PDAs, laptops, minicomputers, pocket organizers, etc.
Calculators with built in Computer Algebra Systems – CAS.
Programs/information stored in a calculator other than those that are factory installed. Proctors must clear
calculator memory both before and after each testing session.
Sharing calculators by students during a test session.
Beaming capabilities. (These must be disabled.)
Wireless communication technologies. Calculators having wireless communication technologies may be used if
those technologies are disabled.
Calculators with QWERTY keyboards or other typewriter-like keyboards or keypads (e.g. Dvorak).
Calculators that make noise, have paper tape, need to be plugged in or talk unless these specific calculators are
required as an accommodation.
Note: When using a TI-Nspire calculator, proctors must invoke the “Press-to-Test” mode at the beginning and end of
each test session. This feature temporarily disables all flash applications and calculator files.
Allowed Calculators:
••
••
••
••
A scientific calculator
A non-CAS graphing calculator, with memory cleared both BEFORE and AFTER each test session
A non-CAS graphing calculator, enabled in Press-to-Test mode
TI-Nspire calculators without CAS are allowed only in the following two cases:
1. with the TI-84 Plus keypad and the memory cleared
OR
2. with the TI-84 Plus keypad and enabled in Press-to Test mode
55
Calculator Memory Clearing
Students with memory-enabled calculators are not allowed to bring stored examples into the exam, access programs
during testing, or store the exam questions for later reference. For this reason, a graphing calculator must either:
••
••
have its memory cleared both before and after each testing session, or
be used in Press-to-Test mode. Proctors must invoke Press-to-Test mode at the beginning of each test session
and exit Press-to-Test mode at the end of each test session.
Proctors are required to check calculators before the exam and disable any stored programs and applications on all
calculators by either clearing the memory both before and after the exam or by invoking Press-to-Test mode. Please be
advised that clearing the calculator memory will delete stored programs or application; students should be told
prior to the test day to store all data and software they wish to save on a computer or a calculator not being used
for the test.
If a calculator can neither have its memory cleared nor be enabled in press-to-Test mode prior to test administration,
students are not permitted to use the calculator during the assessment.
PLEASE NOTE: Steps to clear most calculators may be found online, in the owner’s manual for the calculator.
This is intended to be a general description of what is not allowed. It is not meant to be an exhaustive list of specific
calculators, devices or technologies that can or cannot be used on the DCAS. As technology changes this policy will be
reviewed and may also change.
56
Appendix J: System Requirements for Online Testing
This document was developed by the American Institutes for Research (AIR)® and contains information about hardware
and software requirements, including supported operating systems and web browsers for all DCAS applications.
This document contains the following sections:
••
••
••
••
Minimum Hardware Requirements for Desktop Computers
Supported Operating Systems and Web Browsers
Requirements for Appropriate Display
Help Desk Contact Information
Minimum Hardware Requirements for Desktop Computers
Your computers must meet the minimum requirements for each operating system as shown in the table below. DCAS
applications will function effectively with these minimum specifications. However, faster processors and more disk
space will improve overall performance.
Minimum Hardware Requirements for Online Testing
Operating
System
Minimum Requirement for
Current Computers
Windows
(2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8)
Pentium 233 MHz processor
128 MB RAM
52 MB hard drive
Mac OS X
(10.4–10.8)
Intel x86 or PowerPC G3, G4, or G5 processor
128 MB RAM
200 MB hard drive
Linux
Fedora Core 6 (K12LTSP 4.2+)
Ubuntu 9–12
Pentium II or AMD K6-III 233 MHz processor
64 MB RAM
52 MB hard drive
Note: NComputing and Terminal Services are supported on the following platforms:
••
••
NComputing is supported on computers running Windows XP.
Terminal Services is supported on the Windows 2003 and 2008 Servers.
57
Recommended Minimum for
New Purchases
1.3 GHz processor
2 GB RAM
80 GB hard drive
Secure Browsers
The new secure browsers must be downloaded and installed on all computers that will be used for student testing during
the 2013–2014 testing year. The secure browsers from 2012–2013 will not work, and should be uninstalled prior to
installing the new secure browsers.
The biggest change for the 2013–2014 testing year is the addition of mobile secure browsers for supported Apple iPad
and Android tablets. Support for Chromebooks is also available.
Refer to the Technical Specifications Manual for Online Testing for instructions on downloading and installing the secure
browsers as well as configuring Chromebooks.
Operating System
Operating System Version
Secure Browser
Windows
2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8
Windows Server 2003 and 2008
Windows Secure Browser 6.2
Mac OS X
10.4 with PowerPC or Intel
10.5 with PowerPC
Mac Secure Browser 5.6
Mac OS X with Intel
10.5–10.8
Mac Secure Browser 6.2
Linux
Fedora 6 (K12LTSP 4.2+)
Ubuntu 9–12
Linux Secure Browser 6.2
Students will NOT be permitted to log in if they are using the incorrect secure browser.
Mac OS 10.4 computers only support secure browser 5.6, regardless of processor type.
Some machines with Mac OS 10.5 were shipped with PowerPC processors; others with Intel-based
processors. Please ensure you download the correct secure browser for these machines. To determine
which operating system and processor your machine is running, go to the Apple (Finder) menu, and
click “About This Mac.” The screen will display your operating system version and processor type.
Important Information on Supported Operating Systems and Secure Browsers:
Microsoft has announced that they will release Windows 8.1 after AIR’s secure browsers for the
coming year are released. While the Windows 8.1 release date has not been officially announced, it
could come out in the fall of 2013.
Consequently, it is not likely that a secure browser for Windows 8.1 will be available for this operating
system during the 2013–2014 school year. Please hold off upgrading to this newer operating system
on computers that will be used to administer statewide tests during the 2013–2014 school year.
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Supported Operating Systems and Web Browsers
The tables in this section provide an overview of the supported operating systems and corresponding web browsers
for each DCAS application. Please note that each application requires pop-up blocking software to be disabled and
JavaScript to be enabled.
Support of web browsers is also contingent on the machine’s operating system. For example, Windows
Vista and 7 do not support Internet Explorer 6. Mozilla Firefox also has stopped providing browser
updates for Mac OS 10.4 and Windows 2000. Please check your operating system and web browser
versions to ensure that they are compatible. AIR provides support for the browsers listed below.
About Firefox
AIR conducts quality assurance on the most recent Firefox versions distributed by Mozilla for each
system except the Student Testing Site (which requires the secure browser). While you may update
Firefox upon new versions being released, AIR encourages you to wait a few weeks to ensure that each
system works correctly with the new Firefox version.
Warning: If you update Firefox to a new version that has not been thoroughly tested, you will not be
permitted to access the Student Interface Practice and Training Site.
To learn how to disable auto-updates for Firefox, click here: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/
kb/forum-response-turning-auto-update. (Caution: You may need to disable auto-updates again after
installing a newer version.)
Flash is bundled with the secure browser installation packages, and these secure browsers can also be used to access the
Practice and Training Site. Note: Flash 10 must be installed to view the Student Practice and Training Tests in a supported
Web browser and the Online Test Administrator Certification Course.
Student Interface Practice and Training Site
Operating System
Operating System Version
Supported Browsers
Windows
2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8
Windows Server 2003 and 2008
Firefox
Internet Explorer 9 or 10
Windows Secure Browser 6.2
Mac OS X
10.4 (all)
10.5 (PowerPC)
Firefox 3.6
Mac Secure Browser 5.6
Mac OS X with Intel
10.5–10.8
Firefox
Safari
Mac Secure Browser 6.2
Linux
Fedora 6 (K12LTSP 4.2+)
Ubuntu 9–12
Firefox
Google Chrome
Linux Secure Browser 6.2
iOS
6.0+
Safari 6
Mobile Secure Browser
Android
4.0+
Chrome 18+
Mobile Secure Browser
Chrome
18+
Chrome 18+
Mobile Secure Browser
Reminder: To access text-to-speech, students must use the secure browser. (Text-to-Speech is not supported on iPads.)
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Data Entry Interface and Score Entry Interface
Operating System
Operating System Version
Supported Browsers
Windows
2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8
Windows Server 2003 and 2008
Firefox
Google Chrome
Internet Explorer 9 or 10
Mac OS X with PowerPC
10.4 and 10.5
Firefox 3.6
Mac OS X with Intel
10.5–10.8
Firefox
Safari
Linux
Fedora 6 (K12LTSP 4.2+)
Ubuntu 9–12
Firefox
Google Chrome
Test Administrator Interface, TIDE, Online Reporting System, and Learning
Point Navigator
Operating System
Operating System Version
Supported Browsers
Windows
2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8
Windows Server 2003 and 2008
Firefox
Google Chrome
Internet Explorer
Mac OS X
10.4 (all)
10.5 (with PowerPC)
Firefox 3.6
Mac OS X with Intel
10.5–10.8
Firefox
Safari
Linux
Fedora 6 (K12LTSP 4.2+)
Ubuntu 9–12
Firefox
Google Chrome
Note: For Learning Point Navigator, Internet Explorer 6 and 7 and Safari 3 are not supported.
Requirements for Appropriate Display (Monitors)
••
••
The minimum recommended screen size is 11.6 inches.
The minimum supported resolution is 1024 x 768.
Individuals using smaller monitors may need to use vertical and/or horizontal scroll bars to view all information on the
screen.
Students may also use the Zoom tool to enlarge content on the screen in the following applications: Student Testing
Site, Student Interface Practice and Training Site, and Learning Point Navigator. (In Learning Point Navigator, the Zoom
tool is available when the student is viewing assignments.)
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Contacting the DCAS Help Desk
For additional assistance, please contact the appropriate Help Desk. When you contact the Help Desk, you will be asked
to provide as much detail as possible about the issue(s) you encountered. These details may include the following:
••
••
••
••
The student’s ID and/or test results ID
Any error code number(s) and message(s) that appeared
The computer’s operating system and browser information (e.g., Windows XP and Firefox 11.0)
Information about your network configuration (e.g., whether the secure browser was installed directly onto the
individual computer, if you are using wireless Internet)
The Help Desks are open Mondays–Fridays, except holidays.
American Institutes for Research
DCAS Help Desk Contact Information
Phone: 877.560.8331
E-mail: DCASHelpDesk@air.org
Mondays–Fridays (except holidays)
Hours: 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
American Institutes for Research
DCAS – Alt1 Help Desk Contact
Information
Phone: 877.206.7039
E-mail: DCASAlt1HelpDesk@air.org
Mondays–Fridays (except holidays)
Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
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