Test Administration Manual [PDF] Updated 3/11/2013

The Test Administration Manual contains two separate documents. The first portion is the Test Administration Manual, which contains information regarding policies and procedures for the Smarter Balanced Pilot Test as well as screenshots and step-by-step instructions on how to administer the Pilot Test. The second portion is the Test Administrator User Guide. As indicated in the Table of Contents, the Test Administrator User Guide begins on page 60.

Test Administrator User Guide [PDF] Updated 2/19/2013

The TA User Guide is designed to familiarize Test Administrators with the Online Testing System. This user guide is also included as an appendix in the Test Administration Manual.

Test Coordinator Manual [PDF] Updated 3/13/2013

The Test Coordinator Manual contains two separate documents. The first portion is the Test Coordinator Manual, which includes information about security, policies and responsibilities for each role in online testing. The second portion is the TIDE User Guide. As indicated in the Table of Contents, the TIDE User Guide begins on page 26.

TIDE User Guide [PDF] Updated 3/13/2013

The Test Information Distribution Engine (TIDE) is the system used to manage student information and user accounts for online testing. The TIDE User Guide uses a step-by-step approach to using the enhanced user management system. This user guide is also included as an appendix in the Test Coordinator Manual.

Technical Specifications Manual for the Pilot Test [PDF] Updated 4/30/2013

This manual provides technology staff with Internet and network requirements, general hardware and software information, secure browser installation instructions, hardware and software requirements for Braille users, and information about text-to-speech and voice packs.

About the Secure Browsers for iPad and Android Tablets [PDF] Updated 3/15/2013

This document provides technology staff and Test Administrators with information on installing the secure mobile browsers, as well as configuring the test environment. Testing with iPads requires Guided Access to be enabled and activated before students can log in to a pilot or practice test. Testing with Android tablets requires selecting the secure browser keyboard before the secure mobile browser application can be opened.

Training Presentation for District Coordinators and Test Administrators Updated 2/13/2013

This presentation provides a high level overview of the Smarter Balanced Pilot Test and how coordinators and administrators need to prepare for this spring’s administration.

Recorded Training Presentation for District Coordinators and Test Administrators [mp4]

This is a recorded version of a live Training Presentation for District Coordinators and Test Administrators.

Technology Requirements for Online Testing [HTML5 – does not require Flash]Updated 2/22/2013

Technology Requirements for Online Testing [Flash – requires Flash]

This tutorial provides an overview of the technology requirements needed to administer the Smarter Balanced Online Pilot Test.

TIDE/User Roles [HTML5 – does not require Flash]Updated 2/20/2013

TIDE/User Roles [Flash – requires Flash]

This tutorial provides detailed information on how to upload student information, manage users, and more in the Test Information Distribution Engine (TIDE).

Online Testing System—Student Interface [HTML5 – does not require Flash] Updated 2/19/2013

Online Testing System—Student Interface [Flash – requires Flash]

This tutorial provides detailed overview on how to navigate the Student Interface of the Online Testing System.

Online Testing System—Test Administrator Interface [HTML5 – does not require Flash]Updated 2/15/2013

Online Testing System—Test Administrator Interface [Flash – requires Flash]

This tutorial provides detailed overview on how to navigate the Student Interface of the Online Testing System.

Performance Tasks [HTML5 – does not require Flash] Updated 3/1/2013

Performance Tasks [Flash – requires Flash]

This tutorial provides detailed overview on what performance tasks are and how to administer them.

Global Features [HTML5 – does not require Flash]Updated 2/20/2013

Global Features [Flash – requires Flash]

This tutorial shows the tools available to all students during testing.

Expandable Passages/Stimuli [HTML5 – does not require Flash]Updated 2/20/2013

Expandable Passages/Stimuli [Flash – requires Flash]

This tutorial shows how students can expand passages and/or stimuli for both ELA and mathematics assessments.

Basic Calculator [HTML5 – does not require Flash]Updated 2/20/2013

Basic Calculator [Flash – requires Flash]

This tutorial shows how students in grades 6 and 7 can access the Basic Calculator for mathematics assessments.

Scientific Calculator [HTML5 – does not require Flash]Updated 2/20/2013

Scientific Calculator [Flash – requires Flash]

This tutorial shows how students in grade 8 can access the Scientific Calculator for mathematics assessments.

Scientific/Graphic/Regression Calculator [HTML5 – does not require Flash]Updated 2/20/2013

Scientific/Graphic/Regression Calculator [Flash – requires Flash]

This tutorial shows how students in grades 9, 10, and 11 can access the Scientific/Graphic/Regression Calculator for mathematics assessments.

Text-to-Speech [HTML5 – does not require Flash]Updated 2/27/2013

Text-to-Speech [Flash – requires Flash]

This tutorial shows how students with an identified need in grades 3, 7, and 11 mathematics and grades 4, 7, and 11 ELA can use the Text-to-Speech tool for assessments.

Pilot Test Accessibility and Accommodations Guidelines (PDF)Updated 2/26/2013

The Accessibility and Accommodations Guidelines provide a high-level description of the tools available to students who participate in the Pilot Test and guidance to school personnel on student participation in the Pilot Test. More detailed information is provided in the Pilot Test administration manuals.

Parent/Guardian Template Letter [PDF]

Parent/Guardian Template Letter (Spanish) [PDF]

This parent/guardian template letter provides a description of the Smarter Balanced Pilot taking place February 20–May 24, 2013. Please use this template to disseminate information to parents/guardians about their students’ involvement in the pilot.

This Spanish language version of the Parent/Guardian Letter was prepared and generously shared by the Santa Maria-Bonita School District of California. This parent/guardian template letter provides a description of the Smarter Balanced Pilot taking place February 20–May 24, 2013. Please use this template to disseminate information to parents/guardians about their students' involvement in the pilot.

Technology Requirements for Pilot Test Text-to-Braille [PDF]

The Technology Requirements for Pilot Test Text-to-Braille provides information about the technology requirements for administering the Pilot Test to students with the Braille accommodation.

Coordinator and Training Administrator Training Invitation and Schedule [PDF]

This document provides details on the training offered to district and school coordinators via WebEx and the associated schedule of WebEx sessions.

Pre-Registration for the Training Presentation for District Coordinators and Test Administrators [PDF]

Here you may pre-register for the training session of your choice.

To do so, click the URL in the row associated with the session you would like to addend. You will be directed to the registration website. Select [Register] and fill out the registration information.

Instructions for Downloading Classroom Activities [PDF]

The Instructions for Downloading Classroom Activities provides information on how to access and download materials for specific classroom activities related to the pilot test.

Classroom Activity Administration Guidelines [PDF]

The Classroom Activity Administration Guidelines provide information to prepare Test Administrators for administering a classroom activity.

Special Forms Summary [PDF]

The Special Forms Summary provides information about the distribution of Research Forms (including Spanish side-by-side translation, an online Spanish glossary, Braille, text-to-speech, and an online English glossary); guidance on how to prepare for administration; and where to find additional information about accommodations.

Test Administrator Checklist [PDF]

The purposes of this checklist is to provide guidance to administrators on key activities to be performed before, during, and after the pilot administration.

Information for Schools Administering Braille Tests [PDF]

This document provides direction on where to find administration guidance, and includes information specific to Braille test administration.

Instructions for the Report Form for Testing Improprieties and Irregularities [PDF]

Report Form for Testing Improprieties and Irregularities [Excel]

Please refer to the instructions in order to complete a report of any improprieties and/or irregularities that occur during testing.