Test Supervisor Manuals3.amazonaws.com/aspireresources/docs/Test Supervisor...Test Supervisor Manual Spring 2013 Special Study FIELD TEST MANUAL STATEMENT AND SIGNATURE 1. Read the

Test Supervisor Manual

Spring 2013

Special Study

FIELD TEST MANUAL STATEMENT AND SIGNATURE

1. Read the following Statement: I understand ACT owns these test materials, including this Manualand the test questions and responses in the test booklets. By opening this Manual, I agree to keepthe test materials confidential and to use the test materials only in connection with theadministration of the test to authorized examinees. I further agree that I will not share ACTquestions and responses with anyone by any form of communication—other than with authorizedexaminees at test time—and I understand that violating this agreement may result in legal penalties.

2. Sign your name as you would any official document and enter today’s date.

Your Signature Today’s Date

© 2013 by ACT, Inc. All rights reserved. 19720

Whom to Contact with Questions

Test Materials Please verify that the contents of the shipment match those listed on the enclosedpacking list. Count the individual test kits and other items to ensure receipt of allmaterials listed, and confirm that the materials have not been tampered with in anyway. If there are any discrepancies in quantities or other concerns, immediately callcustomer service at 1.888.802.7502 or email [email protected]. Do not unwrapthe test kits before administering the tests.

Test Administration As test supervisor for your school, you are responsible for reading and understandingthis manual, which contains the instructions for receiving, handling, and returning thetest materials, as well as the room supervisor manual, which contains the proceduresand verbal instructions for administering the tests. If you or your faculty or staff has anyquestions about this study or the tests, contact us by calling customer service at1.888.802.7502 or emailing [email protected].

Contents

Contents

1 Overview

2 General Information

2 Policies and Procedures

2 Standardized Procedures

3 Test Security

3 Investigations

3 Equal Treatment

3 Fair Testing Practices

3 ACT’s Data Use Policies

3 Use of Calculators on the ACT Aspire Spring Special Studies

4 Test Format

4 When to Test

4 Selecting and Training Testing Staff

4 Room Supervisors

5 Room Supervisor Qualifications

6 Room Supervisor Responsibilities

6 Proctor Responsibilities

7 Prohibited Student Behavior

8 Staff Training Sessions

9 Instructions to Students Prior to Test Day

9 Sample Test Questions

10 Scheduling Testing Sessions

11 Paper-and-Pencil TestingInstructions

11 Preparing for ACT Aspire

11 Receipt and Security of Test Materials

12 Storing Test Materials

12 Test Serialization and Pre-Gridded Answer Documents

12 Activities Before the Test

12 Desirable Testing Conditions

13 Other Materials Provided by the School

13 Distributing Materials to Room Supervisors

13 Testing Students with Accommodations

14 Available Accommodations

14 Testing Arrangements

14 Identifying Students Testing withAccommodations

14 Materials That May be Supplied by theExaminee(s)

15 Post Test Activities

15 Returning Test Materials

15 Packaging Answer Documents

16 Packing Boxes for Return Shipping

17 UPS Authorized Return Service (ARS)

18 Computer-based TestingInstructions

18 Preparing for ACT Aspire

18 Technical Requirements

19 The ACT Aspire Portal and TestNav 8

20 Materials Provided by Your School

20 Desirable Testing Conditions

20 Computer-based Testing Guidelines

21 Testing Students with Accommodations

21 Available Accommodations

21 Testing Arrangements

22 Identifying Students Testing withAccommodations

22 Post-Testing Instructions

23 ACT Special Study Test Kit Tracking Log

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1

Overview

OverviewThank you for agreeing to participate in the ACT Aspire™ spring special studies. Yourparticipation ensures that students like yours are represented in ACT’s test developmentprocess.

This manual contains the instructions for coordinating test administration of the subjecttests (English, Writing, Mathematics, Reading, and Science) for all of the ACT Aspirespring special studies (Scaling Study, Equating Study, or Mode Comparability Study) forstudents in grades 3–early high school (grades 9 and 10). It refers to a test supervisor anda room supervisor.

You, as the test supervisor, are the main ACT contact at your school for the study and theperson who makes arrangements for the secure administration of the tests. You will alsosecurely store, distribute and collect the test materials at your school if your school isconducting paper-based testing. The room supervisor(s) will actually be responsible forthe secure administration of the tests to students according to the procedures describedin the Room Supervisor Manual.

This Test Supervisor Manual is divided into three sections:

• General Information (applies to all testing for all studies)

• Paper-and-Pencil Testing Instructions

• Computer-Based Testing Instructions

Your material shipment will include copies of the Room Supervisor Manual. If your school is participating in the Scaling Study, supplemental instructions for administeringthe constructed response and scaling tests will also be provided. If your school isparticipating in the Equating or Mode Comparability Study, special requirements will benoted in this manual. The Room Supervisor Manual is specific to the testing format(either paper-and-pencil testing or computer-based testing), as well as the grade level ofthe students being tested—grades 3–7 or grades 8 through early high school (grades 9 and 10). You will need to become familiar with the instructions provided in both the TestSupervisor Manual and the Room Supervisor Manual.

Copies of the Room Supervisor Manuals and supplemental scaling test instructionsshould be distributed to your testing staff in advance of test day so they may becomefamiliar with the testing procedures.

In addition to the materials shipped to you, all training and test administration resourcesare available online on the FAQ website for your study. These FAQ websites include:

• Scaling Study: http://www.act.org/springstudies/scaling/

• Equating Study: http://www.act.org/springstudies/equating/

• Mode Comparability Study: http://www.act.org/springstudies/modecomp/

http://www.act.org/springstudies/modecomp/

http://www.act.org/springstudies/equating/

http://www.act.org/springstudies/scaling/

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General Information

General Information

Policies and ProceduresThis manual is designed to provide you direction in administering the ACT Aspire tests,including specific instructions for conducting the timed test. It is important to followthese instructions to successfully measure examinees’ academic skills.

Standardized ProceduresThroughout this manual, there are detailed directions for selecting facilities and staff,securing test materials, and administering tests in a standardized manner.

To protect both the examinee and the test supervisor from questions of possible conflictof interest, the test supervisor should not be a relative or guardian of an examinee. Alltesting personnel, including room supervisors and proctors, are required to read thematerials provided by ACT.

To ensure a secure and valid testing experience, you must understand that, among otherthings, the following actions by you or any other individual violate ACT’s policies andprocedures:

• Accessing or obtaining a test booklet or test questions prior to the test to studyor to allow students to study;

• Photocopying, making an electronic copy, or keeping a personal copy of thetest or of any test items;

• Taking notes about test questions or any paraphrase of test questions to aid inpreparing students for testing;

• Aiding or assisting a student with a response or answer to a secure test item;

• Rephrasing test questions;

• Creating an answer key or “crib sheet” of answers to test questions;

• Editing or changing student answers after completion of the test, with orwithout the student’s permission;

• Allowing students to test in an unsupervised setting;

• Leaving test materials in an unsecured place or unattended;

• Failing to properly report and document incidents of prohibited behaviorinvolving students, staff or others;

• Allowing students to test longer than the permitted time allotted; and

• Failing to return and account for all testing materials as soon as the testingsession has terminated.

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General Information

Test SecurityTo ensure the integrity of your examinees’ ACT Aspire results, testing personnel mustprotect the security of test materials as described in this manual. ACT Aspire materialsare copyrighted by ACT and cannot be resold or redistributed for commercial or otheruse. ACT Aspire assessments must be administered by school or district personnel.

InvestigationsIn cases of suspected or documented irregularities, all testing personnel are obligated tocooperate fully with ACT in subsequent investigations and respond to ACT’s requests forinformation in a timely manner.

Equal TreatmentAll staff are required to administer and supervise ACT Aspire in a nondiscriminatorymanner and in accordance with all applicable laws, including the Americans withDisabilities Act.

Fair Testing PracticesACT endorses the Code of Fair Testing Practices in Education and the Code of ProfessionalResponsibilities in Educational Measurement, which guide the conduct of those involvedin education testing. ACT is committed to ensuring that each of its testing programsupholds the guidelines in each Code.

ACT’s Data Use PoliciesStudent scores and other information provided on their answer folder or provided to ACTthrough the online testing system may be used and shared by ACT as described in its datause policies. These policies can be reviewed at www.actstudent.org/datause.html. Youmay share this information with students and parents if they request it.

Use of Calculators on the ACT Aspire Spring Special StudiesUse of calculators will depend on the grade level of the student.

• Students are allowed, but not required, to use an approved calculator on thegrades 6-early high school mathematics tests. This applies to students takingeither computer-based-tests or the paper-and-pencil tests. A calculator will beavailable within the online testing system for the grades 6-early high schoolmathematics tests.

• Students taking the grades 3–5 Mathematics subject tests cannot use acalculator. All problems can be solved without a calculator.

The use of calculators is not permitted on any other subject test.

Unless a calculator is provided by the school, each student is responsible for bringinghis/her calculator to the test and making sure it works properly. Permitted and prohibitedcalculator models are listed at http://www.actstudent.org/faq/calculator.html.Students may bring a backup calculator and extra batteries, but they may not have morethan one calculator on the desk or in operation at a time.

Students are not allowed to share calculators during testing.

http://www.actstudent.org/faq/calculator.html

www.actstudent.org/datause.html

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General Information

Test FormatThe ACT Aspire spring special studies consist of a combination of multiple-choice andconstructed-response questions. Computer-based tests also have technology-enhanceditems. Samples of all item types for paper- and computer-based testing will be availablefor students—see page 9 for more information.

The administration time for each subject test varies by study and grade. See page 10 formore information on timing.

The Scaling Study and Mode Comparability Study include five subject tests: English,writing, reading, mathematics, and science. The Equating Study includes four subjecttests: English, reading, mathematics, and science. The English test is comprised ofmultiple choice questions. The writing test includes only constructed response items.The other three subject tests include a combination of multiple choice and constructedresponse items.

For more information on the additional tests and different requirements of the ScalingStudy, see the scaling study supplements.

When to TestThe testing window for the ACT Aspire spring special studies is April 22 – May 31.You may select any day or days during the testing window. The subject tests do not needto be admistered as a battery. Subject tests for any of the studies can be administered inany order and in multiple sessions, as is convenient for your school.

Schedule enough time for each subject test to be completed in a single sitting. Studentsshould not start a test unless there is adequate time for them to finish.

NOTE: The constructed response and scaling tests must be administered after the subjecttests as part of the Scaling Study. The proper administration of these tests is described indetail in the Supplemental Scaling Study instructions.

Selecting and Training Testing StaffIt is your responsibility as the test supervisor to select and train all room supervisors andproctors. The test supervisor provides the continuity and administrative uniformitynecessary to ensure that the students at your school are tested under the same conditionsas students at every other school and ensures the security of the test. Guidelines forselecting and training testing staff are outlined below.

Room SupervisorsTypically, teachers will administer the tests to students during regular class periods.Depending on the number of students in a class, you may wish to assign adult proctors(not students) to assist the teacher with distributing and collecting test materials andwith monitoring testing.

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General Information

Be sure that everyone involved in test administration has a copy of the appropriate RoomSupervisor Manual and is familiar with its contents. You may make copies of the RoomSupervisor Manual if you need more copies than you received in your shipment. Anycopies made of the manual must be returned after testing is complete.

A room supervisor is needed in each testing room to read directions and monitorstudents. If test rooms have more than 25 students, additional personnel must beassigned to assist the room supervisor. Be sure that all personnel who will assist withtesting are familiar with the contents of the Room Supervisor Manual in advance of testday.

Before the test day, all testing personnel should read all of the testing instructionscarefully, particularly those enclosed in the shaded boxes. These will be read aloud tostudents on test day and it is important that testing personnel are familiar with theinstructions.

Room Supervisor QualificationsThe ACT Aspire test supervisor should confirm that the room supervisor(s) meet all of thefollowing criteria. Each room supervisor should be:

• Proficient in English.

• Experienced in testing and classroom management.

• A staff member of the institution or district where the test administration willtake place.

To protect both examinees and the room supervisor from questions of possible conflict ofinterest, the following conditions should also be met. The room supervisor should:

• Not be a relative or guardian of an examinee in their assigned room.

• Not be a private consultant or individual tutor whose fees are paid by anexaminee or examinee’s family.

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General Information

Room Supervisor ResponsibilitiesSpecific responsibilities are:

• Read and thoroughly understand the policies, procedures, and instructions inthe Room Supervisor Manual and other materials provided.

• Identify and admit examinees.*

• Supervise a test room.

• Direct students to seats.*

• Distribute test materials if administering paper-and-pencil tests.*

• Help students log into the online testing system if administering computer-based tests.*

• Read test instructions.

• Properly time tests.

• Walk around the testing room during testing to be sure examinees are workingon the correct test and to observe examinee behavior.*

• Monitor the online testing system as needed.

• Pay strict attention to monitoring examinees’ behavior during the entiretesting session.*

• Collect and account for all answer documents, test booklets, and scratch paperbefore dismissing examinees.*

• Ensure students have stopped testing and have correctly logged out of theonline testing system.*

• Complete documentation of any irregularities.

*Proctor(s) may assist with these activities

Proctor ResponsibilitiesA proctor may be used to assist the room supervisor with an administration to a group. Aproctor must be used if a room has 26 or more examinees. Proctors are to be added foreach incremental increase of 25 examinees in the case of testing in a large group setting.The proctor is to assist in the administration of the tests according to the policies andprocedures in the appropriate Room Supervisor Manual. The proctor should meet thesame qualifications as a room supervisor (see above).

A proctor’s responsibilities are:

• Read and understand the appropriate Room Supervisor Manual.

• Direct examinees to seats.

• Help distribute test materials if administering paper-and-pencil tests.

• Help students log into the online testing system if administering computer-based tests.

7

General Information

• Verify the timing of the test with the room supervisor.

• Walk around the room during testing to be sure all examinees are working onthe correct test and to observe examinee behavior.

• Report any irregularities to the room supervisor immediately.

• Accompany examinees to the restroom if more than one leaves during thetimed portion of the test.

• Pay strict attention to monitoring examinees during the entire testing session.

• Help collect and account for all answer documents, test booklets, and scratchpaper.

• Ensure students have stopped testing and have correctly logged out of theonline testing system.

Prohibited Student BehaviorIt is the room supervisor’s or proctor’s responsibility to document all instances of thefollowing behaviors on the Testing Irregularity Report provided in the Room SupervisorManual. The following student actions are prohibited and violate ACT’s testing policiesand procedures.

• Looking at someone else’s test booklet or answer document, orcomputer/device screen display;

• Giving or receiving assistance;

• Disturbing other examinees;

• For paper-based testing, using highlight pens, scratch paper, notes, ordictionaries or other unauthorized aids;

• For computer-based testing, using any tool not contained within the onlinetesting system, including notes, dictionaries, or other unauthorized aids(scratch paper is allowed for students to do figuring, organize thoughts forconstructed response, etc. All scratch paper must be collected and destroyedafter each test);

• Using a calculator on any test other than the mathematics test;

• Sharing a calculator with another examinee;

• Using any device, including calculators, to share or exchange information atany time during the tests or during break (all electronic communicationdevices, including cell phones, must be turned off from the time the examineeis admitted to test until dismissal after testing concludes);

• Attempting to remove test materials, including test questions or answers, fromthe test room by any means;

• Filling in ovals or answering questions after time has been called, even withthe test booklet closed.

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General Information

Staff Training SessionsTo ensure that the administration of the tests is standard, it is important for all of yourtesting staff to understand the testing procedures outlined in the Room SupervisorManual and other training resources.

ACT recommends that you conduct a briefing session prior to testing for all testing staffto discuss the testing guidelines and organizational details of testing your students,including:

1. Security of Test Materials (Paper-and-pencil testing only)

A. Describe how the materials will be distributed to the test rooms and howroom supervisors are to count them.

B. Emphasize that room supervisors are to count test booklets when theyreceive them from the test supervisor and again before examinees aredismissed.

C. Emphasize that staff members should never leave a test room unattended.

2. Security of Online Test Materials (Computer-based testing only)

A. Describe how to use the online testing system—see the user guide calledLearn to Administer the ACT Aspire Online Test.

B. Emphasize that room supervisors must collect used and unused scratchpaper and login credentials after testing.

C. Emphasize that staff members should never leave a test room unattended.

3. Activities Before the Test

A. Determine which set of verbal instructions room supervisors are to follow.Room supervisors should clearly mark those instructions in their manuals.

4. Test Day

A. Discuss when and where staff members are to report on the test day.

B. Stress that no one may be admitted to the testing room once the timed testshave begun. Determine how to handle late arrivals.

C. Stress that verbal instructions for the tests must be read verbatim.

D. Stress that answer folders, test booklets, and login credentials should notbe distributed prior to admitting examinees.

E. Stress that accurate timing of each test is critical. For paper-based testing,room supervisors must record the start, five-minute warning, and stoptimes in the manuals. Discuss the consequences of a mistimed section.

F. Emphasize that staff members must not read (other than the RoomSupervisor Manual), correct papers, or do anything not related toadministering the test. Their attention should be focused on the students.

G. Emphasize that conversations among staff must be quiet and kept to aminimum. Even whispered conversations can be distracting to studentswhile testing.

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General Information

H. For room supervisors who are administering the mathematics test,emphasize that calculators should be checked before testing to ensure theymeet ACT standards. Review permitted and prohibited calculators in theRoom Supervisor Manual.

I. Note that during the test, staff members should walk quietly around theroom, be available to respond to students’ questions, assist in the case ofillness, and check that examinees are working on the correct test. In roomswhere students are taking the computer-based version of the tests, staffshould ensure students have logged into the correct test and assist themwith technical or system navigation issues.

J. Discuss procedures for a student leaving during the test to go to therestroom.

K. Discuss what actions to take if staff members observe prohibited behavior.Review plans for dismissing students (e.g., where they are to be sent, how tomaintain vigilance in the test room, documenting actions taken).

L. Discuss what actions to take in the case of a group irregularity (e.g., a poweroutage) or an emergency.

M. Discuss potential individual irregularities and actions to take.

N. Review the Testing Irregularity Report.

5. After the Test

A. Emphasize that room supervisors administering paper-and-pencil testsmust verify the count of used and unused test booklets, then return testmaterials and reports to the test supervisor.

B. Emphasize that room supervisors administering the computer-based testmust collect all used and unused scratch paper, login credentials, andTesting Irregularity Reports and return them to the test supervisor.

Instructions to Students Prior to Test DayIt is up to your school administration and faculty to determine what to tell students priorto testing. You may want to inform students that, on the designated date, they will betaking a test to measure what they know about a certain subject—even if they are notcurrently in a corresponding class. Students taking a mathematics test in grades 6 andabove should be instructed to bring their calculators to class for the test. We also ask thatyou take the opportunity to encourage students to do their best on the tests.

Sample Test QuestionsSample test questions will be available on all special study FAQ websites in the form ofItem Samplers covering grades 3–5 and 6–high school. ACT strongly recommends thatstudents review these sample questions before they test so that they may acquaintthemselves with the types of questions that will be presented to them.

For paper-based testing, students may access a PDF copy of the Item Sampler coveringtheir grade. You may download and print copies of these sample questions from the FAQwebsite for distribution to your students.

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General Information

For computer-based testing, generic login credentials will be provided for students to useto access the Online Item Sampler. In addition to viewing the Online Item Sampler,students should use the tutorial tool called Learn to Take the ACT Aspire Online Testso that they may become comfortable navigating the computer-based test.

Scheduling Testing SessionsSubject tests for the Scaling Study, Equating Study, and Mode Comparability Study(grades 3–10 for all three studies) may be administered in one session, or subject testsmay be spread out during the testing window. The timing of each subject test varies bysubject and grade. The timing for the paper-and-pencil and computer-based format is thesame. For more information on the additional tests and different requirements of thestudies, see the supplemental documents that apply to your study.

Grades 3–5 Grades 6–7

Grade 8 Early High School

*NOTE: The Writing subject test is not part of the Equating Study.

English 20 minutes

Writing* 30 minutes

Mathematics 40 minutes

Reading 45 minutes

Science 40 minutes

General Administration Activities (varies)

15 minutes

Total for tests, break, and administrative time

190 minutes

English 25 minutes

Writing* 30 minutes


Reading 45 minutes

Science 40 minutes


15 minutes


200 minutes

English 25 minutes

Writing* 30 minutes


Reading 45 minutes

Science 40 minutes


15 minutes


205 minutes

English 30 minutes

Writing* 30 minutes


Reading 45 minutes

Science 40 minutes


15 minutes


210 minutes

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Paper-and-Pencil Testing Instructions


Preparing for ACT AspireThe first step in preparing for ACT Aspire testing is to receive, check-in, and securelystore your shipment of testing materials.

Receipt and Security of Test Materials

• ACT has packed the following materials in your shipment:

• Packing List. Keep this slip to return it with your return shipment.

• UPS Authorized Return Service (ARS) labels (1 for each box and eachpolymailer)

• Test Supervisor Manual (this booklet)

• Room Supervisor Manual(s) (1 per for every subject/teacher)

• Class headers (two detachable documents at the back of the Room SupervisorManual)

• ACT Special Study test kits (1 per student)

• Each kit includes one test booklet and one answer document shrink-wrapped together.

• Each test booklet will include one subject test (English/writing, reading,mathematics, or science). The accompanying answer document is specificto the subject of the test booklet.

• The form code of the test booklet is preprinted on the accompanying answerdocument.

• Test kits are provided only for those students whose information yousubmitted to ACT securely and electronically before the submissiondeadline.

• The student names your school provided to ACT are printed on the frontcover of the test booklet and answer document.

• The test kits for each student are sorted by subject, grade, and teacheraccording to the information your school provided to ACT.

• Test booklets are serialized and tracked for security. All booklets must bereturned after test administration.

• Tyvek envelope(s) to package completed answer documents.

• Polymailer bags to package the Tyvek envelope(s) for shipping to the scoringcenter.

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Open every box in your shipment of test materials and verify that the contents matchthose listed on the enclosed packing list. Count, but do not open, the individual test kitsand other items to ensure that you have received all the materials listed, and confirm that the materials have not been tampered with in any way. If there are any discrepanciesin quantities or other concerns, immediately call 1.888.802.7502 or [email protected]. Do not unwrap the test kits before administering the tests.

Used answer documents should be returned in the polymailer bags using thepreaddressed UPS ARS labels. Used and unused test books should be returned using thesame box(es) in which you received material. Instructions for returning materials beginon page 15.

Storing Test MaterialsAfter you have verified receipt of all materials, reseal the boxes and lock them in a secureplace such as a storage room, closet, cabinet, or school vault that is not accessible tounauthorized personnel. Protect the materials from damage, from possible theft or loss,and from any conditions that could allow prior knowledge of the tests by students,teachers or others. Immediately after testing, return materials to secure storage until theyare shipped back for processing.

Exercise vigilance concerning the security of all test materials before, during, and afterthe tests are administered.

Test Serialization and Pre-Gridded Answer DocumentsEach test booklet and answer document is printed with a serial number. Student names,date of birth, and test form codes are also printed on the test booklet and answerdocument. It is critical that students test using materials with matching names and testform codes. It is important that students do not add to or alter the information in thesefields in any way. Before testing, students will be asked to fill in the date in Block F,Today’s Date on the front page of the answer document. This step is included in theverbal instructions read by the room supervisor on the test day.

Activities Before the Test

Desirable Testing ConditionsMost teachers will administer the tests to their students in the classroom during regularclass periods. You may test all students in a given subject at the same time if facilities andschedules permit. To minimize distractions during testing, all students in a room musttake subject tests with the same time limits.

Rooms (including classrooms) used for testing should offer adequate writing surfaces,ample seating, good lighting, comfortable temperatures, a quiet atmosphere, andfreedom from distraction. The writing surface should be large enough to accommodate atest booklet and answer document side-by-side. Students should not be distracted byinadequate writing surfaces. Therefore, lapboards must not be used.

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Whenever possible, plan to seat students in a block so that all rows (side to side) andcolumns (front to back) have the same number of students, and seats are aligned bothside-to-side and front-to-back. This arrangement simplifies the distribution, collection,and verification of test materials and minimizes the opportunity for students to observeanother student’s responses. Students should be seated a minimum of three feet apartshoulder to shoulder and a minimum of three feet apart front and back. All studentsshould face the same direction. This minimizes opportunities to observe anotherstudent’s responses and provides sufficient room for testing personnel to circulatethrough the room during testing.

In each room, remove or cover all maps, posters, charts, and bulletin board materialsrelated to the subject being tested.

Other Materials Provided by the School

• Timers: Each room supervisor should have access to a stopwatch or intervaltimer in order to time each test.

• No. 2 Pencils: Paper-based tests require a No. 2 soft lead pencil for markinganswers. You may instruct students ahead of time to bring pencils, but it isgenerally advisable to provide a supply of pencils in each testing room. Apencil sharpener should also be available in each room.

Distributing Materials to Room SupervisorsAs the test supervisor, you are responsible for maintaining the security and safekeepingof the test materials and for returning them at the conclusion of testing. All test kits, used and unused, must be returned. It is critical that you track counts of test kitsdistributed to and returned from each room. A Test Kit Tracking Log is provided onpage 23 to assist with this process.Make as many copies of this log as you need.

If counts show a discrepancy at any point along the chain of possession, please stop andlocate the missing test booklet(s) immediately.

Testing Students with AccommodationsThe information contained in this manual regarding testing students withaccommodations pertains only to the special study subject tests. Students in grades11 and 12 who are taking the ACT tests are subject to the rules outlined in the ACTSupervisor’s Manual State Testing and ACT Supervisor’s Manual State SpecialTesting.

Administration of ACT Aspire with accommodations is entirely at the discretion of schoolpersonnel. However, ACT recommends accommodated administrations of ACT Aspireonly for students with current documented disabilities, and who have an IndividualizedEducation Plan (IEP) or other accessibility plan which specifies that they cannot testunder standard conditions.

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Available AccommodationsThe only accommodation available for students taking special study subject tests viapaper-and-pencil is extended time. Alternate test formats, such as Braille or largeprint, and stand-alone audio formats, like audio CDs or reader’s scripts, are notavailable for the study subject tests. Testing staff may not read the test to a studentfrom the test booklet.

In cases when extended time is granted, room supervisors will need to substitute theappropriate text in the Verbal Instructions where reference is made to the specifictest time. In some cases, the test may not be timed at all. If the test is timed, the roomsupervisor should use a stopwatch or interval timer to keep time.

Testing ArrangementsAccommodated testing may be administered at a time mutually convenient for thestudent and supervisor, as close as possible to the date on which ACT Aspire isadministered to other students. Students receiving extended time must be tested in aseparate room. If multiple students are testing with extended time, they may be tested inthe same room if they are receiving the same amount of time (e.g., all students arereceiving time-and-a-half).

Identifying Students Testing with AccommodationsThe answer document includes a place where testing staff can indicate that a studenttested with an accommodation or non-standard condition. After testing, the roomsupervisor should fill in the oval in Block D on the front cover of the student’s answerdocument. This will not affect the scoring of the student’s answer document and will onlybe used to identify the student’s data for ACT data analysis purposes.

Materials That May be Supplied by the Examinee(s)Tell examinees to bring soft-lead (No. 2) pencils with good erasers to the testing session. If any of the following devices are specifically needed by the examinee, the examinee isexpected to bring his or her own unless the school normally provides them for thestudents:

• Abacus

• Magnifying glass

• Color overlays

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Post-Test ActivitiesAfter testing, you will need to ensure that any irregularities that occurred during thetesting session have been recorded. For computer-based testing, you will need to securelydestroy (e.g., shred) all scratch paper. For paper-and-pencil testing, you will need toprepare, package and return the test materials.

Returning Test MaterialsAll test booklets, manuals, completed and unused answer documents, and othermaterials provided by ACT must be shipped back within two days after the testing iscompleted. After testing, materials must also be stored in a locked, secure place until theyare shipped.

Make and keep a copy of all Testing Irregularity Reports, found in the Room Supervisor’sManual, before returning them in case questions arise during processing.

Packaging Answer DocumentsFollow these steps to prepare used answer documents for return.

NOTE: You will need to use a permanent marker to write on the bags and envelopes.

STEP 1: Package answer documents for return scoring.

Used answer documents (and class headers) ➜ Tyvek envelope(s)

• Insert up to 50 answer documents in each Tyvek envelope.

• Testing Irregularity Reports with attached answer documents and/or testbooklets, when relevant, should be packed in Envelope 1.

• A class header should be placed on top of each room’s batch of answerdocuments.

• Number the remaining envelopes “2-of-X, 3-of-X...” etc.

STEP 2: Tyvek Envelopes ➜ Plastic Polymailer Bag(s)

Attach the preaddressed UPS Authorized Return Service (ARS) labels to the polymailerbags provided for returning used answer documents. The ARS labels are scannable; takecare not to damage or alter them. These labels cannot be photocopied.

How many sealed Tyvek scoring envelopes do you have, in total?

• If you have 3 or less, you will use one single plastic polymailer bag to return allenvelopes. Place the sealed envelopes into a plastic polymailer bag.

• If you have more than 3 envelopes, you will need to use two or more plasticpolymailer bags to return the envelopes.

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After you have filled the polymailer bags with all Tyvek scoring envelopes:

• Seal the plastic polymailers.

• Write “Polymailer __ of __” on the outside of the plastic polymailer bag(s). Forexample, if you had 2 bags, the first bag would say “Polymailer 1 of 2” and thesecond bag, “Polymailer 2 of 2.”

• Affix a UPS ARS label to each polymailer. You should have received one labelfor every polymailer. In addition, you can fill in the “Box __ of __” on the To:line of the provided UPS ARS label.

Contents:

• Testing Irregularity Reports and attached documents (in Envelope 1)

• Class header for each class

• Used answer documents for scoring

Result: You should have one or more plastic polymailer bags, containing the Tyvekenvelopes and any extra plastic polymailer bags and Tyvek envelopes sealed and readyfor return.

Packing Boxes for Return ShippingConfirm that allmaterials are being packaged for return by checking the items andquantities being packed against the items and quantities shown on your Packing List. Fillyour original boxes. Note the box number and total number of boxes on the first line ofthe To: address on the UPS ARS labels.

After confirming that you have gathered all used test booklets and all unused shrink-wrapped test kits, pack materials in the original shipping boxes for each course as follows,from the bottom to the top, starting with your highest numbered box and workingback:

1. Used and unused Room Supervisor Manual(s)

2. Unused Test Supervisor Manual(s) (you may retain your used Test SupervisorManual to ensure you have these instructions available to you during packing)

3. Unused shrink-wrapped test kits

4. Used test booklets

5. Test Kit Tracking Logs

6. Original Packing List

7. Unused Tyvek envelopes, polymailers, and UPS ARS labels

Reverse the end flaps on all boxes so that your address is not showing. Seal the box(es)securely with clear packing tape. Affix a UPS ARS label to each box being returned. Enterthe box numbers on the To: line of the UPS ARS label. You should have received one labelfor each box shipped to you.

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Ship all boxes and polymailers at the same time, within two days after testing iscompleted. Return shipping costs will be paid by ACT.

UPS Authorized Return Service (ARS)Preaddressed UPS Authorized Return Service labels were provided for return shipping.The ARS labels are scannable; you must not alter them. These labels cannot bephotocopied.

If UPS regularly picks up or delivers packages at a supervised area at your school, placethe sealed boxes and polymailer bags there. A supervised mailroom or central office isacceptable. The next time UPS stops at your location, the driver will pick up the packages.

If your normal pick-up area is not supervised, or you do not expect a UPS driver to comewithin 24 hours, you must take the sealed packages to a UPS service location. Do notleave the packages unattended in a location such as a hallway, common area, yourvehicle, or a loading dock.

If you do not have regular UPS pickup at your school (at least every other day), ACTrequests that you take your sealed packages to any staffed site that provides UPS drop-offservice. As long as the UPS ARS labels are clearly visible, the site will accept the packagesfor shipment without additional paperwork. Please keep a record of where and when youdropped the packages for shipment. Do not leave them at an unattended drop-offlocation.

Do not call UPS to arrange pickup; you will incur a service charge that cannot be paid byACT. If your school does not have a regular UPS pickup and there is not a UPS drop-offlocation in your area, call 1.888.802.7502 or email [email protected] to arrangepickup.

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Computer-based Testing Instructions


Preparing for ACT AspireTo prepare your school for computer-based testing for the ACT Aspire spring specialstudies, you will need to:

• Make sure your equipment and network meet the minimum technicalrequirements

• Train staff on the use of the ACT Aspire Portal and TestNav 8 (the onlinetesting system)

To prepare your students for computer-based testing, see pages 9–10 for information on the tutorial tool called Learn to Take the ACT Aspire Online Test and the Online ItemSampler. It is important to provide students the opportunity to access both the tutorialtool and the Online Item Sampler prior to testing.

Technical RequirementsDesktop and laptop computers used for online testing must meet the minimum systemhardware and software requirements outlined in the table below. Netbooks and iPadsare not supported at this time.

PC/Windows Macintosh

Processor 1.6 GHz x86-compatibleIntel Core™ Duo 1.83 GHzOnly Intel-based Macs are supported

RAM 512 MB RAM 1 GB RAM

Operating SystemWindows XP (SP3)Vista, Windows 7 and 8

Mac OS X 10.5 and higher

Web BrowserIE 8, 9, and 10Firefox, Chrome

Safari 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0

Minimum ScreenResolution

1024 x 768 1024 x 768

Network SpeedAt least 100 Mbps at school and at least 10 Kbps per studenttesting

At least 100 Mbps at school and at least 10 Kbps per studenttesting

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The ACT Aspire Portal and TestNav 8Your school testing staff will need to use the online testing system to enable studenttesting. Step-by-step instructions on using the system can be found in the user guidecalled Learn to Administer the ACT Aspire Online Test, which is posted on the study FAQwebsites (see page 1 for the URLs).

For the ACT Aspire spring special studies you will use the following online components ofthe online testing system:

• ACT Aspire Portal: This is where you will perform your administrative andproctoring tasks.

• TestNav 8: This is where students will log in to take tests.

The main contact at each school for the ACT Aspire spring special studies will receivetheir login credentials for the ACT Aspire Portal via email. This school staff member willneed to create Proctors (i.e., invite other school staff members to create accounts withinthe system) so that more than one school staff member can authorize groups of studentsto test.

IMPORTANT: Within the online testing system you will see and use the role of Proctor. Theproctor role is equivalent to the role of room supervisor as described in this manual.

The following tasks—listed here in approximate chronological order—are examples ofwhat will be described in detail in the user guide called Learn to Administer the ACTAspire Online Test:

• Assign a Proctor and activate a test using the ACT Aspire Portal

• Edit a test session using the ACT Aspire Portal

• Generate test authorizations for students using the ACT Aspire Portal

• Start a test session using the ACT Aspire Portal

• Students sign in and test using TestNav 8

• Monitor a running test session using the ACT Aspire Portal

• Suspend and resume a running test session using the ACT Aspire Portal

• Close a running test session using the ACT Aspire Portal

• Submit a test on behalf of a student using the ACT Aspire Portal

• Record irregularities and accommodations using the ACT Aspire Portal

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Materials Provided by Your SchoolYour school will need to provide the following items to students taking the computer-based subject tests.

• Pencils: Students are allowed to use pencils to mark on their scratch paper. You may instruct students ahead of time to bring pencils, but it is generallyadvisable to provide a supply of pencils in each testing room. A pencilsharpener should also be available in each room.

• Scratch Paper: Scratch paper should be made available to students who requirespace for their figuring in the mathematics tests or planning their essays in thewriting tests. Students must write their names at the top of the scratch paperbefore testing begins. Scratch paper must be collected after testing andsecurely destroyed (e.g., shredded).

Desirable Testing Conditions Most room supervisors will administer the tests to their students in the school’s computerlab during regular class periods. You may test all students in a given subject at the sametime if facilities and schedules permit. To minimize distractions during testing, allstudents in a room must take subject tests with the same time limits.

Rooms used for testing should offer ample seating, good lighting, comfortabletemperatures, a quiet atmosphere, and freedom from distraction. Adhering to thefollowing guidelines will help minimize the possibility that students will look at eachother’s work.

In each room, remove or cover all maps, posters, charts, and bulletin board materialsrelated to the subject being tested.

Computer-based Testing GuidelinesBecause of the nature of computer-based testing and typical computer lab arrangements,the following guidelines should be followed in order to prevent the prohibited studentbehavior outlined on page 7 of this manual.

• If computers can be moved, arrange them in such a way that students will notbe able to see another student’s work (computer screen or scratch paper).

• If computers cannot be moved, take steps to seat students in such a way thatthey cannot see another student’s work.

• If available, place privacy guards on the sides of computer monitors to provideadditional privacy.

• TestNav 8 should be the only application running on the computer duringtesting. If a student has exited the test and is using another application, do notrestart the test for him or her and complete a Testing Irregularity Report.

• Testing staff should circulate around the room regularly. This will discouragestudents from looking at another’s work and enable staff to better observe anyprohibited behaviors.

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• TestNav8 does not prevent students from responding to questions after timehas expired. Staff should be aware of when time for a subject test will end sothey can ensure students are not working after time has finished.

Testing Students with AccommodationsThe information contained in this manual regarding testing students withaccommodations pertains only to the ACT Aspire special study subject tests.Students in grades 11 and 12 who are taking the ACT tests are subject to the rulesoutlined in the ACT Supervisor’s Manual State Testing and ACT Supervisor’sManual State Special Testing.

Administration of ACT Aspire with accommodations is entirely at the discretion of schoolpersonnel. However, ACT recommends accommodated administrations of ACT Aspireonly for students with current documented disabilities, and who have an IndividualizedEducation Plan (IEP) or other accessibility plan which specifies that they cannot testunder standard conditions.

Available AccommodationsThe following testing accommodations are available within TestNav8:

• Testing with extended time

• Extra breaks

• Magnification with the user control of size

• Ability to select from the following color contrast options: black on cream;black on light blue; black on light magenta; white on black; light blue on darkblue.

In cases when extended time is granted, room supervisors will need to substitute theappropriate text in the Verbal Instructions where reference is made to the specifictest time. In some cases, the test may not be timed at all. If the test is timed, the roomsupervisor should use a stopwatch or interval timer to keep time.

Onscreen messages within TestNav8 will instruct all students to stop when the normalamount of testing time has expired. The system will not force the student to exit at thispoint. Students who have been authorized to receive extended time or breaks duringtesting may continue testing up until the room supervisor instructs them to stop.

Testing ArrangementsAccommodated testing may be administered at a time mutually convenient for thestudent and supervisor, as close as possible to the date on which ACT Aspire isadministered to other students. Students receiving extended time must be tested in aseparate room. If multiple students are testing with extended time, they may be tested inthe same room if they are receiving the same amount of time (e.g., all students arereceiving time-and-a-half). Tests should be administered at the school, not in the

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supervisor’s home or other location, unless the student is currently confined to his or herhome or is receiving homebound instruction. To protect both the examinee and the roomsupervisor from questions of potential conflict, the room supervisor must not be arelative or guardian of the examinee.

Identifying Students Testing with AccommodationsAfter testing, the room supervisor should indicate that the student tested withaccommodations by submitting the information within TestNav8. This will not affect thescoring of the student’s responses. This will be used to identify the student’s data for dataanalysis purposes only.

To accomplish this task, see the task, “Recording Irregularities and Accommodationsusing the ACT Aspire Portal” found in the user guide, Learn to Administer the ACT AspireOnline Test.

Post-Testing InstructionsAfter testing, it is the room supervisor’s or test supervisor’s responsibility to log into the ACT Aspire Portal and check the status of each student’s test in the session you justconcluded. Follow the instructions for “Monitoring a Running Test Session using the ACT Aspire Portal” in the user guide, Learn to Administer the ACT Aspire Online Test. Ifnecessary, you can submit a student test on behalf of the student if he or she did not doso; see the task called “Submit a Test on Behalf of the Student using the ACT AspirePortal.”

You may also need to record and submit any irregularities that occurred during thetesting session. See the task, “Recording Irregularities and Accommodations using theACT Aspire Portal” also found in the user guide, Learn to Administer the ACT AspireOnline Test.

23

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