Testing Coordinator
Overview
The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (Smarter Balanced) Field Test is a practice run of the assessment system that helps ensure that test questions are accurate and fair for all students. Smarter Balanced is guided by the belief that a high-quality assessment system can provide information and tools for teachers and schools to improve instruction and help students succeed – regardless of disability, language or subgroup. It also gives teachers and schools a chance to gauge their readiness in advance of the first operational assessment in Spring 2015.
Role as a Site Coordinator/Testing Coordinator
As a School Test Coordinator I had many responsibilities involved in organizing a brand new assessment. It was my responsibility to coordinate and ensure proper administration of California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress Testing at the school; read memoranda, reference guides, and administration instructions related to the CAASPP programs and communicate any updates to staff members. I provided professional development to faculty as well as ensure that Teacher Administrators (TA’s) have used the Practice/Training Test. I organized small groups for students based on their IEPs and informed teachers with all known accommodations and designed supports, that their students are provided.
Collaboratively with the Technology Advisor, I ensured videos and training modules were viewed by Test Administrators as well as students. We made sure that all devices had the appropriate software and were ready for testing. We prepared a communication plan should the Internet access be disrupted. We also inventoried the number of headsets/mice that were needed per students and distributed accordingly.
Learned
This experience has taught me a lot as a leader. Most importantly, how to lead a school when something is new and upcoming. Our teachers were used to the CST. Schedules were clear, testing windows were shorter, and there was no technology, just paper and pencil. It was hard for me as well. I had to learn a whole new system, and was waiting for information that was slowly trickling down to the District. I reminded myself repeatedly that this was a ‘test of the test’ and every day we would get better within the controllable measures. I believe by reassuring teachers and listening to their concerns that testing went as smoothly as possible.
CPSEL Connection
Standard 3: A school administrator is an educational leader who promoted the success of all students by ensuring management of the organization, operations and resources for a safe, efficient, and effective environment.
3.5-Coordinates and aligns fiscal, faculty, staff, volunteer, community and material resources to support the learning of all students and all groups of students.
3.7-Understand and manages legal and contractual policies, agreements and records in ways that foster a professional work environment and secure privacy and confidentiality for all students and staff.
