Virtual Test Administration Using BEST Plus for Georgia Adult Education
Explore the virtual test administration procedures for BEST Plus in the Georgia adult education system. Learn about using Cisco Webex for secure video conferencing, test administration conditions, and identity verification protocols. Discover how to prepare students, request materials, and access additional training opportunities for optimal assessment delivery.
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Using BEST Plus as a Virtual Assessment TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM OF GEORGIA OFFICE OF ADULT EDUCATION KIMBERLEE BRYANT, BEST PLUS CERTIFIED TRAINER RECORDED MAY 6, 2020
2 Agenda Virtual Test Administration Webex, Disruptions, Test Security Practicing Test Administration Preparing Students How to request BEST Plus materials OCTAE and Georgia Requirements Additional Training Opportunities
3 Virtual Test Administration of BEST Plus Virtual test administration (through videoconferencing) can be done with both computer and print based tests. Computer Based: Recommend using 2 devices one to display the videoconference; one to run BEST Plus test software. One device can be used, if two are not available. (I could only get it to work with one device and two screens.) Remember, BEST Plus only works on Windows-based machines, not Apple. Print Based: Both the test administrator and the student will use a device for the videoconference connection.
4 Video Conferencing Cisco Webex is the approved videoconferencing platform because it offers end-to-end encryption and is supported by TCSG. Provides similar test administration conditions to the face-to-face format BEST Plus 2.0 must not be administered with only an audio connection. Supports identify verification and test security
5 Webex Procedures Share links to Webex sessions privately (ex. through email) and do not post them in a public forum. Lock the Webex session once the student logs in, especially if you are sharing a link to your personal room. Students can connect through a computer, device, or smartphone. Webex has desktop and mobile applications. Do not video or audio record the test session, unless you are asked to do so as part of program or state-level monitoring.
6 Virtual Test Administration Procedures Test administration conditions should be free of outside distractions for both the student and the test administrator. For picture cue questions, CAL says you can: share your screen with the student, or skip the question.
7 Identity Verification A Student s identity should be verified at the beginning of the exam. If the student isn t known to the test administrator, use local identity verification procedures at start of the session. If the student is known, the test administrator can visually verify the student s identify.
8 Test Security To maintain test security Video conferencing links should only be sent to the student being tested and not posted or shared elsewhere. Again, do not video or audio record the test session, unless you are asked to do so as part of program or state-level monitoring. Keeping student testing results secure Each test session creates a test record that is automatically stored on the test administrator s device. Each Program should make a plan to ensure all test results are properly collected and stored by the Program.
9 Guidance for Technical Disruptions If there is a technical glitch that disrupts audio or video while a test administrator is delivering a prompt, the prompt can be repeated without any score penalty to the student. (i.e., the student can still receive a score of 2 for Listening Comprehension). If a video conference is dropped or ends unexpectedly because of a technical disruption, restart the video as soon as possible and continue with the test. If it is not possible to resume the video conference immediately, then the test session should be restarted from the beginning at a later time.
10 Practicing Virtual Test Administration Practice a minimum of three times before administering a testto a student. Ensure that the technology works as expected and that local test administrators are able to effectively administer the test. Practicing is a chance to ensure sufficient internet speed to avoid glitches or disconnections.
11 Preparing Students Prior to testing, provide clear information and instructions to students. Have them test their ability to connect to Webex through this link: https://www.webex.com/test-meeting.html/ Let them know: They need to connect via Webex through their computer, device, or smartphone. They need to complete testing in a quiet, distraction-free setting. Audio or video recording of their test session is not allowed. Hold a practice session before the test session, if desired.
12 For More Information, visit the BEST Plus 2.0 Updates webpage at: http://www.cal.org/aea/bp
13 Accessing BEST Plus Materials CAL can give you access to BEST Plus materials virtually, as long as your program has ordered physical copies previously. Materials are downloaded through a provided link. BEST Plus 2.0 Test Software BEST Plus Test Administrator Guide BEST Plus Scoring Rubric Email aea@cal.org; 1-866-845-2378, option 1
14 OCTAE Requirements The U.S. Department of Education, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE) has provided guidance for virtual testing to State Directors of Adult Education. States may choose to develop procedures to implement virtual test proctoring. States that choose to use this flexibility must have procedures to ensure that (1) the student who is testing can be properly identified, (2) any NRS-approved test that is used is properly secured, and (3) the virtual proctor can properly administer the test.
15 How BEST Plus meets OCTAE Requirements OCTAE Requirement Recommendations Virtual administration of BEST Plus 2.0 must be conducted using Cisco Webex, which allows the test administrator to see and identify the student. Proper Student Identification The test administrator and student should complete the test in a private location away from others. Ensure that links to Webex sessions are sent privately to students and not posted or shared with others. Lock the Webex session, once the student logs in. Do not video or audio record the test session, unless you are asked to as a part of program or state-level monitoring. Test Security Only trained BEST Plus 2.0 test administrators may administer the test virtually. Before administering the test to students, program staff should try out the technology and procedures to ensure testing works as expected. Proper Test Administration
16 Georgia Assessment Policy Addendum BEST Plus 2.0 Virtual Testing has been approved for use as long as Programs meet the requirements below: Virtual Test Administrators must be approved by OAE. Program Administrators or their designee should submit the names (and emails) of Test Administrators the program would like to use for testing to kbryant@tcsg.edu. Test Administrators must have: Completed initial BEST Plus 2.0 Test Administrator Training (6 hours). Administered a BEST Plus assessment within the last 6 months, or they can Participate in a BEST Plus Scoring Refresher Training and score in the Acceptable range.
17 BEST Plus Training BEST Plus Scoring Refresher Asynchronous Training Training by invitation only Location: Part 1 Online training videos; Part 2 Follow-up webinar Training materials: BEST Plus Scoring Refresher Workbook - Test Administrator s Edition BEST Plus Test Administrator TBD Based upon Requests Location: 2-3 webinars Training materials: Test Administrator Guide and Test Software Email kbryant@tcsg.edu
18 Georgia Assessment Policy Addendum Ensure that Webex is available to all test administrators and provide each with training on the basics of using Webex. Require approved test administrators participate in the training, Using BEST Plus as a Virtual Assessment. Verify that approved test administrators practice administering BEST Plus virtually a minimum of three times before administering it to students. Adhere to the virtual test administration guidance provided by CAL, which includes: connecting with students via Webex before the test to ensure that the student is comfortable with the platform, and verifying the identity of the student via Webex before testing.
19 Questions? Comments? Attend a Technical Assistance Session Contact me at kbryant@tcsg.edu
20 OAE Contact Information Office of Adult Education Instructional Services Director Bobby Creech bcreech@tcsg.edu 404-679-1641 North Georgia Metro Atlanta/North Georgia Grant Program Support Coordinator Charita Boles cboles@tcsg.edu 404-679-1628 Metro Atlanta/West Georgia Grant Program Support Coordinator Leatricia Williams lwilliams@tcsg.edu 404-679-5234 Instructional Services Technical Coordinator Kimberlee Bryant kbryant@tcsg.edu 404-248-1060 Grant Program Support Coordinator April Barkley abarkley@tcsg.edu 404-679-1358 Central/Southeast Georgia Grant Program Support Coordinator Felicia Phelps fphelps@tcsg.edu 404-679-5829 Instructional Services Administrative Assistant Jamie Albee jalbee@tcsg.edu 404-679-1648
