CalTAC

MANUAL AND USER GUIDE

California Online Field Test Administration Manual (TAM) (PDF)

This manual provides information for California District/School Test Coordinators and Test Administrators regarding policies and procedures for the California Smarter Balanced Field Test as well as screenshots and step-by-step instructions on how to administer the online Field Tests.

TIDE User Guide for California Users(PDF)

The Test Information Distribution Engine (TIDE) is the system used to manage student information and user accounts for online testing. The TIDE User Guide for California Users uses a step-by-step approach to using the enhanced user management system. The guide has been customized for users accessing the system for the California Field Test.

Technical Specifications Manual for Online Testing(PDF)

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)

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 MODULES VIDEO

Accessibility and Accommodations [35:00 RUNTIME]

This module describes the recommended uses of available universal tools, designated supports, and documented accommodations for student accessibility to Smarter Balanced assessments. An additional document has been created that provides instructions on how to access and use the ASL feature within the online delivery system. sbac.portal.airast.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Embedded-Accommodation-ASL-Instructions-Final(PDF)

Smarter Balanced Test Administration Overview [55:00 RUNTIME]

This module prepares District/School Test Coordinators and Test Administrators with an overview of procedures, including policy matters and test security processes.

Test Administrator (TA) Interface for Online Testing [17:00 RUNTIME]

This module presents an overview on how to navigate the Test Administrator Interface.

Performance Task Overview [11:13 RUNTIME]

This module provides District/School Test Coordinators and teachers an overview of what a Performance Task is and the purpose of the classroom activity as it pertains to the performance task.

Before taking the module, there are a couple frequently used terms that you should become familiar with:

Multiple Standards – Represent a set of expectations for student knowledge and skills that high school graduates need to master to succeed in college and careers.  These standards are aligned with college and work expectations, include rigorous content and application of knowledge through high-order skills, are built upon strengths and lessons of current state standards, informed by top-performing countries, so that all students are prepared to succeed in our global economy and society and, are evidence and/or research-based.

Domains- A well-defined set of achievement tasks or body of knowledge. A  domain is large group of related standards within a content area such as those dealing with numbers and operations in mathematics.

What is a CAT (Computer Adaptive Test)? [11:23 RUNTIME]

This module provides District/School Test Coordinators and teachers the characteristics and advantages of Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) that will be available for the operational assessment in spring 2015. The Field Test will not be a Computer Adaptive Test.

Before taking the module, there are a couple frequently used terms that you should become familiar with:

Performance Task – A performance task is a required portion of the Field Test that requires students to answer a set of complex questions that are centered on a common theme or problem. The Smarter Balanced assessment is comprised of two components: a classroom activity with a performance task and non-PT items. Prior to the performance task, teachers or instructional staff conduct a classroom activity for all students in the class to ensure that the context of the task does not interfere with a student’s ability to address the content of the task.

Blueprint – Each Smarter Balanced assessment is designed based on a test blueprint. The Smarter Balanced test blueprints for ELA and Math describe the depth and breadth of the performance expectations of the Common Core State Standards for each assessed grade (3 – 8, and 11), and contain critical information about the number of items, score points, and depth of knowledge for items associated with each assessment target.

Let’s Talk Universal Tools [14:07 RUNTIME]

This module acquaints students and teachers with the online, universal tools (e.g., types of calculators, expandable text) available in the Smarter Balanced assessments. This module should be shown to students in a classroom/group setting.  For grades 3-8 it is encouraged that the teachers be in the room to answer questions from the students as they view the module.

Before taking the module, there are a couple frequently used terms that you should become familiar with:

Online – Being connected through a computer system.

Software Programs – Computer programs needed in order to administer the Smarter Balanced assessments.

Student Interface for Online Testing [22.48 RUNTIME]

This module explains to District/School Test Coordinators, Test Administrators, and teachers how to navigate the Student Interface.

Technology Requirements for Online Testing [18:00 RUNTIME]

This module provides District/School Technology Coordinators current information about technology requirements, site readiness, supported devices and secure browser installation.

Test Information Distribution Engine (TIDE) [20:31 RUNTIME]

This module provides District/School Test Coordinators and Test Administrators detailed information on how to upload student information, manage users, and use other features of the TIDE system.

What is a Field Test? [5:52 RUNTIME]

This module is designed for students and should be shown to students in a classroom setting. It is intended to answer student questions on what a field test is and why it is important for students to participate in the Smarter Balanced field test. For grades 3-8 it is encouraged that the teachers be in the room to answer questions from the students as they view the module.

Confirmation Code (PDF)

Keyboard Commands for Students (PDF)

Parent/Guardian Letter (DOCX)

Parent/Guardian Letter – Spanish (DOCX

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