TM
Spring 2021 M-STEP Test Administration Manual (TAM)
Updated April 2021 Table of Contents
How To Use This Manual . . . 6 Assessment System Access for District and Building Assessment Coordinators . . . . 18.
Introduction ...... 6 THE OEAA SECURE SITE ...... 18
THE EDUCATIONAL ENTITY MASTER . . . 19
Testing Schedules ...... 9 DRC INSIGHT PORTAL ...... 19
Overview ...... 12 Roles and Responsibilities . . 20
Roles and Responsibilities ...... 20 M-STEP Assessments ...... 12. DISTRICT COORDINATORS ...... 20 What’s New ...... 12 BUILDING COORDINATORS ...... 20 English Language Arts ...... 13. TEST ADMINISTRATORS ...... 21
LISTENING ...... 13 TECHNOLOGY COORDINATORS . . . . . 21 Mathematics ...... 14. Supports and CALCULATOR POLICY FOR MATHEMATICS ASSESSMENTS ...... 14 Accommodations ...... 22 Science ...... 15 What Are Supports CALCULATOR POLICY FOR and Accommodations? ...... 22. SCIENCE ASSESSMENTS ...... 15 Supports and Accommodations Social Studies ...... 15. Tracking Sheet ...... 22
The Michigan Merit Examination . . . . .16 Ordering Accommodated Materials . . . . .22
Required Grade 8 Testing ...... 16. Embedded and Non‑embedded Supports Test Administrator’s Directions and Manual 16 and Accommodations ...... 23
Scratch Paper Guidelines ...... 16 Turning On Designated Supports and Accommodations ...... 23 Designated Supports and Accommodations 16 Verifying Test Tickets ...... 23. Resources for Students to Prepare for Testing ...... 17 Where to Find More Information on Designated Supports and Accommodations 24 Call Center Contact Information ...... 17 Nonstandard Accommodations ...... 24 OEAA Communications with Schools and Districts ...... 17. Filling Out Designated Supports and Accommodations Information on Answer Standardized Testing ...... 18. Documents ...... 25 2 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Table of Contents
ELA STANDARD SUPPORTS M-STEP Multiplication Table ...... 33 AND ACCOMMODATIONS ...... 25 Returning Accommodated Materials MATHEMATICS STANDARD SUPPORTS and Answer Documents ...... 33. AND ACCOMMODATIONS ...... 25 Other Reminders for Test Administrators SCIENCE AND SOCIAL STUDIES STANDARD SUPPORTS AND ACCOMMODATIONS . . . . 25 and Accommodations Providers ...... 33
Using Audio CD Versions of the Tests . . 26. PAPER/PENCIL ONLY: ...... 34 Using Video DVD Versions of the Tests . 26. Student Pre-ID and HOW TO ADMINISTER VIDEO DVD Test Eligibility ...... 35 VERSIONS OF THE TEST ...... 27
Reading Directions and Track/Chapter Students to be Tested ...... 35 Numbers—Audio CDs and Video DVDs . . 27. STUDENTS WITH IEPS AND Using Reader Scripts ...... 28. SECTION 504 PLANS ...... 35 ENGLISH LEARNERS (ELS) ...... 35 Using Oral Translations for Native Language ...... 28 Student Grade Considerations ...... 35
Using Enlarged Print Versions of the Test 28 STUDENTS WHO REPEAT A GRADE LEVEL OR ARE IN ADVANCED CLASSES . . . . . 35 Using Braille Versions GRADE 12 STUDENTS NOT PREVIOUSLY of the Test ...... 29 INCLUDED IN ACCOUNTABILITY . . . . . 36 Directions for Other Common Supports Students in Different Locations . . . . . 36. and Accommodations ...... 29 HOMESCHOOLED STUDENTS ...... 36
SCRIBES AND TAPE RECORDERS . . . . . 29 STUDENTS ENROLLED IN PRIVATE/ WORD PROCESSORS ...... 29 NONPUBLIC SCHOOLS ...... 36
ADDITIONAL OR ADAPTED PAPER . . . 30 REMOTE LEARNERS AND VIRTUAL SCHOOLS 36
EXTENDED TIME/MULTIPLE DAY . . . . . 31 SHARED EDUCATIONAL ENTITIES (SEES)/ SPECIALIZED SHARED EDUCATIONAL Closed Captioning for ELA Listening . . 31. ENTITIES (S2E2S) ...... 37
Read-Aloud Guidelines for ELA SEAT TIME WAIVERS ...... 37 and Mathematics ...... 31 HOMEBOUND AND Scribing Protocol ...... 32. HOSPITALIZED STUDENTS ...... 37 Students in Unique Circumstances . . . . .37 Word-to-Word Bilingual Dictionaries . . . .32 SUSPENDED STUDENTS ...... 37 L1 (First Language) Glossaries ...... 32 EXPELLED STUDENTS ...... 37 Stacked Spanish ...... 32.
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STUDENTS IN DETENTION OR CALCULATORS ...... 47
JUVENILE FACILITIES ...... 38 NUMBER 2 PENCILS ...... 47
Accountability Considerations . . . . . 38. HIGHLIGHTERS ...... 47
STUDENTS WHO MOVE INTO A SCHOOL ADDITIONAL PAPER ...... 48 DURING TESTING ...... 38 HEADPHONES ...... 48
STUDENTS WHO MOVE OUT OF A SCHOOL CDs/DVDs ...... 48 DURING TESTING ...... 39 Software and Testing Devices . . . . 48. Unique Identification Codes ...... 39 DRC INSIGHT PORTAL ...... 48 Test Administration Windows ...... 40 INSIGHT AND CENTRAL OFFICE SERVICES . 49
Computer Adaptive Testing for ELA and SUPPORTED TESTING DEVICES . . . . 49 Mathematics ...... 40. Important Tasks Before Testing . . . . . 49. INSIGHT Availability ...... 40 1 . TRAINING REQUIREMENTS AND Absences and Makeup Testing ...... 40 RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS . . . . 49 2 . ASSIGN ROLES FOR DISTRICT USERS . . 50 Incident Reporting ...... 40 3 . PRE-IDENTIFY STUDENTS FOR TESTING . 51
Testing Irregularities ...... 41. 4 . ORDER TEST MATERIALS ...... 51
5 . LOAD STUDENTS IN THE Before Testing ...... 42 DRC INSIGHT PORTAL ...... 53 6 . ASSIGN/EDIT TEST SESSIONS . . . . 53 Training Tools ...... 42. 7 . ASSIGN SUPPORTS RECORDED PRESENTATIONS IN THE AND ACCOMMODATIONS ...... 54 DRC INSIGHT PORTAL ...... 42 8 . CREATE TESTING SCHEDULES . . . . . 54
Assessment Security ...... 45. 9 . TEST TICKET PRINTING ...... 58
ASSESSMENT TRAINING ...... 45 Important Tasks During Testing ...... 59
ASSESSMENT SECURITY TRAINING . . . . 45 1 . MANAGING STUDENT TEST TICKETS . 59
Material Security ...... 45 2 . VERIFYING SUPPORTS AND ACCOMMODATIONS ON TEST TICKETS . . . 59 Test Administration ...... 46
Security Compliance ...... 46. During Testing ...... 59
Materials Permitted or Required 3 . DURING A TEST SESSION ...... 60 During Testing ...... 47 4 . RESUMED TESTING ...... 62
MDE-APPROVED INSIGHT TOOLS POSTER 47 5 . VIDEO SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS . . . . 63
6 . ENDING A TEST SESSION ...... 64 4 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Table of Contents
After Testing ...... 65 Appendix C: Incident Reporting Guide ...... 76 Important Tasks After Testing . . . . . 65. 1 . REPORTING DECISIONS ...... 65 Appendix D: DRC INSIGHT 2 . MATERIALS HANDLING AND RETURN . . 65 Portal User Guide ...... 89 Appendix A: Calculator Policy ...... 72 Appendix E: List of Important Dates ...... 90 Online and Paper/Pencil Testers . . . . 72.
MATHEMATICS ...... 72 Appendix F: Administration SCIENCE ...... 72 Resources ...... 92 Online Testers ...... 72
Paper/Pencil Testers ...... 72. Appendix G: Extended Important Notes ...... 72. Retries Tech Bulletin . . . . . 94 ALIGNMENT ...... 72 FAIRNESS ...... 73 Appendix H: Checklist . . . . 95 MANAGING ONLINE TESTERS AND EXTERNAL HAND-HELD CALCULATORS ...... 73 Before Testing Checklist ...... 95. Appendix B: Scratch During Testing Checklist ...... 96 Paper Policy ...... 74 After Testing Checklist ...... 96.
M-STEP Scratch Paper Policy ...... 74 Accountability Tasks ...... 96 TERMS ...... 74 Appendix I: Change Log . . . 97 ONLINE TESTERS: MATHEMATICS . . . 74
ONLINE TESTERS: ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS, SCIENCE, AND SOCIAL STUDIES . . 74
PAPER/PENCIL TESTERS: MATHEMATICS 74
PAPER/PENCIL TESTERS: ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS, SCIENCE, AND SOCIAL STUDIES ...... 75
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 5 How To Use This Manual
Introduction planning document includes guiding questions and considerations for each aspect of testing to This manual provides information about (1) how help you plan for your test administrations . This the administration process works from beginning document is available on the M-STEP web page . to end, (2) key dates when specific assessment activities take place, (3) the roles that school The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted personnel play in the administration process, the 2020-2021 school year, and some policies and (4) how to use available supports and and procedures of the M-STEP test administration accommodations . have been modified to provide schools additional time and flexibility for M-STEP testing . Having On January 25, 2021, the Michigan Department said that, M-STEP must be proctored in-person of Education (MDE) delivered a request to the by a trained test administrator according to the U .S . Department of Education to waive certain requirements of the Assessment Integrity Guide . assessment and accountability requirements of Any administration in an Off-Site location must the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) receive prior approval through the Off-Site Test including the Spring 2021 M-STEP . On March 26, Administration request process (see page 36, MDE received approval of our request to waive the Students in Different Locations section) for certain high-stakes components of accountability more information) . including the requirement to assess 95% of our student population . As of April 1st, we have not received a response that will allow us to waive the administration of the M-STEP for 2021 . Important Note: eDIRECT has been renamed DRC INSIGHT Portal . The URL has not changed . To comply with current law, MDE and the Office This manual now refers to eDIRECT as the DRC of Educational Assessment and Accountability INSIGHT Portal (https://mi .drcedirect .com) . (OEAA) continue to prepare for the required spring assessments in the event the USED does not grant our waiver request . All students, even students Instructions for easy navigation to documents in receiving remote-only instruction, should have the the DRC INSIGHT Portal are on page 8 . opportunity to take the assessment . Districts have to offer remote or virtual students the opportunity This manual is divided into ten sections: to come into school to take the appropriate state • How to Use this Manual describes the summative assessments . However, those remote- content and sections included in the manual . only students would not be required to come • Testing Schedule gathers calendar- into school for the sole purpose of taking the related information in one place to help assessments . school personnel prepare for, schedule, and Updates regarding the status of this request administer the test . will be provided through the weekly Spotlight • Overview describes general information on Assessment and Accountability newsletter . that everyone involved in the M-STEP Please know the health, safety, and well-being of administration process needs to know . students, educators, and their families is MDE’s first priority . • Roles and Responsibilities describes the roles and responsibilities of District The OEAA has developed a Safe Testing Planning Assessment Coordinators, Building Assessment Document to assist districts and schools to Coordinators, Technology Coordinators, and plan for the safe administration of the Spring Test Administrators . 2021 assessments, including M-STEP . The
6 M-STEP Test Administration Manual • Supports and Accommodations describes they will administer . in detail the supports and accommodations The M-STEP assessments are administered in available to students during testing . person and primarily online . However, there are • Student Pre-ID and Test Eligibility two instances in which they may be administered describes the tasks associated with determining using paper/pencil versions of the test: (1) when which students are eligible and expected to required to meet an individual student’s needs, test, and how to pre-identify students for or (2) when a school has applied to the Michigan testing . Department of Education (MDE) for a waiver and • Before Testing Tasks lists and describes the waiver has been approved . The current-year the assessment-related tasks to be completed window to apply for a waiver has passed; it was before testing . posted in the Spotlight on Student Assessment and Accountability newsletter and in the M-STEP • During Testing Tasks lists and describes List of Important Dates . the assessment-related tasks to be completed during testing . Since this manual provides information on both • After Testing Tasks lists and describes the Icon Mode modes (types) of test assessment-related tasks to be completed after administration (online and testing . Paper/Pencil paper/pencil), MDE has • Appendices developed two icons—a Online – M-STEP Calculator Policy computer to represent – M-STEP Scratch Paper Policy online testing and a pencil to represent paper/pencil testing . When a section – Incident Reporting Guide of the manual applies only to one mode of testing, – DRC INSIGHT Portal User Guide the corresponding icon will appear . Sections – M-STEP List of Important Dates without icons pertain to both online and paper/ – M-STEP Test Administration Resources, pencil testing . Extended Retries Tech Bulletin – Checklists – before, during, and after testing – Change Log
All M-STEP District and Building Assessment Coordinators must read the entire Test Administrator Manual (this document) . Test Administrators must read the Test Administrator Directions and Manual for each grade and test
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 7 Navigating the DRC INSIGHT Portal
Users can access documents and resources in the DRC INSIGHT Portal (https://mi .drcedirect .com) . Test Administrators without secure access to the DRC INSIGHT Portal: select “here” in the Documents and Training Materials line to view all of the materials that are available without secure access .
Welcome to the DRC INSIGHT Portal
Welcome to the DRC INSIGHT Portal, the web-based management site used to manage the online test administration for M-STEP, MI-Access, and Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Assessments for Michigan.
To sign in, enter your email address and password on this page and then select Sign In.
To obtain a login and password, you must first be set up with the specific DRC INSIGHT Portal role on Username the OEAA Secure Site. Click here for directions on how to request access to DRC INSIGHT Portal through the OEAA Secure Site.
Documents and Training Materials can be accessed here without a login and password. Password You can use this page for the following tasks: • Management tools and sofware for downloads requires a login. • Online Answer Document Portal for MI-Access Supported Independence and Participation can be found here. The link is only active during the testing window. • Access the current system status of the DRC INSIGHT Portal here.
Need assistance? Customer Support can be contacted at 877-560-8378 or [email protected].
District and Building Coordinators with secure access to the DRC INSIGHT Portal go to My Applications and select General Information .
MICHIGAN ONLINE ASSESSMENTS MY APPLICATIONS
PARTICIPANT PREPARATION GENERAL INFORMATION
Student Management General Information User Management TECHNOLOGY SETUP TEST PREPARATION Central Office Services Test Management
POST-TEST ACTIONS
Student Management
SCORING AND REPORTING
Report Delivery
Then, select the Documents tab .
Documents
(All)
8 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Testing Schedules
You can copy and distribute these pages to others involved in the testing process . If further updates to this manual are necessitated by the uncertainty caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, they will be announced in the Spotlight newsletter and documented in the Change Log in Appendix I . On March 18, MDE announced the extension of the testing window . The Spring 2021 Testing Schedule for Summative Assessments has been updated to reflect these updates . For Spring 2021 testing only, paper pencil testing windows are allowed . Note: A complete list of dates encompassing the entire 2021 M-STEP administration cycle can be found in the List of Important Dates in Appendix E .
Spring 2021 Testing Schedule for Summative Assessments
Week of Assessment 1/27- 2/1- 2/8- 2/15- 2/22- 3/1- 3/8- 315- 3/22- 3/29- 4/5- 4/12- 4/19- 4/26- 5/3- 5/10- 5/17- 5/24- 5/31- 1-29 2/5 2/12 2/19 2/26 3/5 3/12 3/19 3/26 4/2 4/9 4/16 4/23 4/30 5/7 5/14 5/21 5/28 6/4 M-STEP 6 weeks Grades 5, 8, 11
M-STEP 6 weeks Grades 3 , 4, 6, 7 MI-Access Alternate 8 weeks Assessments College Entrance: Makeup 4/13 Makeup Contingency SAT w/Essay only 4/27 5/18 Accommodated Makeup Makeup 4/13 – 4/26 Contingency Testing Window 4/27-29 5/18-20 Work Skills: Makeup 4/14 Makeup Contingency ACT WorkKeys only 4/28 5/5
Accommodated Makeup 4/14 – 4/27 Makeup Contingency Testing Window 4/28-5/4 5/5-11 4/13 PSAT 8/9 only Makeup (grade 8) Primary 4/27-5/7 4/14-16 Accommodated 4/13 –5/7 Testing Window PSAT 8/9 (gr 9) Primary Makeup and PSAT 10 4/13-16 4/27- 5/7 Accommodated 4/13 – 5/7 Testing Window WIDA ACCESS & WIDA Alternate Extended: January 27 - April 9, 2021 ACCESS for ELLs
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 9 Testing Schedules
Flexibility has been provided for some paper/pencil • Incident Reports are not required for students test administration policies for the Spring 2021 not completing a part/test in a day . administration only . These include: • 1:1 makeup administration is not required . • extended p/p windows – students are still not allowed to go back to previous portions of the test • no required content order - schools can administer in an order that makes the most – sufficient quantities of Test Administrators/ sense for their students . proctors are needed to provide active monitoring • every attempt should be made to complete Additional contingency test days have been added content testing (except Day 1/Day 2 ELA) in to PSAT, SAT, and ACT WorkKeys assessment one school day . If this is not possible, due to schedules . For more details, refer to the Guide to a schedule where students are not in school State Assessments), as well as the MME web page an entire day, then they should/must plan (www .michigan .gov/mme) and the PSAT web page complete each part before breaking for the day (www .michigan .gov .psat) . (i .e . at a Stop Sign) .
10 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Testing Schedules
Paper/Pencil Test Dates Paper/Pencil Test Dates – Grade 5 Grades 3, 4, 6, and 7 April–May 2021 April- June 2021 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 M-STEP ELA and Math window 4/27–6/04 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Any M-STEP Assessment window 4/13 – 5/21
25 26 27 28 29 30 1 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 30 31 1 2 3 4 5
Paper/Pencil Test Dates – Grade 8 Paper/Pencil Test Dates – Grade 11
April–May 2021 April–May 2021
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 PSAT 8/9 PSAT 8/9 Primary test dates only for SAT ACT Primary students absent on 4/13 w/Essay WorkKeys 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
M-STEP Science and Social Studies window 4/14 –5/21 M-STEP Science and Social Studies window 4/15–5/21
25 26 27 28 29 30 1 25 26 27 28 29 30 1
Makeup SAT Makeup ACT Makeup – PSAT 8/9 w/Essay
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Makeup Makeup – PSAT 8/9 Contingency ACT 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Makeup Contingency SAT
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 11 Overview
M-STEP Assessments Text-to-Speech (TTS) is available for test directions ONLY on all test forms except Video The Spring 2021 Michigan Student Test of Sign Language (VSL) and Spanish for all students . Educational Progress (M-STEP) includes Building and District Assessment Coordinators summative assessments designed to measure may decide whether to use the TTS Directions or student performance relative to the Michigan to read test directions aloud for each test session . Academic Standards in English language The test administration directions include detailed arts (ELA), mathematics, science, and social information for tests to be administered using the studies . This overview will describe the unique TTS Directions and for tests that are administered characteristics of these content–area tests . without TTS Directions . In order to help with Test Schedule development, What’s New MDE has provided recommendations for test Updates to Spring 2021 M-STEP testing time estimates, test sessions, and breaks within were planned for Spring 2020 but were not sessions; these recommendations are on page implemented due to the cancellation of testing . 55 - 56 of this Test Administration Manual These updates will be applied in Spring 2021 . (TAM) . These are recommendations to assist districts and buildings in the development of The M-STEP science test is now operational . testing schedules—districts/buildings are not The M-STEP social studies test will continue to required to follow them . Refer to the Create measure the Michigan Academic Standards for Testing Schedules section to review this new social studies that were adopted in 2007 . The information . social studies test will have only one part for all Assessment Security training requirements have grades assessed (5, 8, and 11) . Students are been updated for Spring 2021 . Building and allowed to take breaks during testing . Schools and District Assessment Coordinators are required to: districts should work with Test Administrators to determine when breaks are necessary and in the • complete the MDE Assessment Security online best interest of students . course through Michigan Virtual To simplify the materials Test Administrators • read the Assessment Integrity Guide are required to read before testing, MDE has Test Administrators and Proctors are required to created updated Test Administrator’s Directions either and Manual documents for each grade by test • complete either the MDE Assessment Security mode (online and paper/pencil) . These updated online course documents include test administration directions and other materials that cover everything Test OR Administrators need to know regarding test • to read the Assessment Integrity Guide . administration . This updated information would otherwise have been included in this current Any educators who completed the Assessment document – that is, the Test Administration Manual Security training modules in the past are allowed (TAM) . Therefore, Test Administrators are no to take the Assessment Security Refresher course longer required to read the TAM; however, they are in place of the full Assessment Security Training required to read the Test Administrator’s Directions modules . More information about the Assessment and Manual before administering any M-STEP test Security Refresher course is available on the session . M-STEP web page (www .michigan .gov/mstep) under the Professional Development section .
12 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Overview
Also new for Spring 2021: students using the English Language Arts embedded calculator will view the Desmos calculator . There is a basic four-function calculator English language arts (ELA) is assessed with the for use in grade 6; which includes addition, M-STEP in grades 3-7 . ELA covers four claims: subtraction, multiplication, division, and square reading, writing, listening, and research . There is root functions . Calculations are performed one test ticket for online testers and three parts to automatically as the student keys in the operation . be completed in two days for paper/pencil testers . Grade 7 uses a scientific calculator . In addition Refer to the manuals posted on the MME and PSAT to the functions listed for grade 6, the scientific web pages for information regarding the PSAT 8/9 calculator includes exponential, algorithmic, for students in grade 8 and the SAT with Essay for trigonometric, and factorial functions . students in grade 11 .
A new feature of DRC INSIGHT for Spring 2021 LISTENING is Extended Retries . With this new feature, if there are any connectivity issues, instead of Listening is part of the ELA assessment for all displaying an error message after three attempts students . to reconnect, the system will continue to attempt Students testing online must have headphones reconnection for five minutes . The error message to hear the audio presented for this portion of the will display, instructing the student to raise his/ test . her hand for help while continuing to attempt reconnection . If the system is able to reconnect, Paper/pencil Test Administrators will receive the error message will close and the student a CD and a Listening Script that must be used can resume testing . Note: It is possible that a for the Listening portion of the paper/pencil student will see the error message but the error assessment . Both of these materials are provided is resolved before the Test Administrator has to Building M-STEP Coordinators; it is up to them had time to reach the student . If this occurs, the to determine which method (CD or script) will be Test Administrator should instruct the student to used in their building . resume testing . If stand-alone CD players are not available to There is a new page on the OEAA Secure Site play the M-STEP ELA Listening CD for paper/ called the COVID-19 School Closures page . Use pencil testers, Test Administrators may use the CD this form to document when your school is closed player in a classroom computer if the computer is for in-person instruction due to the COVID-19 equipped with speakers that enable each student pandemic . to clearly hear the passages . If there is any doubt about whether all students can hear each passage This page provides a form for schools to properly, the Listening Script should be used document their COVID-related closures and for instead of the CD . Audio files (CDs) and Listening MDE to understand which schools and districts Scripts cannot be copied and must be returned are impacted by COVID-19 closures . It does not with secure, non-scorable materials after testing . remove or impact accountability requirements at this time . Once initial materials orders are placed, the Office of Educational Assessment and Accountability As a result of the March 18 announcement to (OEAA) will send CDs and Listening Scripts to extend test administration windows, schools schools at a ratio of one CD and Listening Script and districts that previously completed Testing per 20 students . If necessary, additional CDs and Schedules are not required to recreate Testing scripts may be requested during the Additional Schedules for the Spring 2021 administration only .
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 13 Overview
Materials Order window (refer to the List of Embedded Calculators Provided Important Dates in Appendix E for window for Online Testers in Grades 6 and 7 dates) . Test Administrators need only one or the Mathematics Assessments other, but not both . CDs and Listening Scripts can also be shared . Students in grades 6 and 7 taking a mathematics online test will use the calculator embedded in the online delivery engine . New for Spring Mathematics 2021: Students using the embedded calculator will view the Desmos calculator . There is a basic Mathematics is assessed with the M-STEP in four-function calculator for use in grade 6, which grades 3-7 . It covers four claims: concepts and includes addition, subtraction, multiplication, procedures, problem-solving, communicating division, and square root . Calculations are reasoning, and modeling and data analysis . There performed automatically as the student keys in the is one test ticket for online testers and two parts to operation . be completed in one day for paper/pencil testers . Refer to the manuals posted on the MME and PSAT Grade 7 students will use the scientific calculator . web pages for information regarding the PSAT 8/9 This comprehensive calculator performs square for students in grade 8 and the SAT with Essay for root, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, and students in grade 11 . factorial functions, as well as the four arithmetic functions . Answers display automatically without CALCULATOR POLICY FOR the need for the user to select “enter” . MATHEMATICS ASSESSMENTS Districts and buildings should view the Basic Calculator policy for mathematics assessments use Calculator and Scientific Calculator tutorials with varies by grade and assessment type (online or students and provide students the opportunity paper/pencil) . Therefore, it is important for Test to practice with the new Desmos calculator in Administrators to understand the state’s policy on the Online Tools Training (OTT) . Tutorials and calculator use . OTTs are accessed without a login through the DRC INSIGHT Portal (https://mi .drcedirect .com) No Calculators Allowed in Grades 3, 4, by selecting the Test Tutorials tab at the top and 5 Mathematics Assessments of the page . Instructions for easy navigation to documents in the DRC INSIGHT Portal are Regardless of the type of test a student is taking on page 8 . (online or paper/pencil), calculators may not be used for any item on the mathematics grades Calculator Use for Paper/Pencil Testers 3, 4, and 5 assessments . Calculator use would change the construct of the items, or what they Students in grades 6 and 7 taking a paper/pencil are intended to measure . All students must abide test will use a handheld calculator . Students in by this policy, even students whose Individualized grade 6 will use a basic calculator, and students Education Programs (IEPs) or Section 504 Plans in grade 7 will use a scientific calculator (both specify otherwise . The use of a calculator in described in the paragraphs above) . The test mathematics in grades 3, 4, and 5 is considered a booklets are divided into two parts: Part 1 does nonstandard accommodation, which will render the not allow the use of calculators, but Part 2 assessment invalid . If a student in one of these does . Once a student starts Part 2, they may not grades uses a calculator, an incident report must return to the non-calculator items in Part 1 . be submitted . Refer to the Incident Reporting If a calculator is used in Part 1, an Incident Guide in Appendix C . Report must be submitted to mark the test as Nonstandard Accommodation .
14 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Overview
Since external handheld graphing calculators are Embedded Calculators are Provided programmable, there is potential for a security for Online Testers in Grades 5, 8, and 11 breach . Therefore, all programmable calculators Science Assessments must be set to TEST mode during testing sessions . Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 taking a science The state’s full Calculator Policy can be online test will use the calculator embedded in the found in Appendix A . Coordinators and/or Test online delivery engine . The Desmos calculator will Administrators may copy and share the policy in be available for all items on the science test . its entirety with others involved in testing . • Grade 5 includes a basic four-function calculator which includes addition, subtraction, Science multiplication, division and square root The M-STEP science test is operational in Spring • Grades 8 and 11 include the scientific 2021 . The M-STEP science test assesses the calculator . This comprehensive calculator Michigan K-12 Science Standards in grades 5, 8, performs square root, exponential, logarithmic, and 11 . This is a fixed-form online or paper/pencil trigonometric, and factorial functions, as well test . This year, the test will have: as the four arithmetic functions . Answers display automatically without the need for the • two test tickets and two parts in grades 5 user to select “enter” . and 8 for online testers The Desmos calculator used for the science • one test ticket and one part in grade 11 for assessment is the same calculator available on the online testers grades 6 and 7 mathematics assessments . • two parts to be completed in one day for paper/pencil testers in grades 5 and 8 Calculator Use for Paper/Pencil Testers • one part to be completed in one day for Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 taking a paper/ paper/pencil testers in grade 11 pencil test will use a handheld calculator on the The test will include seven clusters for each grade entire test . Students in grade 5 will use a basic assessed . calculator, and students in grades 8 and 11 will use a scientific calculator . • Cluster – a stimulus (or context) about a phenomenon and a set of 5-8 related Since external handheld graphic calculators are items designed to assess all performance programmable, there is potential for a security expectations (standards) in one topic bundle breach . Therefore, all programmable calculators must be set to TEST mode during testing sessions . • Topic Bundle – a group of related performance expectations (standards) that are The state’s full Calculator Policy can be assessed as a group found in Appendix A . Coordinators and/or Test Administrators may copy and share the policy in CALCULATOR POLICY FOR SCIENCE its entirety with others involved in testing . ASSESSMENTS Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 are allowed to use Social Studies calculators for both the online and paper/pencil science assessment . Social studies is assessed in grades 5, 8, and 11 with a fixed-form online or paper/pencil test . The Spring 2021 M-STEP assessments are based on the 2007 Michigan K-12 Social Studies Standards
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 15 Overview
and do not reflect any changes in the recently Text-to-Speech Test Directions approved 2019 Social Studies Standards . The test New for Spring 2021: Text-to-Speech (TTS) will have: test directions are available for all students . • one test ticket and one part in grades 5, 8, District and/or Building Assessment Coordinators and 11 for online testers determine whether TTS Test Directions will be used • one part to be completed in one day for in the district and/or school . paper/pencil testers in grades 5, 8, and 11 To use TTS for test directions, Test Administrators will follow the “TTS Directions Only” section of The Michigan Merit the test directions in the Test Administrator’s Directions and Manual . These directions provide Examination introductory information and test verification, then The Michigan Merit Examination (MME) is direct students to select the “Play” button to listen administered to grade 11 students and consists to the directions . Note: All students must have of the SAT® with Essay, ACT® WorkKeys®, and headphones in order to use TTS for test directions . M-STEP summative assessments in science and Test administration directions are explicit social studies . Because testing was canceled in and must be followed exactly as written . Spring 2020 only first-time 11th graders are required to take the MME . Repeating 11th graders Scratch Paper Guidelines and 12th graders may choose to participate in the full MME if they are missing a component . To learn Scratch paper use varies by test, grade, and more about requirements and eligibility for taking content area . Review the state’s full Scratch the MME as well as information on administering Paper Policy in Appendix B . the MME, go to the MME web page (www . michigan .gov/mme) . Designated Supports and Accommodations Required Grade 8 Testing The Michigan Supports and Accommodations Students in grade 8 will take the M-STEP science Guidance Document (which includes the Supports and social studies tests, and the PSAT 8/9 . and Accommodations Tables), presents the Information on administering the PSAT 8/9 is appropriate Universal Tools, Designated Supports, found in the PSAT 8/9 Coordinator Manual and on and Accommodations, as well as identification the PSAT web page (www .michigan .gov/psat) . processes, classroom considerations, and guidelines for all state assessments . The document Test Administrator’s can be found on the M-STEP web page (www . michigan .gov/mstep) . Guidance in the documents Directions and Manual pertains to general education students, as well as New for Spring 2021: The test directions to English learners (ELs), students with disabilities documents have been expanded to include all (SWDs), and students who are considered ELs and information that a Test Administrator will need to are also identified as SWDs . know . This means that Test Administrators are Some Designated Supports and no longer required to read any section of the Test Accommodations may require a student to take Administration Manual (TAM)—everything they the test online . Identifying individual students need is in the Test Administrator’s Directions and who require online Designated Supports and/ Manual document . or Accommodations must be done in the DRC
16 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Overview
INSIGHT Portal . Remember: When testing Call Center Contact students online, a caching server must be set up and the test engine, INSIGHT, must be installed . Information Conversely, other Designated Supports and The Office of Educational Assessment and Accommodations for students require the students Accountability (OEAA) has a call center to answer to take paper/pencil versions of the tests . The questions related to M-STEP testing . paper/pencil test materials must be specifically Agents are available to receive questions at requested when materials are ordered in the OEAA the following toll-free phone number and email Secure Site . address during the specified hours . Refer to the Supports and Accommodations section • Call: 1-877-560-8378 of this manual for more detailed information . • Email: mde-oeaa@michigan .gov • December 1, 2020 - April 12, 2021: Resources for Students to 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (M–F) Prepare for Testing • April 12, 2021 - June 4, 2021: 7:00 AM–5:00 PM (M-F) A number of resources and tools have been developed to help students gain valuable The following table shows the options related to experience with testing . The resources for online the M-STEP that are available on the call center testing may be accessed in the Accessing Online phone menu . Select the appropriate option Tools Training mini-module, which is available on when contacting the OEAA, either through our toll- the DRC INSIGHT Portal (www .mi .drcedirect .com) free number (877-560-8378) or the Lansing-area by selecting Show Documents . Instructions for local number (517-241-4102) . easy navigation to documents in the DRC INSIGHT Portal are on page 8 . Topic Option
Sample items for paper/pencil testers are available Known or suspected cheating or unethical 1 on the M-STEP web page (www .michigan .gov/mstep) . testing practices on any state assessment
Available resources include: DRC INSIGHT Portal, INSIGHT, Central Office Services (COS), or online 2 • grade-level Sample Item Sets assessment tools related to the online M-STEP • sample essay prompts • calculator practice OEAA Secure Site, testing policies and paper/pencil materials regarding the 3 • Student Tutorials for use with classrooms of M-STEP, MI-Access, and Accountability students to provide an overview of what they reporting will practice using the OTTs • Online Tools Trainings (OTTs) for general education students OEAA Communications with • OTTs for students using supports and Schools and Districts accommodations Keeping educators up to date regarding changes It is highly recommended that schools provide in assessment and accountability is critical . The students with opportunities to practice using these OEAA communicates with the field in a number of resources before they take the online or paper/ different ways, including: pencil tests .
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 17 Overview
• Spring 2021 Training (live and recorded) Ensure that you and all testing staff comply with and Video Tutorials (online focus only) all applicable laws, including those relating to for online M-STEP Coordinators; in the DRC discrimination . By strictly following policies and INSIGHT Portal (https://mi .drcedirect .com) procedures, you give students the best guarantee • Spring 2021 M-STEP Test Administration of fair testing and the best possible test day Recorded Presentations (online and paper/ experience . pencil testing information in chapters); available on the M-STEP web page (www . Assessment System Access michigan .gov/mstep) – watch the Spotlight for details for District and Building • Spotlight on Student Assessment and Assessment Coordinators Accountability weekly newsletter – sign up The OEAA Secure Site, the Educational Entity to receive the newsletter and/or read archived Master (EEM), and the DRC INSIGHT Portal are copies on the Spotlight web page (www . systems used for test administration tasks . michigan .gov/mde-spotlight) • M-STEP web page (www .michigan .gov/ mstep) THE OEAA SECURE SITE • DRC INSIGHT Portal (https://mi .drcedirect . Many testing functions take place in the OEAA com) Secure Site (www .michigan .gov/oeaa-secure), • the Announcement page on the OEAA Secure including: Site (www .michigan .gov/oeaa-secure) • pre-identification of students • targeted email communications for important • off-site test administration requests or urgent communications during the • test selection and test session creation testing window (targeted emails are sent to the persons who have assigned roles in • ordering of paper/pencil test materials (and the Educational Entity Master [EEM]; it is accompanying return materials) important that all roles are current and contact • printing of barcode labels for paper/pencil information is up to date) answer documents (as necessary) • presentations at state conferences, including • incident reporting the Michigan School Testing Conference held • reviewing “Accountable Students and Test each year in February Verification” functions Check these sources regularly to stay up to date • downloading the L1 (First Language) glossaries on assessment- and accountability-related issues for mathematics assessments and activities . • look-up for district and school contacts Standardized Testing • access to student scores and reports Uniform procedures are essential to a standardized Accessing the OEAA Secure Site testing program . To ensure comparable scores, If District or Building M-STEP Coordinators do not all testing staff must follow the same testing have an OEAA Secure Site user ID and password procedures and give instructions exactly as they (which are required to enter the site), they should appear in this manual . contact their district administrator (as assigned by the District Superintendent), who is responsible for maintaining the site at the district level .
18 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Overview
A user must have a Michigan Education locate their name, email, and phone number on Information System (MEIS) login to log into the the District and School Contact page of the OEAA Secure Site . The OEAA Secure Site login OEAA Secure Site . The EEM authorized user is screen will contain a link to the “Request MEIS listed on the District and School Contact page . ID” process . If the user has a MEIS ID but does not have access to the OEAA Secure Site, the DRC INSIGHT PORTAL system will display a screen to request access The DRC INSIGHT Portal is used for online test after logging on . Users requesting district, school administration tasks, including: administrator, and/or school user access will be able to submit a request using the request access • assigning online Universal Tools, Designated screen . Supports, and Accommodations Those who are unfamiliar with the OEAA • test session setup Secure Site can find training resources on the • printing test tickets and test rosters Secure Site Training web page (www .michigan . • monitoring student completion of assigned gov/securesitetraining) . tests
THE EDUCATIONAL ENTITY MASTER Accessing the DRC INSIGHT Portal The Educational Entity Master (EEM) is a repository Secure access to the DRC INSIGHT Portal for that contains basic contact information for public Building and District Assessment Coordinators schools, nonpublic schools, intermediate school is assigned through the OEAA Secure Site . districts, and institutions of higher education . Refer to the How do I get access to the DRC Because the EEM serves as the directory for INSIGHT Portal? document on the OEAA Secure identifying and linking educational entities with Site Training web page (www .michigan .gov/ other data collection applications, it is necessary securesitetraining) . that districts and schools keep their information up to date . The OEAA will use this information in various ways throughout the M-STEP testing Helpful Hint: Most districts review EEM process . contact lists at the beginning of each academic year to ensure they are still correct . For the M-STEP administration, it is especially important to ensure the district and building If any changes in staffing are made during the M-STEP coordinator contact information and year, it is important for the authorized district physical address is accurate and up to date, to EEM user to update the EEM with the correct ensure testing materials are sent to the correct information . address . Note: Test materials are sent to the Be sure to notify your authorized district EEM address provided for the M-STEP Coordinator and user if you have any changes or updates to cannot be shipped to a post office box . your assessment staff! The EEM may be accessed on the EEM web page (www .michigan gov/eem). . The EEM may be viewed by anyone, but it can only be updated by the authorized district EEM user . If you do not know who your EEM authorized user is, you can
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 19 Roles and Responsibilities
Roles and Responsibilities roles associated with testing are filled, lead professional development activities associated District and school professional staff members play with testing, and ensure that Building Coordinators a key role in the fair and equitable administration and Test Administrators are aware of training of state assessments . opportunities for students . While districts may adjust the roles and The District Coordinator must be identified responsibilities to fit their size and organizational in the EEM with current and accurate contact structure, all roles must be filled in some way . information . Each role may be carried out by one individual or split among several individuals . However, no District Coordinators must: function or responsibility can be ignored . • complete the OEAA Assessment Security Compliance Form There are four roles associated with M-STEP testing: • complete the Michigan Virtual online Assessment Security Training modules 1 . District Coordinators • read the TAM (this document) in its entirety 2 . Building Coordinators • read the Assessment Integrity Guide 3 . Test Administrators District Coordinators who completed the 4 . Technology Coordinators Assessment Security Training modules in the Technology Coordinators have a separate manual past can take the Assessment Security Refresher that provides detailed information on how to install course in place of the Assessment Security and configure the software used for testing . It Training modules . is called the Technology User Guide and can be found in the DRC INSIGHT Portal (formerly BUILDING COORDINATORS eDIRECT) (https://mi .drcedirect .com) . Each school building involved with M-STEP The District, Building, and Technology coordinators testing—including alternative education programs, should all be identified in the EEM . Note: While Shared Educational Entities (SEEs), and the EEM will allow multiple entries for each role, Specialized Shared Educational Entities (S2E2s)— the OEAA only uses the most recent entry . must have a Building M-STEP Coordinator . This person may be the school principal or another Following is a brief description of each M-STEP professional staff member . The Building M-STEP role . Detailed information on the roles and Coordinator is responsible for arranging training responsibilities of district and school staff involved opportunities for Test Administrators and students, in test administration can be found in the making all testing arrangements, developing Assessment Integrity Guide, which is located on test schedules based on the school’s resources the M-STEP web page (www .michigan .gov/mstep) . (including available computers and testing rooms) DISTRICT COORDINATORS and needs, and ensuring the overall integrity of the assessment process . District M-STEP Coordinators are responsible for overseeing all testing at the district level and The Building Coordinator must be identified acting as backup support at the school or building in the EEM with current and accurate contact level . The person fulfilling this role must develop information . necessary testing policies, ensure that all other
20 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Roles and Responsibilities
Building Coordinators must: TECHNOLOGY COORDINATORS • complete the OEAA Assessment Security Technology Coordinators are responsible for Compliance Form numerous tasks related to the software used • complete the Michigan Virtual online for testing (INSIGHT), as well as the Central Assessment Security Training modules Office Services (COS), a local caching system that securely caches test content and student • read the TAM (this document) in its entirety responses . • read the Assessment Integrity Guide Technology Coordinators must: Building Coordinators who completed the • complete an OEAA Assessment Security Assessment Security Training modules in the Compliance form past can take the Assessment Security Refresher course in place of the Assessment Security • download and install INSIGHT and Central Training modules . Office Services (COS) on any devices new to online testing TEST ADMINISTRATORS • verify that the latest versions of INSIGHT and Test Administrators are responsible for making COS are installed (if the school participated preparations for and administering the M-STEP in online testing before, this may require old tests directly to students . programs be uninstalled) or updated New in 2021: The Test Administrator’s Directions • configure all devices used for testing in schools and Manual include all policy and procedure to communicate with the COS (if not already information that Test Administrators need to know . done) These documents are specific to each grade . • provide contact information to District and Test Administrators must read the entire Test Building M-STEP Coordinators so they can Administrator’s Directions and Manual for each easily request help in solving any technology test that will be administered prior to the test issues that arise before, during, or after testing administration . • be available during testing to troubleshoot and Test Administrators must: help Building M-STEP Coordinators and Test • complete the OEAA Assessment Security Administrators Compliance Form The Technology Coordinator must be identified • complete the Michigan Virtual online in the EEM with current and accurate contact Assessment Security Training modules and/or information . read the Assessment Integrity Guide • read the Test Administrator’s Directions and Manual for each grade level and test mode to be administered
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 21 Supports and Accommodations
What Are Supports Supports and and Accommodations? Accommodations Generally speaking, Universal Tools, Designated Tracking Sheet Supports, and Accommodations are tools, The OEAA has developed an optional Supports resources, and strategies that allow all students and Accommodations Tracking Sheet for equitable access to the content measured on the District and Building M-STEP Coordinators state’s standardized assessments . to record the Designated Supports and The three broad categories into which these tools, Accommodations individual students require, resources, and strategies fall are: regardless of paper/pencil or online testing . It can be used to not only ensure the correct materials 1 . Universal Tools – available to all are ordered, but that the correct Designated students Supports/Accommodations are turned on/ 2 . Designated Supports – based on recorded in the DRC INSIGHT Portal (formerly individual student need (including EL known as eDIRECT) . The sheet is intended only supports), as determined by an adult or for organizational purposes; it should not replace team or usurp team-level decisions or documented 3 . Accommodations – specifically needs in a student’s IEP or Section 504 Plan . The documented in a student’s tracking sheet is available on the M-STEP web Individualized Education Program page (www .michigan .gov/mstep) . (IEP) or Section 504 Plan This section of the manual provides detailed Ordering Accommodated information specifically related to the latter two categories—Designated Supports and Materials Accommodations . It should be noted that what Some Designated Supports and is considered a Designated Support for one Accommodations may require a student to take content area and/or one grade may be considered the test online . Some Designated Supports and/or an Accommodation for another content area or Accommodations that an individual student needs grade, so it is imperative to approach the provision to test online must be identified and enabled in the of Designated Supports and Accommodations from DRC INSIGHT Portal . a student-centered perspective . Note: Do not Conversely, other Designated Supports and assume that what applies to one student in one Accommodations for students require them to take grade taking a particular content-area test will paper/pencil versions of the tests . Note: These apply across the board to all students . tests must be specifically requested when ordering Detailed information about what is allowable materials in the OEAA Secure Site (www .michigan . for students in each category (Universal Tools, gov/oeaa-secure) . Designated Supports, and Accommodations) can If a student requires a Reader Script, an audio be found in the Supports and Accommodations CD, or a video DVD, a special accommodations Guidance Document, which includes the Student kit must be ordered for that student . These kits Supports and Accommodations Tables . The contain only one paper/pencil test booklet . guidance document is available on the M-STEP web Therefore, when more than one student will page (www .michigan .gov/mstep) . use the same Reader Script, CD, or DVD (when
22 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Supports and Accommodations
students will be testing in small groups), additional The Student Supports and Accommodations paper/pencil test booklets must be ordered . (The Tables included in the Supports and order screen will request the number of students Accommodations Guidance Document can help expected to test with each kit, so be sure to enter educators determine which Designated Supports the correct number .) Braille and Enlarged Print Kits and Accommodations need to be enabled and must be ordered individually . identified for use in the DRC INSIGHT Portal . The table is located on the M-STEP web page (www .michigan .gov/mstep) . Embedded and Non‑embedded Supports Turning On Designated and Accommodations Supports and The Spring 2021 M-STEP online assessments offer two kinds of designated supports and Accommodations accommodations—embedded and non-embedded . For detailed information related to turning on embedded Designated Supports and Embedded Designated Supports and Accommodations, refer to the mini-module called Accommodations are those that are integrated How to Assign and Mass-assign Student into the online testing system . These Designated Supports and Accommodations, which can Supports and Accommodations must be turned on, be found in the DRC INSIGHT Portal (https:// or enabled, by the Building M-STEP Coordinator in mi .drcedirect .com) . Select Document Type: the DRC INSIGHT Portal before a student’s test Mini‑Modules . Instructions for easy navigation ticket is generated . to documents in the DRC INSIGHT Portal are on page 8 . Helpful Hint: District and/or Building Assessment Coordinators work with Special Verifying Test Tickets Education Directors to ensure all Designated Supports and Accommodations are assigned Test Administrators can verify a student’s online BEFORE any test ticket is generated . Universal Tools, Designated Supports, and Accommodations by reviewing the student’s test Test tickets that are generated before ticket(s) . Detailed information about what is embedded Designated Supports and allowable for students in each category (Universal Accommodations are assigned will not have Tools, Designated Supports, and Accommodations) the Designated Supports or Accommodations can be found in the Supports and Accommodations available on the test . Guidance Document .
Non-embedded Accommodations are those that M-STEP Spring 2021 are not available within the test engine, such as noise buffers or having a teacher read the items Test Ticket G3 ELA aloud to a student . Keep in mind that any option Student Name: Smith, John J identified as an Accommodation must only Date of Birth: 3/3/20XX be made available to students with IEPs/504 Username: JSMITH1 plans and should only be made available to Password: ZM5XQYZ8 those students if they have a need for the (Note: Username and password are not case sensitive) Accommodation outlined in their IEP/504 . Accommodation: MSK Test Session: Sample Session
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 23 Supports and Accommodations
The following table shows how online Designated Keep in mind that not all available Universal Tools, Supports and Accommodations are abbreviated on Designated Supports, and Accommodations are the test tickets . tracked in the DRC INSIGHT Portal .
Online Supports/ Test Ticket Accommodations Abbreviation Where to Find More
Abacus A Information on Designated
Auditory Amplification AA Supports and Accommodations
Alt communication devices ACD Essential Designated Supports and Accommodations information can be found on the Administered Individually/Small AISG M-STEP web page (www .michigan .gov/mstep), Group including: Sign Language ASL Video ASL • Supports and Accommodations Guidance Administrator Sign Test Content in ASTC Document – includes the Student Supports ASL and Accommodations Tables, as well as guidance related to qualifications for Administrator Sign Test Directions ASTD translators; scribing protocols; English, Arabic, in ASL and Spanish read-aloud guidelines; and text- Bilingual word-to-word dictionary BWWD to-speech/read-aloud guidance Color Choices CC • Online videos with additional information will be available under the Professional Closed Captioning CCAPTION Development section; watch the Spotlight Continuous Magnification CM for details Contrasting Color CTC
Masking MSK Nonstandard Accommodations
Noise Buffers NB Any student who receives a nonstandard accommodation will not count as being Non-embedded Calculator NEC assessed . If a non-eligible student receives an OEAA Multiplication Table OMT accommodation during testing, coordinators are required to submit an Incident Report . Incident Oral Translated Test Directions OTTD reports are submitted in the OEAA Secure Site . Read Aloud (Human Reader) RAHR Select Incident Reports under the Student Assessment tab . Contact the OEAA Call Center (at Scribe (Non-Writing Items) SNWI 1-877-560-8378) for assistance, if needed . Spanish Translation (Stacked) ST The following are two examples of why some Scribe (Writing Items) SWI accommodations are considered nonstandard . Text-To Speech (Items Only) TTS • The M-STEP grade 3–5 ELA tests are intended Text-to-Speech (Items & Passages) TTSPASSAGE to measure how well a student can read and comprehend through decoding . Therefore, Visual Aids VA if the reading passages are read aloud to a
24 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Supports and Accommodations
student, it becomes a listening test and not MATHEMATICS STANDARD a reading test . In this way, the construct of SUPPORTS AND ACCOMMODATIONS the test (or what it is designed to measure) is changed . • Directions Read in Native Language • Using a calculator on any portion of the • Oral Translation in Native Language M-STEP mathematics tests where calculators • Braille (Form 88) are not permitted is considered a nonstandard • Spanish Booklet accommodation, because the items are • Enlarged Print intended to measure a student’s ability to • Multiple-Day Testing make the calculations independently (for example, adding or subtracting two numbers) . • Alternate Response If a calculator is used on these items, it • American Sign Language (ASL) changes the construct of what is being • Noise Buffers measured . • Read Aloud • Scribe Filling Out Designated • Speech-to-Text Supports and Accommodations • Abacus Information on Answer • L1 Glossary Documents • Other (as allowed according to the Supports and Accommodations Tables) Test Administrators working with paper/pencil testers to complete the demographic portion of their answer documents will need to make sure SCIENCE AND SOCIAL STUDIES that information related to Designated Supports STANDARD SUPPORTS AND and Accommodations is correctly recorded on the ACCOMMODATIONS answer documents . • English DVD • Spanish DVD ELA STANDARD SUPPORTS • Arabic DVD AND ACCOMMODATIONS • Reader Script • Directions Read in Native Language • Oral Translation in Native Language • Braille (Form 88) • Braille (Form 88) • Enlarged Print • Enlarged Print • Multiple-Day Testing • Audio CD • Alternate Response • Multiple-Day Testing • American Sign Language (ASL) • Other (as allowed according to the Supports • Noise Buffers and Accommodations Tables) • Read Aloud • Scribe • Speech-to-Text • Other (as allowed according to the Supports and Accommodations Tables)
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 25 Supports and Accommodations
Using Audio CD standard Spring 2021 Answer Document . Student responses can be recorded in a Versions of the Tests number of different ways . Students may: (Use Form 1 test booklet only) – grid their own answer documents • Audio CDs are ONLY available for the – mark their answers in their test booklets and M-STEP science and social studies have a Test Administrator, proctor, or test assessments . This is considered a accommodations provider transcribe them Designated Support . onto their answer documents • The audio CD versions of the M-STEP tests are – dictate responses to a scribe or into a tape created from a Form 1 test booklet . recorder and have a Test Administrator, proctor, or test accommodations provider • Students using an audio CD must have a grid the answer documents (refer to the printed copy of a Form 1 test booklet to use Scribing Protocol found in the Supports and during testing . Be sure to grid “Form 1” on Accommodations Guidance Document located the students’ answer documents as noted in on the M-STEP web page under the Student the test directions . Supports and Accommodations section) • This version of the test (Designated Support) – braille their responses and have a will be shipped with one Form 1 test booklet . Test Administrator, proctor, or test Be sure to order additional Form 1 test accommodations provider transcribe the booklets if using an audio CD with multiple answers onto the answer documents students; this is done by accurately indicating • Important: The “Audio CD” circle on the the number of students to be tested with the students’ answer documents must be filled in CD on the materials order page in the OEAA for students using an audio CD as a Designated Secure Site (www .michigan .gov/oeaa-secure) . Support . • The District/Building M-STEP Coordinator may • Make sure a barcode label is placed on the order additional audio CDs . front of each student’s answer document The following instructions should be followed when where indicated . administering audio CD versions of the tests . • Audio CDs are intended to be used by one Using Video DVD student or by small groups of no more than five students . Versions of the Tests • Individual students may use their audio CD in (Use Form 1 test booklet only .) a small group setting only when the computer • Video DVDs—available only for the M-STEP or CD player has headphones and the student science and social studies tests—provide has personal control over the equipment . an enhancement to the audio CD versions . • Since this designated support would be used Video DVDs are not available for ELA and routinely in the classroom, students should mathematics . be able to use the equipment independently . • Students can use the video display as an Students may be assisted in playing the additional cue for determining where they audio CD but may not be given any help with should be in a test booklet while they are answering test items . Students who use audio taking a test . The video displays an English CDs (based on individual need) must use a
26 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Supports and Accommodations
version of the book while playing an audio – mark answers in their test booklets and translation into Broadcast Spanish or Standard have a Test Administrator, proctor, or test Arabic . accommodations provider transcribe the • DVDs are designed to be used with a television answers onto the answer documents and a DVD player . This equipment will produce – dictate responses to a scribe or into a tape the highest quality results . recorder and have a Test Administrator, proctor, or test accommodations provider • Students using a DVD must have a printed grid the answer documents (refer to the copy of a Form 1 test booklet to use during Scribing Protocol found in the Supports and testing . Be sure to indicate “Form 1” on each Accommodations Guidance Document located student’s answer document as noted in the test on the M-STEP web page under the Student directions . Supports and Accommodations section) • This version of the test will be shipped with one Form 1 test booklet . Be sure to order • Each test question on the DVD has a marker additional Form 1 test booklets if using a (track number) that allows students to return DVD with multiple students; this is done by to a particular question as needed during test accurately indicating the number of students to administration . be tested with the DVD on the materials order • For students using DVDs as a Designated page in the OEAA Secure Site (www .michigan . Support, mark the appropriate DVD bubble on gov/oeaa-secure) . their answer document . • The District/Building M-STEP Coordinator may • Make sure a barcode label is placed on the order additional video DVDs . front of each student’s answer document • Video DVDs for science and social studies are where indicated . available in Spanish, Arabic, and English . Reading Directions and HOW TO ADMINISTER VIDEO DVD VERSIONS OF THE TEST Track/Chapter Numbers— The following instructions should be followed when Audio CDs and Video DVDs administering video DVD versions of the tests . Audio CDs and video DVDs are formatted so that the track number in Part 1 of each test • Tests are to be administered to students either corresponds to the test questions for each test individually or in small groups (up to five part . Test Administrators and accommodations students) in a setting where the video will not providers should be aware of the following disturb other students . information . • The Test Administrator will need to make sure the appropriate video language (Arabic, • Test Administrators or accommodation English, Spanish) circle is filled in on each providers must read the directions aloud to student’s answer document . the student(s) exactly as written, so students may ask questions before beginning the test . • Students who use videos (based on individual Students will hear the directions a second time need) must use a standard Spring 2021 on the CD or DVD, because the directions are answer document . Responses can be recorded attached to test question tracks . in a number of ways . Students may: – grid their own answer documents
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 27 Supports and Accommodations
• Directions on the CDs and DVDs are attached Using Oral Translations to a test question . For example, the initial directions for science, Part 1 will be part of for Native Language Track or Chapter 1 . This means a student (Use Form 1 test booklet only) who returns to test question 1 will hear the For science and social studies, translations for directions again . This might be seen as a native languages must use the Reader Script . If drawback in the test administration, but it is administering a science or social studies Form 2 the only way tracks/chapters can be aligned (emergency) test, the Form 2 Reader Script must with the actual test question numbers . be used . (Refer to the Read-Aloud Guidelines on • Tracks/chapters for Part 2 (if applicable) of the page 31 for information on readers for ELA and DVDs may begin with Track or Chapter 1 again . mathematics .) This may not correspond to the test question numbers . Students may need to search for the test question numbers by paging back and Using Enlarged Print forth rather than by using the menu function Versions of the Test offered in the software . (Use Form 1 test booklet only) • For science grade 11, there are two CDs with 7 clusters . • Use of the enlarged print version of the assessment is an Accommodation . Using Reader Scripts • Form 1 is the basis for the enlarged print version of the test . The use of Reader Scripts (scripted versions of • Students who use an enlarged print version the M-STEP test) standardizes the way tests are of the test must record their answers in their read aloud to students . Reader Scripts are only enlarged print test booklet; the answers are offered for M-STEP science and social studies and transferred by a Test Administrator, proctor, they are considered a designated support . (Refer or accommodations provider onto a regular to the Read-Aloud Guidelines on page 31 for answer document . Spelling, punctuation, and information on readers for ELA and mathematics .) indentation must be transcribed exactly as it Reader Scripts may be administered one-on-one appears in the student’s original response . or in small groups of up to five students . Students • Once student responses have been transcribed will use a Form 1 test booklet while the test onto a regular answer document, the student’s administrator reads aloud from the Reader Script . test booklet can be returned in a secure, non- (Note: A Form 2 Reader Script and Test Booklet scorable box . are required for emergency testing .) The ordering process for Reader Scripts is similar to the process • If students use an enlarged print version of the used for ordering audio CDs and video DVDs . test, it is important that the “Enlarged Print” circle is filled in on their answer document . For students using a Reader Script as a designated support, it is important that the “Reader Script” • Make sure a barcode label is placed on the circle is filled in on their answer document . Also front of the transcribed answer document make sure a barcode label is placed on the front of where indicated . each student’s answer document where indicated .
28 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Supports and Accommodations
Using Braille Versions Directions for Other of the Test Common Supports and Using braille versions of the assessment is an Accommodations Accommodation . SCRIBES AND TAPE RECORDERS • The use of a braillewriter is permissible . If a student uses a braillewriter as an assessment (Use the test booklet form assigned Accommodation, a Test Administrator, to the student) proctor, or accommodations provider must Dictating responses to a scribe or into a tape transcribe the student’s responses onto a recorder is allowable . Note: Using a scribe for regular answer document that is returned extended responses on the ELA test is considered along with other secure, scorable materials . an Accommodation . For mathematics, science, and Spelling, punctuation, and indentation must social studies, using a scribe for all other question be transcribed exactly as it appears in the types is considered a Designated Support . student’s original response . • Scribes should review the Scribing Protocol • Each braille version of a content-area M-STEP found in the Supports and Accommodations test will be a unique test form (Form 88) . Guidance Document to make sure they • Each grade-level/content-area braille are doing their job correctly . The guidance accommodated kit will include a companion document can be found on the M-STEP web Assessment Administrator Booklet for page (www .michigan .gov/mstep) . Braille (AABB) . This booklet is provided so • If a student uses a tape recorder or scribe, a Test Administrators/accommodations providers Test Administrator, proctor, or accommodations can see how the original test items were provider must transcribe the student’s modified for the student . It also allows them to response onto a regular answer document that follow along with the student, even if they do is returned along with other scorable materials . not read braille . • For students using a tape recorder, it is • A Print-to-Braille Correspondence important to grid the “Other” circle on each document is available on the M-STEP web page student’s answer document and indicate the (www .michigan .gov/mstep) . administered Accommodation . • If students use a braille version of the test or a • For students using a scribe, grid the “Scribe” braillewriter, it is important that “Form 88” is circle on each student’s answer documents and bubbled on their answer document . indicate the administered Support . • The answer document to be used for braille is • Make sure a barcode label is affixed to the included in the braille kit . front of the answer document where indicated . • Make sure a barcode label is affixed to the front of the student’s transcribed answer WORD PROCESSORS document where indicated . (Use the test booklet form assigned to the student) The use of word processors for constructed response items is an accommodation for students who need this support or Accommodation as defined in their IEP or Section 504 Plan, or for students who have rapid onset of a medical disability .
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 29 Supports and Accommodations
Because the ELA tests assess the student’s use • Word-processed pages returned without a of the conventions of writing, including correct completed student answer document cannot be spelling and grammatical usage, students using scored . word processors or word processing software • Make sure a barcode label is placed on the must be monitored to ensure that spell-checking, front of the answer document where indicated . dictionary, thesaurus, and grammatical software is not activated . Autocorrect may not be used, either . • All answer documents containing word- processed pages must be shipped in the orange • Fill in the “Other” circle on the student’s Special Handling Envelope . answer document and indicate that the student used a word processor . ADDITIONAL OR ADAPTED PAPER • If the spell-check, dictionary, thesaurus, and (Use the test booklet form assigned grammatical software were not deactivated, to the student) the “Nonstandard Accommodations” circle • The use of additional paper is permitted for must be filled in . students who need this Accommodation due • If a student uses a word processor or another to their large handwriting . The need must be Accommodation to record multiple-choice documented in the student’s IEP or Section answers, these must be transferred onto a 504 Plan . regular answer document by the student, Test • When additional paper is used, the student Administrator, proctor, or accommodations should only be allowed to write the equivalent provider . Word-processed constructed response of what could be written (with average-sized answers do not need to be transcribed onto the handwriting) in the original space provided in student’s answer document . the test booklet . • Each word-processed page must be printed and • Each additional piece of paper must be identified with the following student information: identified with the following information: – student barcode label from the OEAA Secure – student barcode label from the OEAA Secure Site (www .michigan .gov/oeaa-secure) Site (www .michigan .gov/oeaa-secure) – content area and item number – content area and item number – current test year (for example, Spring 2021) – current test year (for example, Spring 2021) OR OR – student name, unique identification code (UIC), and birth date – student name, UIC, and birth date – school code and district code – school code and district code – current test year, grade, content area, and – current test year, grade, content area, and item number item number • Word-processed page(s) must be inserted • It is important to grid the “Other” circle on into the student’s answer document with all the student’s answer document and to indicate required student identification information the administered accommodation . completed . Do not staple or otherwise attach word-processed pages to the answer document .
30 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Supports and Accommodations
• The additional paper must be inserted into the Closed Captioning student’s answer document with all required student identification information completed . for ELA Listening Do not staple or otherwise attach additional Closed captioning is only available for the listening paper to the answer document . passages and associated questions on the ELA • Additional paper that is returned without a online assessments . It will not be available for completed student answer document cannot be any other ELA questions or for the mathematics, scored . science, or social studies tests . • All answer documents containing additional paper must be shipped in the orange Special Read-Aloud Guidelines for ELA Handling Envelope . and Mathematics EXTENDED TIME/MULTIPLE DAY The use of human readers is allowed across all As with any support, educators must provide only grades as a Designated Support for M-STEP those supports the student needs . Significant mathematics and all but the reading passages research indicates that providing students with in the ELA assessments . Human readers are unnecessary or unneeded tools or supports may also allowable for ELA reading passages as a negatively impact their test scores . documented Accommodation in grades 6–7 (but not for grades 3–5) . This Accommodation • All M-STEP tests are untimed and student- is appropriate for only a very small number of paced . students . For information on documentation • If an online tester requires more than one requirements and decision-making criteria related day to complete any single section of an online to using human readers, refer to the Supports and test, the test may be paused and exited at any Accommodations Guidance Document found on the point . The student will be able to log back into M-STEP web page under the Student Supports his/her test at any subsequent point within the and Accommodations section . testing window to complete the session . It is The M-STEP online ELA and mathematics important that the student’s test be paused assessments have a text-to-speech Designated and exited, and not submitted . Support option . Students who do not have access • Students taking a paper/pencil test with a to this support or who take a paper/pencil test multiple-day designated support will use the may utilize the Read-Aloud Designated Support . form of the test assigned to their school . The Read-Aloud support is administered with a • If extended time is used for a paper/pencil human reader who provides an oral presentation test, it is important to fill in the “Multiple- of the assessment text to an eligible student . The Day Testing” circle on the student answer student depends on the reader to read the test document(s) . questions accurately, pronounce words correctly, • Students testing online who need additional and speak in a clear voice throughout the test . The time have until the last day of the grade- reader must be trained and qualified and must specific online testing window to finish the test . follow the M-STEP Read-Aloud Guidelines found in the Supports and Accommodations Guidance • Students may not begin a content-area test Document . The guidance document is available on before the first date the content-area test is scheduled for all students . the M-STEP web page (www .michigan .gov/mstep) .
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 31 Supports and Accommodations
Scribing Protocol following languages are available: The Scribing Protocol can be found in the • Arabic (can also be ordered during Initial Supports and Accommodations Guidance Materials Orders in the OEAA Secure Site) Document located on the M-STEP web page (www . • Burmese michigan .gov/mstep) . The protocol outlines the • Cantonese required procedures a scribe must follow . A • Eastern Punjabi scribe is an adult who writes down exactly what • Hmong a student dictates via speech, American Sign Language, or an assistive communication device . • Ilokano The guiding principle in scribing is to ensure that • Korean the student has access to and can respond to test • Mandarin content . Scribes are allowed as a documented • Russian Accommodation for ELA writing, and as a Designated Support for science, social studies, • Spanish (can also be ordered during Initial mathematics, and ELA non-writing items . Materials Orders in the OEAA Secure Site) • Somali Scribes may also be necessary for testing students with “sudden or rapid onset” conditions, such as • Tagalog broken arms or wrists . Save any documentation, • Ukrainian such as doctor’s notes, when using a scribe for • Vietnamese sudden or rapid onset conditions . • Western Punjabi
Word-to-Word Stacked Spanish Bilingual Dictionaries Stacked Spanish is only available for the M-STEP The M-STEP and MI-Access Word-to-Word mathematics assessment . “Stacked Spanish” Bilingual Dictionary Guidance provides a refers to the presentation of one part of the item recommended list of non-electronic word‑to‑word in Spanish followed by the same part in English . bilingual dictionaries and glossaries that can be New for the Spring 2021: The online Stacked used during M-STEP and MI-Access testing only . Spanish form of the assessment will have Spanish The guidance document is available upon request audio (Human Voice Audio – HVA) available through an email to mde-oeaa@michigan .gov . This for students to use with the Spanish test . A list is different than the lists used for the SAT suite stacked Spanish test is available for use on the of assessments and ACT WorkKeys and cannot be mathematics online and paper/pencil tests for used for those assessments . students who are fluent in Spanish but may need a parallel English version to fully demonstrate what they know and are able to do . Spanish-speaking L1 (First Language) Glossaries students are presented with both Spanish and English as they work through the test . It is L1 Glossaries are only available for the possible that a Spanish-speaking student may not M-STEP mathematics assessment . Glossaries be able to read Spanish; in that case, the stacked are available in a number of different languages Spanish paper form of the test could be used as for use on the paper/pencil mathematics tests . All a Spanish Reader Script by a qualified translator L1 glossaries can be downloaded from the Initial who follows the Spanish Read-Aloud Guidelines Materials Order window in the Secure Site . The
32 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Supports and Accommodations
found on the M-STEP web page (www .michigan . No copies of these materials may be made, gov/mstep) . This is an option if the online form downloaded, or retained . Make sure that with Spanish HVA is not a good option for the all secure materials are included in return student . shipments . The Spanish mathematics tests for online test • If a paper/pencil tester has word–processed or takers is selected in the DRC INSIGHT Portal . For additional pages, those pages must be inserted paper/pencil testing, the Spanish mathematics in the student’s answer document and returned test booklet is ordered as a material from the in the orange Special Handling Envelope in OEAA Secure Site and marked as a support on the order to be scored . All other answer documents student’s mathematics answer document . may be returned together in the secure, scorable materials boxes . Refer to the Materials Handling and Return section of this manual for M-STEP Multiplication Table more detailed information . The M-STEP Multiplication table is only available for the M-STEP mathematics assessment . For Other Reminders for students in grade 4 and above who have a Test Administrators and need (such as a persistent calculation disability [dyscalculia]) that is documented in their Accommodations Providers Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section • The Student Supports and 504 Plan, the OEAA has developed the M-STEP Accommodations Tables are the educator’s Multiplication Table . It can be used for both the guide to understanding Universal Tools, online and paper/pencil mathematics tests . Designated Supports, and Accommodations Use of the multiplication table outside of the offered on the state assessments . The parameters specified here and in the Supports table can be found in the Supports and and Accommodations Guidance document is an Accommodations Guidance Document, which invalid Accommodation; for paper/pencil tests, the is located on the M-STEP web page (www . answer document must be bubbled as such; for michigan .gov/mstep) under the Student online tests an incident report must be submitted . Supports and Accommodations section . The table can be accessed upon request by • All M-STEP Universal Tools, Designated sending an email to mde-oeaa@michigan .gov . Supports, and Accommodations must be Include the number of students at each grade clearly defined by content area in the testing level for whom the Multiplication Table is to be section of each student’s IEP, Section 504 Plan, provided . or EL instructional record . • New students with IEPs, Section 504 Plans, and EL services who move from one Michigan Returning Accommodated school to another must be identified quickly, so Materials and Answer Universal Tools, Designated Supports, and/or Documents Accommodations from the previous school can be implemented . • Audio CDs, video DVDs, enlarged print, and • Plan ahead . The OEAA recommends that braille versions of the test, as well as Reader schools/districts maintain a spreadsheet Scripts, are secure materials that must be returned at the end of each test window .
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 33 Supports and Accommodations
of students, with each student’s needed PAPER/PENCIL ONLY: Universal Tools, Designated Supports, and/ • Audio CDs, video DVDs, Reader Scripts, and or Accommodations listed by content area . Read-Aloud Guidelines must be used when test A template can be found on the M-STEP web content is to be read aloud as a Designated page (www .michigan .gov/mstep) . Support or Accommodation . • Ensure that each student is taking the correct • Be sure to administer all parts of the tests . test (M-STEP or MI-Access) for each content area . Students who mistakenly take the wrong • When students with Designated Supports and test(s) may have to take an emergency test to Accommodations use audio CDs, video DVDs, gain a valid score . An Incident Report must and Reader Scripts in small groups of up to be filed . five students, extra Form 1 test booklets may be needed . When ordering, be sure to specify • An M-STEP test administered with an the number of students using each incorrect Universal Tool, Designated Support, accommodated kit . or Accommodation based upon the IEP is considered invalid . The student must take a • Some Designated Supports and new (emergency) test to gain a valid score . An Accommodations, such as using a scribe, do Incident Report must be filed . not require Form 1 test booklets . Use the form assigned to the student . • Students may refuse to use a Universal Tool, Designated Support, or Accommodation • Do not begin a content-area test before the they may actually need or is outlined in their start of the designated paper/pencil window . IEP/504 plan . If this happens, try to resolve • Audio CDs, Reader Scripts, or DVDs may not the situation with the students’ parents/ be used with braille kits . guardians immediately . Document any change approved by parents/guardians in the IEP/504 • Standard answer documents are used with plan if necessary . the enlarged print and braille versions of the M-STEP tests . • Braille and enlarged print kits are ordered by student on the Materials Order page .
34 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Student Pre-ID and Test Eligibility
Students to be Tested The Supports and Accommodations section of this manual includes more detailed information . Pending the approval of MDE’s assessment waiver request, districts are required to offer all students To learn more about the Universal Tools, the opportunity to test; testing for students who Designated Supports, and Accommodations are home-schooled or who attend nonpublic allowed for these populations during M-STEP schools remains optional . testing, refer to the Supports and Accommodations Guidance Document, which is located on the Following is a detailed description of testing M-STEP web page (www .michigan .gov/mstep) . requirements for students in various populations, locations, and unique circumstances . ENGLISH LEARNERS (ELS) STUDENTS WITH IEPS AND All English Learners (ELs), including ELs with disabilities, must participate in state assessment SECTION 504 PLANS programs . ELs who are in their first year in a Students receiving special education services United States school (defined as the first twelve (also referred to as students with disabilities months of enrollment) may not be required to [SWDs]) must participate in the state’s general participate in the M-STEP ELA assessment if they education or alternate assessments, with or have taken the WIDA ACCESS Placement Test without accommodations as specified by content (W-APT), WIDA Screener, or WIDA ACCESS for area in their Individualized Education Program ELLs and have been identified in the Michigan (IEP) . Students with a Section 504 plan must Student Data System (MSDS) as needing EL have accommodations identified in their Section services . This flexibility is only allowed one time 504 plan . There may also be students who require per student . In order to take advantage of the Universal Tools or Designated Supports during one-time exemption, a Not Tested issue with testing . the reason of the one-time exemption must be Students with disabilities placed in private schools submitted and approved . This is done in June, in as a means of receiving special education and the OEAA Secure Site Answer Documents Received related services are required to be included in the and Not Tested Students page . statewide assessment system . The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Student Grade Considerations has two online resources aimed at helping school/district personnel, parents, and the public STUDENTS WHO REPEAT A GRADE understand the state guidelines for selecting the LEVEL OR ARE IN ADVANCED CLASSES proper state assessment for a student . These Students must take the M-STEP test for the grade are available on the MI-Access web page (www . level in which they are enrolled . If a student takes michigan .gov/mi-access) . a test that is in a grade different from the one • Assessment Selection Guidelines Training identified for him/her in the Michigan Student Data – a web-based presentation focused on helping System (MSDS), the student will be considered IEP teams understand how to make decisions “Out of Level”, will not receive a score, and “Not between general and alternate assessments Tested” for accountability purposes . • Assessment Selection Interactive Decision-Making Tool for IEP Teams – a question-based navigational tool to help IEP teams to decide the most appropriate level of assessment for students
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 35 Student Pre-ID and Test Eligibility
GRADE 12 STUDENTS NOT When returning test results to homeschooled PREVIOUSLY INCLUDED IN students, schools may request a stamped, ACCOUNTABILITY self-addressed envelope from the parent . Grade 12 students who were not included in 11th STUDENTS ENROLLED IN PRIVATE/ grade accountability (for example, they skipped NONPUBLIC SCHOOLS 11th grade) may take the complete Michigan Merit Examination (MME), which includes M-STEP Private/nonpublic students are eligible for testing, science and social studies . 12th grade students will but they are not required to test . If they opt to not be included in accountability in Spring 2021 . participate in testing, they may only take M-STEP tests at their own school, unless the students For additional information on MME eligibility, refer also take courses at a public school . In that to the Who Must/Can Take the MME? document on case, students may take the M-STEP tests in the the MME web page (www .michigan .gov/mme) . public school, but they MUST have the correct nonpublic residency code of 04 or 08 entered in Students in Different Locations the residency field in the MSDS, or they will be included on the school’s “Expected to Test” list and HOMESCHOOLED STUDENTS accountability calculations . Homeschooled students are eligible for testing, REMOTE LEARNERS AND VIRTUAL but they are not required to test . If they opt to SCHOOLS participate in testing, they must contact their local public school and arrange for their participation . During the COVID-19 pandemic, MDE does not All homeschooled students who test must have a support bringing otherwise remote or virtual state-assigned unique identification code (UIC); students into school solely for the purpose of additionally, if the school claims a partial Full- state assessment . Pending the approval of MDE’s time Equivalent (FTE) for homeschooled students, assessment waiver, districts have to offer remote the correct residency code (07 or 15) for these or virtual students the opportunity to come into students must be entered in the Michigan Student school to take the M-STEP assessments . However, Data System (MSDS) to keep the student out of those remote-only students are not required to the school’s accountability calculations . come into school for the sole purpose of taking the assessments . If the district is not claiming a partial FTE for a homeschooled student, then the student must be Students may not be tested online in their homes identified as homeschooled (HS) in his/her record or in any unproctored session . Test sessions must on the student’s demographic screen in the OEAA be proctored in person by a test administrator and Secure Site . may not have family serve as proctors or have virtual proctors . When homeschooled students take the test, their test results will not be included in school Online or virtual schools must offer students and district aggregate reports if the student is the opportunity to test at a remote site . Virtual appropriately reported in MSDS and/or identified schools are those schools that offer full-time in the OEAA Secure Site as homeschooled . virtual learning for their educational program . Note: Schools offering remote learning due to the Students are expected to follow the school- COVID-19 pandemic are not considered virtual established test schedule (the school is not schools . They may test at their building or at required to provide makeup testing) . another district location . The next section does not apply to them .
36 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Student Pre-ID and Test Eligibility
Virtual school personnel should plan to work HOMEBOUND AND closely with the OEAA to ensure that testing at HOSPITALIZED STUDENTS remote sites is managed in a secure fashion . Students who are homebound or hospitalized An Off-site Test Administration Request must be during the test window are required to test . submitted and approved . The request form is available in the OEAA Secure Site (www .michigan . “Homebound” refers to students who are receiving gov/oeaa-secure) . educational services at home due to a documented medical condition; this does not include students SHARED EDUCATIONAL ENTITIES learning from home due to the COVID-19 (SEES)/ SPECIALIZED SHARED pandemic or students who are quarantining at EDUCATIONAL ENTITIES (S2E2S) home . If these students return to school for in- person instruction during the testing window, they All information for students enrolled in SEEs can be assessed . Watch the Spotlight for further or S2E2s will be based on MSDS enrollment information or announcements . information . All students are expected to test where they are enrolled . SEE schools and the The off-site test administration request form is schools that operate S2E2 classroom programs available in the OEAA Secure Site . are responsible for handling all assessment and related verification processes in the OEAA Secure Site . These processes occur during various date Students in Unique windows and should be completed on behalf of the Circumstances resident districts that the SEE/S2E2 serves . Only SEE schools and the schools that operate SUSPENDED STUDENTS S2E2 classroom programs will be able to view Schools must test suspended students . Testing and manage the SEE/S2E2 students in the may occur in a separate location, such as an OEAA Secure Site to ensure enrollment and administration building; students taking the demographics are correct . SEE schools and the online test may be given a unique time within schools that operate S2E2 classroom programs the established window . If students are tested off are the only entities that can view and submit campus, an off-site test administration request issues for missing answer documents or not- must be filed . tested students . Student scores will be sent back for school accountability attribution purposes; EXPELLED STUDENTS however, testing arrangements and expectations Schools are not expected to test expelled students are still based on enrollment information unless the expulsion specifies “With Services”; submitted in the MSDS . however, MSDS enrollment information must A student’s Primary Educational Providing Entity reflect the expulsion status . Students who are (PEPE) school is the school responsible for testing expelled “With Services” are still expected to be that student . tested by their PEPE school . Students who are expelled “Without Services” are not expected to SEAT TIME WAIVERS be tested by their PEPE school and instead must have a district exit record submitted for them in Students receiving seat time waivers must the MSDS, using an appropriate “as of” date prior be tested on the same dates, using the same to the Student Record Maintenance (SRM) deadline guidelines as all other students . Students with seat for assessment and accountability purposes . time waivers should be tested by their PEPE school .
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 37 Student Pre-ID and Test Eligibility
STUDENTS IN DETENTION OR • Pre-identify the student for M-STEP in the JUVENILE FACILITIES OEAA Secure Site . A student’s enrollment information in the MSDS • If a new student has not started a previously determines who is responsible for administering scheduled M-STEP test, then administer the M-STEP . The school where the student is the missed test(s) on a regularly scheduled reported as enrolled by the end of testing will makeup day for either paper/pencil or online be the school held accountable for testing the tests . student . • If a student tested online and completed a content area, the content should be indicated on the student’s demographic screen in the Accountability Considerations OEAA Secure Site in one to two business days . STUDENTS WHO MOVE INTO A The school can access the student summary SCHOOL DURING TESTING page for that student to obtain some basic information . All students who move into a receiving school during the testing window must complete M-STEP 1 . Log into the OEAA Secure Site tests for the grade level in which they are enrolled . 2 . Click on the Student Search under the This includes students moving into the school Student Assessments menu district from outside the state or country . Students 3 . Search by either student information or UIC moving from one Michigan school to another and click Search Michigan school may have completed one or more of the M-STEP tests in their previous school . 4 . Click on the student’s name under the Search Results section To determine if they have, use the following steps . (Do not rely on the student or parents to confirm 5 . On the Student Summary page, you can which tests the student might or might not have view the assigned assessments under the taken .) Current Assessments section . This will show which assessment(s) the student Directions for the receiving school: was assigned to and if they have already • Contact the new student’s former school taken one or more parts of the test . This principal and confirm which, if any, M-STEP only works with online tests, and tests the student completed prior to arriving remember; online data is loaded 48 in the receiving school . Students moving from hours after the test is taken . within the state do not need to retake content- Important Note: This does not guarantee a area tests if the sending school confirms that valid score for the student but only that the all parts of the test have been completed . online test was submitted . Maintain documentation . • For all paper/pencil or online M-STEP tests • Verify whether the new student has an scheduled on the day of or after the new IEP, Section 504 plan, or EL instruction student’s arrival, administer tests according documentation that specifies an alternate state to the M-STEP schedule . This applies to any assessment or any required supports and/or new student, including out-of-state students, accommodations . previously homeschooled students, or transferring nonpublic school students .
38 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Student Pre-ID and Test Eligibility
• If the new student has started, but not • If the student has started, but not completed, all parts of a previously scheduled completed, all parts of one or more content- M-STEP test, online and paper/pencil schools area M-STEP online tests, an Incident Report must administer the entire test . If the test should be filed to request a Do Not Score for has more than one part/test ticket, then all the test . Refer to the Incident Reporting parts/test tickets must be administered for the Guide in Appendix C for information about how content area . to submit an Incident Report . • Be sure to generate, print, and affix barcode • If the student has started, but not labels for the new student; attach one to each completed, one or more content-area M-STEP of his/her content-area answer documents paper/pencil tests, write “Do Not Score” (paper/pencil) . prominently across the front page of his/her • Ensure that the student’s MSDS information answer document(s) along with the reason, and entry date into the school are correct . and return the answer document(s) in the orange Special Handling Envelope provided by • For accountability purposes, it is critical the M-STEP contractor . that the “Accountable Students and Test Verification” processes on the OEAA Secure • Be prepared to accept a call from the student’s Site are carefully reviewed for these students . new school and to provide information on Make sure MSDS reflects accurate enrollment which state assessments he/she has not yet and exit dates . taken; the status of test completion; and any documented accommodations in the student’s STUDENTS WHO MOVE OUT OF A IEP, Section 504 Plan, or EL instruction SCHOOL DURING TESTING documentation . Students who move out of a sending school • Ensure that the student is exited from the during the test window create record-keeping school on the correct date in the MSDS . challenges . The following steps should help school For accountability purposes, it is critical that administrators ensure that such students do not the “Accountable Students and Test Verification” adversely affect the school’s test results and processes on the OEAA Secure Site are carefully accountability . reviewed for these students . Ensure the MSDS reflects accurate enrollment and exit dates . Simply Directions for the sending school: unassigning students from the M-STEP in the OEAA Secure Site does not remove them from • Do not send any test materials with the accountability calculations . student to the new school . The sending school remains responsible for these materials . • If the student has completed one or more Unique Identification Codes paper/pencil M-STEP tests, return his/her Each student in Michigan is assigned a unique answer document(s) with the rest of the identification code (UIC) when he or she enrolls in school’s scorable materials to the scoring a public school . Homeschooled, private, and non- vendor . public students are also required to have a UIC in order to take state assessments . UICs are used to identify students and report their test results; therefore, it is vital that the codes are correctly applied .
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 39 Student Pre-ID and Test Eligibility
Test Administration Windows INSIGHT Availability To provide more flexibility to administer the INSIGHT—DRC’s online testing engine, which M-STEP, MDE extended the testing windows to provides a secure online testing environment— allow districts and schools additional time to will only be available from 7:00 A .M . to 4:00 P .M . administer the M-STEP . unless an Alternate INSIGHT Availability Request is submitted and approved by the date listed on This additional time will provide greater flexibility the Important Dates document in Appendix E . for options such as testing in smaller groups or The Alternate INSIGHT Availability Request scheduling around school closures and hybrid form is available on the M-STEP web page (www . schedules . michigan .gov/mstep) . In addition, for Spring 2021 only, additional scheduling flexibility is allowed within the identified Paper/Pencil Testing Windows . Schools may Absences and Makeup Testing determine the order in which grade-leve content All makeup testing must be completed during the tests are administered . designated test window (based on grade) . Being Students should still take tests with more absent during a regular testing session is not a than one part in order . However, if a student is reason for students not to test . absent during the administration of a prior part, For online students who never started a test, it is allowable for the student to complete the there is no need to create a new test session for subsequent part with the class and the prior part makeups . Students can remain in the same test in a makeup session . session to which they were originally assigned . (For paper/pencil test dates, refer to the Paper/ Computer Adaptive Testing Pencil Testing calendars on page 10 of this manual .) for ELA and Mathematics The ELA and mathematics M-STEP tests in grades Incident Reporting 3-7 will continue to use computer adaptive testing (CAT) . This means that item presentation will vary Incident reports must be completed by authorized depending on a student’s responses . For example, users in the OEAA Secure Site . Examples of when if a student answers Question 1 correctly, he or Incident Reports must be completed include: she will be presented with a more challenging • requesting a new test (online or paper/pencil) second question than a student who answers • reporting test irregularities and Question 1 incorrectly . In this way, the computer misadministrations adjusts, or adapts, itself to each student . This is not the case for science and social studies; these • marking a test “Do Not Score” will be tested using fixed forms (items will be • marking a test “Prohibited Behavior” presented in the same order, regardless of student • marking a test “Nonstandard Accommodation” responses) . For more detailed information on situations that Students who take CATs may notice that when require incident reports, refer to the Incident they get to the end of the test, they will receive a Reporting Guide in Appendix C of this manual . congratulatory message and will have to click on an “Exit” button . There is no “End Test” button or option to review responses on the CAT as there is for fixed-form online tests .
40 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Student Pre-ID and Test Eligibility
Testing Irregularities Any irregularities that occur outside the scope of Appendix C must be reported to the OEAA Call Center as quickly as possible (1-877-560-8378) . The OEAA will work with the school to avoid marking tests “Do Not Score” or “Misadministration” . It is possible that an emergency test(s) will be required . If it becomes necessary to use an emergency test, there will be no charge when the incident is self-reported by the district . However, a $50 fee will be charged per scored test if the irregularity is not self-reported . Examples of test irregularities include, but are not limited to: • not removing or covering posters, maps, and other instructional aids in the testing room(s) • not allowing a student to complete a test (M-STEP tests are untimed, so time should not be a factor if assessments are scheduled properly) • security breaches with test materials or answer documents • allowing students to be unsupervised during testing
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 41 Before Testing
Training Tools The OEAA and its testing contractors have developed a number of resources to help staff prepare for test administration .
RECORDED PRESENTATIONS ON THE M-STEP WEB PAGE The following presentation will be available in chapters on the M-STEP web page (www .michigan .gov/ mstep) . Go to the Professional Development section .
Recorded Presentation Description Date Available
M-STEP Online and Paper/ Watch the Covers information necessary to correctly administer Pencil Test Administration Spotlight for the online and paper/pencil M-STEP assessments . Training availability
RECORDED PRESENTATIONS IN THE DRC INSIGHT PORTAL The following presentations will be available in the DRC INSIGHT Portal (formerly known as eDIRECT) (https://mi drcedirect. .com) . Select Document Type: Training Presentations & FAQs . Instructions for easy navigation to documents in the DRC INSIGHT Portal are on page 8 .
Recorded Description Date Available Presentation
Provides (a) an overview of what’s new for Spring 2021, District and Building (b) where to find resources, (c) software required for Coordinator Training the implementation of online testing, and (d) a Q&A . March 2, 2021 (recorded) Watch the Spotlight for information on how to register for the live training .
Provides an overview of the software and technology Technology setup required for M-STEP and MI-Access Spring 2021 Coordinator Recorded available now testing . It is optional viewing for District and Building Presentation Coordinators .
42 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Before Testing
MANUALS The following manuals are available on the M-STEP web page (www .michigan .gov ./mstep) and in the DRC INSIGHT Portal (https://mi .drcedirect .com) . Select Document Type: Documents . Instructions for easy navigation to documents in the DRC INSIGHT Portal are on page 8 .
Manual Description Where to Find It Date Available
M-STEP Test M-STEP web page Administration This manual (electronic only) and DRC INSIGHT January 2021 Manual (TAM) Portal
M-STEP Online Test Online test administration directions and M-STEP web page Watch the Administrator’s manual for Test Administrators (printed and DRC INSIGHT Spotlight for dates Directions and booklet and electronic) Portal available Manual
M-STEP Paper/Pencil Paper/Pencil test administration directions Watch the Test Administrator’s for Test Administrators (printed and M-STEP web page Spotlight for dates Directions and electronic booklet and manual) available Manual
This training guide provides information and resources for new Assessment Coordinators for before, during and after M-STEP web Assessment testing . The guide can be used as a page and all MDE Coordinator Training available now training tool and read beginning to end, assessment web Guide or it can be used as a refresher with pages modules or chapters that address specific questions .
MINI-TUTORIALS (ONLINE ADMINISTRATION ONLY) Mini-tutorials are short videos designed to help District M-STEP Coordinators, Building M-STEP Coordinators, and Test Administrators better understand online testing tasks . They are available in the DRC INSIGHT Portal (https://mi .drcedirect .com) . Select Document Type: Mini-Modules . Instructions for easy navigation to documents in the DRC INSIGHT Portal are on page 8 .
Mini-Tutorial Description Where to Find It Role
How to Access A mini-module on how to Documents on the DRC access documents on the DRC DRC INSIGHT Portal All INSIGHT Portal INSIGHT Portal
How to Access the A mini-module on how to Online Tools Trainings access the OTTs for student DRC INSIGHT Portal All (OTTs) training
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 43 Before Testing
Mini-Tutorial Description Where to Find It Role
District How to Search for A mini-module on how to Coordinator, DRC INSIGHT Portal Students search for students Building Coordinator
A mini-module on adding, How to Assign and District editing, and mass-assigning Mass-Assign Student Coordinator, Universal Tools, Designated DRC INSIGHT Portal Supports and Building Supports, and Accommodations Accommodations Coordinator for students
District How to Create Test A mini-module on how to create Coordinator, Sessions and Print Test test sessions and print test DRC INSIGHT Portal Building Tickets tickets Coordinator
How to check where students District Checking Student are in the testing process at Coordinator, DRC INSIGHT Portal Test Status any given time (not started, in Building progress, or completed) Coordinator
ASSESSMENT SECURITY TRAINING MODULES THROUGH MICHIGAN VIRTUAL The following training modules are available through Michigan Virtual (http://bit .ly/MDEAssessmentSecurity) .
Training Module Description Date Available Module 1: An Introduction to This module covers why test security is important . Currently Available Test Security This module covers steps to take before testing, such as staff training and preparing the test environment . These Module 2: Getting steps will help you avoid common security problems, Currently Available Ready for Testing protecting both your staff and the validity of your test results . This module covers security concerns and considerations Module 3: Test during testing . What should test administrators do on-site? Currently Available Administration What student behaviors should you watch for?
This module covers what to do if something goes wrong . Module 4: Incident Most problems can be prevented with preparation and Currently Available Response monitoring, and most can be mitigated with a quick and careful response .
This refresher course can be used by educators who Assessment Security completed modules one through four in the previous Currently Available Refresher Course assessment administration in place of modules one through four .
44 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Before Testing
Assessment Security ASSESSMENT SECURITY TRAINING The primary goals of test security are to protect All staff members who participate in a state the integrity of the assessment and to ensure that assessment must be fully trained in assessment results are accurate and meaningful . Test security security . is integral in ensuring that no student has an District/Building Assessment Coordinator unfair advantage or a disadvantage in assessment Training Requirements: performance . • Complete the MDE Assessment Security online The Assessment Integrity Guide (AIG) was course through Michigan Virtual (http://bit .ly/ revised and updated in November 2020 . This MDEAssessmentSecurity) . document, available for download on the M-STEP • Read the Assessment Integrity Guide . web page (www .michigan .gov/mstep), details how state-level assessments should be securely Test Administrators/Room Supervisors/ administered . The AIG also includes information Proctors Training Requirements: on the roles and responsibilities of testing staff, • Read the Assessment Integrity Guide . test preparation, administration irregularities, and security . District and Building Coordinators and/or are required to read the AIG in its entirety . • Complete the MDE Assessment Security online By following the guidelines in the Assessment course through Michigan Virtual (http://bit .ly/ Integrity Guide, schools ensure that: MDEAssessmentSecurity) . • student test results are valid and reliable Technology Coordinators and Other Staff • the testing context is equitable for all students (anyone who handles or has access to secure • all practices are ethical materials) Training Requirements: • Read the Keeping Assessment Materials Secure The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) training document, which is available in the also provides the Assessment Security online Assessment Integrity Guide in Appendix E . course through Michigan Virtual (http://bit .ly/ MDEAssessmentSecurity) . This four-module Note: Assessment Security Training does not training series is used to train building staff on replace mandatory assessment administration the importance of test security by following the training . Assessment Integrity Guide . Upon completion of the four modules and demonstration of knowledge on a short test, participants will receive a Material Security Certificate of Completion, which must be retained • All materials that allow access to or contain on file with signed security compliance forms . test questions or student responses are After successful completion of this training, staff considered secure materials and must be are required to participate in the refresher course handled in a way that maintains their security in subsequent years . before, during, and after testing . This includes paper/pencil materials, accommodated ASSESSMENT TRAINING materials, used scratch paper, online test The District Assessment Coordinator is responsible tickets, and test rosters . for providing clear and comprehensive annual training on test administration and security procedures to building-level staff; the coordinator must comply with state assessment requirements .
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 45 Before Testing
• All secure materials must be retained in one Test Administration secure, locked location within the school . During the test administration window, the All testing staff must adhere to these guidelines . materials must be distributed and collected • Ensure an appropriate testing environment is daily . maintained . • Secure materials are bar-coded and recorded • Begin all standardized test administration on the security checklists that accompany procedures according to the explicit directions shipments, and must be returned to the in the Test Administrator’s Directions and scoring contractor . Note: Schools should Manual . expect to account for every secure item • If not using the Text-to-Speech (TTS) for recorded on the materials list . directions option, read test directions to • Test tickets used to log students into each the students exactly as they are written, as online test are considered secure materials and required . must be treated as such . Test rosters, which • Monitor student behavior closely for automatically print along with test tickets, are adherence to proper test-taking practices . also considered secure . Ensure that there are no distractions during • Unused answer documents must be securely the test administration period, including shredded . talking, noises, and other interactions among • All used scratch paper (including graph paper) students; prevent students from viewing must be collected and returned to the building another student’s computer screen or answer M-STEP Coordinator immediately after testing, document . to be shredded . No used scratch or graph • Ensure that students whose IEP and/or section paper may be kept in the classroom . Used 504 plan requires them to use Universal Tools, scratch paper must never be taken from one Designated Supports, and Accommodations test session to another . have these available to them at the time of • No test materials that contain test questions or testing . student responses may be copied at any time • Ensure that any student who needs an or retained in the schools . allowable Universal Tool or Designated Support • The use of cameras or cell phones and the has these resources available to them at the posting of pictures to social media sites during time of testing . testing is an enormous security risk . Therefore, • Maintain material security . students or testing personnel may not take photographs at any time during testing . If students violate this policy, their tests will Security Compliance be marked “Prohibited Behavior” and no All staff involved in the administration of emergency tests will be permitted . M-STEP tests must read and sign an Office of Educational Assessment and Accountability (OEAA) Assessment Security Compliance Form, affirming that they have read the required assessment materials related to their role in the M-STEP administration process, and that they understand their role and responsibilities . Completed forms
46 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Before Testing
are required from Technology Coordinators, NUMBER 2 PENCILS District and Building Test Coordinators, Test To ensure responses are correctly captured by Administrators, proctors, and all other staff or the scanning equipment, number 2 pencils are volunteers with access to secure test materials or required for paper/pencil testing and are optional student responses . All OEAA Assessment Security for online testing . If a different writing utensil is Compliance Forms must be returned to the District used on an answer document, it will be necessary M-STEP Coordinator and kept on file for three to transcribe the answers onto a new answer years . document by following these steps . Anyone involved in the administration of the • For your protection, file an Incident Report . M-STEP is obligated to report any suspected Refer to the Incident Reporting Guide in violations of test security . Appendix C of this manual for information about how to submit an Incident Report . Materials Permitted or • Affix a new barcode label for the student to a Required During Testing new answer document and fill out the student name and date of birth, and the district/school MDE-APPROVED INSIGHT TOOLS fields . POSTER • Have the student transcribe his/her answers The MDE-approved INSIGHT Tools (https://www . onto the new answer document in a one-on- michigan .gov/mde/0,4615,7-140-22709_70117- one proctored session . 407429--,00 .html) poster is the only INSIGHT • Write “Do Not Score” across the front page Tools poster that may be posted during testing . of the original answer document and place it No other tools poster or testing help/tips may be in the orange Special Handling Envelope for displayed at any time during testing . return to the contractor . The INSIGHT Tools poster must not be within Number 2 pencils should be made available reach of students during testing; the poster is to to online test takers to use with scratch paper or be displayed in the classroom, but not placed at or graph paper . on student desks or computers . Any other use of these posters, or any other HIGHLIGHTERS INSIGHT Tools poster, is prohibited . • Highlighters are a universal tool . • Highlighters are embedded in the online test CALCULATORS engine (INSIGHT) . For information on the state’s Calculator Policy, • Highlighters can be provided to paper/ refer to Appendix A of this manual . Specific pencil testers and may be used only in the directions related to the use of both handheld test booklet (never on the student’s answer (paper/pencil) and embedded (online) calculators document) . are also contained in the grade-level specific If highlighters are used on a paper/pencil Test Administrator’s Directions and Manual that student answer document, follow these steps . are shipped to schools along with their other assessment materials . • For your protection, file an Incident Report . Refer to the Incident Reporting Guide in Appendix C of this manual for information about how to submit an Incident Report .
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 47 Before Testing
• Affix a new barcode label for the student to a • Students may use their own headphones new answer document and fill out the student or earbuds, but Test Administrators should name and date of birth, and district/school check them prior to testing to ensure they are fields . working properly . • Have the student transcribe his/her answers onto a new answer document in a one-on-one CDs/DVDs proctored session . • CD/DVD players may be used for students using CDs or DVDs as an Accommodation or • Write “Do Not Score” across the front page Designated Support for paper/pencil science of the original answer document and place it and social studies . in the orange Special Handling Envelope for return to the contractor . • CD players may also be used for the listening part of the paper/pencil ELA test . A script of ADDITIONAL PAPER the listening part is also provided if the school • Scratch paper is allowed for both the online prefers to have someone read that part of the and paper/pencil tests . ELA test aloud to students . • Graph paper will be provided to online testers • Additional information about the use of CDs in grades 6–7 for the mathematics test . Paper/ and DVDs can be found in the Supports and pencil testers may write on the graphs that are Accommodations section of this manual . printed in their test booklets . • The school may choose to provide additional Software and graph paper to paper/pencil testers; Testing Devices however, no formulas, reference materials, or information of any kind can appear on DRC INSIGHT Portal that paper . (https://mi .drcedirect .com) • Under no circumstances can used scratch The DRC INSIGHT Portal (formerly known as paper, graph paper, or notes be taken from one eDIRECT) is Data Recognition Corporation’s test session or test part to another . (DRC’s) custom-built web application . The • All scratch paper and graph paper must be DRC INSIGHT Portal allows Michigan users to collected immediately after testing, returned access training materials, download testing to the Building Coordinator, and securely software, manage online test sessions, print shredded . test tickets, assign and manage online testing For more detailed information on scratch paper, accommodations, and monitor testing progress . refer to the Scratch Paper Policy in Appendix B . Each DRC INSIGHT Portal user will receive his/her own login information and password with specific HEADPHONES permissions based on his/her role as entered in the OEAA Secure Site . Test Administrators do not • Headphones are required for (1) ELA online need secure access to the DRC INSIGHT Portal . listening items, (2) online testers who need The DRC INSIGHT Portal is used in connection with text-to-speech accommodations, (3) students DRC’s online test engine, INSIGHT . using CDs or DVDs as an accommodation or support for paper/pencil science and social studies, and (4) for any test session using the TTS test directions .
48 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Before Testing
INSIGHT AND CENTRAL • BEFORE testing: select “Settings” then OFFICE SERVICES “Keyboard Settings” and select US Keyboard DRC’s INSIGHT is software that provides a • DURING testing: click anywhere outside of secure online testing environment . The software the text box and press CTRL + SHIFT + SPACE is available from the DRC INSIGHT Portal and BAR to select US Keyboard must be installed on each device used for testing . Note about iPads: When testing on iPads, after In addition, Central Office Services (COS) is logging in to the test, students will receive the needed to (1) allow the audio components of following message: the test to function properly, and (2) ensure a smooth and secure testing environment . COS helps manage network traffic, connectivity, and bandwidth issues, so students are not kicked out of the system during testing . COS also reduces bandwidth consumption and provides extended retries in the event of network issues . Refer to the Technology User Guide available in the DRC INSIGHT Portal (https://mi .drcedirect .com) for additional details .
SUPPORTED TESTING DEVICES The student or Test Administrator should select “Yes” to continue testing . Once “Yes” has been Students may test using the following devices: selected, the test Welcome page will appear . • Windows-based desktops or laptops • Mac-based desktops or laptops Important Tasks Before • iPads Testing • Chromebooks, Chromeboxes, and The following tasks should be performed in the Chromebases, including CloudReady order listed . Chromebooks should use the latest Chrome OS stable channel available and must use version 1 . TRAINING REQUIREMENTS AND 83 or later for Spring 2021 . Devices more than a RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS year past “End of Life” support may not be able to update their OS and could become unavailable as Online Student Tutorials testing devices . Online Student Tutorials are designed to be viewed Refer to the Technology User Guide or “DRC with students in a classroom environment to INSIGHT System Requirements” available in the provide an overview of the INSIGHT testing engine DRC INSIGHT Portal (https://mi .drcedirect .com) and tools . It is a companion activity that prepares for more detailed information about supported students for the Online Tools Training (OTTs) . The devices and versions . tutorials are not a substitute for the hands-on Notes about Chromebooks: When testing on practice that the OTTs provide . Chromebooks, the keyboard must be set to US The tutorials are available in two places: Keyboard . If it is not set this way, the student will • DRC INSIGHT Portal (https://mi .drcedirect . not be able to use quotation marks or apostrophes com) – select “here” in the Documents and in text boxes . Training Materials bullet point and then
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 49 Before Testing
select the Test Tutorials tab . Instructions for Paper/Pencil Sample Item Sets easy navigation to documents in the DRC for Students INSIGHT Portal are on page 8 . Sample Item Sets are not a practice test; they • INSIGHT testing engine – select the tutorial provide students practice opportunities (by grade link at the bottom of the DRC INSIGHT Portal and content area) to practice with the types of screen . items and answer options they will encounter on Online Tools Training for Students the paper/pencil M-STEP assessments . Answer keys for mathematics and social studies are provided at Online Tools Trainings (OTTs) allow students to see the end of each document; answer keys for ELA what different test items look like and to practice and science are separate documents . using the online testing tools . Before the testing To access the paper/pencil Sample Item Sets, software is installed, you must use the Google go to the M-STEP web page (www .michigan . Chrome web browser to access the OTTs at the gov/mstep) and scroll to the Content Specific OTT portal (https://wbte .drcedirect .com/MI/ Information section, and select Paper/Pencil portals/mi/) . Note: If Chrome is not your default Sample Item Sets . browser, you will need to copy and paste this URL address into a CHROME web browser . You can access the OTTs through the testing software, once 2 . ASSIGN ROLES FOR it is installed . DISTRICT USERS District M-STEP Coordinators will need to make OTT resources include: sure all key personnel in the assessment process • all ELA, mathematics, science, and social (Technology Coordinators, District Coordinators, studies OTTs and Building Coordinators) have access to the DRC • calculator practice module INSIGHT Portal . Staff who need access to the DRC • graphing practice INSIGHT Portal should request the access they need through the OEAA Secure Site . Instructions • masking (Designated Support) on how to request access are available on the • color choices/contrasting color (Designated Secure Site Training web page (www .michigan . Supports) gov/securesitetraining) under the Security • mathematics stacked Spanish translation section . Users with a role in the OEAA Secure (Designated Support) Site for the DRC INSIGHT Portal and with access • text-to-speech (TTS): to M-STEP will be loaded into the DRC INSIGHT – ELA and mathematics TTS – items only Portal . This is the only method to get access to the (Designated Support) DRC INSIGHT Portal . – ELA TTS – items and passages • Technology Coordinators will need access to (Accommodation) the DRC INSIGHT Portal to download testing • Video Sign Language (VSL) (Accommodation) software . Providing students with ample practice • Building Coordinators will need DRC INSIGHT opportunities will ensure they are familiar with the Portal access to manage online test sessions, test content, item types, navigation strategies, assign accommodations, and print test tickets . and system tools on test day . • District Coordinators will need access to the DRC INSIGHT Portal to monitor testing progress and serve as backup support for Building Coordinators .
50 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Before Testing
• Test Administrators do not need access to the password-protected part of the DRC INSIGHT Helpful Hint: Be sure to remove students Portal to obtain the materials they need . who are testing in MI-Access from the M-STEP Pre-ID list before creating test sessions . Once Everyone, including Test Administrators, has a test session is assigned and pulled into the access to the Documents section of the DRC DRC INSIGHT Portal, an M-STEP test ticket will INSIGHT Portal (https://mi .drcedirect .com) as be generated for the student . This can cause this section does not require a login (open the confusion in the school if a Test Administrator link in the Documents and Training Materials is given a test roster and test tickets that bullet point) . Instructions for easy navigation to include students who are supposed to take the documents in the DRC INSIGHT Portal are on MI‑Access assessment, and in some cases may page 8 of this manual . result in students taking both MI-Access and M-STEP tests . 3 . PRE-IDENTIFY STUDENTS FOR TESTING • Assign any new students to M-STEP testing if The Office of Educational Assessment and they have enrolled since the fall MSDS General Accountability (OEAA) pre-identified students Collection (student count day) . for the Spring 2021 M-STEP using the Fall 2020 MSDS General Collection and Student Record The testing contractor will print barcode labels, Maintenance (SRM) files . Starting January 6, which will be shipped along with the requested 2021, a Pre-ID Student Report can be generated test materials for students who were pre-identified from the OEAA Secure Site . Instructions on how as M-STEP paper/pencil testers in the Secure to create a Pre-ID Student Report can be found on Site by 5:00 P .M ,. February 17, 2021 . Schools the Secure Site Training web page (www .michigan . administering the paper/pencil tests will be gov/securesitetraining) . It is the responsibility of required to print barcode labels from the Secure the district/school to review the report and take Site for students pre-identified after that date . the following actions: 4 . ORDER TEST MATERIALS • Ensure that all students in grades 3–8 and 11 are included in the Pre-ID Student Report . It is up to the district to determine who will handle the placing of orders for paper/pencil • Remove (unassign) students who have test materials—either the District or the Building exited the school or are taking the MI-Access M-STEP coordinator . assessment (the state’s alternate assessment) . (Note: Students who are unassigned from Initial Materials Orders testing are not removed from accountability All test materials orders are placed in the OEAA calculations, just from testing . To remove a Secure Site (www .michigan .gov/oeaa-secure) student from accountability calculations, the during a specific time frame . Initial material orders student must be exited in the MSDS in the are created based on the number of students Spring 2021 MSDS General Collection or in an pre-identified to the M-STEP and flagged for SRM collection .) paper/pencil testing on the OEAA Secure Site . Accommodated orders must be keyed in by the district or school on the Initial Material Order page .
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 51 Before Testing
To ensure that materials are ordered and shipped Based on Pre-ID, buildings will receive in their to the correct location, the person responsible IMO order: for placing orders must verify on the Initial Order Screen in the Secure Site that the name and Online Testing Paper/Pencil Testing shipping address of the building or district M-STEP Online Test Paper/Pencil Test coordinator (depending on the shipping destination Administrator’s Administrator’s Directions selected) is correct . The address must be verified Directions and and Manuals – based on even if testing online to ensure arrival of online Manuals – based building Pre-ID materials . If the information is incorrect, it must on building Pre-ID be updated in the EEM by the authorized district Graph Paper – EEM user by no later than 5:00 P .M . on February Blank Labels for schools one per Pre-IDed 17, 2021 . If you do not know who your district that have any students Pre- student in grade authorized EEM user is, you can find their name, IDed for paper/pencil testing email, and phone number on the District and 6 or 7 Schools Contact page of the Secure Site . Listening Scripts, CDs – Instructions for Initial Materials Orders (IMO) can based on number of ELA test be found on the Secure Site Training web page booklets ordered for paper/ (www .michigan gov/securesitetraining). . Click pencil testing only on “Initial Materials Order” under the Material Paper/Pencil Test Orders section . Booklets/Answer For both online and paper/pencil testing, all Documents – based on buildings will receive:: students Pre-IDed for paper/ pencil testing or available as • OEAA Security Compliance Forms ordered • Return Kit Pre-ID Labels – per – FedEx Air Bills student Pre-IDed for paper/ – Instructions for Materials Return pencil testing; one for each – Scorable Labels content area tested – Special Handling Envelopes As ordered materials available: • Accommodated materials kits • DVDs • Glossaries
Orders for Online Testers Materials needed for online testing are automatically sent to all schools; schools should verify the shipping information on the Initial Material Order page of the OEAA Secure Site, but no other action is necessary . It is important for M-STEP coordinators to view the instructions for
52 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Before Testing
Initial Material Orders on the Secure Site Training 5 . LOAD STUDENTS IN THE DRC web page (www .michigan .gov/securesitetraining) . INSIGHT PORTAL This will ensure that you understand how this Students cannot be loaded directly into the DRC process works and you get the correct amount INSIGHT Portal . Instead, follow the procedures of materials . Refer to the List of Important established to pre-identify students in the Secure Dates in Appendix E of this manual for material Site . Once students are entered there, it will take ordering dates . about one business day for them to be loaded into Additional Materials Orders the DRC INSIGHT Portal .
During the Additional Materials Order window, Note: If a student is loaded into the DRC INSIGHT schools will have the opportunity to order Portal from the OEAA Secure Site, but then additional standard and accommodated paper/ unassigned in the OEAA Secure Site, the student pencil test materials, if necessary, from the will not be removed from the DRC INSIGHT Portal . Additional Material Order page of the Secure Site . Students can be removed from the test session Refer to the List of Important Dates in in the DRC INSIGHT Portal, but they cannot be Appendix E of this manual for dates when removed from the DRC INSIGHT Portal . additional material orders can be placed . Instructions for placing an additional material order can be found on the Secure Site Training Helpful Hint: Some schools choose to create web page (www .michigan .gov/securesitetraining) . a “Not Testing” session in the DRC INSIGHT Portal and move those students there to avoid Supports and Accommodations confusion . Some Designated Supports and Accommodations for students require them to take paper/pencil versions of the tests . These tests must be 6 . ASSIGN/EDIT TEST SESSIONS specifically requested when materials are ordered There are two methods to assign test sessions for in the OEAA Secure Site (www .michigan .gov/oeaa- students testing online . Initially, this is done in the secure) . OEAA Secure Site according to pre-identification by student and grade . If students were not Inventory of Materials assigned to test sessions in the OEAA Secure Site Each order contains a packing list of all materials before the posted deadline (refer to the List of included in the shipment . It is the responsibility Important Dates in Appendix E), those students of the Building and/or District Assessment can be placed directly into test sessions within the Coordinator to inventory all materials in the order DRC INSIGHT Portal . After this posted deadline, upon receipt to verify that all materials were students must still be pre-identified on the OEAA received . If there are any materials included on Secure Site . They will then be transferred into the the packing list but not included in the shipment, DRC INSIGHT Portal; from there, schools will have contact the call center, 1-877-560-8378 and to place students into test sessions . select Option 3 to report the discrepancy . Schools/ • Schools administering assessments online can districts are expected to return all secure materials group students into online sessions on the OEAA as indicated on the packing list to the scoring Secure Site before the posted deadline (refer to contractor after testing . the List of Important Dates in Appendix E) . This is true for all students, whether they were pre-identified by the district/school or by the OEAA .
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 53 Before Testing
• Instructions for completing assigning test For detailed information on assigning sessions in the Secure Site can be found on the accommodations, refer to the How to Assign Secure Site Training web page (www .michigan . and Mass-assign Student Supports and gov/securesitetraining) . Click on “Creating Accommodations mini-module found in the DRC Online Sessions” located under the Quick INSIGHT Portal (https://mi .drcedirect .com) . Select Reference section . Document Type: Mini-Modules . Instructions for • After the posted deadline: easy navigation to documents in the DRC INSIGHT Portal are on page 8 . – pre-identified students will be pulled into their online session groups from the OEAA Secure Site and automatically entered into Helpful Hint: Helpful resources for managing, the DRC INSIGHT Portal recording, and tracking Universal Tools, – schools will need to place new students into Designated Supports, and Accommodations are a test session directly in the DRC INSIGHT available to buildings/districts on the M-STEP Portal web page (www .michigan .gov/mstep) under – pre-identified students will be available in the Student Supports and Accommodations . DRC INSIGHT Portal within one business day, Select Recording and Tracking Resources . starting March 5, 2021
7 . ASSIGN SUPPORTS AND 8 . CREATE TESTING SCHEDULES ACCOMMODATIONS Before testing begins, testing schedules must be The Spring 2021 M-STEP online assessments offer developed for the school . Testing schedules must two kinds of supports and accommodations— be established and maintained on-site for three embedded and non-embedded . Embedded years . supports and accommodations are those that are Due to the testing window extension, for Spring integrated into the online testing system . 2021 only, districts and schools that created Note: When assigning Universal Tools, Testing Schedules prior to the March 18, 2021 Designated Supports, and Accommodations, testing window extension announcement are be sure to review the Student Supports and encouraged, but not required, to recreate testing Accommodations Tables found in the Supports schedules . and Accommodations Guidance Document on the Documentation of testing schedules must M-STEP web page (www .michigan .gov/mstep) . minimally include: The embedded supports and accommodations • district name need to be turned on in the DRC INSIGHT Portal before the student’s test ticket is generated . • building name Non-embedded supports and accommodations are • building coordinator’s name those that are not available within the test engine, • date of assessment administration such as noise buffers or having a teacher read the • location of testing session(s) (such as room items aloud to a student . number, classroom) • starting and ending times of testing sessions Helpful Hint: Embedded supports and • assessment/grade/content being administered accommodations must be assigned in the DRC for each testing session INSIGHT Portal before generating test tickets . • test administrator(s) and proctor(s) for each session
54 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Before Testing
For detailed information and a sample test others may require additional time . Be sure to schedule, refer to the Assessment Integrity Guide . plan for both contingencies . Schools should also (AIG), which can be found on the M-STEP web consider the ages and needs of their students and page (www .michigan .gov/mstep) . schedule planned breaks as appropriate . To support the development of testing schedules, Estimated test session times do not include: the OEAA has prepared estimates of the time it • travel to and from the testing room expects each test component to take, as shown in the following tables . Note: The overall time • distribution and collection of test tickets, test is the same for both online and paper/pencil booklets, answer documents, scratch paper, tests, although the latter tests have different test and calculators (as allowed) sessions/parts . • signing into the test session M-STEP tests are untimed and student-paced . • review of online or paper/pencil test directions Therefore, students must be given as much time and paper/pencil ELA and mathematics sample as they need to complete each session or part items with students of the test . You may expect some students will • completion of the first page (demographic complete the test in less time than estimated while page) of the answer document
Spring 2021 Estimated Test Session Timings Grades 3–7 Content Area Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7 ELA Computer Adaptive 2:00 2:00 2:00 2:00 2:00 Mathematics Computer Adaptive 1:30 1:30 1:30 2:00 2:00 Science Part 1 NA NA 0:45 NA NA Science Part 2 NA NA 0:45 NA NA Social Studies NA NA 0:60 NA NA Estimated Total Hours 3:30 3:30 6:00 4:00 4:00 Note: Times are in hours:minutes. Example, 1:30 equals 1 hour 30 minutes.
Spring 2021 Estimated Test Session Timings Grade 8 Content Area Grade 8 M-STEP Science Part 1 :45 M-STEP Science Part 2 :45 M-STEP Social Studies :60 PSAT 8/9 (ELA and Mathematics) 2:40 Estimated Total Hours 5:10
Note: The science test is now operational.
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 55 Before Testing
Spring 2021 M-STEP Test Session Timings Content Area Grade 11 Science 1:30 Social Studies 1:00 Estimated Total Hours 2:30
Schools should consider the needs of students, For online testing, MDE offers the following space and device availability, and staffing recommendations to consider when building resources when developing a test schedule; this your testing schedule . Note: These are not will ensure all students have a safe, orderly testing requirements; rather they are suggestions to environment with adequate time to complete each consider based on feedback received from the field M-STEP assessment . in past administrations:
English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics
Recommendations Notes
Test time estimates: • ELA grades 3-7: 2 hours Number and • Administered in two sessions • mathematics grades 3–5: Duration of • Session durations range from 40–60 minutes 1 hour 30 minutes Session • mathematics grades 6–7: 2 hours
• Breaks within a single test session should not exceed 20 minutes . If breaks longer than 20 minutes are used, students should resume testing in a later test session . Breaks are allowed and can be • Breaks should be provided based on the needs provided during the test session Breaks within of the students and building policy . Breaks are using INSIGHT’s pause feature . If Sessions important to ensure students remain focused the test is paused for 20 minutes on the content of the assessment throughout or longer, students will need test the test; breaks are strongly encouraged for tickets to log back in . any testing session that lasts longer than 40-60 minutes based on the needs of the students .
Tests that are not submitted are • Students should complete the test within five available for students to resume Total Duration days of starting the test . testing until the end of the testing window .
56 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Before Testing
Science and Social Studies
Recommendations Notes
• Science grades 5 and 8: Administered in two sessions • Science grade 11: Administered in one session Test time estimates: Number and • Science session durations range from • Science grades 5, 8, and 11: Duration of 40–60 minutes 1 hour 30 minutes Session • Social studies grades 5, 8, and 11: • Social studies grades 5, 8, Administered in one session and 11: 1 hour • Social studies session durations range from 40–60 minutes
• Breaks within a single test session should not exceed 20 minutes . If breaks longer than 20 minutes are used, students should resume testing in a later test session . Breaks are allowed and can be • Breaks should be provided based on the needs provided during the test session Breaks within of the students and building policy . Breaks are using INSIGHT’s pause feature . If Sessions important to ensure students remain focused the test is paused for 20 minutes on the content of the assessment throughout or longer, students will need test the test; breaks are strongly encouraged for tickets to log back in . any testing session that lasts longer than 40-60 minutes, based on the needs of the students .
• Students should complete the test within five Tests that are not submitted are available for students to resume Total Duration days of starting the test . testing until the end of the testing window .
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 57 Before Testing
9 . TEST TICKET PRINTING A test roster will print with each set of test tickets . If a roster is not desired, it is possible to print only Each student will require a test ticket for every the tickets by adjusting the print settings to leave online test session . Each test ticket has a off the first 1–2 pages of the document . Both the username and a unique password . test tickets and test roster are secure materials .
Helpful Hint: Building Coordinators may Sample Test Tickets want to print test tickets for each session on Each test ticket will have a unique password . a different color paper, to reduce potential Following are examples of test tickets . confusion about which test tickets to use . For
example, use one color for each content area or for each grade . M-STEP Spring 2021 Test Ticket G3 ELA Refer to the following table to determine the Student Name: Smith, John J number of test tickets required for each grade . Date of Birth: 3/3/20XX Test Tickets by Grade Username: JSMITH1 Password: ZM5XQYZ8 Total Number (Note: Username and password are not case sensitive) Grade Number of Tickets of Tickets Accommodation: MSK Test Session: Sample Session ELA (1) 3 2 Mathematics (1) For detailed information on printing test tickets, ELA (1) 4 2 Mathematics (1) refer to the How to Create Test Sessions and Print Test Tickets mini-module found in ELA (1) the DRC INSIGHT Portal (https:// mi .drcedirect . Mathematics (1) 5 5 com) . Select Document Type: Mini Modules . Science (2) Social Studies (1) Instructions for easy navigation to documents in the DRC INSIGHT Portal are on page 8 . ELA (1) 6 2 Mathematics (1) ELA (1) 7 2 Mathematics (1) Science (2) 8 3 Social Studies (1) Science (1) 11 2 Social Studies (1)
58 M-STEP Test Administration Manual During Testing
Important Tasks M-STEP Spring 2021
During Testing Test Ticket G3 ELA The following tasks should be performed in the Student Name: Smith, John J order listed . Date of Birth: 3/3/20XX Username: JMSITH1 1 . MANAGING STUDENT Password: ZM5XQYZ8 TEST TICKETS (Note: Username and password are not case sensitive) Accommodation: MSK Test tickets and rosters are secure materials . Once Test Session: Sample Session printed, they must be kept in a secure location until the test session is scheduled to begin . Test Online supports and accommodations are Administrators are instructed to distribute test abbreviated on the test tickets as follows: tickets just prior to student login, and to collect test tickets after all students have logged in and Embedded Online Supports/ Test Ticket begun testing . Accommodations Abbreviation Only one test ticket should be distributed at a Abacus A time; students should not have access to any test Auditory Amplification AA ticket other than the one for the test the student is currently taking . Alt communication devices ACD After a testing session is complete, the Test Administered Individually/Small AISG Administrator should return all test tickets Group (and rosters, if printed) to the Building M-STEP Sign Language ASL Video ASL Coordinator for: Administrator Sign Test Content in ASTC • destruction (if all students finished the test) ASL
OR Administrator Sign Test Directions ASTD in ASL • secure storage (if students have not completed the test) Bilingual word-to-word dictionary BWWD
Color Choices CC
Helpful Hint: To help manage test tickets, Continuous Magnification CM some schools sort them into envelopes for “complete”, “in progress”, and “not started” . Closed Captioning CCAPTION Contrasting Color CTC
Masking MSK 2 . VERIFYING SUPPORTS AND ACCOMMODATIONS ON TEST TICKETS Noise Buffers NB For students with supports and accommodations, Non-embedded Calculator NEC some of those supports/accommodations will be OEAA Multiplication Table OMT displayed at the bottom of their test ticket (see the bold text on the following sample test ticket) . Oral Translated Test Directions OTTD Read Aloud (Human Reader) RAHR
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 59 Manual . Electronic copies of these resources can Embedded Online Supports/ Test Ticket Accommodations Abbreviation be downloaded from the M-STEP web page (www . michigan .gov/mstep) or the DRC INSIGHT Portal Scribe (Non-Writing items) SNWI (https://mi .drcedirect .com) . Printed copies of the Spanish Translation (Stacked) ST M-STEP Online Test Administrator’s Directions and Manual and the M-STEP Paper/Pencil Test Scribe (Writing items) SWI Administrator’s Directions and Manual are also Text-To Speech (Items Only) TTS included in the Initial Material Orders .
Text-to-Speech (Items & Passages) TTSPASSAGE Test Administrators must have a printed copy of the M-STEP Online Test Administrator’s Directions Visual Aids VA and Manual and the M-STEP Paper/Pencil Test Test Administrators need to know which Universal Administrator’s Directions and Manual for the test Tools, Designated Supports, and Accommodations being administered . Directions must be read and are needed for all students prior to the test followed explicitly . administration . Ensuring Test Directions Are Read for Each Test Administered Helpful Hint: Create a procedure for Some schools have asked the Michigan your district/building that ensures Test Department of Education if they can be allowed Administrators are made aware of all to administer more than one test at a time for Designated Supports and/or Accommodations mixed‑age and/or mixed-content groups of in each test session . Some schools use a students, while directions for one test are read . Google sheet that includes student Designated Supports and Accommodations . This allows Test • “Can we administer the grade 3 and 4 Administrators to verify students in their test mathematics M-STEP at the same time, sessions with supports and/or accommodations . reading the directions from one of the tests to all students?”
Students or Test Administrators will be required • “Can students be given test tickets for more to turn on some supports and accommodations than one test so they can move from one test once the student has launched INSIGHT . Refer to the next?” to the M-STEP Online Test Administrator’s • “Can students taking different tests be tested Directions and Manual for more information in the same room?” about turning on Universal Tools, Designated The answer to all of these questions is based on Supports, and Accommodations . These this requirement: grade-specific documents are available in the DRC INSIGHT Portal (https://mi .drcedirect .com) and on Directions Must be Read and Followed the M-STEP web page (www .michigan .gov/mstep) . Explicitly .
3 . DURING A TEST SESSION Test Administrators cannot read directions for one test and presume that those directions will apply Detailed test directions are included in the to any other test in the same grade and/or content M-STEP Online Test Administrator’s area . There are slight but important differences in Directions and Manual and the M-STEP Paper/ the directions for different grade and/or content Pencil Test Administrator’s Directions and area tests .
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If the Test Administrator is able to ensure that the “play” button to listen to the directions . Note: All appropriate Test Directions are read to students students must have headphones in order to use for each test, while not disrupting testing of any TTS for test directions . other students (such as with TTS for Directions only), then testing in more than one grade or Breaks During Testing content area is allowable . Breaks are allowed during M-STEP testing (online Per the Assessment Integrity Guide, noting the and paper/pencil) . content area and grade on the Testing Schedule During online test sessions, breaks can be for each test session is required . When testing provided using the software’s “Pause” feature (do more than one grade or content area in a single not click “Review/End Test”—that will cause the test session, each assessment being administered student’s responses to be submitted) . Tests can to each student must be clearly documented in the be paused for up to 20 minutes . If the 20-minute Testing Schedule . In addition, a notation must be limit expires, a student will need his/her test ticket made on the Testing Schedule describing the steps to log back in . taken to ensure all students are provided a quiet, distraction-free testing environment when more If a student does not finish a single assessment than one assessment is administered in the on the same day in which it was started, the Test same room . Administrator should collect the student’s test ticket and store it in a secure, locked storage area for redistribution on the next testing day . All Helpful Hint: Test Administrators test tickets must be destroyed once the test is administering multiple content area or grade complete . tests in a single test session should consider Paper/pencil testers are allowed to take using the TTS option for test directions . breaks any time a “stop” sign appears in their Remember that the directions include a brief test booklets . These signs appear at the end of read-aloud section, to verify the students have each test part, which will be noted in the test the correct test ticket and are assigned to and directions . If a student leaves the room, the Test selecting the correct test . Administrator must collect their answer documents and any used scratch paper, put them inside the In a makeup or extended session, testing of students’ test booklets, and give the booklets back multiple grades and content areas in the same to the students when they return . Students may room is allowable if students are resuming testing not return to an earlier part of their test booklet and have already heard the test directions read after a break . aloud . Testing Status Text-to-Speech Test Directions A student’s testing status can be checked in the New for Spring 2021: Text-to-Speech (TTS) test DRC INSIGHT Portal . For information on how to directions are available for all students . access the student test status, refer to the How To use TTS for test directions, Test Administrators to Find Student Testing Status mini-module in will follow the “TTS Test Directions” section of the the DRC INSIGHT Portal (https://mi .drcedirect . Test Administrator’s Directions and Manual . These com) . Select Document Type: Mini-Modules . directions provide introductory information and Instructions for easy navigation to documents in test verification, then direct students to select the the DRC INSIGHT Portal are on page 7 .
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 61 During Testing
The following table defines the status notations If the test has been paused for more than 20 that are used in the INSIGHT Portal . minutes, the student will need to log in again using the original test ticket . Status Description Internet Connectivity Not Started Student has not started this test Online testing requires a reliable connection to Student began this test but has In Progress not finished the internet . If a student’s computer loses its connection during testing, the system will continue Student completed and submitted Completed to attempt reconnection for five minutes . The the test or clicked “End Test” error message will display, instructing the student to raise his/her hand for help while continuing Testing Irregularities to attempt reconnection . If the system is able to Any irregularities that occur before, during, reconnect, the error message will close and the or after testing must be reported to the student can resume testing . Note: It is possible District M-STEP Coordinator and the OEAA (as that a student could see the error message but the appropriate) as soon as possible . Refer to the error is resolved before the Test Administrator has Incident Reporting Guide in Appendix C for had time to reach the student . If this occurs, the examples of what is considered an irregularity and Test Administrator should instruct the student to what follow-up may be required . resume testing . The connection is checked every 45 seconds or Issues Specific to Online Testers whenever an answer is selected . At most, one While test directions are being read to online answer is lost to a lost connection (or up to 45 testers, it is very common for them to click ahead . seconds of an essay) . Testing resumes at the point Some students may reach the “Begin Test” button where the connection was lost . Where available, before they are directed to begin . In some cases, wired connections usually have fewer disconnect the student may even start taking the test . On “blips” than wireless connections . Work with the a fixed-form test (that is, any grade and part of Building Coordinator and Technology Coordinator science or social studies, and some accommodated to resolve connectivity and other computer issues . versions of ELA and mathematics), when the student realizes he or she has gone too far, there 4 . RESUMED TESTING is a tendency to click “End Test” to get out of the test . If this happens, the test will become locked Moving Online Testers to a Different and cannot be unlocked . This will result in the Testing Device or Room submission of a test with no responses . Therefore, There are two main reasons why it would be before beginning to read the test directions, necessary to move an online tester from one remind students not to click ahead . If they do click computer to another during testing . the “Begin Test” button early, they should select the “Pause” button and wait for your directions . • Technology issues with the computer software or hardware that make it difficult and/or On a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) (non- impossible for the student to continue testing accommodated ELA and mathematics), a student on that computer . who selects “Begin Test” before being directed • The student requires additional time to to should pause the test while the test directions complete the test and another location would are read . Once test directions are completed, the be more suitable . student can resume testing by selecting “Resume” .
62 M-STEP Test Administration Manual During Testing
If a student must move from one computer to begin as early in the day as possible to allow another after testing has begun, follow these students to complete each part on the same day . steps . It is allowable to schedule content area tests over across multiple days, however each test part 1 . Click on the “Pause” button and then click the should be completed in one school day . “Exit” button (do not click “End Test”) . 2 . Collect the student’s test ticket and any used Students may resume testing if: scratch paper, to bring to the new testing • the student goes home sick computer . • the student is removed from school by a parent 3 . Escort the student to the new location (or or guardian for an appointment computer) . When this happens, the following must be done: 4 . Launch the testing software . • Flag the last item answered; the student may 5 . Hand the test ticket back to the student . not go back to previously answered questions . 6 . Observe the student entering his/her • Resume testing in a makeup test session . username and password . Moving Paper/Pencil Testers to a 7 . The student will be required to view and click Different Room through the test directions . Sometimes paper/pencil testers have to be moved 8 . The student will click “Start Test” and will be to a different location during testing . This usually taken to the same question where he/ she happens when one student takes longer than other left off prior to pausing . students to complete the test . If this happens, 9 . Collect the student’s test ticket . the Test Administrator must put the student’s 10 .Continue to monitor the test session with the answer document and any used scratch paper normal security procedures . inside the test booklet, and move the student to a quiet location that is void of cluing materials Paper/Pencil Testers (maps, equations, posters) . The student must be accompanied by a Test Administrator or proctor For test security reasons, students taking paper/ until he/she finishes testing . pencil tests should complete each test part on one day . Every attempt should be made to complete 5 . VIDEO SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS content testing (except Day 1/Day 2 ELA) in one school day . If this is not possible, due to a A test security issue could be created if a school schedule where students are not in school an has surveillance video cameras in any room used entire day, then students should complete each for testing . However, in the interest of student part before breaking for the day (i .e .at a Stop and staff safety, the use of surveillance cameras Sign) . during testing is allowed . Cameras should be directed at equipment and test materials in such The OEAA recommends that testing begins as a way that test items or student responses are early as feasible in the school day to accommodate not compromised . Once testing is complete, any students who need additional time . recordings made during test sessions must be Schools with hybrid scheduling models due to deleted as soon as possible . The video recording of the COVID-19 pandemic with less than full-day any test session or material cannot be archived . schedules must schedule test administration to
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6 . ENDING A TEST SESSION Paper/Pencil Testers Online Testers All parts of the M-STEP test are untimed and student-paced . Therefore, students must be When students have completed their test, they given as much time as needed during the same should click “End Test” (or “Exit” if taking a CAT .) continuous session to complete each part of the Students taking fixed-form tests will see the test . If a test session time slot has ended but review screen after clicking “End Test ”. Students some students need more time to finish, their should review any flags they selected on any items test materials may be collected and they may be and ensure they have answered all questions . escorted immediately to a different supervised After viewing the review screen, students will click location where they can complete their testing . “End Test ”. The next screen will give students Students should not transport their own materials an opportunity to return to the review screen or between testing locations . Submit the test . Clicking “Submit” ends the test and takes the student to the INSIGHT sign-in When all other students have finished testing, screen . collect their test materials individually (do not have them pass their materials to the ends of rows When taking a CAT test, students will work or aisles) . Verify that each student has returned until they click “Next” on an item and receive both his/her answer document and test booklet, a “Congratulations!” screen, which shows they and then return the secure materials to the have completed the test . Students select “Exit” Building M-STEP Coordinator . Refer to the M-STEP and return to the INSIGHT sign-in screen . At Paper/Pencil Test Administrator’s Directions that point, the Test Administrator should see the and Manual for more detailed information on desktop or home screen of the device . ending paper/pencil tests . If students are testing on devices they carry with them (commonly called 1:1 devices), Test Administrators must check the devices to make sure the desktop or home screen is showing before students leave the testing room . This is the only way to be sure that students are not still logged into the testing software . (Refer to the M-STEP Online Test Administrator’s Directions and Manual for more detailed information on ending online tests .)
64 M-STEP Test Administration Manual After Testing
Important Tasks After Testing Reporting Codes The following tasks should be performed in the Reporting codes allow districts and/or schools to order listed . Note: This task list focuses primarily receive and filter reports organized by class or on the administration of the assessment; other group designation(s) . This is an optional field . It is accountability and reporting tasks to be done are up to the district or school to determine whether not included here (watch the Spotlight for up-to- this option will be used and to define the codes date information) . that will be most helpful . The Mass Updates Assessments document on 1 . REPORTING DECISIONS the Secure Site Training page (www .michigan . In some instances, District and/or Building M-STEP gov/securesitetraining) explains how to assign Coordinators may be called on to make two Reporting Codes to a group of students . The important decisions that will impact the reporting Reporting Code Labels (https://www .michigan . of results . gov/documents/mde/Reporting_Codes_ Instructions_609853_7 .pdf) document explains Research I and II Fields how to create a label for reporting codes and is also available on the Secure Site Training page . The use of research fields in the student data file is optional . Research codes are only reported in the Reporting codes can be entered in the OEAA student data file results (dynamic online reports Secure Site beginning on the first day of do not include the research code information) . pre-identification through the last day of the Answer Documents Received window . In the past, school districts have used the optional research fields to answer such questions as: • Is there a relationship between the number Helpful Hint: Schools can create unique of years students have attended school in our cohorts of students to view data from a specific district and their test scores? group of students after testing . For example: • Is there a difference in the attainment of • students receiving intensive supports achievement objectives among those students • students in certain classes who participated in reading program A • student list according to teacher v . reading program B? The following important points should be considered before deciding to use research fields: 2 . MATERIALS HANDLING AND RETURN • Codes for research fields may be developed at the district or school level and assigned a All test materials must be managed in a specific distinct number, from 1 to 10 . way after each test window closes . In addition to online test tickets and rosters, this applies to used • Districts may elect to use one or both of the and unused paper/pencil test booklets (standard, research code options at any or all of the braille, and enlarged print); used and unused grades assessed . answer documents (student-completed and adult- • Research codes can be entered into the transcribed); CDs; DVDs; word-processed pages; Secure Site beginning on the first day of glossaries; scratch paper; graph paper; Listening pre-identification through the end of Tested Scripts; Listening CDs; Reader Scripts . The table Roster, or they can be filled in on the student below shows what to do with each material once answer document . testing is complete .
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How to Process Secure M-STEP Test Materials After Testing
Return to Schools Schools Secure Test Materials M-STEP Keep Destroy Contractor
Used answer documents (all content areas) scorable box(es)
Student test tickets and test rosters
Used orange Special Handling Envelope(s) scorable box(es) with contents
Used and unused test booklets * (grades 3–8 & 11)
Accommodated versions of the test (reader scripts, braille, enlarged print, audio CD, video DVD, * translated versions)
ELA Listening CDs *
ELA Listening Scripts *
L1 (First language) Glossaries (mathematics)
Used scratch paper (including graph paper)
* Can be returned with the scorable materials, or in a separate box as directed in Instructions for Packing Non‑scorable Materials for Return on page 69 of this manual .
How to Process Non-Secure M-STEP Test Materials After Testing
Return to Schools Non-Secure Test Materials M-STEP Schools Keep Destroy Contractor
Unused answer documents (all content areas)
Unused orange Special Handling envelopes
Test administration manuals optional
Test Administrator’s Directions and Manual optional
store at district Signed OEAA Assessment Security Compliance Forms for 3 years store at district Testing Schedules for 3 years 66 M-STEP Test Administration Manual After Testing
Return Tools Preparing Answer Documents for Return The M-STEP contractor has provided districts/ schools with a number of tools for returning The Orange Special Handling Envelope materials, including: The Orange Special Handling Envelope(s) is used • Orange Special Handling Envelopes for the following materials: • FedEx Express Airbills for shipping • damaged answer documents that are not • Blue scorable stickers for the outside of boxes biohazards containing scorable materials – Responses on contaminated answer Note: Districts and schools are encouraged to documents must be transcribed onto a new complete and return test materials as early as answer document; the contaminated answer possible following each grade-specific testing document must be securely destroyed window . Refer to the List of Important Dates in – Schools must submit an Incident Report Appendix E of this manual for window dates . The when transcribing any answer document . M-STEP scoring contractor can then begin to scan Refer to the M-STEP Incident Reporting and score student responses immediately . Guide in Appendix C . Additional return materials may be ordered if – When transcribing any new answer needed during the Additional Material Order document, a bar code label must be printed window . and affixed to the new answer document, which will be returned with the scorable Return Shipping Schedule materials . The Materials Return Dates on page 70 of • used answer documents that the school this manual shows the dates by which answer has invalidated by printing “Do Not Score” documents must be returned for each testing prominently on the front page window . Materials must be returned within three • all word-processed pages and additional paper, weekdays of the close of each testing window with complete student information inserted in to ensure scoring . Answer documents returned each student’s answer document, for students after May 26, 2021 (for the grades 5, 8, and 11 who required these Accommodations; refer to window) and after June 9, 2021 (for the grades 3, the Word Processors section in the Supports 4, 6, and 7 window) will not be scored . and Accommodations chapter of this manual Schools are encouraged to return materials as When preparing materials for return, set aside the soon as possible after all students have completed completed Orange Special Handling Envelope(s) testing . with its contents . The envelope(s) must be placed at the top of Box 1 prior to the box being sealed OEAA Assessment Security Compliance and shipped . Forms and Testing Schedules The Orange Special Handling Envelope only has Building M-STEP Coordinators must give their to be returned if it is used . If the school does school’s signed OEAA Assessment Security not have any items to be placed in the Orange Compliance Forms and test schedules to the Special Handling Envelope, the envelope should be District M-STEP Coordinator, who will keep them securely destroyed . on file for a minimum of three years . Do not return these documents to the M-STEP contractor .
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Organizing Answer Documents All verified unused answer documents should for Verification be securely shredded, immediately following Follow these steps when preparing M-STEP Answer shipment of all other M-STEP materials . Documents for return to the M-STEP contractor at Individual Answer Document Checks the end of each testing window . Once all the answer documents are in stacks but First, organize the answer documents into stacks before they are packed into scorable boxes, review for each grade level and content being tested in each individual answer document to ensure that: your school . For example, at the end of the testing windows for grades 5 and 8, there will be discrete • the student information has been completed answer document stacks for grade 5 mathematics, at the top of the answer document (student’s ELA, science, and social studies, and discrete legal name, teacher name, school name, answer document stacks for grade 8 science and district or PSA) social studies . • the Student Birth Date field has been filled in accurately If any student used an enlarged print or braille version of the test, a Test Administrator must • the Assessment Date and Test Form Number transcribe their responses onto a regular answer fields have been filled in accurately document . Transcribed answer documents may • the applicable “School Use Only” bubbles are be returned along with the other used answer correctly completed documents . • each answer document has an undamaged barcode label adhered carefully within the Reviewing/Verifying Answer Documents designated frame (a $10 fee may be assessed Once the answer documents are separated into for every answer document returned for stacks, review them using the following steps . scoring without a barcode label) Be sure to conduct this review for each stack • the student name and school name on each of answer documents at the end of each grade- barcode label matches the student information specific testing window . at the top of the answer document For each stack, verify that: It is not permissible for anyone to inspect answer • all answer documents are for the same grade documents for completion or to review student level and same content area responses at this time . Test Administrators are responsible for ensuring that students have • all answer documents are for M-STEP (not completed testing prior to the materials being MI-Access, ACT WorkKeys, SAT, or PSAT) collected from students and returned to the • only number 2 pencils have been used in the Building M-STEP Coordinator . answer documents • no correction fluid, crayons, markers, Packing Scorable and Non-scorable highlighters, or colored pencils have Materials for Return been used Either the District M-STEP Coordinator or the • any sticky notes, paper clips, rubber bands, School M-STEP Coordinator may return materials staples, glue, or other extraneous materials for scoring through FedEx Express shipping . have been removed from inside and outside Regardless of which coordinator is returning the answer documents materials, the packing instructions are the same . All used answer documents for the grades tested Follow the instructions below when packing in the particular test window will go into the scorable materials . scorable boxes . 68 M-STEP Test Administration Manual After Testing
It is vital that used answer documents be returned 7 . In addition to the Blue Scorable Label, affix a in boxes marked with a Blue Scorable Label . FedEx Express Airbill to the first box of your Failure to return answer documents properly can scorable materials boxes . The FedEx Express jeopardize a school’s accountability calculations . driver will produce additional multiple-piece shipment labels and affix to them to the Instructions for Packing remaining boxes of scorable materials . Scorable Materials for Return Note: Only one box in a shipment needs a 1 . Organize used answer documents by grade FedEx Express Airbill . Do not tamper with the and then by content area for the appropriate preprinted information on the Airbill in any test window . way, as this may affect FedEx processing and delay your shipment . 2 . Pack used answer documents in boxes, using cushioning materials if needed to keep them Instructions for Packing Non‑scorable secure . Schools should use the same boxes Materials for Return the materials were delivered in to ship the materials to M-STEP Scoring Services (the 1 . Pack all used and unused test booklets and M-STEP scoring contractor) . If these boxes any accommodated materials in the boxes, are not available, use sturdy boxes to return using cushioning materials to keep them the materials . Note: Do not use boxes that secure . All CDs, DVDs, Reader Scripts, originally contained copy paper . ELA Listening CDs, ELA Listening Scripts, 3 . When returning multiple boxes of scorable Enlarged Print, and/or braille materials must materials, place the completed orange be returned . Pack CDs and DVDs at the top Special Handling Envelope (if used) on top of of the box(es) . It is preferable to use the the contents of the first box . same boxes that the materials originally came in to ship the materials to M-STEP 4 . Note: Used answer documents and other Scoring Services (the M-STEP scoring secure materials (such as test booklets) may contractor) . be returned in the same box when only one box is being returned . When returning all 2 . Remove or black out any old shipping labels, materials in the same box, place the scorable including the original shipping barcode, and materials and the Special Handling Envelope seal the boxes with plastic shipping tape . on the top and separate the scorable Place three strips of tape on the top of the materials from the nonscorable materials boxes and three strips of tape on the bottom . with a sheet of paper . Place a Blue Scorable Note: Boxes that contain only nonscorable Label on the top of the box . materials no longer need a nonscorable label . 5 . Remove or black out any old shipping labels Note: Only one box in a shipment needs a on the boxes, including the original shipping FedEx Express Airbill . Do not tamper with the barcode, and seal the boxes with plastic preprinted information on the Airbill in any shipping tape . Place three strips of tape on way as this may affect FedEx processing and the top of each box and three strips of tape delay the shipment . on the bottom . 6 . Affix a Blue Scorable Label to the top of all boxes containing used answer documents .
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Reminder: Materials must be returned within – the average box weight (you can use 20 three weekdays of the close of each testing pounds per box) window to ensure scoring . Schools are encouraged 5 . If you do not have enough Scorable Labels to return materials as soon as possible after and/or FedEx Express Airbills, order them all students have completed testing . Answer on the Additional Materials Order page in documents returned after May 26, 2021 (for the the OEAA Secure Site (www .michigan .gov/ grades 5, 8, and 11 window) and after June 9, oeaa-secure) . 2021 (for the grades 3, 4, 6, and 7 window) will not be scored . 6 . Any remaining Scorable Labels can be used for other testing windows if needed . Instructions for Returning All Materials After returning all of your materials for this via FedEx Express project, destroy any remaining FedEx Express Airbills, as these are year‑specific . 1 . Place the boxes where the FedEx driver normally delivers or picks up packages . Important: Keep the sender’s copy of the FedEx Express Airbill for each package so you can easily 2 . To schedule a pickup, call 1-800-GoFedEx track your packages . If requested, the FedEx (1-800-463-3339) . After the voice prompt, Express driver will supply small adhesive tracking you can press 9 or say, “Premiere labels . These labels will match the multiple-piece Customer Service Program .” shipment labels on your packages . 3 . When prompted, enter 999 999 933 as the nine-digit FedEx account number . When transferred to a Customer Service Materials Return Dates Representative, specify that you need to schedule a FedEx Express pickup for the Final date to ship for M-STEP project . Grades inclusion in answer document verification 4 . Have the following information available when you call: Grades 5, 8 May 26, 2021 – your phone number (if you have called and 11 to schedule FedEx pickups or shipped materials prior to this call, FedEx will have Grades 3, 4, June 9, 2021 your address information in their system; 6 and 7 otherwise, this information will need to be provided) – the pickup date – the total number of boxes you are returning (specify a “multiple piece shipment”) if returning more than one box
70 M-STEP Test Administration Manual After Testing
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www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 71 Appendix A: Calculator Policy
Online and Paper/Pencil sample items and familiarize themselves with the online calculator tool . To practice using the M-STEP Testers online calculators, go to the Online Tools Training (OTT) portal (https://wbte .drcedirect .com/MI/ MATHEMATICS portals/mi/) using the Google Chrome browser . Students in grades 3, 4, and 5 are not allowed to use a calculator on ANY item in the mathematics assessment, as the use of calculators at these Paper/Pencil Testers grade levels changes the construct of the items On grades 6 and 7 mathematics and grades 5, 8 and what they are intended to measure . All and 11 science assessments, students will use a students must abide by this no-calculator-allowed handheld calculator . policy, even students whose IEP or 504 Plan specifies otherwise . The use of a calculator at Calculators are allowed on all items of the science grades 3, 4, or 5 is considered a nonstandard assessments . Calculators are allowed only on Part 2 accommodation . Nonstandard accommodations of the mathematics assessment . render the assessment invalid . Mathematics test booklets are divided into two parts . Part 1 of the paper/pencil mathematics SCIENCE assessment is considered non-calculator, and Students in grade 5, 8, and 11 are allowed students must not have a calculator within to use a calculator on any item in the science reach . Part 2 of the paper/pencil mathematics assessment . assessment allows the use of a calculator . Once students start Part 2, they are not allowed to return to the non-calculator items on Part 1 . Online Testers Since external hand-held graphing calculators are On grades 6 and 7 mathematics and grades 5, 8, programmable, there is a potential of a security and 11 science assessments, students will use the breach . All programmable calculators must be set calculator embedded within the online delivery to TEST mode during the testing session for both engine . The calculator will appear in the toolbar mathematics and science assessments . when items allow its use; it will not appear when Types of hand-held calculators: items do not allow its use . • Basic calculator - science grade 5 and There are two types of embedded online mathematics grade 6 calculators: • Scientific calculator - science grades 8 and 11 • Basic calculator - science grade 5 and and mathematics grade 7 mathematics grade 6 • Scientific calculator - science grades 8 and 11 and mathematics grade 7 Important Notes The Office of Educational Assessment and ALIGNMENT Accountability (OEAA) has developed resources for online testers to help prepare them for The operational items on all of the assessments online testing . One of the resources is an online have been field-tested and are aligned to calculator practice tool . It is recommended that Michigan’s standards . online testers visit the practice environment to see
72 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Appendix A: Calculator Policy
FAIRNESS MANAGING ONLINE TESTERS AND The issue of fairness between online testers and EXTERNAL HAND-HELD CALCULATORS paper/pencil testers with regard to calculator The OEAA prohibits online testers from using usage has been raised . The OEAA decided not to external handheld calculators instead of the burden schools by requiring them to purchase embedded online calculator . The only online calculators specifically for this assessment as a testers who may use an external calculator are possible one-time use . Some schools may not those students whose IEP or Section 504 Plan have the grade-specific calculators for their paper/ specifies the use of a special adaptive calculator . pencil testers to use . The OEAA has reviewed every item to determine if the use of an above- grade-level calculator gives those students an advantage . Students will not be advantaged or disadvantaged based on using an above-grade calculator on the assessment .
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 73 Appendix B: Scratch Paper Policy
M-STEP Scratch Paper Policy used scratch paper must be returned with the test tickets to the Building Coordinator for secure Scratch paper is a universal tool that may be made shredding . available to students during testing . Used scratch paper is a secure material . District Coordinators Students must write their names on the scratch should develop and disseminate procedures for paper . When students are given a break, the the secure handling and disposal of used scratch scratch paper must be collected and securely paper . stored with test tickets until testing resumes . If a student’s name is clearly written on the used TERMS scratch paper, it can be returned to that student to Graph Paper: blank, gridded paper provided by use when resuming an in-progress test . MDE for use in grades 6-7 mathematics ONLINE TESTERS: ENGLISH Scratch Paper: blank, lined, or unlined paper LANGUAGE ARTS, SCIENCE, AND Graph paper and scratch paper are separated into SOCIAL STUDIES two types: Scratch paper is allowed in all test sessions . For all Unused Scratch/Graph Paper: scratch/graph grades this must be blank ruled or unruled paper . paper that does not include any student markings; Fresh scratch paper must be distributed at the unused scratch/graph paper may include a start of each new test session . That is, when a student’s name written on it student receives a new test ticket for login, a Used Scratch/Graph Paper: scratch/graph fresh sheet of scratch paper must be provided paper that includes any student markings beyond at that time . Once a test session is completed, the student’s name used scratch paper must be returned with the test tickets to the Building Coordinator for secure ONLINE TESTERS: MATHEMATICS shredding . Scratch paper is allowed in all test sessions . Students must write their names on the scratch For students in grades 6-7, blank graph paper paper . When students are given a break, the is required and is provided in the online initial scratch paper must be collected and securely material order . The grades 3-5 tests do not include stored with test tickets until testing resumes . items that require graph paper . However, it is If a student’s name is clearly written on the used optional to provide graph paper for grades 3-5 . scratch paper, it can be returned to that student to Additional graph paper can be downloaded from use when resuming an in-progress test . the M-STEP web page (www .michigan .gov/mstep) . For grades 3-5, scratch paper must be blank ruled PAPER/PENCIL TESTERS: or unruled, or (optionally) graph paper . MATHEMATICS For grades 6-7 the graph paper must be blank . Scratch paper is allowed in all test sessions and Fresh scratch/graph paper must be distributed at test parts . For grades 3-5 this must be blank ruled the start of each new test session . That is, when or unruled, or (optionally) graph paper . Testers in a student receives a new test ticket for login, a grades 6-7 may be provided blank graph paper in fresh sheet of scratch paper must be provided place of blank ruled or unruled paper; however, at that time . Once a test session is completed, students may also use the graphs in their test
74 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Appendix B: Scratch Paper Policy
booklets to solve problems . Additional graph paper Note: In order to prevent the use of an can be downloaded from the M-STEP web page inappropriate writing utensil on the answer (www .michigan gov/mstep). . document, students should only have access to number 2 pencils during paper/pencil testing . Fresh scratch paper must be distributed with each part of a test and students must write their names Mathematics: Online and Paper/Pencil on the scratch paper . After students encounter a “stop” sign in the test booklets, scratch paper Graph Graph Scratch Paper must be collected and securely stored until it can Grade Paper Paper (available be returned with the rest of the test materials to (required) (optional) Universal Tool) the Building M-STEP Coordinator for shredding . 3 X X If paper/pencil testers are provided a break not 4 X X associated with a test part, then used scratch paper must be placed inside their closed test 5 X X booklets . 6 X X 7 X X PAPER/PENCIL TESTERS: ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS, SCIENCE, AND SOCIAL STUDIES English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies: Online and Paper/Pencil Scratch paper is allowed in all test sessions and test parts . For all grades this must be blank ruled Scratch Paper Grade or unruled paper . (available Universal Tool) Fresh scratch paper must be distributed with each 3 X part of a test and students must write their names 4 X on the scratch paper . After students encounter 5 X a “stop” sign in the test booklets, scratch paper 6 X must be collected and securely stored until it can 7 X be returned with the rest of the test materials to the Building M-STEP Coordinator for shredding . 8* X If paper/pencil testers are given a break not 11* X associated with a test part, then used scratch *Does not apply to English language arts. paper must be placed inside their closed test booklets .
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Report Incident Optional Required/ Online: Required if more than 5 item responses Paper/ Pencil: N/A Online: Optional Paper/ Pencil: Optional Online: No Incident Report Necessary Paper/ Pencil: Optional
Testers Response for Paper/Pencil N/A Collect test materials and flag the last question answered . Students are not allowed to return to previously answered questions . Collect test materials and flag the last question answered . Students are not allowed to return to previously answered questions . Secure Site Incident Reporting tool Secure Site Incident Reporting
Response for Online Testers If 5 or fewer questions have If 5 or fewer questions have been answered, contact the Call Center at 1-877-560- 8378 Option 2 . If more than 5 questions have been answered, an Incident is required . Report and Exit test (do not Pause End test) . testing with the Resume in a original test ticket session . makeup and Exit test Pause (do not End test) . testing with the Resume in a original test ticket session . makeup Incident Category: Test Not Completed Scenario Student accidentally ends/ submits the test without answering all questions Student becomes ill and goes home before finishing a test from class Student is removed a parent or guardian during by the test administration . . pdf) . michigan gov/documents/mde/Incident_Reporting_520328_7 . Incident Sub ‑ Category Test submitted Test prior to completion Student became ill Student was removed from school parent/ by guardian M-STEP Incident Reporting Guide testing irregularities that occur before, during, or after must be reported to the Office of Educational Assessment Any . All incidents are required to be reported; do not neglect report an (OEAA) within two school days and Accountability of it . This table identifies the incident categories and were aware passed since you have incident if more than two school days sample scenarios for each category or tool and provides sub-categories that are used in the Secure Site Incident Reporting sub-category will find detailed information on how to access and use the tool at You (www
76 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Appendix C: Incident Reporting Guide
Report Incident Optional Required/ Online: Required Paper/ Pencil: Required Online: Required Paper/ Pencil: N/A Online: No Incident Report necessary Paper/ Pencil: Optional
Do intentional Testers and return it in the Response for Paper/Pencil Schedule all testing early in to allow students the day complete required testing . The schedule must allow for students who require additional time . Consider the multiple day testing designated support— as this is allowable scheduling for some students who use additional supports . for individual Exceptions students will be considered on a basis . case-by-case Mark the answer document Not Score . Special Handling Envelope N/A With proper planning and . scheduling, this should be avoided • • •
. Do Not Score . Response for Online Testers Submit an incident report with request for test to be marked Do Not Score Submit incident report with request for the test to be marked and Exit test (do not Pause End test) . testing with the Resume in a original test ticket session . makeup (Schools should consider the ages and needs of their students and schedule intentionally planned breaks as appropriate . ) . . Incident Category: Test Not Completed Scenario Do Not Score Be prepared to accept A student who begins must be Testing Student transfers or moves or moves Student transfers from school with an incomplete content area test NOTE: a phone call from student’s receiving school requesting information on test completion and needed accommodations or designated supports . (or logged Student has taken into) incorrect assessment (took instead of MI-Access M-STEP assessment) NOTE: a test and subsequently becomes ill does not meet the requirements for the test to be marked Student does not complete the end of school testing by day NOTE: the end of completed by testing window grade-level . There are no exceptions Incident Sub ‑ Category Student moved Student moved from school Do Not Score requested Student does not complete end of test by day
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 77 Appendix C: Incident Reporting Guide
Report Incident Optional Required/ Online: Required Paper/ Pencil: Required and Testers Do Not Score Response for Paper/Pencil . misadministration Test . Submit an Incident Report Emergency test with appropriate designated support be or accommodation may administered with notification of parents or to and approval guardians . Original answer document must be marked Special returned in the orange . Handling Envelope
Response for Online Testers notification to and approval notification to and approval of parents or guardians documentation provided that identifies required designated support or accommodation (such as IEP plan) notification to and approval of parents or guardians signed documentation from the person responsible for instruction in the day-to-day content area affirming the daily use of the student’s designated support during regular instruction . misadministration Test . Submit an Incident Report students with an IEP or For Section 504 plan that requires the missing designated support or accommodation: A new test with appropriate designated support or be accommodation may administered with: • • students who do not For an IEP or Section have 504 plan the requires missing designated support: A new test with appropriate be designated support may administered with: • • Incident Category: Accommodation/Designated Support Issue Scenario Student is not provided Student is not provided appropriate designated support or accommodations Incident Sub ‑ Category Designated support/ required accommodation not provided
78 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Appendix C: Incident Reporting Guide
Report Incident Optional Required/ Online: Required Paper/ Pencil: Required
. Testers Response for Paper/Pencil Mark the student’s test as Mark the student’s Nonstandard Accommodation on the answer document and materials . return with scorable . test is invalidated The student’s Inform the parent or guardian . Submit an Incident Report— working with the OEAA, in some be able cases students may to retest with the appropriate accommodation, if the student’s parents and school agree it is in the best interest of student . an internal investigation Perform the resulting as needed and keep documentation on file as Nonstandard Accommodations may be appealed during the Answer window Document Verification
Response for . Online Testers The student’s test is The student’s . invalidated Inform parents or guardians . Submit an Incident Report— working with the OEAA, in some cases students may be able to retest with the appropriate accommodation, parents and if the student’s school agree it is in the best interest of the student . an internal Perform as needed investigation the resulting and keep documentation on file as Nonstandard Accommodations be appealed during the may Answer Document Verification window Incident Category: of this
24 page Accommodation/Designated Support Issue Scenario Nonstandard accommodation to the (Refer provided “Nonstandard Accommodations” information on manual . ) Incident Sub ‑ Category Nonstandard designated support/ accommodation provided
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 79 Appendix C: Incident Reporting Guide
Report Incident Optional Required/ Online: Required Paper/ Pencil: Required Online: Required Paper/ Pencil: N/A Online: Optional Paper/ Pencil: Optional
This is and return in the Testers permissible to inspect answer
Response for Paper/Pencil Inform parents or guardians . Mark the answer document with Do Not Score . Special Handling Envelope orange the correct Student must be given test in order to be included calculations — accountability material orders should be ordered on the Secure Site using normal additional material order process . N/A of If it is identified on the day or within the the administration window for the content makeup administer area and grade, the test . If it is not identified on the test window or within the makeup day for the content area and grade, . submit an Incident Report Important reminder: missed in the test . It is for a Part not documents for completion or to review student responses at this time . Do
. Response for Online Testers Inform parents or guardians . Students must be assigned to the correct test in Secure Site and the appropriate test in order to must be given be included in accountability calculations . Submit an Incident Report— the test will be marked Not Score Stop the test as soon error is identified . and Exit the test (do Pause not End the test) . Submit an Incident Report If it is identified within the testing window for the grade, administer the test . If it is past the testing window submit an for the grade, . The test may Incident Report not be administered .
Incident Category: Misadministration Scenario Student is administered the incorrect test (for example, an test instead of a M-STEP test) MI-Access Student is issued wrong test and begins the test ticket Student is not administered one part of a test Incident Sub ‑ Category Wrong test Wrong administered test ticket Wrong used missed or Part not administered
80 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Appendix C: Incident Reporting Guide
Report Incident Optional Required/ Online: N/A Paper/ Pencil: Optional Online: N/A Paper/ Pencil: Required
Do Not and return in the Testers Incident Sub-Category of this manual . ) and return in the orange and return in the orange Answer document page 85 Response for Paper/Pencil If the wrong answer document is and test, but the correct grade has a wrong barcode label, then new correct barcode label should . An Incident be printed and affixed is not required . Report If the answer document is and/or content, wrong grade then mark the wrong answer document(s) used with Score . Special Handling Envelope . Submit an Incident Report (See transcription required/ suggested on Mark student’s answer document Mark student’s Do Not Score . Special Handling Envelope Orange . Submit an Incident Report
Response for Online Testers N/A N/A Incident Category: Misadministration Scenario Student uses wrong answer document when testing is administered outside of Test scheduled testing window use
Incident Sub ‑ Category Wrong answer Wrong document used not Test administered on scheduled day/time For Spring 2021 only this sub-category not for “Test administered within scheduled testing window”
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 81 Appendix C: Incident Reporting Guide
Report Incident Optional Report Required/ Incident Online: Required Paper/ Pencil: Required Optional Required/ Online: Required Paper/ Pencil: Required Testers Testers Response for Paper/Pencil Response for Paper/Pencil Address the building emergency— secure test materials as appropriate/possible . . Submit an Incident Report Submit an Incident Report— Submit an Incident Report— working with the OEAA, district be able to quickly resolve may issues .
Response for Online Testers Response for Online Testers Address the building tests as emergency—pause appropriate/possible . . Submit an Incident Report Submit an Incident Report— Submit an Incident Report— working with the OEAA, be able to quickly district may issues . resolve Incident Category: Misadministration Incident Category: Building Emergency Scenario Scenario Test administrator/proctor administrator/proctor Test giving helps student by information other than test directions administrator/proctor Test indicating the correct answers to students leaves administrator Test students unattended during testing Secure materials are not kept secure before, during, or after test administration administrator/proctor Test or other building staff taking photos of test items or environment Staff posting test items or content to social media during testing Building emergency occurs during the test and requires the room or student(s) to leave otherwise interrupts testing Incident Incident Sub ‑ Category Sub ‑ Category Other Building emergency
82 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Appendix C: Incident Reporting Guide
Report Report Incident Optional Incident Optional Required/ Online: Required Paper/ Pencil: Required Required/ Online: Required Paper/ Pencil: Required Online: Required Paper/ Pencil: Required Testers Testers . . Response for Paper/Pencil Response for Paper/Pencil Address the building emergency— secure test materials as appropriate/possible . . Submit an Incident Report Inform parents or guardians . internal investigation Perform resulting as needed and keep documentation on file as Prohibited be appealed during may Behaviors the Answer Document Verification window . Submit an Incident Report Students engaged in disruptive must be or egregious behavior from the testing room . removed Where feasible, students should be redirected and allowed to continue testing . Students engaged in need not be prohibited behavior from the testing room removed unless they are affecting other students . test will be The student’s and Prohibited Behavior marked . invalidated Inform parents or guardians . internal investigation Perform resulting as needed and keep documentation on file as Prohibited be appealed during may Behaviors the Answer Document Verification window . Submit an Incident Report
Response for Online Testers Response for Online Testers . . Address the building tests as emergency—pause appropriate/possible . . Submit an Incident Report The student’s test will be marked test will be marked The student’s . and invalidated Prohibited Behavior Inform parents or guardians . internal investigation Perform resulting as needed and keep documentation on file as Prohibited be appealed during may Behaviors the Answer Document Verification window . Submit an Incident Report Students engaged in disruptive must be or egregious behavior from the testing room . removed Where feasible, students should be redirected and allowed to continue testing . Students engaged in need not be prohibited behavior from the testing room removed unless they are affecting other students . test will be marked The student’s . and invalidated Prohibited Behavior Inform parents or guardians . internal investigation Perform resulting as needed and keep documentation on file as Prohibited be appealed during may Behaviors the Answer Document Verification window . Submit an Incident Report Incident Category: Building Emergency Incident Category: Prohibited Behavior Scenario Scenario The use of non- Student(s) taking photos of test items, use social media during testing . behaviors Disruptive impacting testing session/ completion, cheating, use of calculator (mathematics) or (ELA) dictionary/thesaurus during non-permitted section of the test NOTE: permitted tools results in . test invalidation Building emergency occurs during the test and requires the room or student(s) to leave otherwise interrupts testing Incident Incident Sub ‑ Category Sub ‑ Category Electronics/ social media Other Building emergency
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 83 Appendix C: Incident Reporting Guide
Report Incident Optional Required/ Online: Optional Paper/Pencil: N/A Online: Optional Paper/Pencil: N/A Online: Optional Paper/Pencil: N/A Online: Required Paper/Pencil: N/A Online: Required IF it is necessary to to move emergency paper forms; otherwise optional Paper/Pencil: N/A Testers Paper/Pencil Response for N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A of 62
page . . . Response for Online Testers . If online testing becomes Contact local tech support . support can contact DRC Customer Tech Support if they need additional help to the matter resolve . Submit an Incident Report Contact local tech support . support can contact DRC Customer Tech Support if they need additional help to the matter resolve . Submit an Incident Report Contact local tech support . support can contact DRC Customer Tech Support if they need additional help to the matter resolve . Submit an Incident Report Instruct the student to answer as best they are able . with the test Submit an Incident Report and question number (if known), computer used for testing (Windows PC, Chromebook) . Mac, iPad, If the problem is with just one computer, the student to another computer move to “Resumed and resume testing . (Refer information on Testing” this manual . ) If the problem will be in sufficient time to complete resolved testing (restore power or internet connection), continue testing another time or day . impossible, file an Incident Report Scenario Incident Category: Technical Problems with Online Testing Student(s) has repeated disconnections during testing session Entire classroom has repeated disconnections during testing session INSIGHT stops working and the student(s) cannot continue testing An item on the test is not functioning as expected; for example, the student believes the correct answer cannot be selected outage, internet Power connection interrupted through stolen computers local error, Incident Sub ‑ Category Repeated Repeated disconnections INSIGHT freezing, or not crashing, advancing Item functionality Hardware failure
84 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Appendix C: Incident Reporting Guide
IR
Optional Required/ Online: N/A Paper/ Pencil: Optional Online: N/A Paper/ Pencil: Optional Report Incident Optional Required/ Online: Optional Paper/Pencil: N/A and and Do Not Score Do Not Score Testers Paper/Pencil Response for N/A
Response for Paper/Pencil Testers Response for Any secure Biohazards should not be returned . Any Online Testers Student must transcribe all responses exactly as recorded Student must transcribe from the original answer document to a fresh document in a one-on-one proctored section . Print and affix a bar code label to the new answer document materials . and return with the scorable Original answer document must be marked . Special Handling Envelope returned in the Orange all responses exactly as recorded Student must transcribe from the original answer document in a one-on-one proctored session . Print and affix a bar code label to the new answer document materials . and return with the scorable Original answer document must be marked . Special Handling Envelope be returned in the Orange NOTE: material with biohazardous should be securely . destroyed
Contact your local IT staff, or if further local IT staff, Contact your support is required, contact DRC Customer Support . Incident Category: Materials Response for Online Testers N/A N/A Scenario Scenario Incident Category: Technical Problems with Online Testing Use this category if your Use this category if your technical problem does not conform to the listed technical issues . Students write in the wrong section of an assessment; wrong answer document used; a writing utensil other than a number 2 pencil is used on an answer document Answer document damaged becomes in such a way that will impact scanning—ripped, torn; is defective or upon arrival; is lost during test . administration Incident Incident Sub ‑ Category Sub ‑ Category Other Answer document transcription required/ suggested Answer document damaged, or defective, lost
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 85 Appendix C: Incident Reporting Guide
IR IR Optional Optional Required/ Required/ Online: Optional Paper/ Pencil: Optional Online: Required Paper/ Pencil: Required Testers Testers Response for Paper/Pencil Response for Paper/Pencil Varies In Submit an Incident Report- working with the OEAA, district be able to quickly resolve may issues .
Response for Response for Online Testers Online Testers Varies Submit an Incident Report; In working with the OEAA, be able to the district may issues . quickly resolve Incident Category: Other Incident Category: Staff Unethical Scenario Scenario When using this category, When using this category, Use this category only if an incident occurs that does not fit into the listed categories . or District administration needs management company to report an incident involving inappropriate test administration of District/Building practices Coordinators or Building Administration Note: only the incident report submitter identified in the CC and anyone field of the report will receive notification of progress this incident . Incident Incident Sub ‑ Category Sub ‑ Category Other Staff Unethical
86 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Appendix C: Incident Reporting Guide
IR Optional Online: Optional Paper/ N/A Pencil: Required/ Testers Paper/Pencil Response for N/A
on the
Response for Online Testers Parental permission to retest (use Parental in OEAA Secure form provided Site) The student left school early due to illness Submit an Incident Report Submit an Incident Report date of occurrence by 11:59 PM requesting regeneration Gather documentation that verifies: • • Scenario Student becomes ill, completes and submits test, and then goes home from school sick Incidents Requiring Immediate Action
Incident Sub-Category Student became ill (must be submitted by 11:59 PM on the date of occurrence) . Incident Category becomes ill and leaves school early due to illness on the day that the test was completed and submitted that the test was school early due to illness on the day becomes ill and leaves spends fewer than 15 minutes testing and submits a test prescribed medication prior to testing and completes submits a test did not take • • • The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has updated incident reporting requirements to ensure accurate and valid and valid The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has updated incident reporting requirements to ensure accurate assessment data for the specific situations described below; that is, if a student: student-level 11:59 PM) and parent if the incident report is submitted on date of (by These tests can be regenerated permission is documented . If it not possible to obtain documentation of parent on the date incident, documentation of parent permission the school must submit incident report on date of occurrence and provide subsequently of these listed reasons will only occur once; for example, if a student does not take test for any of any Regeneration and then the student subsequently tests without his or and the test is regenerated, his or her medication one day if a student becomes ill and goes home on one . Or, her medication a second time, new test will not be regenerated the then if the student spends less than 15 minutes on test next day, the test is regenerated, test day, . second test will not be regenerated Test Not Test Completed
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 87 Appendix C: Incident Reporting Guide
IR IR Optional Required/ Online: Optional Paper/ Pencil: Optional Optional Online: Optional Paper/ N/A Pencil: Online: Optional Paper/ N/A Pencil: Required/ Testers Paper/Pencil Response for N/A N/A
Testers
on the on the
Response for Paper/Pencil varies
Response for Online Testers Submit an Incident Report Submit an Incident Report date of occurrence by 11:59 PM requesting regeneration Gather documentation that verifies parent permission to retest (use in OEAA Secure Site) form provided Submit an Incident Report date of occurrence by 11:59 PM requesting regeneration Gather documentation that verifies parent permission to retest (use in OEAA Secure Site) form provided Response for Online Testers varies Scenario Incident Category: COVID-Related Student submits test after spending fewer than 15 minutes testing test Student takes without prescribed medication Incidents Requiring Immediate Action
Scenario . School closures should be Incident Sub-Category Other Other (must be submitted by 11:59 PM on the date of occurrence) Any COVID-related issue that does Any other incident not conform to any category Note: submitted on the School Closings page of the OEAA Secure Site . Not Issues should be submitted Tested during the Accountable Students window Incident Category Incident Misadministration Misadministration Sub ‑ Category COVID-Related
88 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Appendix D: DRC INSIGHT Portal User Guide
DRC INSIGHT Portal User Guide The DRC INSIGHT Portal User Guide discusses the DRC INSIGHT Portal, the interface to the administrative functions of the DRC INSIGHT Online Learning System . The guide is divided into three main sections: • Working with the DRC INSIGHT Portal describes some of its more common menu functions and options • Test Setup describes the test setup options for editing student information and test sessions • Checking Student Testing Status describes the options for monitoring student testing status in the DRC INSIGHT Portal Access the full guide in the DRC INSIGHT Portal (https://mi .drcedirect .com) . Once you have logged into the DRC INSIGHT Portal, select Document Type: Manuals and Directions . Instructions for easy navigation to documents in the DRC INSIGHT Portal are on page 8 .
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 89 Appendix E: List of Important Dates
TM 2021 M-STEP List of Important Dates
Start End Task/Activity Mode
Online Waiver Window – request waiver to administer paper/pencil 10/19/20 11/24/20 PP by 5 p .m .
01/06/21 02/17/21 Initial Material Order Window (all grades) by 5 p .m . PP
01/06/21 02/17/21 Pre-identification of students for barcode labels by 5 p m. . PP
01/06/21 02/23/21 Online test session setup in the OEAA Secure Site by 5 p .m . OL
01/06/21 05/20/21 Off-site Test Administration Request – Grades 5, 8, and 11 Both
01/06/21 06/03/21 Off-site Test Administration Request – Grades 3, 4, 6, and 7 Both
01/06/21 05/20/21 Pre-identification of students by 5 p m. . – Grades 5, 8, and 11 OL
01/06/21 06/03/21 Pre-identification of students by 5 p m. . – Grades 3, 4, 6, and 7 OL
01/14/21 03/05/21 Alternate Insight Availability Request OL
02/18/21 05/20/21 Pre-identification of students for local printing of barcode labels PP
02/18/21 06/03/21 Pre-identification of students for local printing of barcode labels PP
Online District and Building Coordinator Training – DRC INSIGHT Portal 03/02/21 03/02/21 OL (formerly eDIRECT) at 10 p m. . – recording available 03/03/21
Create/Manage Online Test Sessions and assign Universal Tools, 03/05/21 06/04/21 OL Designated Supports, and Accommodations in DRC INSIGHT Portal
03/29/21 03/31/21 Materials arrive in schools – Grades 5, 8, and 11 Both
Additional Material Order Window (closes at noon) – Grades 5, 8, 04/08/21 05/18/21 PP and 11
Materials arrive in schools – alternate delivery date requested – 04/05/21 04/07/21 Both Grades 5, 8, and 11
04/12/21 04/14/21 Materials arrive in schools – Grades 3, 4, 6, and 7 Both
04/12/21 05/21/21 Online Test Administration Window – Grades 5, 8, and 11 OL
90 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Appendix E: List of Important Dates
Start End Task/Activity Mode
04/13/21 05/21/21 Paper/Pencil Test Administration Window - Grade 5 PP
04/14/21 05/21/21 Paper/Pencil Test Administration Window - Grade 8 PP
04/15/21 05/21/21 Paper/Pencil Test Administration Window - Grade 11 PP
04/14/21 TBD Preliminary Reports (within 48 hours of online test completion) OL
Additional Material Order Window (closes at noon) – Grades 3, 4, 6, 04/15/21 06/01/21 PP and 7
04/26/21 06/04/21 Online Test Administration Window – Grades 3, 4, 6, and 7 OL
Paper/Pencil Test Administration Window - Grades 3, 4, 6, 04/27/21 06/04/21 PP and 7
05/26/21 05/26/21 Return of Materials Deadline – Grades 5, 8, and 11 PP
06/09/21 06/09/21 Return of Materials Deadline – Grades 3, 4, 6, and 7 PP
Accountable Students Enrolled and Demographics – watch Spotlight June 2021 June 2021 Both for details
June 2021 June 2021 Answer Documents Received – watch Spotlight for details Both
June 2021 June 2021 Students Not Tested – watch Spotlight for details Both
June 2021 June 2021 Submitted Issues for Answer Documents – watch Spotlight for details Both
TBD TBD Final Reports – watch Spotlight for details Both
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 91 Appendix F: Administration Resources
M-STEP Administration – M-STEP Accommodations Worksheets Resources – M-STEP Multiplication Table This appendix lists the resources available to help • Content Specific Information Assessment Coordinators with pre‑administration, – Sample Passage-based Writing Prompt Essay during-administration, and after-administration – ELA – Test Overview tasks for M-STEP . There are additional resources available on these web pages for other tasks . – ELA and Mathematics – Crosswalk Documents: Claims, Targets, and Standards M-STEP Web page – Online Practice for M-STEP ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies (www .michigan gov/mstep). – Michigan Academic Standards • Current Assessment Administration – Spring 2021 Flexibilities for Statewide • Professional Development Summative Assessment - pending – Assessment Coordinator Training Guide µ – Off-Site Test Administration Request – Assessment Security Training Registration µ – Guide to State Assessments – ELA – Navigating the Computer – M-STEP List of Important Dates Adaptive Test – MDE-Approved INSIGHT Tools Poster – Mathematics – Navigating the – Assessment Integrity Guide Computer Adaptive Test – Graph Paper, Grades 6-7 – Test Administration Training Videos and PowerPoints – Scratch Paper Policy – Student Supports and Accommodations – Security Compliance Form Webinar Links and PowerPoints – Test Directions • Spotlight on Student Assessment and • Student Supports and Accommodations Accountability weekly newsletter – Frequently Asked Questions DRC INSIGHT Portal – Supports and Accommodations Guidance formerly known as eDIRECT Document includes: (https://mi .drcedirect .com) – Read-Aloud Guidelines – Student Supports and • Documents (Instructions for easy navigation Accommodations Table to documents in the DRC INSIGHT Portal are – Scribing Protocol on page 8) – Braille Assessment Plan – Technology User Guide – DRC INSIGHT Portal (formerly known as eDIRECT) User Guide – Accommodations: Adding, Editing, and Mass-Assigning
92 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Appendix F: Administration Resources
– Checking Student Test Status – Secure Site Roles and Assessment – Creating Test Sessions in eDIRECT Descriptions
• Test Tutorials (Select the Test Tutorials • Pre-Identification of Students tab .) Instructions for easy navigation to – Early Roster documents in the DRC INSIGHT Portal are on page 8 . – Creating Online Sessions – Mass Update Assessments – Michigan Online Assessment Student Tutorials (for students to use before – MSDS Copy testing to become familiar with the – One Student at a Time/Student Search M-STEP online test) – Pre-ID File Upload – Pre-ID Student Report MDE Secure Site Training – Pre-Identification for State Assessments (www .michigan gov/securesitetraining). Overview This site includes documents that provide – Reporting Code Labels directions for pre-identification of students, all materials ordering, Incident Reporting, • Material Ordering Accountability-related tasks, and accessing student – Additional Material Orders data score files and the Dynamic Score Reporting – Initial Material Orders Site . • Miscellaneous Secure Site Functions • Security – District and School Contacts – Create a New User – Incident Reporting – How do I get access to eDIRECT? – Manage Access Requests – Request Access to the Secure Site
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 93 Appendix G: Extended Retries Tech Bulletin
DRC INSIGHT: Extended Retries Tech Bulletin
A new feature of DRC INSIGHT for Spring 2021 is Extended Retries . With this new feature, if there are any connectivity issues, instead of displaying an error message after three attempts to reconnect, the system will continue to attempt reconnection for five minutes . The error message will display, instructing the student to raise his/ her hand for help, but continue to attempt reconnection . If the system is able to reconnect, the error message will close and the student can resume testing . Note that it is possible that a student sees the error message but the error is resolved before the Test Administrator has had time to reach the student . If this occurs, the Test Administrator should instruct the student to resume testing .
94 M-STEP Test Administration Manual AppendixAppendix H:H: ChecklistsChecklist
Before Testing Checklist
F 1 . Watch the District/Building Coordinator Online Training (Live March 2, 2021) or a recording of the training (posted by March 3), located in the DRC INSIGHT Portal (https:// mi .drcedirect .com) by selecting Document Type: Training Presentations & FAQs (Instructions for easy navigation to documents in the DRC INSIGHT Portal are on page 8) and on the M-STEP web page (www .michigan .gov/mstep)
F Provide Staff Training . Resources include:: • Assessment Coordinator Training Guide • Read/review Manuals • Read/review Test Administrator’s Directions and Manual
F Obtain OEAA Assessment Security Compliance Forms from all staff involved in M-STEP Testing
F Ensure software and testing devices are prepared for testing (refer to page 49 of this manual)
F 2 . Assign Roles for District Users
F 3 . Pre-Identify Students for Testing (January 6 - February 17, 2021 for barcode labels)
F 4 . Order Test Materials
F Inventory all materials received
F 5 . Load students in the DRC INSIGHT Portal
F 6 . Assign/Edit Test Sessions (by February 23, 2021 for online test session setup in the OEAA Secure Site)
F 7 . Assign Supports and Accommodations (and be sure Test Administrators are aware of all Designated Supports and Accommodations for students in each test session)
F Prepare students for testing: • Review Tutorials • Practice with OTTs
F 8 . Create Testing Schedules (see AIG for required components)
F 9 . Print Test Tickets and Rosters
F Submit any Off-Site Testing Requests (as appropriate)
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 95 Appendix H: Checklists
During Testing Checklist
Ensure no academic posters are visible in any testing room (vocabulary lists, maps, etc .) See AIG for more information . Print and post INSIGHT Tools Poster (optional) F 1 . Manage handling of secure materials, including: test tickets and rosters, scratch paper, test booklets, and answer documents
F 2 . Verify Supports and Accommodations are assigned and Test Administrators are aware of all Supports and Accommodations in each test session
F 3 . During a Test Session Provide test directions to test administrators, breaks during testing, testing status, testing irregularities, and other test session tasks .
F 4 . Resumed Testing (Note: ONLY students who are assigned to test sessions appear on this screen; if a student is not assigned to a test session but MDE expects that student to test, the student will NOT appear on this screen)
F 5 . Video Surveillance Cameras If there are cameras in any testing room, ensure the test session is deleted as soon as possible after testing is completed
F 6 . Ending a Test Session
After Testing Checklist
F 1 . Assign Research/Reporting Codes
F 2 . Return materials to M-STEP Contractor/Destroy secure materials not returned (refer to the Materials Handling and Return section for detailed instructions and deadlines)
Accountability Tasks (watch Spotlight for these dates)
F Accountable Students Enrolled and Demographics
F Answer Documents Received
F Submitted Issues for Answer Documents
F Students Not Tested
96 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Appendix I: Change Log
April 12, 2021 Page 49 . Updated Chromebook Chrome OS version requirement to version 83 . April 1, 2021 Page 06: Updated Introduction to include references to updated policies and procedures as a result of additional flexibility for M-STEP testing . Page 09: Replaced Spring 2021 Testing Schedule for Summative Assessments with updated dates reflective of the Test Window Extension . Page 10: Added flexibility information for paper/pencil testing . Page 11: Replaced Paper/Pencil Test Dates calendars for all grades with updated Paper/Pencil Testing Windows . Page 13: Update to Testing Schedules requirement . Schools that previously completed Test Schedules are encouraged, but not required, to recreate Testing Schedules for the Spring 2021 administration only . Page 17: Updated Call Center Contact Information dates to extend to June 4, 2021 . Page 31: Removed reference to initial paper/pencil dates and makeup test dates . Page 34: Removed reference to initial paper/pencil dates and makeup test dates . Page 35: Added “Pending the approval of MDE’s assessment waiver request…” regarding Students to be Tested . Page 36: Change section title from “Virtual Schools” to “Remote Learners and Virtual Schools” . Updated information about students who are learning remotely or quarantined at home due to COVID-19 . Page 40: Added information about the Testing Window Extension for online and paper/pencil testing . Removed reference to paper/pencil makeup test dates . Page 54: Clarified update to Testing Schedule requirement to indicate that Testing Schedules created prior to the testing window extension announcement are not required to be recreated . Page 63: Removed reference to initial test days and makeup test days . Removed requirement to resume paper/pencil testing in a one-on-one proctored test session . Clarified that schools operating with hybrid scheduling models due to the COVID-19 pandemic must schedule paper/pencil test sessions as early in the day as possible to allow students to complete each part on the same day . It is allowable to schedule content area tests over multiple days . Page 67: Materials Return Dates updated . Page 70: Materials Return Dates updated . Added: Schools are encouraged to return materials as soon as possible after all students have completed testing . Page 76: Update to Incident Report Subcategories: Student became ill and Student was removed from school by parent/guardian to remove paper/pencil requirement to resume testing in an individual one-on-one proctored makeup session and changed paper/pencil from required to submit to optional . Page 77: Update to Incident Report Subcategory: Student does not complete test by end of day . Changed requirement to submit an Incident Report to optional . Page 81: Added Spring 2021 note to Misadministration subcategory: Test not administered on scheduled day/time . Page 90: Replaced List of Important Dates with revised List of Important Dates to reflect Testing Window Extension . Page 92: Added “Spring 2021 Flexibilities for Statewide Summative Assessment (pending)” to list of resources on M-STEP web page .
www.michigan.gov/mstep ■ https://mi.drcedirect.com FOR HELP, call 1-877-560-8378 97 M-STEP Test Administration Manual Spring 2021
Office of Educational Assessment and Accountability (OEAA) Phone: 1-877-560-8378 Website: www .michigan .gov/mstep Email: mde-oeaa@michigan .gov