Test Administrator Training Module FAQ

Test Administrator Training Module FAQ
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Q. What is the module and how do we complete it?
The module is an interactive, one-to-one learning presentation which covers the basics in test
administration. It is primarily geared to Test Administrators as it covers the main points a School
Assessment Coordinator would cover in training Test Administrators. District Assessment
Coordinators and School Assessment Coordinators should complete the training so they are
familiar with its contents.
The training is housed on its own website at http://pssatraining.com. Users may register and
complete the module at any time once it has been released. NOTE: The site domain name is
pssatraining.com but the module covers basic administration of both the PSSA and Keystone Exams.
The module is a tool which provides
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Consistency in training of basic test administration and security.
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Accountability at all levels for training in basic test administration.
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A one-on-one learning experience that can be viewed and reviewed as often as necessary.
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Brief formative assessments throughout and a short summative assessment at the end to
self-test your knowledge of test administration and security.
Q. How long is the module?
The module will take about 45 minutes. However, it is a save and resume format, so it does not have
to be completed in one sitting.
Q. I am a DAC or SAC and already do training with my staff. How is this training different?
The training system is an individual, self-contained learning experience meaning anyone can access
the site, register, and complete the training without prior approval. DAC’s and SAC’s DO NOT have
to register their Test Administrators or provide approval for them to take the module. Each user
registers independently and may complete the module at his or her own pace. Everything you need
to know about the site, the module, and the training is contained on the site. This is a totally
different type of training than has been done in the past. This is not a train-the-trainer delivery.
This is training provided directly to the user from PDE. As a DAC and SAC, your primary
responsibility in executing this training is to inform your Test Administrators about the website
and confirm they have registered and completed the module.
Q. How do I access the training?
In order to access the training you must register on the site. Go to www.pssatraining.com and click
on Register at the top right-hand corner of your screen Fill out the information, create a password,
and submit. Just follow the instructions on the registration page.
If you are already registered, just click Sign-In at the top right-hand corner of your screen.
Sign in with your email and password. You do not have to re-register. If you have changed jobs,
schools or positions (for example if you were a TA and now you are an SAC) or your email or phone
number have changed you go to your account page which can be found on the Training page and
just change your information and resubmit. You do not have to create a new account if you
already have an account in the system.
Q. I forgot my password and my email has changed so I can’t get a new password.
Email khelm@pa.gov.
Q. I am a district superintendent or a charter CEO. What do I have to do?
1. Notify your District Assessment Coordinator and make sure he or she is aware of the
website http://pssatraining.com where the test training module is housed. In some charter
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cases your DAC may also function as your SAC because you only have one building but every
district and charter should have a designated DAC. NOTE: If you have never designated a
District Assessment Coordinator, now is the time to do so.
2. Ensure that all individuals who act as Test Administrators in your district have completed
the module.
3. Email khelm@pa.gov the name of your District Assessment Coordinator so he or she can be
granted access to results to confirm their Test Administrators have completed the module.
4. PDE recommends you register and complete the module so that you are familiar with the
training.
Q. I am a District Assessment Coordinator. What do I have to do?
1. Register on the site and have your superintendent or CEO email khelm@pa.gov so you can
be approved in the system as a DAC. This grants you access to the Administration page of
the website where you can approve SAC’s and view reports.
2. PDE recommends you complete the module so you are familiar with the training content.
3. As part of your training of School Assessment Coordinators, have them register and
complete the module.
4. Ensure School Assessment Coordinators have their respective Test Administrators register
and complete the module.
5. You will need to approve your School Assessment Coordinator(s) in the system if they want
access to their TA data in the system. When you sign in, if your SAC(s) have registered, you
should see their name(s) waiting for approval. If you need help with this, contact
khelm@pa.gov.
Q. I am a School Assessment Coordinator. What do I have to do?
1. Register and complete the module.
2. Introduce your Test Administrators to the website, have them register and complete the
module.
3. You can access your TA’s results on the site if you have been granted access as an SAC so
make sure your DAC approves you in the system.
Q. I am a Test Administrator. What do I have to do?
1. Register and complete the module.
Q. The Handbook for Assessment Coordinators states that test administrators must complete
the module and print a certificate to be a test administrator. What if they don’t pass the selfcheck test?
The self-check quiz at the end must be completed successfully in order for a user to print a
Certificate of Completion. You may retake the quiz as many times as necessary. You do not have to
replay the module to retake the quiz.
Q. I want to do training en masse. Is that OK?
The module is designed as an interactive one-to-one training and is best utilized that way; however,
if you want to train everyone at the same time ensure your district and/or school can handle
running the module at the same time. Also, in some cases traffic to the site has peaked and caused
access difficulties. If this occurs, you may have to choose an alternative to training an entire group
(see below).
Q. I am a DAC. How do I access test results in the system.
When you register on the site, select the DAC box. This automatically generates a request for
approval as a DAC in the system. PDE must approve you in the system so please have your
superintendent email khelm@pa.gov your name as the district DAC so you can be approved. Once
approved, when you sign in, you will go directly to the Administration page. There you can follow
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the instructions to use the drop down menu to generate reports. These reports can also be exported
to an Excel document. You will also see a Member Approval link where you can approve your SAC’s
to access data for their buildings. Only someone with DAC access can approve an SAC. If you need
assistance, email khelm@pa.gov.
Q. I am a SAC and I want to access user reports to see how my TA’s scored.
In order to access reports you must be approved as an SAC in the system. When you register, select
the SAC box. This automatically generates a request to your DAC. Once your DAC has approved you
in the system, when you sign in, you will go directly to the Administration page. There you can
follow the instructions to use the drop down menu to generate reports. These reports can also be
exported to an Excel document.
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