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District Training

Instructions for Test Administrators

1. Overview of CMAS

The Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) assessments measure student mastery of the Colorado Academic Standards.

CMAS assessments include:

  • CMAS English Language Arts (ELA)

  • CMAS Mathematics

  • CMAS Science (Grades 5, 8, and 11)

  • CMAS Social Studies (sampled administration)

CMAS assessments are administered primarily online through the Pearson TestNav platform. North Conejos only offers the option to test on electronic devices managed by North Conejos School District.

Purpose of CMAS

  • Measure student academic achievement

  • Provide data for schools and districts

  • Inform instruction and improvement planning

  • Meet federal and state accountability requirements

2. Roles and Responsibilities

Test Administrator (TA)

The Test Administrator is responsible for administering the test in accordance with all security and administration procedures.

Responsibilities include:

  • Completing required CMAS training

  • Signing the Test Security Agreement

  • Preparing the testing room

  • Reading scripts exactly as written

  • Actively monitoring students during testing

  • Ensuring accommodations are provided correctly

  • Reporting any irregularities immediately

3. Test Security Requirements

Maintaining test security is critical.

Test Administrators MUST:

  • Sign the CMAS Security Agreement

  • Keep all test materials secure

  • Supervise students at all times during testing

  • Follow the test administration scripts exactly

  • Prevent access to unauthorized materials

  • Immediately report any testing irregularities

Test Administrators MUST NOT:

  • Copy or photograph test content

  • Coach students during testing

  • Clarify or explain test questions

  • Allow students to use prohibited materials

  • Leave students unsupervised with test materials

Violation of test security policies may result in disciplinary action or invalidation of test scores.

4. Preparing for Testing

Proper preparation helps ensure smooth administration.

Review Required Materials

Test Administrators should review:

  • CMAS Test Administrator Manual AKA the TAM

  • Test schedules provided by the school. Managed by SAC

  • Student accommodation plans (IEP, 504, EL) Assigned in Pearson by SAC

Prepare the Testing Room

The testing environment must be secure and distraction-free.

Ensure that:

  • Seating allows students to work independently

  • Students cannot view each other's screens easily

  • Instructional materials related to the test are removed or covered

  • The room is quiet and well supervised

Remove or cover:

  • Vocabulary charts

  • Math formula posters

  • Anchor charts

  • Educational reference materials

Technology Setup (for online testing)

Confirm the following before testing:

  • Devices are fully charged

  • TestNav application is installed. This will be managed by IT Director.

  • Headphones are available if required

  • Internet connection is stable. This will be managed by IT Director.

Students must have:

  • Login tickets provided by SAC

  • Scratch paper (if permitted)

  • Pencils

5. Beginning the Test Session

At the beginning of the testing session:

Step 1: Distribute Materials

Provide students with:

  • Login tickets

  • Scratch paper (if allowed)

  • Headphones (if needed)

Step 2: Read the Administration Script

The script must be read verbatim from the Test Administrator Manual.

Key reminders to students should include:

  • Work independently

  • Read questions carefully

  • Use available tools within the test platform

  • Raise their hand if they need assistance

Step 3: Guide Students Through Login

Students will log in using:

  • Username

  • Password from their login ticket

Once logged in, students will:

  • Confirm their name

  • Select the appropriate test

  • Wait for authorization

Step 4: Start the Test

Once all students are ready:

  • Authorize students in the testing system

  • Confirm they have entered the correct test

  • Instruct students to begin

6. During the Test

Test Administrators must actively monitor the testing session.

Active Monitoring Includes:

  • Walking around the room

  • Ensuring students remain on task

  • Ensuring students are working independently

  • Monitoring computer screens when possible

Allowed Assistance

Test Administrators may:

  • Help students log in

  • Clarify directions (not test questions)

  • Troubleshoot technical issues

Not Allowed

Test Administrators may NOT:

  • Define words in questions

  • Explain test content

  • Suggest answers

  • Help students solve problems

Breaks

Break procedures depend on the test schedule.

If a student takes a break:

  • Ensure the test is paused

  • Collect scratch paper if required

  • Maintain supervision

7. Accommodations

Students with documented accommodations must receive them as outlined in:

  • Individualized Education Program (IEP) All handled by SAC previous to testing

  • 504 Plan

  • English Learner accommodation plan

Examples of accommodations:

  • Extended time

  • Small group testing

  • Text-to-speech

  • Separate location

Test Administrators must verify accommodations before testing begins. These will have been entered by the SACs.

Improper accommodations may invalidate test results.

8. Handling Technical Issues

If technical issues occur:

Follow These Steps

  1. Remain calm and reassure students

  2. Pause the student's test if necessary

  3. Contact the School Assessment Coordinator (SAC)

  4. Do not attempt to fix complex issues independently

Most online testing platforms will save student progress automatically.

9. Testing Irregularities

A testing irregularity is any event that may affect the validity of the test.

Examples include:

  • A student accessing prohibited materials

  • Technology failure (this does not include temporary loss of connection during test, if connection is quickly restored)

  • Student cheating

  • Test content exposure

  • Administration errors

If an irregularity occurs:

  • Immediately stop the testing situation if needed

  • Document what occurred

  • Report the incident to the School Assessment Coordinator

Do not attempt to resolve serious irregularities independently.

10. Ending the Test Session

When students finish the test:

Step 1: Ensure Test Submission

Students should:

  • Review their answers

  • Select Submit Final Answers

Verify students have successfully submitted their tests.

Step 2: Collect Materials

Collect all testing materials including:

  • Scratch paper

  • Login tickets

  • Headphones (if provided)

Scratch paper must be securely destroyed according to district procedures.

Step 3: Confirm Completion

Ensure:

  • All students have submitted their tests

  • No test materials remain with students

  • All technology is logged out

11. After Testing

Once the session is complete:

Test Administrators should:

  • Return materials to the School Assessment Coordinator

  • Report any irregularities

  • Ensure the testing room is cleared of materials

12. Key Reminders for Test Administrators

  • Follow the script exactly

  • Maintain active monitoring

  • Protect test security

  • Provide correct accommodations

  • Report any issues immediately

Proper administration ensures valid and reliable assessment results for all students.