State assessment staff warn districts: strict security, coding and enrollment rules ahead of EL testing window
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Summary
Assessment officials reminded districts the EL testing window opens Feb. 23 (not extendable) and emphasized strict test security (oaths, cell‑phone bans, audio audits), tight TIDE access, careful use of non‑participation codes and new percentile‑point accountability calculations.
Department assessment officials briefed district staff on operational rules and security measures for the upcoming EOPT/ELPT testing window and explained how accountability will be computed under new scorecard rules.
Dr. Jennifer Baird, who manages assessment operations, opened the afternoon session by stressing coordination through district test coordinators (DTCs) and saying the EL testing window opens Feb. 23 and "we will not extend the window." She urged districts to use precode files in TIDE so students are not recorded as zeros and reminded participants that accountability inclusion is determined by EdLink records rather than TIDE rosters.
Baird outlined several operational priorities: keep TIDE access limited and secure ("There are 3 people in this building who can access TIDE: Emily, I'm one, and Brian"), avoid sending full student PII via email, and apply non‑participation codes correctly and before the test window closes. She warned that certain codes — for example the code used when a student has been in U.S. schools for less than two years — have strict calendar definitions and can be misapplied.
On test security, Baird said audio from speaking portions is audited and that every test administrator signs an oath of security. She urged districts to eliminate cell phones from testing rooms except in narrow medical‑exemption cases and said administrators who enable or facilitate item disclosure can face serious consequences.
Baird also covered accommodations and exemptions, stressing that reading/writing exemptions are rarely granted and that IEPs must clearly document the need for any exemption. She urged districts to ensure accommodations are routine for students well before testing and to certify scribes when required.
Finally, Baird described accountability changes: the state now uses percentile‑point indicators rather than the old student‑point averaging, subgroup indicators require minimum counts (typically 15 students), and the federal rule allowing exited proficient EL students to be counted in proficiency numerators for up to two additional years remains in effect.
Next steps: assessment resources, manuals and training modules are available on the Department portal; districts were told to coordinate through their DTCs and to use Department contacts for technical questions.