Appendix A: FAQs

 

How long will the test take?

All OSTP/CCRA tests (3^rd through 8^th grade and HS science and US History) are untimed. The “recommended” time for most tests is 90 minutes, but a student may take as much time as they need. Most students finish in the three-hour sessions we have scheduled.

ACT Testing has strict time limits. Along with non-testing portions of the ACT, high school students can expect to spend about 4 hours or more in the testing room. Standard time is as follows:

English Test	Math Test	Reading Test	Science Test	Writing Test
45 minutes	60 minutes	35 minutes	35 minutes	40 minutes

 

It is essential that everyone show up on time. All students must start together, and it delays the entire site when we are waiting on one student.

What will be on the test?

OSTP/CCRA assessments are created based on the OAS (Oklahoma Academic Standards) for the grade level/subject being assessed. The OSDE (Oklahoma State Department of Education) releases “blueprints” which explain how many questions to expect in each content area. In the Spring, prior to testing, the OSDE will release practice assessments online for grades 6-8 and high school. Paper/pencil practice tests will also be available for 3-5 students. You will receive an email at your school email address when those tools are available.

The ACT covers English, Math, Reading, Science and Writing.

All teachers are teaching state standards during Class Connect times, please join your teachers to master standards that could be on the state OSTP/CCRA test in April. Teachers will have very specific details as testing window approaches. Make plans to join Class Connect!

Why do we have to test?

State and Federal laws require that all students attending a public school participate in state assessments. Testing attendance and participation shows your student’s growth and helps our school report card achieve higher scores.

OVCA and ISOK are charter schools. Our charter does not allow for opting out of state testing. All currently enrolled students are required to attend state testing.

What site will I be testing at?

Site assignments are determined by geographical location and the address information we have for you on file. Approximately four (4) months before the test, students will be assigned to the site closest to the current address on file. You will confirm this site through Testing Nirvana. Please make sure we have your correct address on file.

How can I change my test site?

You must use the link emailed as detailed in the Testing Nirvana section of this handbook to decline your testing site assignment. We will do our best to accommodate your request. Site reassignment requests are available only for a limited time at the beginning of the confirmation window. After your student’s schedule has been assigned, no change requests may be made.

Why do we need to be at the test site so early?

Most tests sites open at 8AM to begin the registration process. The testing session will then begin between 8:30AM & 9AM. It is important to arrive to your site on time in order to be registered and seated in your testing room. Arriving earlier than the advised time is not recommended. There will be a period of waiting, depending on the size of your test site, as we cannot begin the testing session until all students are present and seated. Your patience is greatly appreciated.

 Why may I not bring in a cell phone or other electronic device?

Cell phones and other electronic devices are strictly prohibited by the State of Oklahoma and the ACT Board. Such devices compromise test security and confidentiality. If a student it found with any electronic device in the testing session, their test will be invalidated and not scored.

Disciplinary action from the school could follow.

Why can’t my student keep their backpack or purse at the desk with them?

Test security and confidentiality must always be maintained. Backpacks and purses could be a potential source of cheating.

OVCA/ISOK will not be responsible for any items that are lost or stolen. All valuables need to be left at home. Students will not need any items other than a book to read upon completion of the exam.

Any items brought into the testing room must be stored under the chair or desk until the student is dismissed or the testing session has ended. Students may not open their bag/purses until dismissed from the testing room.

Cell phones and other electronic devices may not be stored in purses or bags in the testing room. Failure to turn in those items during the testing session will result in the test being invalidated and not scored.

I want to pop in and check on my child during the test. Is this possible?

Parents and other unauthorized persons are not allowed in the testing room. OVCA/ISOK is required to protect the confidentiality and security of all tests. Each employee or proctor who has any contact with the tests goes through extensive training. Additionally, no one who is related to a tester may be present in the same room.

Can I stay at the test site while the student is testing?

Some sites do not have the accommodations available for waiting rooms. To maintain safety and security at those sites, families are asked to wait elsewhere.

Please be mindful that your student is focusing on testing. If you are waiting in a common area and your student sees you while on a restroom break, their focus may be broken. Students will not be allowed to leave or be distracted by conversation while the testing session is active unless on an approved break.

We must ensure we have established a quiet testing area for our students. Additional people on site are often a distraction. Please help us ensure we maintain a quiet testing area for your student and decide to wait elsewhere during the test.

Why can’t I walk around the testing site while my student is testing?

OVCA and ISOK are guest at the testing sites. As such, families are expected to behave in a manner that is quiet and respectful of our hosts. To maintain test security and student safety, families will be asked to stay in a designated waiting area or leave the premises during testing.

Sites such as hotels often offer amenities like coffee and food for overnight guests. Testing families may not partake in these hotel guest amenities and will be asked to leave the testing site for the duration of the testing session if this rule is not adhered to.

How can I volunteer?

OVCA and ISOK work hard to ensure enough staff are available at testing sites to administer and proctor testing rooms. If you are interested in helping, please see your Building Test Coordinator on your student’s first day of testing. There are often tasks which can be done outside of testing rooms. Donation drives are sometimes held at testing sites, and we encourage family participation to help communities around the state.

Why can’t my student leave as soon as they are done?

Dismissing students during a test administration can be distracting to other students that are still testing. Students are encouraged to take their time and check work before turning in test materials. There are 3 hours of testing time allotted per session (except ACT).

Encourage your student to establish a plan and use time wisely. They may bring a book to read after completion of the assessment while they wait for dismissal.

Once dismissal begins, staff members will release students to parents, checking to make sure each child is heading home with the right person. While we understand this process is sometimes slow, we take student safety very seriously. Thank you in advance for your patience!

Do I need to sign my student in and out? Why can’t they come in by themselves and walk out to my car when they are done?

Student safety is our number one priority. Please walk your student into the testing facility to sign them in and provide us with emergency contact information. You will also be required to come into the testing facility to sign out your child to ensure your child is leaving with the correct person and arrives home safely. Please keep in mind that you will need to pick your child up immediately at the conclusion of the testing session. Plan to be back to the testing site in time if you intend to leave. Please make sure the phone number you leave with the site connects to the person who is authorized to act in case of an emergency and is authorized to pick up your student when testing is complete.

High School students that will be driving themselves or arranging their own transportation to and from testing will need to complete the Driving Permission Waiver found in Testing Nirvana and bring this document with them to testing.

What happens if the student is sick on the test day?

If a child is sick during testing, you must provide the school with a doctor’s note. Please be sure to communicate these issues with the Building Test Coordinator and/or attendance specialist that will be calling you. When a student misses their scheduled day, there is no guarantee the rescheduled date will be at the same testing site location. Rescheduled locations and days are not negotiable.

Why did my testing time/date change?

Due to various situations, students may receive notification that their testing time or date has changed. Several of our sites serve many students. These sites will create morning and afternoon testing sessions in order to ensure all students are tested. Please be flexible and patient with staff and block out the entire testing week on your calendars.

 If we live far away, do we have to attend testing?

All students enrolled in a public school in Oklahoma are required to attend testing. This manual provides you with all the dates far in advance. Please begin making your plans and arrangements to get your student to testing immediately.

I do not have a car. How do I get to testing?

Please use the dates listed in this manual to set up any arrangements you will need to make in order to get your student to testing.

I work full time. How do I get my student to testing?

Please use the dates listed in this manual to set up any arrangements you will need to make in order to get your student to testing.

What time do we have to be at the test site?

Please pay close attention to the times listed in Testing Nirvana and to any emails you receive for exact arrival times.

Will my child be able to leave for lunch?

Yes. At the conclusion of the morning test session, you will sign your student out and go to lunch. You must be back in time for the start of the afternoon session as assigned in Testing Nirvana. If you are unsure when the afternoon session will begin, you may ask the staff at your testing site.

Will lunch be provided?

Lunch will not be provided at the sites. You may bring a sack lunch or find a local restaurant. Due to catering contracts, some sites do not allow outside food to be brought into the site. Some facilities may also not have an appropriate place to eat. Please be aware that you may be asked to take food outside.

May we wait in the lobby while my student tests?

If your assigned testing site has a designated waiting area, you may stay. Please ensure you remain quiet during the testing sessions and bring quiet activities for any small children or students who may not be testing.

Wandering hallways or loud conversation/activities will not be allowed to prevent distraction to the testing students.

What do we do if we are late?

Please continue to make your way to the test site if you are running late. You will be contacted by the testing Site Coordinator or an attendance specialist, let them know you are on your way. We need to test on the assigned day whenever possible.

What do I need to bring?

You do not need to bring anything. Pencils, erasers and calculators will be provided.

Your student may be more comfortable bringing a light jacket or sweater into the testing room if there are temperature changes. Your student may bring a book (not a textbook) to read quietly after the test is complete but before they are dismissed.

You may opt to bring a sack lunch or snack and clear water bottle if your student is scheduled for both morning and afternoon testing. Please be aware not all testing sites allow food inside.

My student has an IEP/504 plan. How does the site know what accommodations my student has?

The Testing Coordinator works closely with our Special Program departments to gather all information regarding accommodations and provide them to the site staff. Testing Accommodations that are documented in IEPs/504 will be received at the test site. If you have questions about your testing accommodations, please reach out to your case manager.

My child has a special need not listed on an IEP/504 plan. What do I do?

Please inform staff at check in of any allergies, medical needs or other items we should be aware of in the testing rooms. For instance, if a student needs access to a rescue inhaler, this may be kept under the student’s desk or with the test administrator. If an emergency arises, for instance a broken hand, please reach out to the school as soon as possible so appropriate arrangements may be made. No testing accommodations may be provided without documentation and state approval.

We had an emergency on the testing day. What do we do?

Please contact your CFA as soon as possible to begin arrangements to reschedule. Be aware that rescheduled test locations may not be the same as originally assigned. Rescheduled locations and days are not negotiable.

 

What identification is needed for the ACT test?

Please bring a picture ID.