Georgia DOE Code of Ethics for Educators STANDARD

Georgia DOE Code of Ethics for Educators STANDARD 11: TESTING

OBJECTIVES 1) Review GA DOE Testing Code of Conduct 2) CRCT (criterion)Testing Ethics 3) Cog. AT (standardized) Testing Ethics 4) Discussion about the difference of the two 5) A quick look at how the current testing culture has impacted Forsyth County’s Gifted Education Testing

GA DOE TESTING CODE OF CONDUCT What does the law state?

STANDARD 11 An educator shall administer state mandated assessments fairly and ethically.

ERASURES! Are erasures on state test answer sheets unethical?

Erasures on Student Answer Sheets are NOT Unethical! Clean up of stray marks and smudges is a requirement for accurate scoring!

ACTUAL CASES The educator was in and out of the classroom, leaving student CRCT test booklets unsecured in the classroom. Students were present in the classroom at the time and CRCT material was compromised during the time frame in question. 20 Day Suspension 7

The educator deviated from the script when she administered the CRCT reading exam to 2 nd grade students. The educator reread each test question more times than was authorized, paraphrased the script, and provided hints to the students. 30 Day Suspension 8

RECENT TESTING INVESTIGATIONS Look no further than the recent events involving 178 (teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators in Atlanta Public Schools (APS) as reported by the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Numerous PSC sanctions are anticipated.

WHAT WERE THEY THINKING? Were they thinking at all?

A MAJOR CONCERN OF THE PSC Testing violations will initiate a comprehensive investigation by the PSC. For specific information, please refer to the Georgia Department of Education’s current Student Assessment Handbook located at the GA DOE. Any school employee involved in any form of testing should read this handbook. GA Student Assessment Handbook 2012 -2013

UNETHICAL BEHAVIOR IN THE NEWS… Would you pay someone to take a teacher education exam like the PRAXIS or the GACE? It does happen! Teachers Embroiled in Test-Taking Fraud

WHAT ABOUT THE COGAT? So far, we have learned about ethical practices on State Assessments. What are the ethical practices when giving a standardized test such as the Cog. AT? GAE The Code of Ethics on Standardized Testing

DISCUSSION Parent: “I want my child in the gifted program. How can I teach my child the test? ” Let’s look at… (Drum roll please…)

WWW. TESTINGMOM. COM

IN TODAY’S TECHNOLOGICAL WORLD… Can testing of any kind truly be immune from… � Unethical behavior? � Cheating? � Bias?

HOW HAS THE CURRENT TESTING CULTURE IMPACTED GIFTED TESTING IN FORSYTH COUNTY? In other words, why is it taking so long to get kids qualified for the gifted program?

OLD WAY § § § Multiple testing windows. G/T teachers had direct access to test materials. G/T Lead Teacher was responsible for test security and accountability. G/T teachers could score and norm tests in school and shortly after students took tests. The testing process was fluid. This means that the G/T teacher could administer all four tests within a month or two. NEW WAY § § § Three testing windows. School Test Coordinator (STC) must order specific quantities of tests from the CO. STC must go to RAC to pick up tests. They must be secured upon arrival to the school. Tests are sent to Riverside to be scored and normed. This usually takes at least three weeks. The Torrance Test of Creative Thinking takes approximately 7 weeks to return. If a Tier 2 test is needed, the STC must submit a required form to the County Gifted Coordinator and the County Test Coordinator as proof and reasoning for a Tier 2 Test.

Forsyth County Academics and Accountability CLICK HERE FOR THE HORIZONS TESTING INFORMATION.

POWER POINT MADE BY LISA K. STARK Valdosta State University Leadership Program References "Code of ethics system presentation 8 2 -2011 a. " Upload & Share Power. Point presentations and documents. N. p. , n. d. Web. 25 Nov. 2012. <http: //www. slideshare. net/opiedog 1/code-ofethics-system-presentation-8 -22011 a#13537283525001&hide. Spinner>.