T-PRO BASICS & ADMINISTRATION QUESTIONS

• How often is T-PRO administered?
  T-PRO is designed to be administered two times a year. A Diagnostic Assessment is administered in the fall, and an Outcomes Assessment is administered in the spring.
• How long does it take to administer the test?
  T-PRO administration will take 1-2 hours per day over the course of one week.
• When is the 2009 Fall testing window?
  The testing window begins on October 12 and ends on November 5.
• Can we change the testing window for our school?
  The window may NOT be changed or extended. The testing window was designed to give all schools maximum testing flexibility. Schools will NOT lose a week of testing time because of their fall or spring breaks. A school may test the week prior to its break and finish the week after its break, as long as it falls within the testing window.
• Where can I find instructions for giving T-PRO?
  All instructions for administering T-PRO are included in the teacher’s manual for each grade level (K-3).
• I am a new intervention teacher, how will I be trained to administer T-PRO?
  CIA is hosting several Webinar sessions for all RTA staff during the months of September and October. It is only necessary to participate in one of the T-PRO Basics: Fall 2009 Diagnostic Administration sessions. See Webinars for a schedule of sessions.
• Is there a suggested schedule for administering the test?
  Yes, from the T-PRO website menu, select Resources, then Teacher Tools for Test Administration, and then choose your grade level. Click on “Suggested Schedule for Administration of T-PRO” to download a guide.
• Several new students have just enrolled in our school. Should they take the test?
  All enrolled primary students must take the test according to grant requirements. Extra test booklets are provided. Please fill in all necessary information on the inside front cover of the student's test booklet. Make sure he or she is included on the class roster that you enclose with completed test booklets. If you need help obtaining an MGT ID for a new student, please email Nick Gustin (Nick.Gustin@education.ky.gov).
• What should I do if a student had an extended absence and missed the T-PRO testing window and the shipping deadline?
  It is important that all primary students complete T-PRO testing. If students are absent during the testing window, or if new students are enrolled after the end of testing, contact CIA at tpro@indiana.edu to request a secure electronic copy of the test and a scoring guide. School personnel will be responsible for scoring these tests and for recording test data. You will need to score this student’s test booklet at the school level. The test booklet cannot be returned to CIA.
• Do I have to follow the test directions exactly?
  Yes. For consistency and validity reasons, the directions for the test must be read exactly as written in the teacher manual.
• Is T-PRO a high-stakes test?
  No, T-PRO is not a high-stakes test, however this test is the required assessment tool for the Read to Achieve: Reading Diagnostic & Intervention Grant Program and must be administered in order to remain in compliance of your grant.
• Do T-PRO sections have a time limit?
  There is no time limit for how long students can spend on the test.
• How do I know on which level to test students when the directions are to test students on-level?
  Students should be tested based on the classroom assignment noted on the official school roster. For example, a student assigned to a P2 (traditional first grade) would be administered the first grade test. Students may only be tested at a single grade level.
• I have a kindergarten student who reads at a first grade level. We gave her the kindergarten test, but we would like to see how she would do on the first grade test. Since we have extra first grade booklets, can we have her take it?
  No. Students should only be tested at the grade level to which they are assigned. All other scores will be cancelled by CIA.
• Are students allowed to have accommodations for T-PRO?
  If a student has an IEP that indicates he/she is a non-tested student or has testing accommodations, then those will be honored with regard to the state selected assessment, T-PRO, for RTA. A child’s IEP should be used to guide his/her testing requirements.
• How many times am I allowed to repeat a question in administering T-PRO?
  You may repeat a question up to 2 times (so that a question is read a total of 3 times) only when prompted by a student.
• Is there a writing component to the test?
  Yes, however it is optional and is scored at the school level. The scoring guide is located on the CIA web site under Optional Writing Assessment.
• Another school in my district is taking T-PRO online this fall. Why didn't my school have that option?
  A limited number of schools are piloting the online version of T-PRO this fall. Based on the results of this pilot, more schools will be invited to participate in the future.
• My school is interested in purchasing tests to administer mid-year. Can we purchase additional tests?
  At this time, CIA does not have a mid-year form.
• Do you have a T-PRO for the intermediate grades?
  T-PRO was designed specifically to meet the assessment needs of primary grade classrooms. CIA does not currently offer an assessment for the intermediate grades, although we hope to soon.

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FLUENCY

• Why isn't Fluency included in the test booklet this year?
  Due to teacher feedback, KDE and CIA made the decision to make the Fluency component of T-PRO more flexible in its administration. Teachers will give the fluency assessment twice a year to first graders and three times a year to second and third graders as part of the progress monitoring aspect of the RTA grant. The fluency assessment does not need to be given during the testing window. All materials are available online for downloading. Teachers will score the assessment themselves. Scores will not be reported to CIA, and no materials will be returned to CIA or Apperson.
• Do I have to administer the T-PRO Fluency section?
  Yes, although the section is no longer included in student test booklets, it is a requirement of the RTA grant.
• If a student is unable to read the fluency passage, should I continue to tell him or her the words after the minute is up?
  No. After one minute, allow the student to attempt to complete the passage, but do not tell him or her any more words. When the student has completed the passage to the best of his or her ability, proceed to the comprehension section.
• How long should I allow the student to attempt to read the passage after one minute is up?
  You should allow a student enough time to read the complete passage. Move to the questions when the student is finished or you find that he or she is frustrated and unable to continue.

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SCANNABLE BOOKLETS

• We had so many problems with scannable books in fall 2008, why are we using them again?
  Using scannable booklets allows CIA to report scores much more quickly than hand-scoring. This will allow schools to receive their scores within 3 weeks of the close of the testing window.

• Will I have to bubble in information for kindergartners and new students?
  CIA and KDE worked to establish a testing window that will allow us to provide pre-printed labels for kindergarten students. If a student does not receive a printed label, teachers will complete the form on the inside front cover of the test booklet. Apperson's Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR) technology eliminates the need for bubbling. Please make sure you print neatly, with only one character per box.

• What special precautions should we take with the scannable booklets?
  Although scanning staff will be alert to bubbling issues that are common with young children, for timely results, it is important that staff monitor test takers. Please make sure students mark answers clearly, erase completely, and do not doodle on the pages of the test.
• What are the funny boxes on the bottoms of the pages that look like puzzle pieces?
  These boxes help the scanner pick up critical data. Each page has a unique box. It is critical that students do not color in these boxes.

TEACHER HEADER SHEET

• What is the teacher header sheet and why do I need to fill it out?
  The teacher header sheet will follow your students' booklets throughout the check-in and scoring process. It will assure that all books from your class are associated with you and that you receive scores for all students in your class. It is very important that you completely fill out the teacher header sheet, and that you write neatly, placing only one character in each box.
• The back of the teacher header sheet has space for notes. What should I write here?
  Use this area only if you need to convey additional information about a student's test booklet (e.g., "Adam Johnson was unable to complete the phonics section"). Please DO NOT use this space to make general comments about the test. As always, you can email general feedback to tpro@indiana.edu.

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SHIPPING AND RECEIVING OF T-PRO MATERIALS

• What are the responsibilities of the classroom teacher once testing is completed?
  Check to be sure there is a booklet (either complete or incomplete) for every student in the class, and that the classroom teacher's name is on each booklet. Paperclip loose pages together. Organize student booklets alphabetically by last name. Set aside unused and/or damaged booklets and unused pre-printed labels. Complete the teacher header sheet. Print out a class roster. Place all completed books, the teacher header sheet, and your roster in the provided poly bag. Give these materials, along with any blank books and unused labels, to RTA staff.
• What are the responsibilities of the RTA staff (intervention teacher and data coordinator) once testing is completed?
  The RTA staff MUST check envelopes to ensure all booklets are accounted for and materials are organized per testing instructions. Then envelopes should be placed inside boxes. Boxes should be securely taped, and pre-paid labels affixed over the old labels.
• Do schools have to return teacher’s manuals?
  No. Teacher's manuals and unused Student/Parent Information Guides should NOT be returned. Please recycle these materials at your school.
• How do I order additional test materials?
  Once the ordering deadline has passed, please contact CIA at tpro@indiana.edu to request additional materials.
• What should we do if a student needs a booklet with large print?
  Large print booklets are available upon request for students receiving classroom instruction in large print. Please contact KDE to have your request verified. CIA will print large print books to order beginning in mid September.
• When will I receive T-PRO testing materials?
  All testing materials will be shipped to schools the week of October 6th. If you have any questions, please contact CIA via email at tpro@indiana.edu
• What materials will be included in the shipment to schools?
  Each school will receive an administrators' box that will include all teacher manuals, pre-printed and blank student labels, Student/Parent Information Guides, poly envelopes, and several FedEx pre-paid shipping labels. This box will be marked with a bright orange sticker. Please open it first. Each school will also receive a number of boxes that will contain student test booklets.
• Will we receive pre-printed student labels for fall testing?
  Yes. They are included in the original shipment. Each pre-printed label will include detailed information to ensure accurate identification for reporting purposes. Student labels will be organized by grade level first, then alphabetically by last name.
• Who pays for return shipping of student booklets?
  CIA provides the pre-paid shipping labels to cover the cost of shipping. All student booklets must be shipped by FedEx.
• What are the instructions for using the pre-paid shipping labels?
  A pre-paid FedEx shipping label MUST be placed over the original shipping label on the box. Pre-paid labels were provided in the original shipment. Print the school's return address in the space provided. Retain the small receipt located at the top of the pre-paid label. This receipt contains the tracking number and will serve as verification of shipping. Call FedEx to arrange pickup, or take the materials to a FedEx location for return to Apperson. FedEx pickups can be scheduled online at http://fedex.com/us/, or by calling 1-800-463-3339.
• Where do I get boxes for return shipping of student booklets?
  Schools should SAVE the original shipping boxes.
• Do I need to return all student booklets, or only those that have been used/completed?
  Yes, for security reasons, it is important that all student booklets be returned. This includes booklets that are unused and/or damaged. CIA tracks all booklets. Your school will be contacted if books are unaccounted for.
• A student threw up on a test booklet. What should I do?
  Please record the book’s serial number and dispose of it using universal precautions. Record the serial number on the teacher header sheet and contact CIA with the information
• What is the deadline for shipping booklets to CIA?
  Schools must ship student testing materials to Apperson for scoring no later than November 6, 2009.
• What should RTA staff do to prepare materials prior to the testing window?
  The RTA staff should work collaboratively to organize test materials for distribution. RTA staff should check the contents of each box as soon as it is received. Contact CIA at tpro@indiana.edu if there is a problem with the number of booklets. Meet with classroom teachers by grade level to prepare booklets.

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STUDENT LABELS

• What if there is NO pre-printed label for a student?
  If a student does not have a pre-printed label, fill in the student's information on the form on the inside front cover of the test booklet. All information (e.g., grade level, first name, middle initial, last name, SSID, date of birth) must be completed. Please print neatly, with one character to a box to ensure the data is captured correctly when scanned.
• What if information is INCORRECT on the pre-printed label?
  The pre-printed student label must be placed on the front cover of the student booklet despite the error. If the information (e.g., grade level, first name, middle initial, last name, SSID, date of birth) is NOT correct, mark through the incorrect information, leaving the barcode intact. Fill out the corresponding fields on the inside front cover of the test booklet.
• A student has moved and I need the book with his label on it for another student. What should I do?
  If a label is affixed to a test booklet that is later needed for a different student, please mark out all information on the label, including the barcode, and fill out ALL information on the inside front cover of the test booklet. Follow these same instructions if a student is discovered to have completed the wrong test booklet.

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T-PRO SCORING

• Can I have kindergarten students circle the answers then have a teacher fill in the bubble after the test?
  All kindergarten booklets will be scored by staff trained in interpreting their marks. A student's answer will be correctly-scored whether he or she bubbles, marks an X, or circles the correct picture. Students should begin bubbling answers when they are developmentally ready to do so.
• What does RTA Average mean on the score report?
  This is the average score for all students in Kentucky who took T-PRO as part of the RTA grant. This is different from the National scores that are included on the report. RTA norms help schools track student progress in comparison to other RTA students/schools.
• When will I receive my student scores?
  Scores from fall 2009 testing will be online by November 27, 2009. Printed copies will arrive in schools in early December.
• Is there information available about how to interpret scores?
  CIA is hosting webinars for all RTA staff during the months of July, August, and September. There are two different webinars, Using Spring PRO-Reports Data to Drive Fall Instruction, Part I and Using Spring PRO-Reports Data to Drive Fall Instruction, Part II. See Webinars for a schedule of sessions.
• I would like to review the information from a webinar that I attended previously. How can I do that?
  You may view/review the webinars online at any time on the training tutorials section of our website, or download training resources here.

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PRO-REPORTS

• What is the PRO-Reports Web site?
  The PRO-Reports Web site contains the results from T-PRO testing. It can be found a https://tpro.cia.indiana.edu.
• When I go to the PRO-Reports Web site, it asks for my username. What is my username?
  You username is your school email address.

• I need a username, what do I do?
  Be sure that you are listed as a principal, data coordinator, or RTA intervention teacher for your school in MGT. Then contact tpro@indiana.edu and request a username.

• I am trying to access the PRO-Reports Web site and I forgot my password.
  Please click on the phrase, “forgot password” on the login page, then enter your district email address. An email will be sent to you with a link to enter a new password.

• What if it says that my username/email/password is invalid?
  Please check your username/email/password and re-enter it. If you forgot your password, please follow the directions to reset your password.

• I am a district coordinator; how do I get access to more than one school?
  Only three accounts are currently set up for each school (one for the principal, one for the intervention teacher, and one for the data coordinator). Contact the RTA office if you have a special request.

• What if it says that my username/email/password is invalid?
  Please check your username/email/password and re-enter it. All passwords are case sensitive. If you forget your password, please follow the directions for resetting your password.

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