Test Integrity, Security and Investigations

State tests require standard, uniform administration and a neutral environment so that the observation, administration, equipment, materials and scoring rules will be the same for each and every student taking the test. Such standardization and "sameness' across LEAs, schools and testing groups allow for the results to be valid and reliable indicators of what students know and are able to do. Without objective measures, it is difficult to score the tests in a fair way, to make comparisons and to allocate resources.

When state tests are affected by cheating, falsification, security breaches and misadministrations; it makes it difficult for educators, policymakers and parents to trust the data that drives sound decisions for instruction, resources and policy. To maintain public confidence in the data generated from statewide assessments, the following was created to ensure that all students have appropriate, fair and equal opportunities to show their knowledge, skills and abilities.

Please select the links below for additional information:

• 2015 Test Integrity Amendment
• SY 2014-15 LEA/School Investigations Task List
• Test Plan Checklist
• Nonpublic 2014 DC CAS Affidavit and Checklist
• 2013 Test Integrity Act
• 2015 DC CAS Affidavit Form
• Communicating Test Security Violations
• DC State Test Investigations
• District of Columbia State Test Security Guidelines and Test Integrity Forms
• LEA Investigations of Test Integrity Violations
• Online Reporting of a Test Security Violation
• State Test Missing Materials
• Test Integrity Technical Assistance
• Online General Observation Report

To read about the importance of Test Integrity, Security and Investigations, please take a look at the June 2011 letter from U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan addressed to Chief State School Officers. The external link has been provided  below.