To ensure that the state assessments are administered with fidelity, LEAs develop monitoring plan to oversee the administration of the District of Columbia Comprehensive Assessment System (DC CAS) in its schools as per the LEA Test Plan (required in the State Test Security Guidelines, page 14). In addition, OSSE may observe any school’s assessment administration activities without prior notice.

OSSE may contact any school without prior notice following the completion of the test window to request documentation that all test security policies and guidelines were implemented as prescribed. OSSE may also conduct post-assessment analyses to detect possible irregularities that may lead to the invalidation of test scores.

An intensive monitoring process for schools with reported irregularities in the previous year has been established. Intensive monitoring involves on-site state-level observations during the first four days of the testing window to ensure compliance with test administration. It should be noted that additional observations will take place as warranted. In regards to the aforementioned, the intensive monitoring monitoring process  will include the following components (non-exhaustive):

• Test administration (i.e. reading test directions verbatim),
• Test environment (i.e. seating arrangement, removal of curriculum material from walls),
• On-site supervision of the handling of secure and non-secure test materials, Inventory/distribution of secure and non-secure materials,
• Collection of scorable documents, and
• Test packaging and shipment of secure and non-secure materials.

For additional assistance, view the the Monitor's Training.