Step 1: Prepare for Test Day
The goal of post-testing is to collect accurate data. In order to gather accurate data you need to (1) simulate the testing experience as closely as possible and (2) communicate your data needs to Cambridge for timely data processing.
Simulate the Testing Experience
First, you need to simulate the testing experience as closely as possible. Schedule the post-test, gather your materials, and prepare your students.
You have several options when you post-test. Cambridge recommends that you use the same testing method for pre- and post-testing.
- If you are using Cambridge’s print, non-adaptive test you will be able to both receive score reports and review the test questions as a class.
- Schedule one unbroken test session if you are using this option.
- If you are using Cambridge’s non-adaptive test and having students enter their answers in our Online Answer Form, you will be able to both receive score reports and review the test questions as a class, as mentioned above.
- Students can easily use the Online Answer Form in class, at home in a scheduled test session, or on their own within a testing window.
- Schedule one unbroken test session or have students set aside time to take the entire test on their own if you are using this option.
- If you would prefer to have students complete an adaptive test, you can use the Cambridge Score Booster. You will not be able to review all the test questions as a class and you will not receive Cambridge’s assessment reports, but you will be able to discuss the testing experience and you will be able to log in and review the students’ testing attempts.
- The Score Booster tests are untimed. You can administer them in class or have students complete them as homework. The time required for each student to complete the test will vary, but you should set aside at least an hour per test section.
Be sure that you are familiar with the Proctor Checklist and Proctor Instructions (available in Step 2) and that you have collected and reviewed all the testing materials listed in the Proctor Checklist.
The proctor information is available for each proctoring situation (paper or online materials, in person or remote proctoring) so be sure to use the instructions that apply to your testing implementation.
If you are using printed test booklets, look at the Scantron™ Information Form (included with your materials) to determine which of the tests students should take as a post-test. Do NOT administer the same test as both a pre- and post-test.
If you are self-scoring your tests, either have your students write their answers on a separate sheet of paper or contact a Cambridge rep to order blank Scantron forms. You will also need lined paper to distribute when students respond to the essay prompt.
Notify students ahead of time to bring several No. 2 pencils (online students can use any writing utensil), an acceptable calculator, and a watch to pace themselves while testing (optional). An acceptable calculator is defined as a four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator.
Pre-Slugging
Cambridge offers a pre-slugging service (we fill in your students’ names, IDs, etc. on their Scantron sheets). We recommend this service because:
- The sheets will be returned to the school with the student information already filled in, which saves time on the testing day and reduces the chance of errors.
- By providing additional information about the students’ class, teacher, homeroom, etc. Cambridge can create specialized data reports. For example, we can create an Instructor Summary and Error Analysis for Ms. Anderson’s 3rd period Algebra II class.
- If the school is using a pre- and post-test evaluation of student learning, pre-printing Scantron answer sheets is the best way to ensure that students are correctly matched.
You can download and then submit a pre-slugging file in the PrepMyData form. You MUST complete the PrepMyData form at least three weeks before testing in order to receive pre-slugged Scantrons.
