2022 Conference

Concurrent & Sponsor Sessions

CONCURRENT SESSIONS #1

Assessing Your Testing Center with CAS
Presenter: Kristen Vickery, Anne Arundel Community College
Program Track: Test Center Management

CAS, and the organizations that make up the council, have developed self-assessment guides(SAG's) that allow institutions to evaluate department functions against national standards.  The outcomes of these assessments can be used to support program development, funding, staffing, and programatic change.  Come learn more about NCTA's Testing and Assessment standard and how to plan and implement a self-assessment of your offices to support office and organizational goals.
 

Blending In-person and Online proctoring to Advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Presenters: Rachel Schoenig, Cornerstone Strategies LLC
Camille Thompson, College Board
Sara Rieder Bennett, University of Akron
Faisel Alam, LSAC
Program Track: Accessibility

Access to testing is important.  Testing helps measure competencies and in many respects provides pathways to opportunity and success.  Proctors are an important part of helping to ensure the fairness of the testing process. Unfortunately, for many individuals, access to proctored exams can be a significant challenge.  The reasons for this may vary - lack of current technology, inability to access stable internet service, the cost of travel, the health risk of testing with others, and the need to find a quiet location to test are just some of the reasons individuals may face increased barriers to testing.  Advancing access to proctored exams through a blend of in-person and online proctoring services is one way helping to advance accessibility.  Testing offices can play a key role in this effort.  Join us to discuss how different types of proctoring solutions can help advance diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus and in the workforce.

Conflicting Priorities- Balancing the Conflicting Accommodations of Students With Limited Resources
Presenter: Lara Roberts LeBeau, Rowan University
Program Track: Test Center Management

A neurodivergent student who is registered with Accessibility Services is diagnosed with Misophonia.  This condition causes them to be triggered into a fight or flight response by some very common noises, such as the sound of someone eating.  They are approved for isolated testing, but find even entering the Testing Center to be stressful because of their particular triggers.  This is just one example of the need to balance conflicting priorities or accommodations.  Think about a student who has an accommodation to eat a snack and a student with airborne food allergies as another example of conflicting accommodations.  How can a Testing Center with limited space and staffing resources provide accommodations to students whose requirements are at odds with the accommodations of other students?  In this case study, we will examine how a creative partnership was leveraged to solve space and staffing problems, and how it all went wrong due to circumstances connected to the pandemic.  This session will examine the problem, the stressors, and the preconceived ideas of the testing center staff as well as the strategies used to overcome them.  In the discussion, additional examples and solutions will be solicited from attendees and we will work together to share creative solutions to a common problem.

The Calm AFTER the Storm; Supporting Students Who Test Virtually
Presenters: Sue Schmitz, College Board
Lisa Martini, Examity
Program Track: Other

2020 was the perfect storm that sent us all swirling to create new ways to test and serve students.  In the aftermath of the storm, as we take pause and realize that the new normal is here to stay, how are we preparing students to be successful virtual test takers?  The unknown world of online testing can create additional anxiety and costly mistakes for students who are unfamiliar with the process.Join Jo, Sue, and Lisa to talk about how we can support student success through good preparation for online exams.  Come help us curate a best practices document that can help students worldwide put their best foot forward in this new space of online proctoring.

Adapting Exam Proctoring for a Brave, New Virtual World
Presenters: Lisa Ancona-Roach, College of DuPage
Nina Egan, College of DuPage
Jane Schubert, College of DuPage
Program Track: Other

The Virtual Testing Center (VTC) developed by the College of DuPage offers a way to successfully implement an “in-house” remote-proctoring program using testing center staff and resources that are already in use. The Virtual Testing Center is able to test multiple students, at various times, for a variety of tests, all remotely. It offers a valuable alternative to third-party remote-proctoring options that is both professional and cost effective. Our presentation will introduce the Virtual Testing Center, explain its impact on academic integrity, and share how other institutions can implement it. We hope to share what has helped us adapt our proctoring to maintain academic integrity in a brave, new virtual world.

SPONSOR SESSION #1

College Board
ACCUPLACER and CLEP
Presenters:  Gini Beran and Kathie Montognese

The College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity.  Each year, the College Board helps more than seven million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success. Discover how the College Board’s ACCUPLACER and CLEP programs can be utilized to increase student retention, promote degree completion and foster student success. This informational session will provide a high-level overview of new features and highlight those most important to testing professionals.

Honorlock
Introduction to Honorlock's Online Proctoring Solution & How we address Student Privacy

Educational technology is rapidly evolving. Yet, with new technology comes unique challenges. Join Honorlock experts through an overview of our online proctoring solution and see how it can help your institution maintain academic integrity in online, hybrid, and in-person courses. You will learn how Honorlock:

• Allows instructors to customize online proctoring features
• Offers 24/7/365 on-demand US-based proctors and support
• Authenticates students before an exam
• Provides students with privacy & security

Pearson VUE/GEDTS/Certiport
The Starting Place for IT skilling: IT Specialist Certification
Presenter: Bryan Ochs, Senior Product Manager, Pearson VUE

Across the globe, talent shortages abound, with employers struggling to fill key tech positions. At the same time, the need for staff skilled in data networking, cloud computing, and software development is growing, spanning industries and making a highly skilled IT workforce more critical than ever. Now there’s a way for employers to fill that skills gap — and for training centers to grow their revenue potential. A fundamental certification for those new to the IT workforce or changing paths, the IT Specialist certification builds upon the former Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) program, and validates knowledge of topics such as software development, networking and security. Join us and find out how to supplement your IT certification curriculum with IT Specialist courseware, labs and study guides.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS #2

Hiring for Your Testing Center During the Great Resignation
Presenter: Margaret Thomas, Seminole State College of Florida
Program Track: Personnel

This session is the follow-up to last year’s popular presentation, “We Have to Reopen?! Now What?”  The Great Resignation began sweeping across the nation in 2021 and has shown no sign of slowing down. As a result, talent pools have shrunk and the need to fill critical roles quickly has never been greater. With this tidal wave of employee turnover come challenges and opportunities. Let Seminole State College of Florida share our best practices and help you navigate hiring during complex times. This session will discuss matters pertaining to recruiting, hiring, and retaining staff during the Great Resignation. Topics include building resiliency amongst your staff, navigating sparse talent pools, and will conclude with Q and A.

Creating Testing Partnerships with Correctional Facilities
Presenters: Kathie Montognese, College Board
Jessica Licklider, Lee College
Faviola Bernal, Lee College
Brenda Allen, Montana State University
Gini Beran, College Board
Program Track: Other

Have you ever considered expanding your testing to serve the incarcerated population?  If so, this session will discuss the opportunities and challenges of managing testing within correctional facilities.  We will provide insight into technical considerations, staffing, setting realistic goals by providing a roadmap of successful strategies used to overcome the unique challenges the correctional facilities incur.  The discussion will be led by testing directors who have successfully been able to offer testing in order to assist inmates in achieving their educational goals.

It Takes a Village …. But, How Do You Train the Villagers?
Presenters: Kelsey Jordan, Purdue University
Maggie Wetzel, Purdue University
Program Track: Personnel

In the world of Testing Centers, there is much to be done. Answering the phone, greeting visitors, returning emails, proctoring individual exams, supporting faculty, managing seating charts, the list goes on and on. So how can one possibly manage it all? In this session, we will discuss the value of utilizing a student employee workforce as well as different strategies for their training. At Purdue University, the Disability Resource Center (DRC) Testing Center employs 25 undergraduate students, 2 graduate students, and 3 full-time staff members. During peak times (such as finals), we receive support from over 40 full-time staff volunteers and an additional 30 graduate students. Training and clear communication is key in maintaining exam integrity, ensuring a seamless test experience for students, and allowing for consistent proctoring practices. Attendees of this session will learn about the unique ways in which Office 365 can be used to manage daily center operations with student staff, different staff scheduling software that exists, and discuss the necessity of an Employee Handbook. While this Testing Center primarily focuses on Accommodated Exams, the knowledge shared in this presentation can be transferable to any Testing Center environment.

Presenter: Nathan Byrer, Indiana University
Program Track: Test Center Management

During COVID, the IUPUI Testing Center scaled out our testing center services to alternate locations, providing 100% of our services to the campus in multiple locations.  Come learn how we leveraged partnerships with our Events Services, Network Operations Center, and Classroom Technology Services to allow us to build a second computer based testing center in less than two weeks and what we learned along the way. We will also discuss our investigation into new technology that will allow us to quickly scale the testing center up/down as needed.

Moving Forward with Implementing Your CAS Standards Action Plan
Presenters: Rachel Hample, Temple University
John Schmitt, Temple University
Program Track: Other

In 2020, Temple University’s testing services unit convened an assessment team that used the Testing Programs and Services CAS Standards to complete a self-assessment of its programs. Using the standards along with the CAS Self-Assessment Guide, the assessment team embarked on critical conversations about the status of the test center and interpreted the strengths and weaknesses of the unit. Join us as we share our process and experience of using the CAS Standards to self-assess our program as well as discuss the next phase of the project, implementation. Attendees will leave the session with a broad understanding of how they can conduct their own self-assessment using CAS Standards as well as tips and tricks to make progress on their own action plan.

Keynote Follow-up with Dr. Gregory Cizek, PhD
Three Dimensions of Validity and College Admissions Testing
Dr. Cizek will provide an application of the overview covered in the keynote, with particular attention to current controversy related to the validity and use of college admissions tests such as the ACT and SAT.

Introducing the NCTA Proctor Certification Exam
Presenters: Cindy James, Thompson Rivers University
Sara Rieder Bennett, Co-Chair NCTA Proctor Certification Committee, NCTA President Elect
Andrew Dedes, Scantron (Psychometrician)
Program Track: NCTA

In 2018, NCTA established the Proctor Certification committee to design a process to evaluate and certify proctors who meet certain standards. After years of meetings, surveys, negotiations and development, the current Co-Chairs of this committee are thrilled to introduce the NCTA Proctor Certification Exam. This exam will recognize individuals who understand and adhere to proctoring best practices. During this session, information about the purpose, topics, format, access, timing, and cost associated with the NCTA Proctor Certification Exam will be shared. Throughout the presentation, participants will be encouraged to ask any questions related to this exam.

Assessments, Integrity, Security and Analytics
Presenters: Amy Lockwood, Michigan State University - Scoring & Assessment Services
R. Greg Gomm, Digital Desk, Inc.
Program Track: Personnel

Assessments play and important role in the education process.  The way we administer and secure assessments is foundational in the establishment of a reliable assessment process.  Exam analytics also help to measure the quality of learning outcomes that are measured by the assessment instrument.Join us for a fun, edifying experience as we discuss things from test creation, item-banking, test delivery, proctoring solutions and much more.  Your participation and learned experience will be an invaluable contribution to the discussion.We look forward to seeing you in Chicago.

Ability to Benefit - What’s not to love?
Presenter: Sue Schmitz and Kathie Montognese

Ability to Benefit (ATB) is designed for students that have not earned a high school diploma or equivalent and are seeking post-secondary federal financial Aid. The U.S. Department of Education requires a student to demonstrate a base skill level to participate in designated career pathways while simultaneously earning their high school equivalency.  ACCUPLACER is currently the only assessment approved by the U.S. Department of Education to fulfill that requirement for native English speakers.

ACCUPLACER is announcing exciting new ATB policy changes that take effect September 6, 2022.  Join us to learn about important new changes to the ATB test delivery rules and how ATB ACCUPLACER is delivered to your students. You are going to LOVE this news!

CANCELLED The Testing Center:  Before, During and After Ole Miss:  Our Organizational Story
Presenters: Jinny Hurdle, University of Mississippi
Leteria McDonald, University of Mississippi
Nic Davis, University of Mississippi
Lisa Holben, University of Mississippi
Program Track: Test Center Management

The University of Mississippi serves its stakeholders in multiple ways at multiple times of testing experiences.  Following our return to post-Covid normal, we realized that organizing our testing "buckets" under the headings of pre-college, during college, and post-college, to serve testing needs would be most beneficial to students and at the same time help us increase offerings to our whole university community in the most efficient way.  In having three leaders to direct the activities of each of the three areas, we've been able to add new test vendors, affiliate more closely with other divisions on campus, and supply new services to both students and instructors.  This organizational model has expanded our footprint and raised visibility of our service throughout campus and community, and we'd like to share our experiences in setting up our approach.

Proctor Games Round I
Put your proctoring knowledge to the test. Join us for Proctor Games. Participants will have 45 minutes to answer 50 questions about proctoring. All questions come from the ATP/NCTA Joint Publication “Proctoring Best Practices.” The nine highest scorers will be invited to Proctor Games Round 2 – a live proctoring round. During Round 2, randomly assigned teams of three will conduct a live 10-minute test, during which they will be scored on their proctoring prowess by a panel of judges. It’s all in good fun. Winners get bragging rights and awards.

SPONSOR SESSION #2

Educational Testing Services
By Invitation, Only

Examity
The Power of Partnership in Online Proctoring
Presenters: Margaret Greenfield, Vice President, Examity
Lisa Martini, Senior Client Success Manager, Examity

Examity is a global leader in online proctoring, uniquely offering a full range of automated and live solutions. Test centers and institutions have complex testing needs and online proctoring is not one-size-fits-all. Examity offers flexible options and is a collaborative partner to ensure stakeholders are informed and prepared for success. Join us to learn about the many benefits of having an online proctoring partner focused on expert service. We will share best practices for communication and test set-up, as well as explore key questions to consider when evaluating your online proctoring needs.

McGraw Hill Education
ALEKS PPL: Maximizing your Implementation through Research
Presenters: Richard Kolasa, Sr. Director Strategic Partnerships
Patti Arneson, Director Strategic Partnerships

If you use ALEKS PPL (“Placement, Preparation and Learning”) or have learned anything about this unique program, you know that it represents a significant step forward for accurate math placement. Equally important is the ability to perform research on the efficacy and cost-saving ALEKS PPL brings to your campus.

In this session, the presenters will discuss how automated reports can provide campus administration and your math department with detailed information about the benefits of ALEKS PPL. This includes reviewing average scoring, courses skipped, and the benefits of mandating the use of the learning modules. We will then review the ALEKS PPL Cut Score Optimization Tool. The Cut Score Optimization Tool allows your campus to adjust cut scores based on campus-wide data.

Meazure Learning
The Power of the Proctor : Best Practices in Proctor Certification
Presenters: Ashley Norris, PhD, Meazure Learning
Jarret Dyer, College of DuPage

This session will highlight best practices in proctor training, certification, and policy and procedures for proctors in both the test center and remote proctoring administration.

We will compare and contrast the methodologies of each modality with experts in those areas.  Please join us for an interactive session on what goes into this important role and practice and a behind the scenes visual tour of this critical job in testing.

RegisterBlast
Scheduling Made Easy
Presenters: The RegisterBlast Team

RegisterBlast is the trusted online scheduling platform uniquely designed for higher education institutions. For nearly two decades, our exam, resource, and event registration tools have been used by clients worldwide. As face-to-face proctoring reemerges and online proctoring settles in, many institutions are looking for solutions to keep up with the demand of both. Our suite of tools can help through various added features, including check-in kiosks, payment processing, user profiles, professor submissions, and accommodation tools. If you have ever wondered what the fuss is about, join us for an inside look at the RegisterBlast platform.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS #4

The Effective Manager Discussion: Becoming an Effective
Presenters: Theresa Beebe Novotny, Georgia Southern University
Nathalie Quarles, Tarrant County College - Southeast Campus
Program Track: Personnel

Do you want to improve your management skills or become a more effective manager? NCTA Professional Development sponsored its second book club discussion.This spring the group read and discussed The Effective Manager by Mark Horstman.  This session will present the Effective Manager Toolkit to improve your supervision and management of your staff or in the future. Or, how to improve your experiences with your supervisor to make them more meaningful.  You will learn the four critical behaviors of an effective manager 1) Getting to know your people; 2) Communicate about performance; 3) Ask for more; and 4) Push work down. Conversations will include scheduling one-on-ones, providing effective feedback, coaching, and delegating. Come to this session to learn new techniques from The Effective Manager and share your experiences.

Presenter(s): Rachel Schoenig, Cornerstone Strategies LLC
Jarret Dyer, College of DuPage
Sara Rieder Bennett, University of Akron
Margaret Greenfield, Examity
Stephanie Dille, Meazure Learning
Program Track: Other

As technology advances, artificial intelligence and biometrics offer testing programs additional tools for securing test content, protecting the integrity of the testing process, and identifying examinees.  Whether used at brick and mortar testing centers or for online proctoring, these tech tools are being integrated into the testing process at a rapid pace.  So, if we can invest in more sophisticated and advanced technology, will we even need human proctors for testing in the next few years? Join us to explore the future of testing and the role of humans in the process.  Think this is just a stuffy debate?  Think again. It’s a no holds barred testing throw-down you won’t want to miss.

Presenters: Jim Wollack, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Sonya Sedivy, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Zach Schwartz, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Ben Fortney, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Program Track: Test Center Management

Recent trends in education have seen a surge in the number of students requesting test accommodations, an increased emphasis on transitioning towards computer-based testing for classroom exams, and greater competition for more limited campus resources (e.g., space, money). These and other changes have driven other campus stakeholders to request new testing services which may challenge or work at cross-purposes with our current delivery models, but which are necessary in order to remain relevant and responsive to campus initiatives.  In this interactive session, we invite you to be our thought partner, as we consider several potential opportunities. The presenters will begin by describing several “case studies,” real-life examples of ways in which demands of college Testing Offices are changing, and the challenges that meeting those demands present to our proctoring services, supervision models and staffing. Next, we will divide into moderated groups to share experiences and to brainstorm strategies for expanding services in ways which are sensitive to institutional constraints, but which do not compromise the Testing Office’s core values and responsibilities. We will conclude by having each of the groups report out the most promising ideas for successful implementation. It is our expectation that attendees at this session will come away with a new appreciation of the complexities facing college Testing Offices, with strategies for reasoning through possible opportunities for expansion, and with specific ideas for how best to implement some exciting new services.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS #5

The New and Old News About Cheating Online
Presenter: Alan Dixon-Hurd, California State University Sacramento
Program Track: Security

Test Centers are faced with a formidable challenge to ensure the identity of test takers and integrity of exam results, especially since students are physically removed from the classroom.  This presentation will provide testing professionals a better understanding and awareness of issues surrounding cheating but also suggest solutions that might be adopted to help mitigated cheating in their programs.

Presenters: Sue Schmitz, College Board
Rita Garcia, College Board
Cindy Takacs, ETS
Ray Nicosia, ETS
Program Track: Security

Who has a stake in test security and why?  Students, proctors, faculty, admissions professionals, testing directors, and test developers all have something to lose each time the security of a test is violated.  Campus-level testing professionals and experts in the field of professional test security will share proactive tips, the “whys” of test security, and the trending concerns of 2022.  Join testing professionals from a Community College, ETS, and College Board for a lively discussion about the ins and outs of test security and how you can help support a culture of test security on your campus.  There will be plenty of time for Q & A!

Presenters: William Thelen, Central Washington University
Llesmin Gonzalez, Texas State Technical College
Sherry Machacek, College of Dupage
Program Track: Test Center Management

The Ideal Test Center Taskforce would like to invite you to join us for a discussion of what constitutes and Ideal Test Center. We will have a panel to review the floor plans and pictures of test centers and invite the session attendees to discuss the pros and cons of each test center.New ideas and concepts will be incorporated into the Ideal Test Center handbook.

Presenter: Alejandro Martinez, Texas A&M International University
Program Track: Accesibility

In a perfect world, proctoring a test would be no problem; or would it?  We all had to adapt to COVID protocols, adhere to new types of proctoring, and address security concerns for both the traditional route of testing as well as accommodated testing.When proctoring exams in a tradition route, there are certain proctoring guidelines that are followed.  Many centers and companies have put in place their protocols when administering am exam.  However, when there is a test the needs to be accommodated, there are changes to the guidelines so that the examinee too will have a fair chance at being successful. In a COVID world change needs to take place for both traditional and accommodated testing.  How has accommodated testing changed for students and staff in COVID world? While some students can test on campus and give the opportunity to collaborate with a university’s academic disabilities office, others must test virtually and both circumstances present unique challenges and requirements in all stages of testing.As we move forward, this session will allow for opportunities for attendees to share lessons, best practices and learn from one another with what worked and didn't work in an IHE environment. The presentation will conclude with what we believe to be best practice and answering questions from the audience.

Presenters: Nick Gossett, Avant Assessment
Linda Egnatz, The Global Seal of Biliteracy
Program Track: Tests

As businesses and governments recognize the value in knowledge of a second language, more and more students are entering higher education with high levels of proficiency. A number of states have adopted the Seal of Biliteracy to acknowledge these skills. A Seal of Biliteracy is a language credential recipients use to prove their proficiency in a language.  In recent years, the Seal of Biliteracy has become part of K12 education systems in 47 states. A challenge with the state seals is that often transferring this across state lines may be difficult as every state has their own policies and procedures surrounding the Seal of Biliteracy. In comparison, the Global Seal of Biliteracy was developed as a credential with a uniform benchmark no matter where the student resides. A number of institutions of higher education are already using the Global Seal of Biliteracy in their programs to increase enrollment numbers and recruit students. Many institutions already use the Global Seal of Biliteracy for advanced placement and for awarding credit to ensure students meet their graduation requirements on time. This presentation will present the Global Seal of Biliteracy and the benefits it provides to both students and institutions. Special attention will be paid to the assessments approved by the Global Seal of Biliteracy for awarding the credential to students. Finally, examples of how the Global Seal of Biliteracy is being implemented in other institutions will be discussed.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS #6

Things to Consider When Exploring Technology as Proctoring Solutions
Presenter: Tay McEdwards, Oregon State University Ecampus
Program Track: Test Center Management

Whether exploring software to increase the capacity of your testing center or considering using an online proctoring vendor, keeping up with the latest technology can be very challenging. With the rapid pace that technology changes and so many options available, how can we determine what will work best for our faculty, staff, and students? Critical topics to consider when exploring technology as proctoring solutions were gathered from lessons learned comparing and implementing software to increase in-person testing center capacities and online proctoring vendors for E-proctoring. This presentation will explore key things to consider and questions to ask vendors to help you determine what proctoring solutions will meet your needs best.

Integrating In-Person and Online Proctoring - a Panel Perspective
Presenters: Rachel Schoenig, Cornerstone Strategies LLC
Jarret Dyer, College of DuPage
Rachel Hample, Temple University
Program Track: Test Center Management

Testing programs and universities are facing more choices than ever when it comes to deciding what type of delivery and proctoring tools to use for test administration. This is posing unique challenges for test centers and proctors, who are asked to continue to provide in-person while also integrating online proctoring services into their offerings. How are testing offices responding to the increasing demands for both in-person and online proctoring options? What staffing, scheduling, and budget considerations come into play when integrating multiple delivery options? How are testing offices shifting their relationships with vendors, testing programs, and faculty to help guide and support evolving expectations regarding access to proctors? Join a panel of experts for an industry-ranging perspective regarding the integration of in-person and online proctoring, and how testing offices can better position themselves to support the digital evolution occurring around proctoring.

The Worst Year Ever: Things that 2 Hurricanes, an Ice Storm, and a 100-Year Flood Taught Me
Presenter: Andrea Burton, McNeese State University
Program Track: Other

In less than 10 months, our small community has survived two category 5 hurricanes, winter storm Uri, and a 100-year flood. The impact on our homes and university community can still be seen everywhere. Our lives will never be the same and that’s okay. COVID-19 taught us to be flexible but the following 4 natural disasters taught us to be strong. This session will explore how the people of Southwest Louisiana turned shards of broken glass into art and saw the beauty in twisted piles of rubble. This session will also share the stories of how the people of McNeese State University rose to all the challenges we never saw coming and emerged stronger after the worst year ever.

Presenter: Carrie Solomon, Binghamton University - SUNY
Program Track: Test Center Management

Scheduling can be one of the most frustrating parts of coordinating exams. When your testing center administers institutional exams, accommodated testing, certification exams, language competency tests, distance education learning, and more – how do you manage all the appointments? What happens when users make mistakes? Come learn how one testing center survived four scheduling software changes within four years. From fillable PDFs, to Google Forms, to a homegrown software, to RegisterBlast. While this session will look at all the different changes our center has experienced and the reasons for those updates, we will also address the challenges we continue to face with our current processes, and our plans for the future.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS #7

Appointments: An Unexpected Journey
Presenters: Sharon Broere, NC State University
Kara Marschalk, NC State University
Program Track: Test Center Management

Managing a test center often means managing expectations; adapting and re-imagining the possibilities for improved workflow, student and instructor management, and communication. In this presentation we will detail NC State University DELTA Testing Services journey from a walk-in testing system to appointment-based testing. Specifically, we will discuss the internal and external factors that led to the change to appointment testing. As well as our process of choosing an enterprise software and the decision to create our own highly customizable home-grown software. We will discuss our research and implementation plan, feedback on the outcomes for students and office personnel. And finally, our future plans for improved appointment efficiency.

Presenters: Faisel Alam, Law School Admission Council
Brittany Thornton, Law School Admission Council
Kimberly Pearson, Law School Admission Council
Kelly Robinson, Law School Admission Council
Program Track: Tests

What's better than people watching? Watching people trying to test! This is a light hearted session where we will share some of the stories of what we have seen in a year of remote proctoring and some of the surprising lessons we have learned. Audience will be asked to share any of their stories as well!

Utah State University's Homegrown "Materials and Testing Services" Software
Presenter: Kaitlin Rodgers, Utah State University
Program Track: Test Center Management

This session will cover the Materials and Testing Services software created by Utah State University and used by the various USU Testing Centers throughout the state of Utah. The Materials and Testing Services (or MATS) website is an all in one software that combines scheduling, testing materials, and proctoring information. It also works to document student testing accommodations, provides classroom materials for broadcast classes, and can be utilized by distance proctors around the world who proctor USU students.The MATS system is used by testing management, proctors, faculty, and students to make the testing experience as smooth as possible. This session will cover how each group (management, proctors, faculty, and students) use the MATS website and will showcase the benefits of this system to academic testing.

Presenters: Jim Wollack, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Kimberly Bright, University of Arkansas Little Rock
Alex Martinez, Texas A&M International University
Program Track: NCTA

Two opportunities for NCTA members are publishing in Journal of the National College Testing Association (JNCTA) or funding appropriate activities through the NCTA Annual Grants Program.  The JNCTA is a professional, peer-reviewed publication which focuses on the trends, practices, research, programs, policies, and activities related to examination development and administration. The purpose of the Annual Grants Program is to offer opportunities for professional development, to promote the development of resources for NCTA members, to encourage professional support activities, to stimulate research pertinent to the field of testing (for possible submission to the NCTA Journal), and to support the testing profession. In this session, members of both committees with provide an overview of their respective areas.  Member of the JNCTA editorial Board will outline the process of preparing, submitting, reviewing, and revising a manuscript in the JNCTA. Advice on the process, including discussion of resources and tips to help streamline the publishing process will be included. Members of the NCTA Annual Grants program will discuss the application process, appropriate topics for consideration, types of grants and the criteria upon which decisions are made.  Join us to learn more about these exciting opportunities.

NCTA Project: Mentorship Program

SPONSOR SESSION #3

Scantron
What … Why?  The Top 10 Things You Should Now Know About Scantron, now a part of Meazure Learning!
Presenters:  Scott Greene, VP, Test Delivery
Julie Gill, Director of Internet-Based Testing
Katrina Simmons, Manager of Testing Support

Meazure Learning, the premier provider of high-stakes online testing services for the higher education and professional testing markets recently acquired Scantron Corporation’s Certification and Licensure business, including the business’s test center network, related assessment software, and the Test Delivery Team. What does this mean for you? Please join us to learn what this means for your campus’ test center, the benefits for the NCTA community, the importance Meazure places on human proctoring and the impact within the industry of this newly expanded and integrated team.  In addition, we look forward to engaging with you to explore your thoughts on the impact NCTA members can have in helping Meazure fulfill its mission to move people forward.  Lastly, learn how you can become part of the Meazure (former Scantron) Test Center Network, if you are not already. See you in Chicago!

Nocti Business Solutions
Making Money for your Testing Center through Workforce Development
Presenters: Anne Gielczyk, Vice President, Nocti Business Solutions
Tyler Kennedy, Marketing Coordinator, Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC)

The skills gap is a national issue and is affecting every industry across the country.  How can your testing center be part of the solution while making money for your facility?

Nocti Business Solutions (NBS) is a leader in providing pre-employment technical skill assessments for business and industry across the country.  Many businesses would like to implement testing into their hiring processes but do not have the resources to do so.  Your testing center can offer proctoring services to business and industry and serve as the liaison between NBS and industry by becoming an Industry Resource Center (IRC).

In addition to pre-employment testing, NBS works with certification organizations that are committed to training and certifying individuals to get them back to work.  One of those organizations is the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) that provides certification for front line production workers and logistics technicians.  With a national assessment center network of almost 2,000 community colleges, high schools, correctional facilities, community-based organizations, and industry groups, MSSC is America’s leader in training and certifying foundation technical competencies for in-demand, higher wage, higher skills jobs in advanced manufacturing and supply chain logistics.

Learn how these two organizations work together and how you can become a part of their national network.

SPONSOR SESSION #4

Proctor 360
Online tools to empower Test Center Staff and Deliver Secure Exams Remotely – A Case study
Presenters: Kranthi Bathula and Scott Crumpler

As the pandemic has changed the traditional test center’s role in student test delivery, we must look for an alternative solution that equips test center staff with easy-to-use remote testing tools. A community college with multiple campuses is currently using the proposed technology and enabled its staff to deliver exams online while meeting all necessary security, integration, and scheduling requirements.

Access to distance education has been one of the biggest developments made in the past decade. The growth of online education exploded during the pandemic, and we’re seeing universities, K-12s, and community college institutions reach more people through the internet.  Online instruction allows students from anywhere to further their career. Though much work has been put into the learning aspect of online education, there are still obvious limitations on the testing side. Security in online testing has been, and still is, a major concern for educators.

Today’s students are savvy, and they understand the limitations of lockdown browsers and webcam testing.  Both have a limited view of the environment that students easily take advantage of—particularly when proctors and instructors are using inadequate video monitoring tools. The inability to view behind or to the side of the student computer leaves room for cheating material to be present or an individual to walk-in and communicate answers, and mass “meeting” software doesn’t capture individual student exam sessions with any significant detail. To their credit, some vendors that use webcams for proctoring employ AI, though with the limited view there is still no clear proof that a student is adhering to the rules of the exam, because where and what they are looking at is not visible. Without the right tools, delivering exams online then poses a challenge to maintaining the integrity of an institution’s exams and ensuring fairness among all test takers’ results.

The test taker environment is a major concern for university and certification bodies as institutional integrity can’t be compromised. Providing “test center level security” in the remote space is a necessity if online proctoring is to advance in online education. Now, there are technologies available for securing the remote environment that provide auditing capability comparable to a brick and mortar test center.

This presentation will discuss common online testing issues, current technology limits, and how test centers and their staff can be part of the changing landscape of remote testing. A case study of using online tools and transitioning test center staff to proctoring remotely will be discussed.

Proctorio
The Future of Remote Proctoring

Online proctoring entered the education landscape to fulfill the need of test takers with alternative educational needs. It became apparent that by offering remote education, the expectation for learners to travel to their institution or a testing center for an assessment was unattainable for some and outdated for others.

Over the last few years, online education has grown, requiring institutions to adopt remote proctoring to keep their programs operational amidst the sudden closure of their physical institutions. Students wanted the opportunity to continue their education without prolonging their graduation date, or having a gap in their academic calendar. With so much growth, the industry faced challenges like never before, including scaling to meet demand and allowing for the customization of learning experience. With these challenges, the industry is growing, and remote proctoring is adapting to the varying needs of test takers everywhere. What began as an alternative and accommodation, has become a mainstream option for some learners for continuing their education, and is shifting to convenience. In offering convenience, increased accessibility and industry regulation are major trends that are affecting the way remote proctoring companies are expanding.

The remote proctoring industry has come a long way as a trusted option for protecting the integrity of exams.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS #8

Presenter: Cindy James, Thompson Rivers University
Program Track: Test Center Management

The COVID-19 pandemic precipitated an expansion and surge in online proctoring services, especially in higher education settings. Online proctoring is designed to be as effective as In-Person proctoring but research validating this assumption is limited. To address the gap, a study comparing the entry assessment test scores of candidates testing in-person at a NCTA Certified Testing Center and online by an agent from a professional testing vendor was conducted at a public, open access university. For this study differences in scores were analyzed from three English and three mathematics tests completed by 918 candidates during the pandemic, with 561 proctored in-person and 357 proctored online. During this session, the methods, results and possible explanations of the findings from this study will be presented. The session will conclude with an open discussion about implications of this study and future research into different proctor modalities.

How to Address Student Anxiety Stemming From Security and Data Privacy Concerns
Presenter: Paul Morales, Honorlock
Sara Rieder Bennett, University of Akron
Program Track: Security

The pandemic has forever changed the higher education landscape. As a result of the changes over the past few years, testing centers have had to adopt flexible assessment solutions to meet student demand to keep online learning. These new technology solutions have contributed to heightened student anxiety stemming from security and data privacy concerns.

Join Paul Morales, VP of Information Security & Technology at Honorlock, and Sara Rieder Bennett, Ph.D., Director of Testing and Licensed Psychologist in Counseling & Testing Center at The University of Akron, where they will discuss:

• · The state of student anxiety in today’s academic climate
• · How the University of Akron implemented best practices to manage student test anxiety
• · How to vet technology partners that support student privacy and data security

SIG Discussion Groups: Reforming, Restructuring, and Ready to Go!
Program Track: NCTA

Join us for an informational meeting on NCTA's Special Interest Groups (SIGs). During this group discussion, we will discuss the purpose, structure, and goals of NCTA's three SIGs: Universal Access, Distance Learning, and Emergency Contingency and Planning. NCTA SIGs provide valuable resources to NCTA members and are a great way to get involved. Meet the SIG Leadership Teams and help plan upcoming events.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS #9

Leveraging Campus Connections to Increase Revenue
Presenter: Dane Johns, Boise State University
Program Track: Test Center Management

Generating new revenue might be the single most dreaded hurdle for a Testing Center Administrator.  And that was before the added challenges of a global pandemic.  Many TCAs look to external institutions to drive revenue, unwilling to place additional financial burdens on students and academic departments.  However, TCAs can approach this from a “value added” standpoint, and instead of adding financial burdens to students and departments, can work to enhance dozens of different degree programs, and increase the hireability of students upon graduation and generate testing revenue at the same time.This presentation will take attendees through whole process, from conception, implementation, and iteration, of how Boise State changed the perception of paid testing on campus by working alongside academic departments, extended studies and online education programs, and the Career Center to form an integrated process to help our students gain a competitive age in today’s job market.

The Constant in a World of Change
Presenters: Rachel Schoenig, Cornerstone Strategies LLC
Camille Thompson, College Board
Faisel Alam,Law School Admission Council
Ray Nicosia, ETS
Program Track: Security

Over the past two years, so many things have changed, how we meet, how we travel, and how we stock at-home COVID tests. With so many changes, it might be easy to forget that at least one thing hasn’t changed: cheating.  No matter how many ways we have modified test development and administration, we still find people seeking to “game the system” for their own gain.  Whether using tried and true methods or newer digital tools, we continue to find a small portion of individuals trying to bend the rules.  Join us for a fast-paced, interactive session to discuss how they do it, how they get busted, and how you make a difference in securing exams.

Presenter: Kelsey Jordan, Purdue University
Program Track: Accesibility

Just like much in today’s society, the world of managing testing accommodations is ever evolving. Testing Center staff must adapt and learn about new technology their users may use. With new technology comes a new set of problem solving skills. At Purdue University, the Disability Resource Center (DRC) Testing Center administers over 12,000 accommodated exams in an academic year for over 1300 unique students. In this presentation, attendees will learn how Purdue manages the use of a medical device connected to a cell phone as an accommodation, ways to handle when assistive technology does not work as planned during an exam, and other unique accommodation implementations. In addition, presenters will review innovative ways in which students are utilizing technology to cheat on their exams.

Presenter: Holly Banes, Arizona Western College
Program Track: Test Center Management

At Arizona Western College, yearly reviews are done and every five years a Program Review is completed. When looking at Testing within an institution many will first look at their mission to seek the overall goals to base those recommendations for review.  With that said, some people may think reviews are a pointless endeavor which is a useless activity that populates lots of boring data with useless conclusions. This was a problem with evaluations in the past and as a result, evaluation reports tended to reiterate the obvious and left program administrators disappointed and skeptical about the value of evaluation in general. This session will walk you through the program review process by looking at data and finding the utility, relevance and practicality that can be used at any testing center.