Testing Procedures and Responsibilities

A major role of Star is to provide a testing service for the faculty. This service is available to aid the instructor in meeting the needs of a physically or learning disabled student. The following is intended to clarify the testing procedures that Star has in place to serve the faculty and the student.

What are special test accommodations?

Special test accommodations can include extended time to complete a test, a professional staff member to read a test for the student, a quiet, distraction free testing environment, or a professional staff member to scribe the answers to a test.

How does an instructor know that a student qualified for special testing accommodations?

The instructor will be presented by the student with an "Instructor Notification of a Section 504/ADA Accommodation" letter identifying that student as a student who qualifies for and needs special testing accommodations.

Does the student who qualified for special testing accommodations have to take the test with Star?

No. The instructor may administer the test or quiz as long as the specific needs of the student are met. Star's testing service is available to help comply with the student's right for appropriate testing accommodations.

What are the student's responsibilities concerning special testing accommodations?

The student must contact Star each semester in order to verify accommodations and then contact the appropriate instructor with the official letter from Star. Once the instructor is contacted and the accommodation is accepted, the student is to pick up a pink Test Accommodation Form from Star to present to the instructor before each scheduled quiz or test. The student should fill out the top portion of the form and must allow sufficient time for the instructor to deliver the test to Star. The instructor is to fill out the center portion of the pink form with appropriate instructions and/or restrictions. The instructor then sends the test and the pink form to the Star resource room, J2009.

What are the procedures concerning the Test Accommodation Form?

The student must:

• Pick up a pink Test Accommodation Form and fill out the top section of the form
• The top section must be completed and presented to the instructor in time for the instructor to deliver the test to Star

The instructor must:

• Fill out the central portion of the form and attach the form to the test itself

Please pay special attention to:

• The amount of time the class gets for the test
• The last date the test may be taken
• Resources that the student may use on the test
• Other special instructions relative to the test for Star's tutors
• Choice of methods for returning the test to the instructor

How are tests delivered to Star and returned to the instructor?

The actual instructor should deliver the test to Star. However, a departmental secretary may deliver the test with the instructor's permission. Be sure that the central portion of the pink form is complete and is attached to the test. NOTE: In order to protect test security, a student is not allowed to carry a test to Star.

Where should the instructor deliver the test that is to be administered by Star tutors?

The test should be delivered to Star's Resource Room, J2009, prior to the time the test will be given in class.

Resource Room hours:
During the regular school year:
Monday through Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursdays: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Summer hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday and closed on Fridays.

If delivery is necessary during hours the Resource Room is closed, the test may be delivered to the department secretary in J2025 during regularly scheduled hours. If absolutely necessary, other arrangements for test delivery can be made with Star. However, Star tutors will not pick up tests.

How are completed tests returned to the instructor?

At approximately 3 p.m. each day, Star tutors will deliver tests in an intercampus envelope to the mail room in J building for regular mail delivery to the departments. If an instructor would like to acquire the completed test prior to 3 p.m., or simply desires to pick up the test personally, the test can be picked up by the instructor or a designated secretary in the Resource Room, J2009, during posted hours.

Are tests kept secure and confidential?

All test and testing information delivered to Star are recorded by Star staff:

• By date and time received
• By name of student
• By name of the instructor
• By name of test
• By method of return to instructor

All tests are kept in a locked filing cabinet under the supervision of Star tutors and hand carried to the testing area which is under the direct supervision of Star staff. Tests are retrieved by staff immediately upon completion and returned to the locked filing cabinet until returned to the instructor.

Who administers the tests at Star?

Star staff are professional educators who hold varying degrees in education. Star staff administer and/or proctor the tests and supply any necessary accommodations.

What happens to a test if the student does not take the test in the time frame designated by the instructor?

The test will be returned to the instructor in the same manner as the return of a completed test.

What is the difference between Star testing service and the testing services provided by the Academic Skills Center in J2013?

The Academic Skills Center testing service is available to all students and faculty for testing or makeup testing on an open lab basis. They also have Saturday hours. Star provides individually arranged testing services only to qualified students who need specific testing accommodations and only by scheduled appointments.