CBT Phase 2: Adding CBT to the GED Testing Program Project Framework

Transcription

1 CBT Phase 2: Adding CBT to the GED Testing Program Project Framework GED is a registered trademark of the American Council on Education. Used under license.

2 Dear GED Administrator, Thank you for taking the important first step to join the GED Testing Service Computer-Based Testing (CBT) Project! The CBT Project entails collaboration between our team and your team, and our investment in helping you and the test-taker achieve your goals together. We would like to formally welcome you to the second stage of the project: CBT Implementation. CBT Implementation will increase access and opportunities for adults to take the GED test and pursue their goals for postsecondary education, training, and careers. To get your jurisdiction prepared for CBT Implementation, we have produced this document, the CBT Project Framework. Inside you will find valuable details about the project timeline, roles and responsibilities, and project resources. Most importantly, this document introduces the four CBT Implementation Phases: Education; Discovery & Decision Making; Check In & Sign Off; and Launch. We encourage you to set aside time to review this document and our CBT website ( as they will offer answers to many of your questions related to CBT Implementation. In addition, we recommend assembling a small task force of representatives in your jurisdiction that can help you gather information and support the needs of this project. This project is an important part of the GED 21 st Century Initiative and one of the best ways we can increase opportunities for test-takers. We know it will require hard work, collaboration, and innovative solutions; with your support, we know it will yield amazing results. Thank you, The CBT Implementation Team GED Testing Service 2

3 Project Mission The Computer-Based Testing (CBT) Project is part of the GED 21 st Century Initiative, which aims to create a comprehensive GED testing program that prepares more adults for postsecondary education, training, and careers. The initiative contributes to the nation s goals to build a globally competitive workforce by supporting adults who have dropped out of high school to become career- or college-ready. Converting the GED test to a computer-based delivery format is a key component of the initiative. The primary goal of the CBT project is to modernize the GED test distribution method which will increase access and opportunities for adults to pursue and attain the nationally recognized GED credential. Attaining this goal requires a partnership among GED Testing Service, professionals in GED testing and adult education, and experts in testing and scoring technologies. We recognize fully the cultural shift that the project requires. As such, team members are committed to three guiding principles in support of a successful project implementation Open and honest communications among team members to facilitate understanding, constructive conversations, and compromise when necessary. A positive and collaborative perspective that identifies roadblocks and suggests solutions. A dedication to putting the needs of the test-taker first in all decisions. CBT Task Force GED Testing Service recommends that a planning and managing team or task force be created to include representatives from both the testing and instruction communities. The main goal of the task force will be to support the administrator s efforts in collecting and disseminating information and ensuring that the needs of test-takers are represented throughout the CBT Implementation process. When trying to select members of your task force, look to add a primary project manager who understands how the GED operational processes are conducted in the jurisdiction, an accounting/finance manager who understands billing/invoicing processes, a marketing/communications manager who understands how outreach projects are conducted, an IT or internal technology staff familiar with your jurisdiction's GED data management processes and systems, a GED Chief Examiner, preferably one with experience working with/in a CBT environment, a representative from the adult education community who has previously collaborated successfully with your office, a correctional facilities liaison (if applicable), and a GED Option program coordinator (if applicable). GED Testing Service 3

4 Major Project Milestones for CBT Implementation Following are project activities that will take place during CBT Implementation in your jurisdiction. An implementation plan has been initiated but will be collaboratively developed starting with this document and continuing through subsequent discussions, meetings, and research. GED Testing Service 4

5 Phase One: Education The Education phase requires all stakeholders to learn about the various components comprising the CBT Project. GED Testing Service develops recorded CBT Education and Planning (E & P) courses to offer basic information about major topics related to computer-based testing. These courses also cover detailed processes to deepen jurisdictional stakeholders understanding about CBT implementation. GED Testing Service staff will familiarize themselves with your jurisdiction s current GED testing policies and procedures. Jurisdictional GED testing stakeholders will have access to CBT E & P courses and will review them prior to or immediately following initial meeting with GED Testing Service. GED Testing Service staff and partners review all available materials and can engage in productive conversations about the process and implications of CBT within a jurisdiction. Phase Two: Discovery & Decision Making The Discovery & Decision Making phase initiates thoughtful discussion with the jurisdiction about CBT and establishes the first face-to-face visit with the GED Administrator to gauge the overall jurisdictional response to computer-based testing. This phase also calls for a few milestone meetings to review project expectations, as well as for GED Testing Service and jurisdictional GED testing staff to exchange information about CBT updates and current jurisdictional GED testing processes and procedures. Task force meetings led by the CBT Implementation Manager--define the implementation plan by identifying operational tasks according to the following topics: 1. Plan Review 2. Sign-off 3. Launch Schedule & Policies 4. Test Center Network Overview 5. Registration, Scheduling, & Admissions 6. Results and Reporting 7. Marketing These topics may be combined and addressed in meetings of various formats in person, teleconference, or video conference. Ultimately, this phase will clarify project goals, address potential challenges, and receive approval for the collaboratively developed implementation plan. Jurisdictional and GED Testing Service staffs list preliminary questions and potential challenges. Jurisdictional and GED Testing Service staffs exchange sufficient responses to identified questions and challenges to continue development of an implementation plan. Jurisdiction assembles task force. GED Testing Service 5

6 Phase Three: Check In & Sign Off The Check In & Sign Off phase reviews the collaboratively developed CBT implementation plan to ensure that all questions have been answered and all issues have been addressed. Verification of jurisdiction and GED Testing Service formal policies as well as expected Test Center Network plans will be given a final approval before launching. A comprehensive test center network plan is initiated to increase access. All GED Testing Service and jurisdiction staffs, as well as technology partners, are alerted to testing procedures, training processes, and go-live dates. Phase Four: Launch The Launch phase of the CBT Project is the culminating activity which marks the successful completion of the prior phases. CBT will be implemented widely at Pearson VUE Authorized Test Centers (PVTCs) throughout your jurisdiction. A CBT implementation assessment is conducted to identify challenges, issues, and successes. Jurisdictions may expand their adult basic education program to include integrated GED test passer career- and college-readiness services. Most, if not all, PBTs convert to PVTCs. Any procedural and technical challenges are noted and addressed. Published report which includes resolution of issues and documentation of best practices. Jurisdictions continue collecting and publishing GED test passer success stories. GED Testing Service 6