The FCAT booklets were lined up on shelves waiting for us. They were each 350 pages long and we were expected to look them over in preparation for the upcoming Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. A knot in my stomach tightened as I grabbed mine. I thumbed through it, even though I have read it multiple times in past years. I was ready. Game on.
And why shouldn’t I be? I have proctored tests since I was 19 years old at Daytona State College. I looked upon the rest of the faculty during the “FCAT staff meeting”, noticing some of the bewildered faces of newer teachers who have never administered the FCAT before. Ashen and pale white, they listened mutely as final directions were provided and last minute tips were discussed.
In past years, the hot topic of “Gotcha!” has been prevalent. News channels harp on the remote possibility of teachers helping students on their standardized tests and the possible elimination of teacher licenses. Some almost seem to take a perverse delight in this shredding of ones career and livelihood. Adhering to these five tips will assist proctors young and experienced so that an educator’s license is safe from any harm.
1.) Get Students at Ease Before the Test Begins
This tip will not necessarily keep one’s career intact, but the chances are great that students are very nervous about taking state required tests. Lighten the mood before testing begins. Tell bad jokes and show a relaxed, calm demeanor. Time and again, students have become physically ill during the exam, and nobody wants that kind of distraction when students are trying to concentrate.
2.) Stick to the Script
This almost does not need to be said. It should be common sense, but once students are put at ease, it is time to put on your business attire. Most standardized tests come with very specific guidelines on what to say. In a clear voice, read the script verbatim. Do not deviate from it whatsoever.
3.) 10 Minutes in: Remember your Specific Duties
Every year the standardized testing Gods enjoy adding a wee bit more to the responsibilities of their proctors. This year we had to fill out a seating chart. Most will ask for validation forms and attendance records. Still others insist on having the proctor keep the end of test time on the board. Without getting too distracted, briefly review specific duties once students are settled into their tests.
4.) Stay Alert!
The prevalent idea behind proctoring is that one can slip into a comatose state or merely sit at their desks and watch the flies buzz around. Not true. Grading papers, in most cases, is a definite no-no. Losing track of time kills the integrity of the test. While a proctor does not want to stare a student down (once again, they are nervous enough), an experienced educator will want to circulate around the class, glancing at test booklets to ensure that students are on the right part of the test.
5.) Collect it all and check three times!
Yup. Not once. Not twice. But three times. Some standardized test booklets will even tell you the order in which the materials need to be placed in a bin. Triple checking and taking your time will assure that nothing gets left behind. That would be a true disaster.
Proctoring is truly tedious. It remains nearly impossible not to have one’s mind wander and not to look at the clock approximately 857 times. But there exists an element of danger in these responsibilities. Slipping up can be costly, including the loss of a teaching certificate. Following these steadfast rules will ensure that, as an educator, you will be around to proctor a standardized test another year.
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