Maryland HSA Government and HS MISA Assessments Updates
Maryland HSA Government and HS MISA Assessments Updates
December 17, 2020
Maryland HSA Government and HS MISA Assessments Updates
January 13, 2021
Scheduling Test Sessions
You are now able to schedule test sessions using the HSA Portal. As a reminder, there is a small tutorial on the Help and Support site about creating classes and test sessions: https://maryland.onlinehelp.cognia.org/training/.
- Note: If you received materials for the January administration, but will be unable to complete in-person testing during the window, please register students for the upcoming spring administration. All unused January secure testing materials must be returned to Cognia. New materials must be ordered for the Spring administration.
- You do not need to return manuals or unused answer sheets. All test booklets must be returned. Manuals and unused answer documents should be discarded after the January testing window ends.
Statewide Schedule Tool
School Test Coordinators (STC) are expected to enter their testing schedule for HS MISA and Government on https://itempra.org/schedule. Schedules should be updated as changes occur due to weather or other events.
- The STC will need the password in order for the schedule to be saved on the tool. The password should not be shared with other staff needing to view the testing schedule. For assistance with the Statewide Schedule Tool please contact your LAC, MSDE (pauline.carey@maryland.gov), or view the training video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlxcniNph7A&feature=youtu.be.
January 2021 Paper Testing
We have created an ancillary document for the Paper Test Administration that provides the page numbers for the start of each session. This was mentioned in the January 2021 Test Administration Manual on page 1. That document has been posted to the Help & Support site (https://maryland.onlinehelp.cognia.org/reference-sheets/). Please be sure to share this document with the STCs in schools administering a paper test.
Additional Materials Order Process Open
The window for ordering additional manuals and test material will remain open through February 2, 2021. You can access the Online Materials Management tab within the HSA Portal. A Quick Start Guide is available on the Help and Support Site showing the steps for ordering additional materials: https://maryland.onlinehelp.cognia.org/guides/.
REMINDER: January 19 Refresher Trainings for LACs and LEA 24 STCs
Please register for the MCAP High School Assessment refresher training sessions, which will be held via webinar:
- LEA 24 STC Refresher Training, January 19, 2021 from 12:00 – 1:00 PM
- LAC Refresher Training: January 19, 2021 from 1:00 – 2:00 PM
Registration is required prior to the webinar. After registering, participants will receive a personalized meeting link via email as well as reminders for the upcoming meetings.
Registration Links: LEA 24 STC Training: https://cognia.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_H_MhG00ATjqhIK6Du4YYzA LAC Training: https://cognia.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vggGbKV-TD-Yau_4ZR9qKw
Data Cleared from Portal Following January Administration
The January HSA administration will close on February 5, 2021 at 4:00 PM EST. All student data including classes and test sessions will be cleared out of the portal over the weekend in preparation for the opening of the pre-ID window for Spring HSA Government which is February 8 – 12, 2021. The Spring HSA Government test window will open February 22, 2021.
January 2021 Test Manuals
The January 2021 Test Coordinator Manuals, Government Test Administrator Manuals, and HS MISA Test Administrator Manuals were shipped to each LSS and school on December 11, 2020. You can track this shipment on the Materials Management page in the HSA Portal. If you have not received your manuals, please contact the HSA Help Desk.
January 2021 Paper Test Materials
The paper test materials for January 2021 were shipped to each LSS and school on December 11, 2020. These materials were ordered based on the upload files submitted in the first Pre-ID window for students marked for accommodations requiring paper. You can track this shipment on the Materials Management page in the HSA Portal. If you have not received your test materials, please contact the HSA Help Desk.
Key Dates Document
The 2020-2021 Key Dates Document has been posted to the Help and Support site: (https://maryland.onlinehelp.cognia.org). Click the Printable Document link within the Key Dates section to locate the Key Dates PDF document.
January 2021 Administration Presentation
We have posted the January 2021 Administration Training PowerPoint to the Help & Support site for your use. You can locate the document in the PowerPoints section near the bottom of the Training page: https://maryland.onlinehelp.cognia.org/training/.
January Administration Manuals
The digital copies of January 2021 Test Administration Manuals and Test Coordinator Manual have been posted to the Help and Support site: https://maryland.onlinehelp.cognia.org/guides/.
HSA Help Desk Information
MSDE and Cognia are monitoring calls and emails to the Help Desk to assure responses are accurate and timely. Please continue to encourage that your STCs utilize this valuable resource.
- Email: HSAhelpdesk@cognia.org
- Phone number: 866.207.8804
Please let us know if you have questions or concerns.
