STAAR Security Slides
MANDATORY CAMPUS TRAINING • STATE ASSESSMENT
TEXAS ASSESSMENT PROGRAM
STAAR Test Security &
Confidentiality Protocols
Legal Mandates, Active Monitoring Standards, and Chain-of-Custody Procedures for All Campus Testing Personnel
Audience: All Campus Testing Staff
19 TAC §101 • TEC §39
Annual Staff Certification • Test Administrator Training
Zero-Tolerance Security Framework
The Legal Stakes & Consequences
Texas Education Code (TEC §39.030) & Administrative Code (19 TAC §101)
01 / LEGAL MANDATES
Criminal Penalties
Under TEC §39.0303, intentional disclosure of secure test contents is a Class C misdemeanor.
Subject to state prosecution
Licensure Sanctions
The SBEC board may suspend or revoke educator licenses or issue formal public reprimands.
Permanent career impact
District Impact
Violations trigger test score invalidations, TEA state audits, and risk to campus accreditation ratings.
Invalidated student scores
Non-Negotiable Rule: Ignorance of state testing policy is never an acceptable defense. Every staff member holds personal legal accountability.
Active Monitoring: The Gold Standard
Continuous, alert, and proactive oversight throughout all sessions
02 / PROCTORING DUTIES
Required: Active Monitoring
- Circulate quietly and continuously through all aisles
- Verify students are working in assigned test subject sections
- Monitor computer screens directly for secure browser compliance
- Confirm student desks remain clear of unauthorized aids
Strictly Prohibited
- No cell phones, smart watches, earbuds, or laptops
- No grading papers, reading books, or lesson planning
- No sitting behind desks or clustering with colleagues
- Never leave students unattended for any period of time
Key TEA Guideline: Proctors must be mentally and physically engaged in monitoring 100% of the testing window.
Chain of Custody & Material Security
Accountability for test tickets, scratch paper, and secure booklets
03 / MATERIAL HANDLING
PHASE 1
Morning Check-Out
- • In-person pickup by staff
- • Count booklets & test tickets
- • Sign initial custody roster
Dual-count mandatory
PHASE 2
In-Room Custody
- • Never leave items unattended
- • Lock doors when exiting room
- • Store tickets in locked bin
Continuous physical control
PHASE 3
Post-Session Return
- • Collect all scratch paper
- • Re-count serial numbers
- • Obtain CTC final sign-off
Zero unaccounted items
Critical Warning: Secure materials must NEVER remain in classrooms overnight or be transferred to uncertified personnel.
Digital Testing & Device Policies
Online test administration on TestNav / Texas Assessment Platforms
04 / ONLINE TESTING
Cell Phones & Devices
All cell phones, smart watches, and unauthorized electronics must be powered off and collected before testing starts.
No student access permitted
Student Credentials
Verify every student logs into their own personal test ticket. Never allow a student to test under another student's login.
Verify name on screen
Technical Glitches
If a screen freezes, contact campus tech or CTC immediately. Never view or copy secure test questions.
Protect screen privacy
Secure Browser Compliance: Kiosk mode must lock down all external windows, secondary tabs, and keyboard shortcuts.
Testing Irregularities & Reporting
Classifying incidents and following mandatory reporting protocol
05 / INCIDENT REPORTING
TYPE 1
Procedural Irregularities
Administrative errors without intentional compromise:
- • Failure to administer approved accommodations
- • Student administered wrong subject test
- • Timing error or premature room dismissal
- • Testing room left unattended for brief period
Immediate Action: Notify CTC right away • Submit statement
TYPE 2
Serious Irregularities
Direct threat to assessment validity and integrity:
- • Assisting, coaching, or prompting students
- • Viewing, discussing, copying, or photographing items
- • Changing student responses or coaching erasure
- • Fraudulent sign-off or falsification of rosters
State Reporting: Automatic TEA investigation • SBEC referral
Reporting Obligation: Any staff member who suspects or observes an irregularity MUST report it immediately to the CTC.
Classroom Disruptions & Emergencies
Standard operating procedures during non-routine test situations
06 / CONTINGENCIES
Restroom Breaks
- • One student at a time
- • Screen locked or hidden
- • Hallway monitor escorts
Strict 1-at-a-time rule
Fire Alarms
- • Life safety is top priority
- • Lock doors if safely possible
- • Zero student test talk outside
Maintain group silence
Medical Illness
- • Call nurse & CTC immediately
- • Use certified relief proctor
- • Log exact stop time on roster
Log exact times
Relief Proctors: Relief proctors must be fully certified and signed on the room administration roster.
Security Oaths & Final Commitments
Mandatory legal affirmation required for all testing roles
07 / CERTIFICATION
1
Initial Security Oath
Must be signed prior to receiving any materials or interacting with any testing environment.
Completed certified training
Understand state penalties & rules
Commit to strict active monitoring
Status: Required today before departure
2
End-of-Testing Affirmation
Must be signed after the campus testing window closes and all materials are verified.
No unauthorized aid was given
All incidents reported to CTC
All materials accounted for
Status: Required at session conclusion
Our Shared Commitment: Protecting test security ensures fair, valid, and reliable outcomes for every student.
Sign Oaths with CTC
