State Assessment News & Updates
Hotline Direct is the new system for Cambium to let us know if a student types troubling content as a response or on the notepad or sticky notes within the online testing platform.
❌ I will no longer be sending you a notice via email with a wonky spreadsheet attached. ❌
If an alert is received for your campus, I will give you access to the Hotline Direct module (in TIDE) so you can view and address the alert. I'll send you an email and you can then login to TIDE and choose the "Hotline Direct Assistant (HDA)" user role when you log in (picture above). Alternatively, you will also be able to click the tile at https://www.texasassessment.gov/testing-personnel.html (pictured below).
You can learn more by watching this 5-minute video.
You will not have access to Hotline Direct until a notice is received for your campus.
Take a look at these videos created to help students access the tools that are embedded in the online testing platform. Teachers will find the useful because they are organized by test subject.
The "Standard Navigation Tools" video helps students understand how to navigate through any test.
"How to Use the Context Tool Drop-down Menu" video demonstrates how to utilize the built-in tools that support organization, focus, and confidence on test day.
Share these with teachers and others who are helping students learn to use the online testing platform. This would be great to review prior to the upcoming field test, interims and TELPAS administrations.
- Next step will be to review Materials List that will be available in January. This is your opportunity to verify that you are receiving appropriate materials. You may need to place an additional order at this time if there have been changes since verification.
- Find your list of materials here.
- Wait for further instructions on requesting additional materials. An order form will be provided in the next few weeks. I cannot place an order at this time.
- Do not provide notice that you're receiving "extra" materials. These are the materials you are receiving and that cannot be changed.
- Additional materials requested will be available AFTER the start of the SA2 administration window.
Training
The training opportunity shared by our SE Department in last week's email to campus administrators does not take the place of test administrator training that will be led by the designated campus coordinator.
Update: I am told this clarification was provided in an email to the campus. Please check with your LID teachers and principal. Let me know if you need additional help.
February 3/4
A reminder that all students in grades 3, 5 and 5 who are scheduled to take STAAR Spanish in Spring 2026 are required to participate in the field test. See page 6 of the manual for more information.
Accessing Spring 2025 Speaking Responses 🔊
Authorized campus staff as well as parents can access recorded speaking responses from Spring 2025 and forward when test items and students results are published.
These instructions were originally shared last summer. Click the image to access step-by-step instructions.
TELPAS campus coordinators were able to practice listening to student responses during our recent TELPAS training.
Installing the Secure Test Browser for 2025-2026
For all state assessment programs, each student will test on a PfISD managed device. Chromebooks are preferred. Devices used for state assessments should be routinely used in class. No installation is required for Chromebooks, and the Secure Test Browser is accessed as noted on the document linked below.
If additional devices are needed, Windows devices (laptops, desktops) may be used. The campus coordinator is responsible for installing the Secure Test Browser for 2025-2026 on Windows devices. Installation is completed once (according to the instructions below) in the current school year and is effective for all administrations.
✅Each campus coordinator for state assessments is expected to be knowledgeable of all devices, including headphones and headsets, on campus. Routine technology checks throughout the school year are encouraged to ensure all devices are accounted for and in working order.
Headset & Headphone Inventory
If you haven't already inventoried headsets and headphones on campus, you should do so right away so you are well-prepared for spring administrations.
Headsets and headphones should be used routinely by students and not stored for test administrations. An accurate inventory is essential.
Campus coordinators for TELPAS and STAAR should work together to ensure these devices are available for spring administrations.
Find the link and/or preregister at this link (must be logged in to Testhound).
When logged into Testhound, click "Help" to find more information and links to register or access recordings.
- From "Help", navigate to
- "Register for a Live TestHound Educational Session" or
- Watch a Recorded Testhound Educational Session.
Upcoming Sessions
- Campus TELPAS Testing - January 28, 10-10:30
- Campus Auto-Pilot - February 11, 10-10:30
- Setting up Rooms & Test Administrations - February 25, 10-10:30
- Testhound Tune-Ups (live work sessions, bring your questions)
- Mondays, 2:30-3pm
- Thursdays, 9-9:30am
