Step 3: Appoint Test Administrator

Identify at least one test administrator (which may be the school contact) to administer the test and Student Questionnaire. More than one test administrator may be necessary if more than one class in the school is selected to participate and if assessment sessions will occur simultaneously in different rooms.

The test administrator should not be the teacher of the selected class but could be another teacher in the school or a school staff member, such as a guidance counsellor. The teacher of the class should be encouraged to attend the assessment session as an observer whenever possible.

It is also important for the test administrator to be confident in setting up and administering electronic assessments. CMEC offers technical support by phone (Contact us), but we strongly recommend that the school’s or school board’s IT technician be present on the assessment day to help the test administrator with setting up devices and troubleshooting, if necessary (e.g., in case there are internet connectivity issues).

 

Note: CMEC does not cover any additional expenses the school may incur as a result of administering TIMSS (e.g., hiring supplementary staff or purchasing extra supplies).

 

Once the test administrator is selected, the school contact will need to provide an overview of TIMSS administration to them (unless the school contact will also be the test administrator).

The overview should include:

 

The school contact and the test administrator should both:

  • carefully read the information found on this website; and
  • review all procedures and materials received a few days prior to the assessment.
    Note: If the test administrator is absent on the assessment date, the school contact may be required to administer the assessment session.

During the week prior to assessment day, the test administrator should:

  • in concert with the school contact, plan all of the steps required for the assessment sessions (e.g., arranging the assessment room; making sure enough devices are ready to use);
  • familiarize themselves with the Assessment Script, the procedures for administering the test and Student Questionnaire, and the assessment forms;
  • run the TIMSS Player to familiarize themselves with the application.