Title: 2008-09 Registration Bulletin for the Texas Assessment of Sign Communication(TM) (TASC(TM)) and the Texas Assessment of Sign Communication - American Sign Language(TM) (TASC-ASL(TM)) Formats available: The TASC/TASC-ASL Registration Bulletin is currently available in Adobe PDF, large print, and text format. This text version contains the entire text of the PDF except for extraneous header and footer information, graphical elements, and navigational controls for electronic documents. This document consists of the sections listed below. --Contents --TASC(TM) and TASC-ASL(TM) at a Glance --About TASC and TASC-ASL --Contact Information --Registration Information --On The Day of the Test --Test Results and Score Reporting --2008-09 TASC and TASC-ASL Test Dates, Registration Deadlines, and Score Reporting Dates Page numbers in this document are indicated with the word "page" enclosed between the less-than and greater-than symbol: . To locate material on page 1 of the printed edition, use your search or find command to search for " 1" (do not enter the quotation marks into the search window). 1 Test Dates November 22, 2008 April 18, 2009 Policies in this Registration Bulletin are in effect from September 1, 2008 through August 31, 2009. 2008-09 Registration Bulletin for the Texas Assessment of Sign Communication(TM) (TASC(TM)) and the Texas Assessment of Sign Communication - American Sign Language(TM) (TASC-ASL(TM)) For the most up-to-date information, visit the E T S TEXES website at www.texes.ets.org. 2 Updated: August 11, 2008 Texas Education Agency Privacy Policy Because of laws protecting confidentiality and privacy, only you can register yourself for a test or make inquiries regarding your registration status. Texas Education Agency (T E A) and Educational Testing Service (E T S) are committed to protecting the integrity of personal information provided during the registration process, as well as any information generated internally that is specifically pertinent to you, and to keeping all such information secure from unauthorized access and use. Accordingly, it is the policy of T E A and E T S not to share your private information with anyone other than T E A and E T S (including relevant employees, agents, contractors, or professional advisors thereof) and any institution, entity, or person required or authorized by law to receive and/or access this information. Copyright (c) 2008 by Texas Education Agency (T E A). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including without limitation, photocopy, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, on any medium whatsoever, without the sole written permission of Texas Education Agency. A single copy of this Registration Bulletin may be downloaded for individual use. The Texas Education Agency logo and T E A are registered trademarks of Texas Education Agency. Texas Examinations of Educator Standards, TEXES, the TEXES logo, Texas Assessment of Sign Communication, TASC, Texas Assessment of Sign Communication - American Sign Language, and TASC-ASL are trademarks of Texas Education Agency. E T S is the registered trademark of Educational Testing Service. Other products, services, and brand names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. This publication has been produced for Texas Education Agency (T E A) by E T S. E T S is under contract to Texas Education Agency to administer the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TEXES) program and the Examination for the Certification of Educators in Texas (EXCET) program. The TEXES and EXCET programs are administered under the authority of Texas Education Agency; regulations and standards governing the program are subject to change without notice at the discretion of Texas Education Agency. Texas Education Agency and E T S do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in the administration of the testing program or the provision of related services. The policies and procedures explained in this Registration Bulletin are effective only for the 2008-09 testing year and supersede previous policies and procedures. Program policies are subject to change without notice. See the E T S TEXES website at www.texes.ets.org for the most up-to-date information. 3 CONTENTS TASC(TM) and TASC-ASL(TM) at a Glance 4 Registration 4 Test Takers with Disabilities 4 Test Preparation Material 4 On the Test Day 4 About TASC and TASC-ASL 5 Overview 5 What's New in 2008-09? 5 The TASC and TASC-ASL Tests 5 Who Is Required to Take the Test 5 Approval to Test 6 Certification Requirements 7 Contact Information 9 Registration Information 11 TASC and TASC-ASL Tests Offered 11 Registration Steps 11 Creating Your SBEC Account 12 Creating Your E T S Testing Account 12 How to Register 13 Selecting a Test Session 13 Sign Communication Systems for TASC 13 Interpreter Services 14 Test Centers 14 Test Dates and Registration Deadlines 14 Authorization Letters 14 Monday Testing 14 Fees for Tests and Related Services 15 Change Requests 15 Canceling a Test 16 Test Retake Policy 16 Correcting or Updating Your SBEC Educator Profile 16 On the Day of the Test 17 What to Bring to the Test Center 17 Admission to the Test 17 Identification (ID) Requirements 17 Test Center Procedures and Regulations 19 Dismissal from a Test Center 20 Cancellation of a Test Session 20 Submitting Comments 21 Test Results and Score Reporting 22 Test Scores and Passing Standards 22 Reporting Your Test Scores 22 Delay of Test Scores 23 Score Reporting Dates 23 Scoring Services 23 Cancellation of Test Scores by You 23 Cancellation of Test Scores by E T S and T E A 24 Confidentiality of Information 24 2008-09 TASC and TASC-ASL Test Dates, Registration Deadlines, and Score Reporting Dates 26 4 TASC(TM) AND TASC-ASL(TM) AT A GLANCE REGISTRATION See pages 11-16 for detailed information about test registration. --Test takers can register online or by phone. Registration by mail is available only for test takers who do not have access to an electronic form of payment (credit/debit card). (See pages 11-16 for more information on registration. Information about payment is on page 15 under "Fees for Tests and Related Services.") TEST TAKERS WITH DISABILITIES --E T S is committed to serving test takers with disabilities by providing services and accommodations that are reasonable and appropriate given the purpose of the test. Nonstandard testing accommodations are available for test takers with disabilities who meet E T S requirements. If you are requesting nonstandard testing accommodations, you must register by mail through E T S Disability Services and have your accommodations approved prior to testing. --The 2008-09 Bulletin Supplement for Test Takers with Disabilities for TEXES(TM), EXCET, TOPT(TM), TEXMAT(TM), TASC(TM), and TASC-ASL(TM) contains contact information, registration procedures, and forms. The Supplement should be used in conjunction with the information in this Registration Bulletin. The Supplement, the Registration Bulletin, and registration materials can be downloaded free of charge from the "Alternative Testing Arrangements" section of the E T S TEXES website at www.texes.ets.org. --A screen-reader version of this Registration Bulletin is available on the E T S TEXES website. To request a large-print copy, contact E T S Disability Services. (See "Disability Services" on page 9.) TEST PREPARATION MATERIAL --A free test preparation manual is available for download in the Preparation Materials section of the E T S TEXES website at www.texes.ets.org. The test preparation manual includes a detailed test description, sample questions, and test-taking strategies. --Two other publications that may be helpful in preparing to test are Reducing Test Anxiety and Study Tips: Preparing for the Texas Educator Certification Tests. Both of these are available as free downloads on the E T S TEXES website at www.texes.ets.org. ON THE TEST DAY --Test sessions are scheduled throughout the day. --Each test session is 30-45 minutes in length. Part of this time is for directions and completing forms. The actual test interview lasts approximately 20 minutes. --You must report to the test center 30 minutes prior to the reporting time listed in your authorization letter. If you arrive late, you will not be admitted and your test fee will be forfeited. (See "Admission to the Test" on page 17.) --Review the ID requirements on pages 17-19 and take the required documents with you. Without the required ID documents, you will not be permitted to test. For other important information regarding the test day, see --Test Center Procedures and Regulations (page 19) --Cancellation of Test Scores by You (page 23) --Cancellation of Test Scores by E T S and T E A (page 24) 5 ABOUT TASC and TASC-ASL Overview Texas Administrative Code (TAC) section 230.5(b) requires every person seeking educator certification in Texas to perform satisfactorily on comprehensive examinations. The purpose of these examinations is to ensure that each educator has the prerequisite content and professional knowledge necessary for an entry-level position in Texas public schools. The Texas Examinations of Educator Standards(TM) (TExES(TM)) program and the Examination for the Certification of Educators in Texas (ExCET) program were developed for this purpose. The Texas Assessment of Sign Communication(TM) (TASC(TM)) and the Texas Assessment of Sign Communication - American Sign Language(TM) (TASC-ASL(TM)) are extensions of the TEXES program for certification to teach students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing and for teachers of ASL as a foreign language, respectively. What's New in 2008-09? Online Score Reports Beginning with the 2008-09 testing year, paper score reports will no longer be mailed. Score reports will only be available online. Score reports for TASC/TASC-ASL tests will be posted by 5:00 p.m. Central time on the score reporting date. (See "Score Reporting Dates" on page 23.) Score Report Reprints Discontinued Beginning with the 2008-09 testing year, the score report reprint service that has been offered in the past will no longer be available. You will be able to print your score report from your testing account on the E T S TEXES website at www.texes.ets.org for a 90-day period from the time scores are posted. You are strongly urged to print a copy for your records. After the 90-day period, you will be able to view your final score from your account on the SBEC website at www.sbec.state.tx.us, but you will not be able to print a score report from that site nor will you be able to order a score report from T E A. The TASC and TASC-ASL Tests Two assessments of communication proficiency -- the TASC and TASC-ASL -- are certification requirements for educators who plan to teach students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing or plan to teach ASL, respectively. --The TASC assesses sign communication proficiency within one or more of several sign communication systems used in Texas classrooms. --The TASC-ASL assesses proficiency in American Sign Language exclusively. The tests use an interview format. An experienced interviewer conducts a 20-minute, one-on-one conversational interview with a candidate. The interview is videotaped, and the videotape is viewed by scorers who rate the candidate's expressive and receptive sign communication proficiency. The TASC and TASC-ASL are designed to assess your sign communication ability. --During the testing session, you will be videotaped as you respond to signed questions that allow you to demonstrate your proficiency in signed communication. --Your sign communication proficiency will be measured against an established standard of competence. --You will not be rated based on the content of your responses, but rather on how well you are able to communicate your ideas and understand the interviewer. The TASC and TASC-ASL may be taken at any time during your academic career after you have decided to seek certification as a teacher of deaf or hard-of-hearing students, or as a teacher of ASL as a foreign language. Who is Required to Take the Tests? TASC All persons seeking certification to teach students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing (i.e., seeking the Teacher of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing certificate) and who wish to teach in a sign communication classroom must pass the TASC. The TASC requirement is in addition to other certification requirements already in effect (see pages 7-8). Sign communication means communication through the language of ASL or any of several manual systems. The TASC assesses sign communication in ASL or any of the following signing systems: --Contact Sign (CS) --Signed English (SE) --Signing Exact English (SEE2) --Morphemic Sign System (MSS) IMPORTANT NOTES: Individuals who seek the Teacher of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing certificate to teach in a classroom in which another communication method (such as oral/aural or cued speech) is predominantly used are not required to pass the TASC for certification. Instead, their communication proficiency is assessed by their Educator Preparation Programs. They may be required to pass the test for assignment purposes, however. 6 ABOUT TASC AND TASC-ASL (continued) Successful completion of the TASC-ASL may be used toward meeting requirements for the Teacher of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing certificate. Therefore, individuals who must pass the TASC and who also anticipate seeking the ASL certificate in the future might -- with the understanding that only ASL grammar, structure, and syntax are to be used when taking the TASC-ASL -- choose to take that test instead of TASC. TASC-ASL All persons seeking certification to teach ASL as a foreign language in public schools must hold an ASL certificate. Anyone seeking ASL certification must pass the TASC-ASL. To pass the TASC-ASL, you must maintain ASL vocabulary, grammar, and syntax throughout the videotaped interview and you may not incorporate other sign systems (such as Signed English or Contact Sign) in your responses. Depending on your circumstances, other requirements for certification may also apply (see pages 7-8). Successful completion of the TASC may not be used toward meeting requirements for teaching ASL as a foreign language in the public schools, even if the TASC interview is in ASL. Approval to Test A TASC/TASC-ASL test may be taken if one of the following criteria is met: Educator Preparation Programs If you are fulfilling requirements in an SBEC/T E A-approved Educator Preparation Program (E P P), you must receive approval to take a certification examination from your EPP. There are several types of teacher training programs: --University Initial -- a program usually delivered as part of a baccalaureate program that includes student teaching --University Post Baccalaureate -- a program that may be offered to an individual who already holds at least a bachelor’s degree and is seeking certification --University Alternative Certification Program -- an Alternative Certification Program offered by a university --Alternative Certification Program -- a nontraditional E P P for teachers and administrators who hold bachelor's degrees or higher that may involve university coursework or other professional development experiences as well as intense mentoring and supervision during the candidate's first year in the role of educator. Further information about E P P programs and a list of approved E P Ps is available on the SBEC website at www.sbec.state.tx.us. After acceptance and approval to test from your E P P, follow the steps for registering to test. (See "Registration Steps" on pages 11-12.) Out-of-State/Out-of-Country In 2001, the 77th Texas Legislature passed legislation stating that individuals holding out-of-state or out-of-country certificates who perform satisfactorily on certain examinations "similar to and at least as rigorous as" the Texas certification exams may be issued a Texas educator certificate without additional testing. If you are certified and hold an acceptable teaching credential from another state, a U.S. Territory or another country and are seeking to be certified in the equivalent field(s), you must have your credentials reviewed by SBEC/T E A. To have your credentials reviewed, you must go to the SBEC website at www.sbec.state.tx.us and create an Educator Profile, complete an online application for review of credentials, and submit the appropriate documents by mail to T E A. After your credentials have been reviewed, you will be mailed information regarding the tests that you are approved to take. You can then register to test. (See "Registration Steps" on pages 11-12.) Certification by Exam If you hold a Texas classroom teaching certificate, you may add classroom certification areas by successfully completing the appropriate examination for the area(s) you are seeking. (See "Registration Steps" on pages 11-12.) 7 ABOUT TASC AND TASC-ASL (continued) Certification Requirements Teachers of Students Who Are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing Below are the requirements for teachers seeking the Teacher of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing certificate. All teachers who seek certification to teach in a signed communication classroom must pass the TASC. Persons who seek to teach in a classroom where other communication methods are primarily used are not required to pass the TASC for certification; however, they may be required to pass the test for assignment purposes. Your Current Status: You have never been certified as a teacher in Texas To Obtain the Teacher of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Certificate: Complete preparation requirements at an approved E P P in Texas and pass the following tests*: (*A temporary exemption certificate is available for individuals who have a hearing impairment so severe that they cannot process linguistic information with or without amplification (TEC section 21.048[d][1]). Contact T E A at 1-888-863-5880 (voice) or through Relay Texas at 1-800-735-2989 for more information. TASC is only required for individuals wishing to teach in a sign communication classroom.) TEXES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12 (160) AND BOTH TEXES Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (181) AND TASC (072) OR TASC/TASC-ASL (073) Your Current Status: You hold a valid Texas standard or lifetime teacher certificate in another subject or area. To Obtain the Teacher of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Certificate: Pass both of the following tests*: (*A temporary exemption certificate is available for individuals who have a hearing impairment so severe that they cannot process linguistic information with or without amplification (TEC section 21.048[d][1]). Contact T E A at 1-888-863-5880 (voice) or through Relay Texas at 1-800-735-2989 for more information. TASC is only required for individuals wishing to teach in a sign communication classroom.) TEXES Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (181) AND TASC (072) OR TASC/TASC-ASL (073) Your Current Status: You possess a deaf education certificate issued by another state or country. To Obtain the Teacher of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Certificate: Have your credentials reviewed and approved by TEA and pass the following tests*: (*A temporary exemption certificate is available for individuals who have a hearing impairment so severe that they cannot process linguistic information with or without amplification (TEC section 21.048[d][1]). Contact T E A at 1-888-863-5880 (voice) or through Relay Texas at 1-800-735-2989 for more information. TASC is only required for individuals wishing to teach in a sign communication classroom.) TEXES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12 (160) AND BOTH TEXES Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (181) AND TASC (072) OR TASC/TASC-ASL (073) 8 ABOUT TASC AND TASC-ASL (continued) American Sign Language Teachers Individuals must be certified in American Sign Language (ASL) to teach ASL in Texas public schools (TAC section 240.1). Persons must meet the requirements below to obtain ASL certification. Your Current Status: You have never been certified as a teacher in Texas To Obtain the American Sign Language (ASL) Certificate: Complete preparation requirements at an approved E P P in Texas and pass the following tests*: (*A temporary exemption certificate is available for individuals who have a hearing impairment so severe that they cannot process linguistic information with or without amplification (TEC section 21.048[d][1]). Contact T E A at 1-888-863-5880 (voice) or through Relay Texas at 1-800-735-2989 for more information. TASC is only required for individuals wishing to teach in a sign communication classroom. This exemption is not available for the American Sign Language examination (184).) TEXES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12 (160) AND BOTH TEXES American Sign Language (ASL) (184) AND TASC-ASL (073) Your Current Status: You hold a valid Texas standard or lifetime teacher certificate in another subject or area. To Obtain the American Sign Language (ASL) Certificate: Pass both of the following tests*: (*A temporary exemption certificate is available for individuals who have a hearing impairment so severe that they cannot process linguistic information with or without amplification (TEC section 21.048[d][1]). Contact T E A at 1-888-863-5880 (voice) or through Relay Texas at 1-800-735-2989 for more information. TASC is only required for individuals wishing to teach in a sign communication classroom. This exemption is not available for the American Sign Language examination (184).) TEXES American Sign Language (ASL) (184) AND TASC/TASC-ASL (073) Your Current Status: You possess an ASL certificate issued by another state or country. To Obtain the Teacher of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Certificate: Have your credentials reviewed and approved by TEA and pass the following tests: TEXES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12 (160) AND BOTH TEXES American Sign Language (ASL) (184) AND TASC/TASC-ASL (073) 9 CONTACT INFORMATION If you have questions about anything in this Registration Bulletin, you may contact the offices listed below for further information. In all written correspondence, please include your full name, mailing address and telephone number, and indicate the test(s) about which you are requesting information. Include your T E A ID number, if available. GENERAL INQUIRIES Contact E T S for test registration-related issues and questions/issues regarding payment, admission tickets, and score reporting. U.S. Mail E T S-Texas Educator Certification Program PO Box 6001 Princeton, NJ 08541-6001 Overnight Mail E T S-Texas Educator Certification Program Document Processing 1425 Lower Ferry Road Ewing, NJ 08618-1414 Phone 1-800-205-2626 (U.S., U.S. Territories, and Canada) 1-609-771-7393 (all other locations) Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Central time Fax 1-973-735-0156 or 1-866-484-5860 E-mail tasc-asl_inquiries@ets.org Web www.texes.ets.org TEST USE/CERTIFICATION If you have questions about which test(s) you need to take or about certification requirements for E P P candidates, contact your advisor, or the director or certification officer at your E P P. If you have questions about applying for certification, out-of-state or out-of-country candidates, or additional certification by examination, go to the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) website or contact Texas Education Agency (T E A). U.S. Mail Texas Education Agency (T E A) Division of Educator Standards Room 5-100 1701 North Congress Avenue Austin, TX 78701-1494 Phone 1-888-863-5880 Out-of-state/out-of-country and additional certification by exam candidates calling this toll-free number should select option 2 to talk to a certification/credentialing specialist. Fax 1-512-936-8231 Web www.sbec.state.tx.us DISABILITY SERVICES To obtain information and registration materials, contact E T S: U.S. Mail E T S Disability Services PO Box 6054 Princeton, NJ 08541-6054 Phone 1-866-387-8602 (U.S., U.S. Territories, and Canada) 1-609-771-7780 (all other locations) TTY: 1-609-771-7714 Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Central time Fax 1-609-771-7165 E-mail stassd@ets.org Web See "Alternative Testing Arrangements" at www.texes.ets.org 10 CONTACT INFORMATION (continued) TEST CENTER COMPLAINTS Mail E T S-Texas Educator Certification Program Test Administration Services Mail Stop 34-Q Princeton, NJ 08541-6051 Fax 1-609-771-7710 E-mail TexasTas@ets.org Test center complaints for TASC and TASC-ASL tests must be submitted in writing by mail, e-mail, or fax. Complaints must be received no later than seven days after your test date. TEST QUESTION INQUIRIES If you think there is an error in a test question that affected your response, tell the test supervisor as soon as you finish the test or send a letter to the following address within seven days of your test date. E T S-Texas Educator Certification Program Test Question Inquiries PO Box 6667 Princeton, NJ 08541-6667 In your letter, state the name and address of the center, the test date and name of the test, the number and content of the question, and the section in which it appeared. TEST PREPARATION RESOURCES Test preparation materials are available on the E T S TEXES website at www.texes.ets.org. If you have questions about preparing to take a TASC or TASC-ASL test, contact your advisor, or the director or certification officer at your E P P. Visit the E T S TEXES website at www.texes.ets.org for the most up-to-date information. 11 REGISTRATION INFORMATION TASC and TASC-ASL Tests Offered The following tables list the TASC and TASC-ASL tests offered and provide the code for each test. More information about the tests, including the test frameworks, test item formats, and study resources is available in the preparation manual for TASC and TASC-ASL tests. The preparation manual is available for download free of charge from the E T S TEXES website at www.texes.ets.org. TASC Test Name: Texas Assessment of Sign Communication Test Code: 072 TASC-ASL Test Name: Texas Assessment of Sign Communication - American Sign Language Test Code: 073 You may register for one or both tests at any scheduled test administration. (See page 14 for a listing of the test dates available.) All test sessions are approximately 30-45 minutes long. (See "Selecting a Test Session" on page 13 for information about test sessions.) Registration Steps Educator Preparation Program (E P P) Candidates If you are an E P P candidate, you must have approval to test from your E P P. (See "Approval to Test" on page 6.) After you have approval, if you are a first-time testing candidate, you must go to the SBEC website and create an account. When you create your account you will complete an Educator Profile and obtain a T E A ID number. See "Creating Your SBEC Account" on page 12.) You will be able to view your approved examinations in your Educator Profile under "View Examinations." Once you have done that, go to the E T S TExES online registration system and create an E T S testing account. (See "Creating Your E T S Testing Account" on pages 12-13.) You will register to test through your E T S testing account. If you have already taken a Texas Educator Certification Program test and you want to register for a test that you have not previously been approved to take, you must get approval from your E P P to take that test. Once you have approval to test, you can go to your testing account on the E T S TEXES website and register to test. Out-of-State/Out-of-Country Candidates If you are an out-of-state or out-of-country candidate, you must have your credentials reviewed before you can register to test. To have your credentials reviewed, go to the SBEC website at www.sbec.state.tx.us, create an Educator Profile (see "Creating Your SBEC Account" on page 12), complete an online application for review of credentials, and submit the appropriate documents by mail to T E A. The review process generally takes four to six weeks. After your credentials have been reviewed, you will be mailed information regarding the tests that you are approved to take. You will be able to view your approved examinations in your Educator Profile under "View Examinations" to confirm your eligibility to test. Once you have approval to test, go to the E T S TEXES online registration system and create an E T S testing account. (See "Creating Your ETS Testing Account" on pages 12-13.) You will register to test through your E T S testing account. Certification by Exam Candidates If you are a Certification by Exam candidate, you already have a certificate to teach in Texas and therefore should already have an Educator Profile on the SBEC website and a T E A ID number. Use your T E A ID number to create an E T S testing account and register for an exam on the E T S TEXES website. (See "Creating Your E T S Testing Account" on pages 12-13.) A list of exams that you are eligible to take will be displayed for you in your E T S testing account. This is where you will register to test. If you don’t know your T EA ID number, go to your Educator Profile on the SBEC website to retrieve it. If you can’t remember your SBEC user name and password, go to the SBEC Online login screen and select "Forgot User Name and Password." After you supply the information requested, your user name and password will be displayed. 12 REGISTRATION INFORMATION (continued) If your teaching certificate was issued before 2002, you will have to create an Educator Profile on the SBEC website to obtain your T E A ID number. (See "Creating Your SBEC Account" below.) NOTE: T E A Division of Educator Standards is not responsible for approving out-of-state/out-of-country and certification by exam candidates. Examinees with questions regarding testing approvals should call the T E A toll-free number (1-888-863-5880) and select option 2 to talk to a certification/credentialing specialist. Creating Your SBEC Account --Go to the SBEC website at www.sbec.state.tx.us, select the link for SBEC Online, and follow the screens. If you already have an account, review and confirm your information and complete all required fields. Remember: the name you create this account under must match the ID documents you will present on the day of the test; otherwise you may be prohibited from taking the test, or your test scores may be canceled after you take the test. Be sure to enter your full name exactly as it appears on your ID. --Complete or update your SBEC Educator Profile, especially your mailing address, phone number, and e-mail address. All updates and corrections to your SBEC Educator Profile must be done on the SBEC website. You should check your SBEC Educator Profile on a regular basis to make sure all of your information is current. (See "Correcting or Updating Your SBEC Educator Profile" on page 16.) --Your SBEC Educator Profile will contain your assigned T E A ID number. A T E A ID number is used for identification throughout the certification and test registration process. --Print your SBEC Educator Profile so that it will be handy when you register to test on the E T S TEXES website at www.texes.ets.org. Creating Your E T S Testing Account If you register online --When you access the E T S TEXES online registration system for the first time, you will be required to create an E T S testing account. --Go to the E T S TEXES website at www.texes.ets.org, select "Your Account," and follow the guidelines for creating an account in the E T S TEXES online registration system. You must create an account in the E T S TEXES online registration system. This is where you will register to test. You cannot register to test through your account on the SBEC site. --You will need to provide your T E A ID number, your first and last name, and your date of birth. --You may use a different user name and password for your E T S TEXES account than you did on your SBEC account; however, all other information must be identical to the information you entered in your SBEC account. Remember: the name you register under must match the ID documents you will present on the day of the test; otherwise you may be prohibited from taking the test, or your test scores may be canceled after you have taken the test. Be sure to enter your full name exactly as it appears on your ID. If you register by phone or by mail If you register by phone or mail, your E T S testing account will be created for you using the information you supply over the phone or on your paper registration form. This information must match the information in your SBEC account. If it does not, your registration cannot be processed. Once your E T S testing account has been created, you will be sent an e-mail that will include a user name for your E T S testing account. To get a password, go to the E T S TEXES website at www.texes.ets.org and select "Your Account." Because you already have a user name, you will access your account as an existing user. Go to login and enter your user name; then select "Forgot Password?" A temporary password will be e-mailed to you. You can then log in to your account with your user name and temporary password. You will be prompted to change your temporary password when you log in. 13 REGISTRATION INFORMATION (continued) After you create your account You will be able to return to the site to: --self register for any exam you are eligible to take --view your registration and make changes if needed --reschedule or cancel your registration --print (or reprint) your admission ticket(s) --place orders for services, such as score verification --check the status of previously placed orders --view your score report --return to your account at any time You cannot update your SBEC Educator Profile through your testing account in the E T S TEXES online registration system. You must go to the SBEC website at www.sbec.state.tx.us to update your SBEC Educator Profile. (See "Correcting or Updating Your SBEC Educator Profile" on page 16 of this Registration Bulletin.) Be sure to write your logins down and keep them in a secure place for future use. Remember that the information entered in your E T S TEXES testing account must match the information in your SBEC Educator Profile. Step-by-step registration directions are available on the E T S TEXES website under "Register." (See "New User Set-up Quick Start Guide" and "Test Registration Quick Start Guide.") How to Register Online at www.texes.ets.org --Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. --Online registrations must be completed and submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. Central time on the registration deadline date. Test dates and registration deadlines are on page 14. --If you have questions or need help registering online, call Customer Service at 1-800-205-2626. Phone --Call 1-800-205-2626, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Central time, Monday-Friday, excluding holidays. U.S. Mail --Available only for test takers who do not have access to an electronic mode of payment (credit/debit card). --A registration form can be downloaded from the TASC/TASC-ASL section of the E T S TEXES website at www.texes.ets.org. Submit the completed form to the address listed on the form. --If you have questions about registering by mail, call Customer Service at 1-800-205-2626. Selecting a Test Session TASC and TASC-ASL test sessions are scheduled throughout the day. During registration you will be asked to select a morning or afternoon session. You will be informed of your testing time in your authorization letter. Every effort will be made to grant your request for a morning or afternoon session. However, it may not be possible to grant your request because of test center capacity limits at the time your registration is received. Please note the following restrictions: --A session request can only be selected when you register. --Some test centers do not offer sessions in both the morning and afternoon. --If you register and select a test session and then make subsequent changes to your test and/or test center selection(s), you will be required to pick from the sessions that are available at the test center at the time of the change. --The session you select at registration and your scheduled appointment time cannot be modified on the day of the test. Sign Communication Systems for TASC Test takers registering to take TASC will be asked to identify the sign communication system they would like to use for the test. If you are registering online, you will need to send an e-mail to txtopt_tasc@ets.org indicating your choice of sign communication system. If you are registering by mail, you will select your sign communication system on your registration form. --American Sign Language (ASL) --Contact Sign (CS) --Signed English (SE) --Signing Exact English (SEE2) --Morphemic Sign System (MSS) 14 REGISTRATION INFORMATION (continued) Interpreter Services Test takers registering to take TASC or TASC-ASL have the option to request interpreter services for the test administration. Interpreters are responsible for interpreting for the test center supervisor and any other site staff who will be checking the examinee in and reading directions on how to complete the required forms before the interview session. No interpretation is permitted during the interview and interpreters are not allowed in the test room at any time during the interview. Interpreters cannot provide feedback to examinees, whether hearing or deaf, regarding sign vocabulary. If you are registering online, you will need to send an e-mail to txtopt_tasc@ets.org indicating your need for an interpreter. If you are registering by mail, you will indicate whether you need an interpreter on the registration form. Test Centers The most current information regarding test centers is available on the E T S TEXES website at www.texes.ets.org. Test centers in Texas are listed by the general area in which they are located and may not be within the actual city limits. Test centers are selected based on availability and appropriateness of the facilities for the specific test administration. Test center locations are subject to change in the event of scheduling conflicts or other factors. If it becomes necessary to change a test center location, every attempt will be made to seek a new test center located in the same general area as the test center you initially selected. Assignment to a test center depends on available space. The name and address of your test center assignment will be listed on your admission ticket. TASC and TASC-ASL Test Center Locations Arlington Austin Beaumont El Paso Houston Lubbock Nacogdoches Waco Test Dates and Registration Deadlines The TASC and TASC-ASL tests are scheduled to be administered two times during the 2008-09 testing year. The registration deadlines indicated below are strictly enforced; exceptions are not made. Test Date: November 22, 2008 Deadline: October 24, 2008 Test Date: April 18, 2009 Deadline: March 20, 2009 Online and Phone Registration --Registration must be completed and submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. Central time on the deadline date. Mail-In Registration --Registration forms must be received no later than the registration deadline. Forms received after the deadline will be returned unprocessed. Authorization Letters Test interviews are scheduled appointments. Instead of an admission ticket, you will be sent an authorization letter with all of the necessary information for the test administration. Do not print an admission ticket. The online admission ticket will not provide you with the information you need for the test administration. Authorization letters will be sent by e-mail and U.S. mail approximately 7-10 days prior to the test administration date. To be admitted to the test, you must bring your authorization letter and acceptable and valid identification document(s). If you have not received an authorization letter one week prior to the administration date, please call Customer Service at 1-800-205-2626 or e-mail tasc-asl_inquiries@ets.org. Monday Testing Monday testing will be arranged only for those whose religious convictions prevent them from testing on Saturday or those who are members of the U.S. armed forces and have duties that prevent them from testing on Saturday. To register you must submit the following by mail: --A completed "Monday Testing" registration form --Correct fees --A letter signed by your cleric on letterhead stationary confirming your affiliation with a recognized religious body whose convictions prevent you from testing on Saturday or a copy of your military orders. 15 REGISTRATION INFORMATION (continued) Online and phone registration is not available for Monday testing. A registration form specifically for Monday testing can be downloaded from the "Alternative Testing Arrangements" section of the E T S TEXES website at www.texes.ets.org. When completing your registration form, leave the test center code number and test center name blank. Fill in the city and state where you wish to test. You will be assigned to the closest available test center. Registration forms must be received by the registration deadline. Fees for Tests and Related Services Test Fees 120 dollars Test fee (per test) Additional Services 15 dollars Test, test center, test date, or test session change 70 dollars TASC/TASC-ASL score verification 135 dollars Expanded Diagnostic Feedback 20 dollars Fee for returned check Payment --Online and phone payments can be made by credit/debit card (American Express(R), Discover(R), MasterCard(R), and VISA(R)) Any debit/check card branded with one of the above four accepted credit card logos can be processed. --Information about payments sent by mail is on the form for the service you are requesting. Payment Policies --All fees are stated in U.S. dollars. --All outstanding balances with E T S must be paid in full prior to registering for any E T S-administered tests. --All payments must be for the full amount. --If you do not have sufficient credit or funds in your account, your scores will be withheld, you will be unable to register for additional tests, and an additional service fee of 20 dollars will be added to your account. You will receive your scores as soon as the total outstanding balance has been cleared, unless your scores are being withheld for any other reason. (See "Cancellation of Test Scores by E T S and T E A" on page 24). --Services may be withheld for nonpayment of fees. --Refunds of test fees will be made in U.S. dollar denominations. (See "Canceling a Test" on page 16 for information regarding refunds.) --There are no refunds for service fees. --Additional policies for payments made by mail are on the form for the service you are requesting. Change Requests Requests to change your test, test date, test center, or test session can be made: --Online at www.texes.ets.org --By calling Customer Service at 1-800-205-2626. You must make the call yourself. No one else will be allowed to request changes for you. --You may also request changes by completing and submitting a Change Request form. The Change Request form can be downloaded at www.texes.ets.org. Completion and submission instructions and payment policies are on the form. --If you are registered for Monday testing or nonstandard testing accommodations, you cannot reschedule online; you may only reschedule using the Change Request form. If you are affiliated with an E P P, you must be preapproved by your program for the new test you are planning to take. Contact them for further information. The deadline for making changes is the registration deadline listed on the back cover of this Registration Bulletin. Changes in registration will be processed only if seats are available at the requested test center, on the requested date, and at the requested time. If you are requesting testing accommodations, you must mail the Change Request form to E T S Disability Services. The mailing address is on the form. These requests must be received by the registration deadline. A 15 dollar processing fee is charged for all TASC/TASC-ASL registration changes; this is in addition to the 120 dollar test fee. If you submit your request via the E T S TEXES website at www.texes.ets.org, you must pay your change request fee by credit/debit card (American Express, Discover, MasterCard and VISA). If you submit your request by mail, you must include payment for the change fee with your request. (See "Fees for Tests and Related Services" on this page for payment policies.) 16 REGISTRATION INFORMATION (continued) Canceling a Test You may cancel a TASC or TASC-ASL test for which you have registered through your testing account on the E T S TEXES website at www.texes.ets.org. You may also cancel a TASC or TASC-ASL test by completing and submitting the Test Cancellation form. The Test Cancellation form can be downloaded at www.texes.ets.org. Mail or fax the completed form to the address or fax number listed on the form. If you are registered for Monday testing (for military or religious reasons), military testing, or nonstandard testing accommodations, you cannot cancel online. You may only cancel using the Test Cancellation form. See cancellation deadlines and refund information below. --If the cancellation is processed online or received via mail by the registration deadline, the full test fee will be refunded, less a 20 dollar refund fee. --Cancellations processed online or received via mail after the registration deadline will not be eligible for a refund. Refunds of test fees will be issued based on the original payment method. If your original payment was made by credit/debit card, a refund will be processed immediately to your credit/debit card. Check with your credit/debit card company regarding its processing time for crediting your account. If the original payment was check or money order, a refund will be processed once the original payment has cleared. If you are absent or arrive too late to take the test at the test administration for which you are registered, you will not be entitled to a refund. Service fees are nonrefundable. Test Retake Policy If you do not pass a TASC or TASC-ASL test, you can retake it at any subsequent test administration. If you are affiliated with an E P P, check with your program to see if you need approval to retest. Contact them for further information. Correcting or Updating Your SBEC Educator Profile It is extremely important to keep the information in your SBEC Educator Profile up-to-date because the information you enter is uploaded into the E T S TEXES registration system. Occasionally, E T S and T E A staff may need to contact you in the event that there is a last-minute change in a test administration reporting address or a reporting time change. Keeping the information current in your Educator Profile, especially your phone number and e-mail address, enables E T S and T E A staff to contact you quickly if the need arises. If your information is not current, E T S assumes no responsibility if you do not receive updated information. You can update your mailing address, phone number and e-mail address by logging in to your Educator Profile on the SBEC website at www.sbec.state.tx.us. To make a name change, you must submit documentation to the Director of Credentialing Services, 1701 N. Congress Ave., Austin, TX, 78701. Name changes must be made in conjunction with your primary ID documents. The name in your Educator Profile must match the identification document(s) you will present at the test center. You may also contact SBEC via e-mail. (See "E-mail SBEC" in the "Contact Us" section of the SBEC website at www.sbec.state.tx.us.) After updating your Educator Profile on the SBEC website, please confirm the changes by logging in to your testing account on the E T S TEXES website at www.texes.ets.org and clicking on "Modify Your Profile" to confirm that the information retrieved from SBEC is correct. If there are any discrepancies in the data, call Customer Service at 1-800-205-2626. 17 ON THE DAY OF THE TEST What to Bring to the Test Center --Your authorization letter. If you do not bring your authorization letter, you may not be permitted to test. --Acceptable and valid identification document(s) with a signature and photograph. Your ID will be checked before you are admitted. The name you give when you register must match the name on the identification document(s) you present at the test center. (See "Identification (ID) Requirements" below.) Admission to the Test You must report to the test center 30 minutes before the start time listed in your authorization letter. If you arrive late, you will not be admitted and your test fee will be forfeited. It is your responsibility to allow plenty of time to arrive by the designated time, regardless of whether there is traffic congestion, road construction, bad weather, car accidents, poor directions, or any other incident that may delay arrival. You must bring the required identification documents with you. (See "Identification (ID) Requirements" below.) Without the required ID documents, you will not be permitted to test. Identification (ID) Requirements The identification information and requirements contained in this section must be read by all test takers. Your ID requirements depend upon the country in which you plan to test. Please read the specific information that follows for acceptable primary and supplemental identification documents. Information for ALL Test Takers --You must have acceptable and valid ID documents with your name, signature, and photograph to be admitted to a test center. ID requirements are strictly enforced. It is your responsibility to read and understand the instructions and requirements. It is not the responsibility of the test center to relay these policies to you. --All documents must be originals; copies of documents are not acceptable. --If you arrive at the test center without the required ID, the test center staff will not admit you to the test, and you will forfeit your registration and test fees. --When scheduling your test, you must use exactly the same name as shown on the primary identification document that you will present at the test center. If the name shown on your primary ID does not match the name on your registration record, you will not be permitted to test and a refund will not be issued. You will have to submit a new registration and pay a new registration fee. There is one exception to this requirement. If you have been married or divorced between registering for and taking the exam and the registration has your maiden name and the ID has your married name (or vice versa), this is acceptable if you bring along a RECENT marriage certificate or divorce decree that was issued between the registration date and actual test date. "Recent" can be interpreted to mean issued within the last six months. --If your ID document contains two last names, enter the names exactly as presented on your ID document. If you register via the phone, please ensure that the representative makes your registration in the complete name that appears on your ID. --The ID must be current (not expired). There is one exception to this requirement. If your Texas driver's license has expired but you have your Texas Department of Public Safety renewal certificate, these two together are acceptable as long as the name on the driver's license and the name on the renewal certificate are the same. --If the test center staff questions the ID you present, you will be required to provide a second proof of identity. If positive confirmation cannot be made, you may be refused admission to the test center and you will forfeit your registration and test fees. --Test center personnel will check your ID before assigning you a seat at the test center. The test center supervisor will check to verify that you are the person in your photo identification. The supervisor will repeat this procedure before and after all breaks. --Admittance to the test center does not imply that your form of identification is valid or that your scores will be reported. All reported cases of questionable identification are subject to review and approval by the E T S Office of Testing Integrity either during or after the test administration. E T S reserves the right to withhold and/or cancel scores in the event the ID requirements set forth herein are not met. 18 ON THE DAY OF THE TEST (continued) Acceptable Primary Identification Documents TESTING WITHIN YOUR COUNTRY OF CITIZENSHIP Only one form of primary ID is needed if your primary ID document contains your name, photograph, and a signature. Acceptable primary ID documents are: --Passport with name, photograph, and signature --Current driver's license with name, photograph, and signature (See exception on previous page.) --State ID issued by the motor vehicle agency with name, photograph, and signature --Government-issued ID with name, photograph, and signature --Military ID with name, photograph, and signature If the test center supervisor has any concerns about the primary ID document, you will be required to present an acceptable supplemental ID. (See "Acceptable Supplemental Identification Documents" on this page.) If your primary ID does not contain your signature, either sign the document or present an acceptable supplemental ID document. TESTING OUTSIDE YOUR COUNTRY OF CITIZENSHIP --You must present your passport as your primary ID document. If you do not meet this requirement, you may not be admitted to test. --U.S. military personnel may present their U.S. military ID cards for admission to test centers. If a military ID card does not contain a signature, a supplemental ID is required. (See "Acceptable Supplemental Identification Documents" below.) If your passport is not written in English, you must also present a supplemental ID document that contains a clear, recent photo and is in English. If your passport does not contain your signature, either sign your passport or present a supplemental ID document.The following documents are also acceptable for admission. You do not need advance approval from the E T S Office of Testing Integrity to use these specific documents. To be acceptable, however, these documents must be accompanied by a supplemental ID that contains your photograph. (See "Acceptable Supplemental Identification Documents" on this page.) --Permanent Resident Card/Resident Alien Card (Form I-551 or I-151) --Temporary Resident Card (Form I-688) --Employment Authorization Card (Form I-688A, I-688B, or I-766) --Mexican Border Crosser Card (This form of ID may be accepted only at test centers that are within 25 miles of the Mexican border.) Acceptable Supplemental Identification Documents If your primary ID is missing your photo or a signature, you must present one of the following supplemental IDs in addition to your primary ID. The supplemental ID must contain a clear, recent photo and your signature; it cannot be expired. Acceptable supplemental ID documents are: --Government-issued ID (including but not limited to passport, driver's license, state ID card, national identification, or military identification). There are some exceptions. (See "Unacceptable Identification Documents" below.) --Student ID --Confirmation of identity letter from your educational institution. The letter must contain your name; date of birth; a recent, recognizable photo; your signature; and the date issued. It must be typed on the original letterhead of the educational institution you attend(ed), and the signature of the school official and the school seal must overlap your photo. A letter of identity is valid for only one year from the date of issue. Unacceptable Identification Documents --Any expired ID (except for expired Texas driver's license presented together with Texas Department of Public Safety renewal certificate, subject to conditions previously set forth) --International driver's license --Draft classification card --International student ID --Credit/debit card of any kind --Notary-prepared letter or document --Social security card --Employee ID card --Learner's permit or any temporary identification document --Birth certificate If you cannot meet the specified ID requirements or if you have questions about ID, you must contact the E T S Office of Testing Integrity (1-609-406-5430, fax: 1-609-406-9709, or e-mail: TSReturns@ets.org) before you register to test. 19 ON THE DAY OF THE TEST (continued) If you do not contact the E T S Office of Testing Integrity before registering and are not admitted to the test, you will forfeit your registration and test fees. It is your responsibility to ensure that your ID documents are up-to-date and available on the day of the test. Test Center Procedures and Regulations By submitting your registration for a TASC or TASC-ASL test, you are agreeing to abide by all procedures and policies contained in this Registration Bulletin and/or communicated to you at the test administration for which you have registered. This Registration Bulletin and all other applicable rules of the State Board for Educator Certification (Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 7) govern your participation in the TASC and TASC-ASL assessments General Guidelines --Dress so that you can adapt to any room temperature. Please avoid wearing black, dark blue, red, or white clothing as these colors blend in with the backdrop and may cause difficulty in scoring the recorded interview. --Test centers do not have large waiting areas. Friends or relatives who accompany you to the test center will not be permitted to wait in the test center or be in contact with you while you are taking the test. Except for E T S-authorized observers, visitors are not permitted in the testing room while testing is in progress. --ID verification at the test center may include thumbprinting, photographing, videotaping, or some other form of electronic ID confirmation. If you refuse to participate, you will not be permitted to test and you will forfeit your registration and test fees. This is in addition to the requirement that you must present acceptable and valid identification. --Cell phones are not allowed in the test center. Using or having a cell phone in your possession in the test center may be grounds for dismissal or cancellation of scores. --Personal items other than identification documents are not allowed in the testing room. This includes, without limitation, PDAs, BlackBerry(R) devices, any other electronic or photographic devices, and study materials. You will be required to follow the procedures set by the test center for storage of your personal belongings. You may also be asked to empty your pockets. Storage space is limited, so plan accordingly. You will not have access to your personal items during the test. Personal items such as hats, scarves, jackets, and outerwear that are taken into the test room are subject to inspection by test center staff before you are admitted to the test room. Failure to comply may result in dismissal from the test and/or cancellation of scores. --Neither E T S nor the test centers assume any responsibility whatsoever for personal items or devices that you choose to bring into the test center. --Test center staff will escort you to the room where the interview will be conducted. --On occasion, weather conditions or other circumstances beyond the test center or E T S's control may require a delayed start or the rescheduling of your test. The following procedures and regulations apply during the entire test session, which begins when you are admitted to the test center and ends when you leave the test center. --Supervisors will not honor requests for schedule changes. --Take your authorization letter and identification document(s) to the test center. --Other than the examinee ID card, paper of any kind is not permitted in the testing room. --Once the interview begins, you cannot leave the testing room until the 20-minute interview is complete. Although tests are administered under strict supervision and security measures, testing irregularities may sometimes occur. Please contact E T S as soon as possible after the test to report any observed irregular behavior -- for example, the test being administered in a system or language other than what was requested, taking a test for someone else, having access to test questions before the exam. All information will be held in strictest confidence. Phone: 1-800-353-8570 (United States only) 1-609-406-5444 (all other locations) Fax: 1-609-406-9709 E-mail: TSReturns@ets.org 20 ON THE DAY OF THE TEST (continued) Dismissal from a Test Center A test center supervisor is authorized to dismiss you from a test session and/or your scores may be withheld and ultimately canceled for any actions that violate the policies and procedures set forth herein and/or communicated at the test center including, without limitation, the following: --attempting to take the test for someone else or having someone else take the test for you --failing to provide acceptable identification as described herein --obtaining improper access to the test, a part of the test, or information about the test --using a phone or having a cell phone or any other prohibited device in your possession in the test center (Cell phones and/or electronic and photographic devices are not permitted in the test center. If you take these devices into the test center, they may be collected by the test center staff and/or reported by test center personnel. You will be required to follow the procedures set by the test center for storage of your cell phone or any electronic/photographic device you bring to the test center. If you fail to follow the directions of the test center staff, you may be prohibited from taking the test and/or the test center staff may report your violation to E T S. Any violation of this procedure during the test may result in withholding/cancellation of your scores, dismissal from the test center, and/or banning you from future testing. Neither E T S nor the test centers assume any responsibility whatsoever for personal devices that you choose to bring to the test center.) --using any aids in connection with the test, including, without limitation, sign language books, pamphlets, notes, pagers, beepers, phones, cell phones, watch alarms (including those with flashing lights or alarm sounds), stop watches, dictionaries, translators, and any handheld electronic or photographic devices --creating a disturbance (Disruptive behavior in any form will not be tolerated. The test center supervisor has sole discretion in determining what constitutes disruptive behavior.) --except as specifically required for purposes of administering or taking the test, attempting to give or receive assistance (Discussion or sharing of test content after the test is prohibited.) --removing or attempting to remove test content from the test center (Under no circumstances may test content or any part of the test content be removed, reproduced, and/or disclosed by any means [e.g., hard copy, verbally, electronically] to any person or entity.) --bringing a weapon or firearm into the test center --bringing food, drink, or tobacco into the testing room --leaving the test center during the test session --leaving the waiting room or the testing room without permission --taking breaks during the test session --referring to, looking through, or working on any test when not authorized to do so --failing to follow any of the test administration regulations contained in this Registration Bulletin, given by the test center supervisor or test center staff, or specified in any test materials E T S and T E A reserve the right to take any and all actions -- including, but not limited to, barring you from future testing and/or withholding or canceling your scores -- for failure to comply with test administration regulations or the test center supervisor's directions. If your scores are canceled, they will not be reported, and your registration and test fees will not be refunded. Cancellation of a Test Session In the event it becomes necessary or desirable for E T S or T E A to cancel a test administration for reasons beyond its control, including without limitation, severe weather conditions, natural disaster (e.g., flood, fire), terrorist acts, acts of vandalism, hazardous conditions at the test center, or some other event, a cancellation announcement will be posted as soon as possible on the E T S TEXES website at www.texes.ets.org. The cancellation announcement will also be available as a recorded phone message at 1-800-205-2626. You will be advised by e-mail or U.S. mail as soon as the test administration has been rescheduled. It is imperative that you keep the contact information, especially your phone number and e-mail address, in your Educator Profile on the SBEC website up-to-date so you can be contacted quickly if the need arises. 21 ON THE DAY OF THE TEST (continued) Unless T E A cancels a test administration at a given test center, the test administration will be conducted as scheduled, barring circumstances preventing prior notification of cancellation (e.g., natural disaster, terrorist acts). If you miss a test administration that has not been officially canceled, you will be considered absent and will not receive a refund or credit of any kind. Submitting Comments If you have comments about the test center or the conditions under which you took a test, please submit your comments in a letter via mail, e-mail or fax to the appropriate address under "Test Center Complaints" on page 10. All comments must be sent directly to E T S. Comments sent to your E P P or to T E A will not be acted upon. Comments must be received no later than seven days after the date of your test. T E A and E T S employ stringent quality-control procedures in preparing test materials. However, if you wish to comment about a test question for any reason, notify the test center supervisor at your test center or send a letter to the address under "Test Question Inquiries" on page 10 within seven days of your test date. 22 TEST RESULTS AND SCORE REPORTING The TASC and TASC-ASL have been designed to elicit a representative sample of a candidate's sign communication proficiency. The videotapes from the TASC and TASC-ASL are scored on a five-point scale using a holistic scoring process. The principle underlying the holistic scoring process is that performance during the interview will be evaluated on the basis of overall sign communication proficiency. That is, while a candidate is provided with tasks across a range of communication levels, scorer judgments will be based on how well the candidate communicates overall. In holistic scoring, scorers evaluate the effectiveness of responses in terms of a set of overall descriptions of communication. The scoring process is holistic in that the score assigned to a candidate's performance reflects the overall effectiveness of the candidate's communication. For the TASC and TASC-ASL, "sign communication proficiency" is defined as the ability to communicate successfully both expressively and receptively. At least three scorers view each videotape and, working in collaboration, rate the candidate's proficiency. Persons selected to be scorers are experts in sign communication. All have extensive experience in the education of the Deaf, ASL instruction, or a related area. Scorers, as well as interviewers, can be individuals who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, or hearing. Scorers use the TASC or TASC-ASL holistic rating scales to assign an overall score to the candidate's performance. The holistic rating scales present the criteria on which the candidate's performance is evaluated. Each scale is a five-point scale, with "E" the lowest rating and "A" the highest. Each point of the scale represents a degree to which effective communication is demonstrated in the candidate's performance. The score point descriptions reflect typical levels of performance at each score point. Although the score assigned corresponds to one of the score points, individual responses may include attributes not specifically mentioned in the rating scale and/or attributes of more than one score point. The passing score for the TASC and TASC-ASL (i.e., the minimum level of sign communication proficiency required for an entry-level educator to perform successfully in Texas schools) is set at Level C. T E A adopted the passing standards based upon recommendations of committees of Texas educators. Thus, performances rated at Levels A, B, or C are considered to be passing perform-ances on the TASC or TASC-ASL. NOTE: On the TASC-ASL, candidates must respond only in ASL; use of non-ASL signing, including non-ASL grammar, will hurt a candidate's performance and may lower the candidate's holistic score. The Analytic Feedback Scales The TASC and TASC-ASL Analytic Feedback Scales in the test preparation manual for TASC and TASC-ASL provide candidates with additional information that further defines the criteria for effective sign communication. As a part of the scoring process, candidates who do not pass the test receive feedback on their score report indicating the performance characteristics in which they may need improvement. For the TASC and TASC-ASL, these performance characteristics have been defined as range of communication, comprehension, and intelligibility, as demonstrated through fluency, vocabulary/grammar, and use of space. Reporting Your Test Scores Your score report will be available to you via your testing account on the E T S TEXES website. It will provide information about your passing status and other performance information. Also provided is an explanation of how to read your score report. (See "Test Scores and Passing Standards" above for information on the passing requirements for TASC and TASC-ASL tests.) Score reports for TASC and TASC-ASL tests are posted by 5:00 p.m. Central time on the score reporting date. (See "Score Reporting Dates" on page 23.) Scores are viewable for 90 days. Your scores are automatically added to your certification file and made available to T E A and to your E P P (if applicable). Your score report is for your information only; do not submit it with your application for certification. Under no circumstances will E T S or T E A release your score information by phone, fax, e-mail, or in person. Paper score reports are no longer mailed. It is suggested that you print a copy of your online score report for your permanent records. NOTE: Application for certification does not proceed automatically based upon receipt of your scores by T E A. To apply for certification, you must go to the SBEC website at www.sbec.state.tx.us and follow the application for certification instructions. 23 TEST RESULTS AND SCORE REPORTING (continued) Delay of Test Scores Under some circumstances, scores may be delayed. --Scores for newly developed tests may be delayed in order to set passing scores. --Scores may be delayed due to problems with registration, failure to comply with the policies and procedures set forth in this Registration Bulletin, and/or with instructions given by test center personnel. --Scores will be delayed if there are problems with your payment. (See "Fees for Tests and Related Services" on page 12 for more information.) --Your scores may be permanently voided if you are completing certification requirements through an E P P and you have not provided proof that you have approval to test (i.e., a T E A ID number from your E P P). (See "Approval to Test" on page 6 and "Registration Steps" on page 11 for more information.) Score Reporting Dates Test Date: November 22, 2008 Score Reporting Date: December 22, 2008 Test Date: April 18, 2009 Score Reporting Date: May 18, 2009 Scoring Services Score Verification Score verification can be requested through the E T S TEXES website at www.texes.ets.org or by completing the Score Verification Request form and mailing it to the address on the form with the correct payment. Requests are limited to a one-time score verification of any one test. (See "Fees for Tests and Related Services" for information about payment.) The Score Verification Request form can be downloaded from the E T S TEXES website. Your request must be submitted online or postmarked within six months of the test administration date. The results of the score verification process will be available within four to six weeks after receipt of the request and payment. In the event that the score verification process results in a change in your score, you will be notified, the score verification fee will be refunded, and a corrected score report will be posted to your E T S testing account and transmitted to T E A. If the original score is confirmed, you will be notified and your fee will not be refunded. Expanded Diagnostic Feedback Service The Expanded Diagnostic Feedback Service offers a comprehensive review of examinees' responses by selected scoring leaders in order to provide detailed and customized feedback identifying the specific problem areas that most contributed to their nonpassing scores. This service is available to all examinees with nonpassing scores for TASC (072) and TASC-ASL (073) exams taken during the 2008-09 testing year. A form to request Expanded Diagnostic Feedback can be downloaded from the TASC/TASC-ASL section of the E T S TEXES website at www.texes.ets.org. Examinees should complete this request form and submit it along with payment. (See "Fees for Tests and Related Services" for information about fees and payment policies.) Requests must be received within 90 days of the date of the test administration for which the service is being requested. Expanded Diagnostic Feedback will be mailed within one month of receipt of the request and payment. Cancellation of Test Scores by You After taking a test, if you decide that you do not want your scores reported, you may submit a request to cancel them. The TASC/TASC-ASL program will cancel your scores upon receipt of a completed Score Cancellation form. This form is available at test centers and can also be downloaded from the E T S TEXES website at www.texes.ets.org. Your Score Cancellation form must be received within five business days of the date on which you took the test. If you choose to cancel your scores, you will not receive a refund or credit of any kind. If you request that your scores be canceled, they will not be reported to you, to T E A, or to any E P P. Your scores will not be entered into any TASC/TASC-ASL records; therefore, after the cancellation of your scores, you will not be able to have your scores reported for any purpose. 24 TEST RESULTS AND SCORE REPORTING (continued) Cancellation of Test Scores by E T S and T E A E T S takes reasonable security precautions in developing and administering TASC/TASC-ASL tests and processing test scores with a view to ensuring that no test taker has an unfair advantage over other test takers. Accordingly, T E A reserves the right to withhold and ultimately cancel your scores due to misconduct and/or if T E A deems there is reason to question your scores' validity or legitimacy (including, but not limited to, a violation of the rules set forth in the current Registration Bulletin, including the "Test Center Procedures and Regulations" on page 19, and the procedures communicated to you orally or in writing at the test center). In such cases, E T S will notify relevant parties of T E A's decision. Further action may be taken, including denying, revoking, and/or suspending a teaching credential or certificate. Other actions, as described in "Test Center Procedures and Regulations" may be taken as deemed appropriate by T E A and/or E T S. Testing Irregularities "Testing irregularities" refers to test administration problems that may affect an individual or groups of test takers, including without limitation, administrative errors (such as improper timing, improper seating, defective materials, and defective equipment); improper access to test content; and other disruptions of test administrations (such as natural disasters or other emergencies). When testing irregularities occur, E T S may decline to score the test or cancel the test score at T E A's discretion. When, in T E A's sole judgment it is appropriate to do so, test takers will be given the opportunity to take the test again as soon as reasonably possible without charge. Identification Discrepancies When, in E T S's judgment or the judgment of test center personnel, there is a discrepancy in a test taker's identification, the test taker may be dismissed from the test center, and/or E T S may decline to score that test or may cancel that test score. Misconduct When E T S or test center personnel find that there is misconduct in connection with a test, the test taker may be dismissed from the test center, and/or E T S may decline to score the test or withhold and ultimately cancel the test score. Misconduct includes, but is not limited to, noncompliance with the "Test Center Procedures and Regulations," on page 19 of this Registration Bulletin. Invalid Scores E T S may also cancel scores if, in its judgment, there is substantial evidence that they are invalid for any other reason. Evidence of invalid scores may include, without limitation, unusual answers, and inconsistent performance on the test. Before canceling scores pursuant to this paragraph, E T S notifies the test taker in writing about its concerns, gives the test taker an opportunity to submit information that addresses E T S's concerns, considers any such information submitted, and offers the test taker a choice of options. The options include voluntary score cancellation, a free retest, or allowing T E A to make a decision whether to accept the scores. Confidentiality of Information All test materials, including videotapes, are the property of E T S; however, T E A and E T S recognize your right to control the information about you that is stored by them. Their policies are designed to safeguard that information from unauthorized disclosure. Your score information is intended only for you and your E P P (if applicable). However, background information, as noted during the registration process, is reported to the state of Texas and some institutions. E T S will not release your score information at the request of institutions or agencies except: --for use in research studies, scoring, and statistical analyses approved by T E A and that preserve your anonymity --when information is required under compulsion of legal processes (Your score record and the documents you completed that are retained at E T S may be released to third parties, e.g., government agencies, parties to a lawsuit, etc., if requested pursuant to a subpoena.) --Under the Higher Education Act Title II section 207 of 1998, the U.S. Department of Education requires all states that require testing for licensure to provide that agency with annual performance data for students completing their state-approved teacher preparation programs. If you complete your preparation program in a given cohort year, your preparing institution will collect and forward your score information to the state for inclusion in the federally mandated educator prepa-ration performance report. The report will contain aggregate data only and will not include any information that identifies examinees. 25 TEST RESULTS AND SCORE REPORTING (continued) Note that whenever E T S has confirmed that you have submitted a TASC or TASC-ASL score directly to an educational institution, agency, or district in satisfaction of one of its requirements, E T S will respond to requests for score verification from that recipient. TASC and TASC-ASL videotaped interviews may be used for training interviewers and scorers and in new test preparation materials. Test taker information, such as names and addresses, is not included when videotaped interviews are used for these purposes. Interviewer and scorer training is essential to ensure that tests are scored in a fair and consistent manner. The use of your videotaped interview will benefit future test takers by helping to improve the training of interviewers and scorers, just as the administration and scoring of your test will benefit from the use of prior test takers' videotaped interviews. Test preparation materials demonstrate how the test is administered and the skills that are necessary to succeed. 26 2008-09 TASC and TASC-ASL TEST DATES, REGISTRATION DEADLINES, AND SCORE REPORTING DATES The following information pertains to the November 22, 2008 test date for all tests offered: Registration Deadline: October 24, 2008 Score Reporting Date: December 22, 2008 The following information pertains to the April 18, 2009 test date for all tests offered: Registration Deadline: March 20, 2009 Score Reporting Date: May 18, 2009 NOTE: Monday testing is on the Monday following the regular administration. (See pages 14-15 for information about Monday testing.) All requests for Monday testing and nonstandard testing accommodations should be submitted as early as possible. Because of space, staff, and time constraints, there can be no assurance that requests received after the registration deadline can be accommodated.