Telepractice and NNAT3

Introduction

A telepractice session takes place with an examiner and a student in two different locations. Using a high-speed internet connection and a secure teleconference platform, an examiner, a student, and a facilitator or proctor in the student location join a web-based meeting via two web-enabled devices with audio and video capability. The examiner and student can see and hear one another throughout the session, and text, pictures, and video can be shared through the teleconference platform.

This telepractice information is intended to support you in making informed, well-reasoned decisions around remote assessment. This information is not intended to be comprehensive regarding all considerations for assessment via telepractice. It should not be interpreted as a requirement or recommendation to conduct assessment via telepractice.

You should remain mindful to:

Follow professional best practice recommendations and respective ethical codes
Follow telepractice regulations and legal requirements from federal, state and local authorities, licensing boards, professional liability insurance providers, and payors
Develop competence with assessment via telepractice through activities such as practicing, studying, consulting with other professionals, and engaging in professional development.

You should use your judgment to determine if assessment via telepractice is appropriate for a particular examinee, referral question, and situation. There are circumstances where assessment via telepractice is not feasible and/or is contraindicated. Documentation of all considerations, procedures, and conclusions remains a professional responsibility.

The Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test® Third Edition (NNAT3) provides a nonverbal, culturally neutral assessment of general ability ideal for diverse student populations for students in kindergarten through grade 12.

Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test, Third Edition (NNAT3)

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Guidelines for Remote Testing

Instructions for the Customer/School

This guidance is provided to help you deliver the NNAT3 assessment in a non-traditional manner that yields the most reliable and valid results. Please know that evidence supporting the equivalence of this modified administration on these specific measures is not available. Be sure to bear this in mind when interpreting results from these administrations.

To administer the NNAT3 test in students’ individual homes, Pearson recommends you ask a responsible adult in the student’s home to be present during testing to help monitor the student and keep them on task during testing. This is especially important for younger students.

Directions for Online Testing

Set up the Test Session and add students (individually or as a Group). Coordinate with the remote facilitator(s) and student(s). Have the remote facilitator(s) or student(s) load TestNav onto the computer(s) that will be used for testing.

Set the Test Date and Time
Determine how the audio portion of the test will be delivered
- On a separate device from the one that will be used for testing, facilitator/student and administrator/proctor join a shared web-based meeting via computers with audio and video capability allowing both to see and hear one another throughout the testing session
- Smart phone with video capability
Review the Pre-Assessment Checklist (below) with each facilitator & student
Work with the facilitator & student to ensure they have downloaded the TestNav application onto the computer they will be using to test (go to TestNav)

Pre-Assessment Checklist

The Administrator will go through this checklist with you when you begin the testing session (either through a web conferencing app or on your phone). This will ensure that the testing is delivered successfully to the student.

Have you reviewed the general guidelines above? Any questions?
Is the sound clear and loud enough?
Is the internet connection good, or is there a lag?
Does the lighting in the room reflect off the student’s screen?
If you’re using a web conferencing app, turn on the video camera. Can you see each other?
If you’re using a smartphone for the audio portion of the test, make sure the student can clearly hear the Administrator.
Is the content displayed correctly on the screen? (full screen, etc.)
Can the student sit comfortably in front of the screen?
Is the student location free from distractions?

On Test Day

Open and connect to the web-based meeting, or confirm that the audio/video connection is working properly
Send each student their unique Username and Password. Students must enter their Username and Password to access their test on TestNav.
- On the Sessions tab, click on the session name then select the printer icon to view the students' TestNav Login ID and Password
- The Sessions tab is also where you can monitor students’ progress during testing
Have students open TestNav, enter their Username and Password, and begin testing

After Testing

Instructions for the Remote Facilitator

A facilitator is an adult at the remote location with the person taking the test who will assist the examiner with the testing process. If you are the facilitator, the examiner will let you know how to assist. This document provides some general guidance to help you prepare ahead of time so that the testing session will be as successful as possible for the student.

The purpose of testing is for the student to show what they can do on their own. Please do not help the student answer the questions. For example, if you think that the student could answer better if the question were asked differently, or if they were given a hint, DO NOT try to help in this way. Part of what makes testing valuable is that it is done in the same way for all students.

Required equipment / software

Prepare the space

Find an area where the student can sit comfortably with their computer in front of them and see the screen clearly
Choose a location without distracting sights and sounds (such as TVs or loud conversations)
Make sure the student can clearly see the computer screen (there’s no glare on the screen or items blocking the view)

Prepare the technology

Work with the examiner to make sure that the technology is set up
- Make sure the student’s computer is charged or is plugged into an outlet
- Download the TestNav application onto the computer the student will be using to test
- If the student will be joining a web-based conferencing app:
  - Connect the student’s device to the internet and open a browser
  - Download the conferencing app (your Administrator will provide instructions)
  - Join the meeting at the appropriate time, following the instructions provided by the Administrator
Before the test session starts, review the checklist below with the student
When ready to begin testing, the student will open TestNav and log in using the unique Username and Password provided by the Administrator

Prepare the student

Make sure the student is well rested, has eaten, and used the restroom
Encourage them to do their best work
Explain that you will be assisting the examiner to make sure they do their best work. Tell them that you cannot give them answers or clues. Tell them that they will work with the examiner like they do during testing in school.

Help during testing

Make sure that the student is seated comfortably in front of the computer

Sit near the student, but do not obstruct the student’s view of the screen
During the testing process, follow these directions:

DO:

Help manage the student’s behavior with gentle prompts
Make sure the student continues to look at the screen throughout the test
After a test is over, tell the Administrator anything you think they should know (for example, interruptions during testing)

DON’T:

Restate directions to the student. Only the examiner should give directions, and they will repeat if needed
Provide answers or clues to the answers. Clues can include pointing to an answer, covering up wrong answers, giving reminders, or looking directly at the item.
Give indications to the student whether their response is correct or incorrect (ex. nods, sounds, smiles).
Provide feedback or questions to the Administrator during a test as this can interfere with the student’s score. Wait until the test is over.

Other considerations

Summary

NNAT3 can be administered in a telepractice context. This guide serves as a framework to support the administration in this new context. In addition, educators should be sure to adhere to their national/state and local education agency’s recommendations regarding telepractice.

The calibration and norming of the NNAT3 was not done within a telepractice context. As such, the educator administering the NNAT3 should use their professional judgement to determine if the telepractice assessment experience for a given student was comparable to a typical assessment experience at school.