Mastering Testing Season: Insights from K-12 Assessment Leaders

Testing season can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. In our latest "Conversations with Educators" webinar, we gathered experienced testing leaders from multiple districts across the nation to share their insights and strategies for handling the complexities of student assessment. Hosted by Lara Miller, a former school counselor and test coordinator, this session offered real-time answers, practical tips, and expert guidance.

Meet Our Expert Panel

• Nikki Jansky, Director of Student Evaluation and Assessment, Spring Branch ISD
• ‍Kelli Langan, Director of Accountability and Assessment, Springdale Public Schools
• ‍Jami Skevington, District 504 Coordinator, Clarksville-Montgomery County School System
• ‍Joana Sorrels, District Testing Coordinator, Plano ISD
• ‍Teresa Ware, Data Specialist, School Board of Highlands County

How can schools manage year-round assessments?

Testing is no longer confined to spring—it’s a year-round endeavor. Our panelists shared how they are preparing for upcoming testing windows, from updating student accommodation records to coordinating training sessions for school testing coordinators.

Ware: In Florida, we have three testing seasons a year. Right now, we’re cleaning up test management platforms, making sure students are assigned the correct tests and accommodations, and training our coordinators.

Skevington: In Tennessee, we've been hosting open lab sessions to provide a quiet space for test coordinators to work through logistics and ask questions.

How can districts ensure accurate accommodations mapping?

One of the biggest challenges testing coordinators face is ensuring that accommodations are correctly assigned and implemented. Our experts emphasized the importance of streamlining accommodations mapping between systems like TestHound and special education management software.

Jansky: We've done full wipes of accommodations in TestHound to ensure accuracy and alignment with official paperwork.

Langan: In Arkansas, our biggest accommodations—text-to-speech, extended time, and small group settings—are universally available, which has significantly reduced administrative burdens.

Skevington: TestHound has been invaluable in identifying discrepancies in accommodation data and ensuring compliance across our schools. It helps us spot inconsistencies in student assignments and align them with testing requirements.

How can schools standardize testing processes?

Creating consistency in test administration was a key theme. Districts have implemented various strategies to ensure a uniform experience across campuses.

Sorrels: We provide district-wide training sessions and require the use of standardized TestHound reports, such as seating charts and room accommodation lists.

Skevington: Our testing hub is a new initiative where all test coordinators can access timelines, checklists, and progress tracking tools, helping us stay on top of every detail.

How can schools avoid testing security challenges?

With increased school security measures, such as window covers on classroom doors, test monitoring has become more complex. Panelists discussed how they are adapting.

Sorrels: We make sure hall monitors and test coordinators have access to master keys and conduct regular walkthroughs.

Jansky: The key is reinforcing standardized procedures and expectations throughout the year, so secure testing becomes second nature.

How can educators support each other during testing season?

Testing season is demanding, but our panelists emphasized the importance of collaboration, communication, and flexibility.

Jansky: Lean on your network, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and know that you can’t mess anything up beyond repair.

Ware: Be a cheerleader for your coordinators—helping them stay calm and organized will go a long way.

What are the best practical tips for testing coordinators?

Before wrapping up, each panelist shared their top practical tips for testing coordinators:

• Jansky: Regularly remind staff about TestHound’s capabilities and provide easy-to-follow guides.
• Sorrels: Use the Master Accommodation Report to ensure compliance and readiness.
• Langan: Leverage TestHound for roster and room assignment management.
• Skevington: Build excitement and engagement around TestHound so coordinators see it as a valuable tool.
• Ware: Start cleaning up alerts, room assignments, and accommodations well in advance—don’t wait until the last minute!

Stay tuned for more Conversations with Educators webinars as we continue tackling the biggest challenges in K-12 education together! Click here to get notified when new webinars are scheduled!

Want to learn more about how TestHound simplifies testing coordination? Click here to schedule a personalized demo!