How to Establish Campus Teamwork During Testing Season

n my experience as a campus testing coordinator, many testing coordinators share similar qualities:

• Highly organized
• Like to be in control
• Prefer to work independently
• “Type A”

Does the phrase “Why let others help when I can do it myself and make sure it is done right?” ring true with you? It sure did with me when I was a campus testing coordinator, and I can still find myself falling into the tendency to “go it alone.” The truth is every CTC needs a team to help them prepare for and survive spring testing! Working together with a testing team helps CTCs manage all the details associated with testing, stay sane, and enjoy the experience more than going it alone.

Here are 5 tips that helped me establish a positive campus team for spring testing:

1. Create clear roles.

Make sure everyone within the team understands their role and who they report to. My job at test check-in was to use TestHound to scan each book into its box. I knew that was the only thing I had to do, so it was done quickly and efficiently.  

2. Maintain constant communication.

It is imperative that the CTC communicate his or her needs so the team can be as responsive as possible. It is inevitable that something will change before, or even during, test day. Group texting worked for our team so we were always up to date with any curveballs coming our way.

3. Trust the team to do their respective jobs.

It can be easy to try and micromanage each member of the team. Treat your teammates as professionals and trust them to do what is expected of them. The best testing team I ever worked with was the one that trusted me to do my job and let me get it done.  Nothing feels better or makes you want to work harder than knowing you are a trusted professional and colleague.  

4. Provide feedback.

If someone on the team does not do something exactly right, let them know in a positive manner how the task should be executed moving forward. I have made plenty of mistakes during test administrations. What I remember most was how respectful and kind my team treated me, no matter what.  

5. Maintain positive energy.

Testing is a high stress process! Even in the stressful times, try to maintain a positive energy. Finding the fun and keeping a smile helps everyone survive the strain of the task! I have created great friendships in the middle of sharpening pencils, setting up testing bins, and scanning test booklets. My TEAM made each testing administration genuinely fun, enjoyable, and memorable. To this day, I know my testing TEAM would be ready to help me with anything I ever needed at a moment’s notice.

>>> 5 Reminders for Success During the Testing Season

No one should put themselves on an island or work alone during testing season. Educators love to help other educators. Time after time we find ourselves relying on others for help and support, especially while working though this particularly crazy school year! CTCs, build that team on your campus to help you survive testing season and maybe even enjoy the process. (Maybe, just a little!)

If you are a lone ranger without a team, don't fret! Our team of testing consultants will help you make it easier!