Testing Assistant

Howard County Public School System•Columbia, MD

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Principal, the Testing Assistant manages the operational logistics and security of federal, state, and county assessment programs. The role ensures full compliance with testing accommodations and data integrity while serving as a technical and administrative liaison for staff and students. The primary objective is to maintain a secure, efficient, and seamless testing environment that meets all regulatory standards.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent (must scan and upload to the online application at the time of submission).
Foreign credentials must be evaluated as U.S. High School diploma or above by an MSDE approved organization.
Standardized Testing Protocols: Deep understanding of federal, state, and local testing regulations, including specific mandates for security, chain of custody, and data integrity.
Accommodations & Compliance: Knowledge of Section 504 and IEP accommodation requirements to ensure every student receives the legally mandated support during assessments.
Information Technology Systems: Familiarity with school-based hardware (Chromebooks/tablets), network connectivity requirements, and the specific installation of online testing platforms (e.g., PearsonAccess Next, TestNav).
Confidentiality Standards: Understanding of FERPA and other privacy laws regarding the handling of sensitive student data and secure test materials.
Technical Troubleshooting: Expertise in resolving real-time hardware and software glitches during live testing sessions to minimize student anxiety and downtime.
Inventory & Logistics Management: Mastery of tracking, sorting, and reconciling thousands of secure documents with zero margin for error.
Database Management: Skilled in data entry, student record maintenance, and the processing of scantrons or digital reports for school-wide analysis.
Instructional Support: The ability to assist in training staff (proctors and examiners) on complex procedural manuals and irregular reporting protocols.
Precision & Accountability: The ability to maintain an unbroken "chain of custody" for secure materials and quickly identify/report irregularities.
Crisis Management: The ability to remain calm and provide immediate support to staff and students during high-pressure testing windows.
Interdisciplinary Coordination: Ability to work seamlessly across departments—linking administration, IT, and the Financial Bookkeeper—to ensure resources are available and accounted for.
Ethical Discretion: The ability to handle confidential student records and sensitive monetary data with the highest level of professional integrity.

Responsibilities

Prepares testing materials, including distribution, inventory, and ordering of secure materials.
Assists with the security of testing materials and the reconciliation of any missing materials.
Supports the collection of testing materials to ensure accountability.
Maintains current and past student testing data and records.
Performs clerical work of a confidential nature.
Entering students into databases
Sorting & distributing reports
Processing scantrons
Assists in conducting in-service training for school-based personnel prior to testing.
Assists in providing on-going communication and support to test examiners, proctors, accommodators, and administrators on all aspects of mandated tests.
Assists the School Testing Coordinator (STC) with staff training, test scheduling, assignment of proctor and testing areas.
Supports the School Testing Coordinator in creating and managing online testing sessions.
Supports the STC with properly identifying students for assessment participation.
Supports the STC in identifying and providing appropriate accommodations for testing.
Assists the STC in reporting the filing of any testing irregularities.
Assists the STC in maintaining monetary records and coordinating with the School Financial Bookkeeper.
Coordinates with information technology staff to ensure all testing devices function properly and that testing platforms are correctly installed and accessible.
Verifies network connectivity in testing locations prior to and during testing.
Provides troubleshooting support during testing, including device issues and platform related technical concerns.