Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC)
Announcements
NYSED Required Training for NEW TASC Test™ Test Center Coordinator and Examiners
HSE will provide mandated TASC Test™ administration training for all NEW Test Center Coordinators and Examiners on March 4, 2020, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the NYSED building in Albany. This one time, in-person training is required for all NEW Coordinators and Examiners and provides important information on NYSED policies and procedures for administering the TASC Test™
An online registration form can be found at:
For hands on training, it is best practice, if possible, to “shadow” another Examiner or Coordinator after attending the in-person training, but before officially administering the TASC Test ™.
Also, both new AND returning Examiners and Coordinators need to participate in the Data Recognition Corporation’s (DRC) online webinars on the PQR series prior to administering PQR TASC Test™ exams.
DRC Webinars are available via the Secure Zone. Please contact DRC directly : tasctesthelpdesk@datarecognitioncorp.com if you have an issues accessing the webinars. Thank you.
Lock Boxes and MNO Materials Must be Returned to DRC Immediately, as described in the notification which can be found at:
Regents-HSE Exam Pathway
Information about the Regents-HSE Exam Pathway - specifically what constitutes Regents credit under certain circumstances - has been clarified through a revised posting of the Frequently Asked Questions, which can be found at:
http://www.acces.nysed.gov/hse/regents-hse-exam-pathway-frequently-asked-questions.
TASC™ Testing Irregularities and Incident Reporting
Effective immediately the NYSED HSE Office will utilize Data Recognition Corporation’s (DRC) processes and forms, exclusively, for reporting all testing irregularities and incidents that may occur during TASC testing. Please review and follow the posted information at: http://www.acces.nysed.gov/hse/high-school-equivalency-hse-forms. Thank you.
New Online NYSED TASC™ Examinee Signature Card
The NYSED HSE Office has developed a new signature form for examinees taking the TASC™. The online Signature and Demographic Form replaces the signature cards that were previously mailed to Test Centers by the HSE Office. Test Centers will now print the signature forms for TASC™ examinees to complete prior to testing. These completed forms will continue to be mailed to NYSED after the testing session. HSE will continue to accept the original signature cards if you would like to use them all before printing new forms. Please contact HSE@nysed.gov if you have an questions. Thank you.
http://www.acces.nysed.gov/hse/high-school-equivalency-hse-forms
TASC™ TEST PQR – IMPORTANT NEWS FROM THE DATA RECOGNITION CORPORATION (DRC)
TESTING BEGINS FOR TASC™ TEST PQR & READINESS 8/9 ON JANUARY 21, 2020
Data Recognition Corporation is proud to announce the highly anticipated release of TASC™ Test forms PQR and Readiness Assessment 8/9. This notice is to provide you with some preliminary information and important dates about the transition from TASC™ Test MNO to TASC™ Test PQR.
Important Transition Dates:
January 8-10, 2020
- Test Coordinator Kits will be delivered to test centers. The kits will contain administrative materials to be used in conjunction with TASC™ Test PQR as well as copies of the Test Administration Manual.
January 15-17, 2020
- Paper-based versions of TASC™ Test PQR English delivered to test centers
January 17, 2020
- TASC™ Test MNO will be scheduled for test dates up to and including January 17; TASC™ Test PQR will be scheduled for test dates beginning January 21st or February 18th, depending on whether testing in English or Spanish.
- No TASC™ testing should be scheduled for January 18 – 20, 2020.
- Please take note: Spanish testing will not be available between January 18-February 17, 2020.
January 21, 2020
- Testing begins for TASC™ Test PQR and Readiness Assessment 8/9 – English
- Online Registration and Scheduling System will automatically handle the correct assignment of test forms.
- First day you will be able to print test tickets and associate/barcode answer sheets for TASC™ Test PQR administrations.
- TASC™ Test PQR Accommodated Order Form Available – English
- Large print, Braille and Audio CD’s will be available at the same time as the regular print version in each language but must be ordered separately via the short-add form.
February 12-14, 2020
- Paper-based versions of TASC™ Test PQR Spanish delivered to test centers
February 15-17, 2020
- No TASC™ testing should be scheduled for February 15 – 17, 2020.
February 18, 2020
- Testing begins for TASC™ Test PQR and Readiness Assessment 8/9 – Spanish
- Testing resumes for TASC™ Test PQR and Readiness Assessment 8/9 – English
- TASC™ Test PQR Accommodated Order Form Available – English & Spanish
- Large print, Braille and Audio CD’s will be available at the same time as the regular print version in each language but must be ordered separately via the short-add form.
February 21, 2020
- After the delivery of TASC™ Test PQR, test centers will need to inventory the print-based testing materials received against the TASC™ Test Security Checklist that will be included in the shipment. Please use the same boxes to return your old TASC™ Test MNO materials to DRC for secure destruction by February 21, 2020.
A wide range of training and support options will be available soon. Additional details will be forthcoming to guide your transition to TASC™ Test PQR.
Readiness Assessment 6/7 will continue to be supported alongside our newly available Readiness Assessment 8/9.
Please do not hesitate to contact the TASC™ Test Helpdesk with any questions.
Sincerely,
TASC™ Test Customer Support
Notification Regarding Test Centers Need to Return TASC™ MNO Documents to Data Recognition Corporation (DRC)
In preparation for the upcoming TASC™ PQR administration - see announcement below dated November 21, 2019 - DRC is requesting that all Test Center Administrators return any empty/unused lock boxes in their possession by December 13, 2019.
Please consolidate remaining MNO materials into the fewest number of lock boxes needed and return any extra lock boxes.
- For example: if you received four (4) lock boxes of test materials throughout the year, but materials can now be combined into two (2) boxes, consolidate those materials and immediately return your empty lock boxes to DRC.
RETAIN the key to the lock boxes; do not return it. These will continue to be used during the next administration.
To obtain a UPS return label, please send an email to TASCtesthelpdesk@DataRecognitionCorp.com Make sure to include your name, email address, number of labels needed, and your testing site code.
UPS Return Label will be provided via email only.
Print and tape the provided UPS return label(s) to each box. To arrange for a UPS pickup, call
1-866-857-1501. Retain the UPS tracking number for your files.
For more information on the TASC Test and the TASC Readiness Assessment, please visit TASCTest.com.
If you have further questions, please contact the TASC Test Customer Support at
Training Announcement: Required NYSED TASC™ Webinar for Returning Examiners and Coordinators - PQR Series
PQR Webinar for Returning TASC™ Examiners and Coordinators will be held on January 8th, 12:30PM-3:30PM via WebEx. If you have a scheduling conflict, please contact hsetc@nysed.gov with your availability. If there is demand, a 2nd webinar will be scheduled to accommodate, as is feasible.
This webinar is for returning Examiners and Coordinators only. All returning Examiners and Coordinators must participate in the NYSED webinar and all 2020 DRC webinars prior to administering the PQR series. DRC webinars will be released in mid-December.
Please complete this registration for each staff member from your Test Center who will be attending the webinar.
Be sure your computer is WebEx compatible prior to the webinar, as technical assistance is not provided.
Please note, New Examiners and Coordinators are required to attend an in-person training prior to administering the TASC™. Watch the HSE Announcements page for upcoming training dates. The next in person trainings will be scheduled for March and June.
DRC Announces TASC™ Updates for January 2020
The Data Recognition Corporation (DRC) - which is the corporation that the New York State Education Department (NYSED) contracts with to develop and score the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC™) - has announced that the TASC™ subtest forms PQR, and Readiness Assessment 8/9, will be launched in January 2020.
This notice is to provide you with some preliminary information and important dates about the transition from TASC™ Test MNO to TASC™ Test PQR. DRC will be sending out additional information to Test Centers in the coming weeks but wanted to make you aware of the form changes now.
Important Transition Dates:
- January 17, 2020: LAST day TASC™ Test MNO will be scheduled for administration.
- January 15-17, 2020: Paper-based versions of TASC™ Test PQR English delivered.
- January 21, 2020: TASC™ Test PQR and Readiness 8/9 English available.
- February 12-14, 2020: Paper-based versions of TASC™ Test PQR Spanish delivered.
- February 15-17 No TASC™ testing should be scheduled.
- February 18, 2020: TASC™ Test PQR and Readiness 8/9 Spanish available.
Please take note: Spanish testing will not be available between January 18-February 17, 2020.
Test Coordinator Kits will be delivered to Test Centers between January 8-10, 2020. The kits will contain administrative materials to be used in conjunction with TASC™ Test PQR as well as copies of the Test Administration Manual.
The DRC Online Registration and Scheduling System will automatically handle the correct assignment of test forms. TASC™ Test MNO can be scheduled for test dates up to and including January 17; TASC™ Test PQR will be scheduled for test dates beginning January 21st or February 18th, depending on whether testing in English or Spanish.
After the delivery of TASC™ Test PQR, Test Centers will need to inventory the print-based testing materials received against the TASC™ Test Security Checklist that will be included in the shipment. Please use the same boxes to return your old TASC™ Test MNO materials to DRC for secure destruction by February 21, 2020.
For more information on the TASC™ Test and the TASC™ 8/9 Readiness Assessment, please visit TASC wesbsite.
NYSED Required Training for NEW TASC™ Test Coordinator and Examiners
*Tentative in person trainings for new coordinators and examiners. If less than 10 participants register, the training will be rescheduled for early 2020.
You will receive a confirmation email approximately one week prior to the training.
Albany Training: December 13, 2019 from 10:00 AM - 3:00PM
NYSED’s TASC™ administration training will provide new hires a basic overview of the TASC™ exam, but the focus will be on NYSED testing policies and procedures. For hands on training, it is best practice to “shadow” another examiner or coordinator after attending training, prior to officially administering the exam. We understand that this is not always possible and is at the discretion of the Test Center Administrator.
Also, both new AND returning Examiners and Coordinators need to participate in DRC/TASC™’s webinar series prior to the NYSED training to get a full overview of TASC™ administration.
DRC Webinars – Required before training
- NY TASC™ Test MNO – Level 2 Registration & Scheduling
- NY TASC™ Test MNO – Level 2 Paper-Based Testing
- NY TASC™ Test MNO – Level 2 Computer-Based Testing
- NY TASC™ Test MNO – Level 2 Accommodations
- NY TASC DRC Insight Technical Training, Live Webinar
- NY TASC™ Test MNO - Level 2 Return of Test Materials
Update on Multiple Pathways to a NYS High School Equivalency Diploma
The NYSED Board of Regents, Committee on ACCES, received an update on the multiple pathways to a NYS High School Equivalency Diploma at their meeting in Albany yesterday. The full report can be found by accessing the link: Update on Pathways to a High School Equivalency Diploma
DRC Launches Accessibility Update for TASC™ Self-Registration
The Data Recognition Corporation (DRC) - which develops, distributes and scores the New York State High School Equivalency exam, which is the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC™) - has introduced an accessibility update. This feature allows individuals with the JAWS* screen reader to use that functionality to self-register for the TASC™. The self-registration process entails setting up an account for a Universally Unique Identifier (UUID) which is needed for scheduling TASC™ subtests. DRC is also continuing to work on enabling TASC™ forms to be viewed by screen readers and will provide updates over the next several months.
*JAWS, or Job Access with Speech, is a widely used screen reader developed for computer users whose vision loss prevents them from seeing the screen or navigating with a mouse. JAWS provides speech and Braille output for most popular computer applications on personal computers (PC).
The following HSE applications have been updated and posted under TASC™ / Forms and Manuals on the HSE website
- Application A – Application to take the TASC™
- Application R – Application to connect prior Regents exam scores with TASC™ subtest(s)
- T-TAF Form – Referral for applicants enrolled in preparation programs
- TASC ™Age Eligibility Attachment – Verification of age eligibility (replaces prior Attachments B, D and E)
Policy Guidance on the Provision of Extended Testing Time on TASC™ Subtests for Eligible Students Designated as ELL
AHSEP ELL Guidance
New Provisions for Designated Students Taking the NYS High School Equivalency Test
Students who are enrolled in Alternative High School Equivalency Preparation Programs (AHSEPP) and Alternative Transition Programs (ATP) - and are officially designated as English Language Learners (ELLs) - will now be permitted additional time when taking the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC™). For more details, please read the memo from Deputy Commissioners Kimberly Young Wilkins and Kevin Smith.
TASC Test Center Spotlight: CA BOCES of New York State
The Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES promotes student success on obtaining their High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma by engaging in the Regents-HSE Exam Pathway, where passing Regents exam scores can be combined with passing subtest scores from the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC™) to fulfill diploma requirements. For the full story, please visit the TASC website.
TASC™ Accommodation Approval Letters
Beginning July 1, 2019, TASC™ accommodation approval letters issued by the Data Recognition Corporation (DRC) will be available for viewing on the examinee’s profile in the TASC™ registration system. Test Center Coordinators were informed of this change by DRC.
Previously, approval letters were mailed directly to the examinee and the examinee had to provide a copy to the Test Center prior to the TASC™ being scheduled. Test Center Coordinators should now use the electronic approval letter in the examinee profile to schedule the TASC™ with the approved accommodations. The examinee will receive an email notifying them of the status of their request for accommodations. If you have any questions please contact the TASC™ Test Help Desk at tasctesthelpdesk@datarecognitioncorp.com
Cell Phone Policy Reminder for TASC™ Examinees
NYSED High School Equivalency (HSE) Cell Phone Policy for TASC™ Examinees
All examinees taking the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC ™) are prohibited from having their cell phones or any other electronic devices with them when they are taking the TASC™. All cell phones and electronic devices must either be left at home or turned over to the Test Center Coordinators, Examiners, or Proctors upon entering the TASC™ testing room. Any examinee who is in possession of a cell phone, or any other prohibited electronic devices, and refuses to relinquish them shall be denied entrance to the testing room and will not be allowed to take the TASC™. The electronic devices referenced above include, but are not limited to:
- Cell phones
- iPods and MP3 players
- iPads, tablets, and other e-Readers
- Personal laptops, notebooks, or any other computing devices
- Cameras or other photographic equipment
- Wearable devices/smart wearables, including smart watches and health wearables with a display
- Headphones, headsets, or in-ear headphones such as earbuds
- Any other device capable of recording audio, photographic or video content, or capable of viewing or playing back such content
It is the Test Center’s responsibility to enforce this policy, which is delineated in the Test Administration Manual published by the Data Recognition Corporation (DRC), and agreed to in the legal Three-Way Agreement signed by the Test Center, NYSED and DRC. Therefore, it is essential that this policy be communicated to all examinees - by the Test Center - prior to testing. The written information provided to the examinee when the TASC™ is scheduled should specifically convey this requirement.
If a cell phone, or any of the devices noted above, are found to be in possession of an examinee in the testing room, any exams taken must be invalidated and no score(s) will be awarded by DRC. Further, these examinees will be prohibited from taking the TASC™ again for a minimum of six months. Thank you in advance for your full compliance with this policy. If you have any questions, please contact the HSE Office at HSE@nysed.gov
TASC™ Materials For The JKL Testing Series Must Be Returned To DRC
The NYSED High School Equivalency Office has been notified by Data Recognition Corporation (DRC) that many Test Centers have has not yet returned all their TASC™ tests and materials from the JKL series. The JKL testing series ended in January 2019 - when the MNO test series was launched - and JKL manuals, test booklets, and any ancillary materials should have been returned to DRC in February.
Please return these materials directly to DRC. The DRC shipping labels for IPAK (JKL material returns) were included in the locked boxes with the delivery of MNO materials. If Test Centers have lost the labels and need new ones, please should contact the DRC Help Desk at tasctesthelpdesk@datarecognitioncorporation.com.
Thank you.
Official High School Equivalency or High School Transcripts Not Required for TASC™ Testing
Those who have taken the TASC™ previously but did not pass all five subtests are not required to produce an official High School Equivalency transcript from the NYSED Office. Examinees are responsible for their choice in subtests. Admission to testing should not be blocked by a lack of official transcript.
Also, please note that examinees who wish to take one or more subtests of the Test Assessing Secondary Completion, or TASC™, are not required to submit their official high school transcript prior to testing.
However, it is the responsibility of the examinees - not the Test Center - to determine which TASC™ subtests are required; specifically if they seek to combine TASC™ subtest scores with prior Regents exam scores as a pathway to a High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma: http://www.acces.nysed.gov/hse/regents-hse-exam
Further, since examinees must wait 60 days prior to taking any additional TASC™ subtests, it is recommended that they take all five subtests if they are not aware of which are required.
If there are any questions, please contact hse@nysed.gov.
Discontinued Use of HSE/TASC™ Verification Form
Please note that the High School Equivalency (HSE) Office is no longer requiring that adult education preparation programs submit the form: HSE/TASC™ Verification Form - NYS HSE Office. The form has been removed from the HSE website. This form was previously used to convey information from prep programs to the HSE Office but as the same data is already shared via an alternate method it is duplicative and no longer necessary. Please contact HSE@nysed.gov if you have any questions. Thank you.