Faculty who use True-False or Multiple Choice examinations for their classes will find Test Scoring Services to be a valuable time saver. This document describes our standard service and briefly outlines the procedures for having exams scored and analyzed.
Standard Scoring and Analysis: Our standard system can handle tests with up to 200 items when there are no more than five responses per question or tests with up to 120 items when there are a maximum of 10 responses per question. Each question must have a single correct answer. For such tests, Test Scoring Services will score the test papers and produce a .pdf report, .csv GradeBook file for importing into the eLearning/Blackboard course, and a summary statistics file all of which will be emailed to the requester.
Forms suitable for test Scoring: Most departmental offices maintain a supply of the standard NCS answer sheets: Five-response sheets come in purple, red, orange, and brown versions. Ten-response sheets come only in green. Otherwise, these can be purchased from Campus Supply (Physical Plant).
Preparing Exams for Scoring: Faculty need to have a few things done before bringing a set of exams over for scoring.
1. Prepare a key for each form/version using a number 2 pencil. Erase unwanted marks completely. The scanner will only read one answer per item. It would be beneficial to the scanning process if each instructor fills in the bubbles spelling his/her last name in the Name area of your key.
2. Check to see that all the test sheets are turned facing the same direction.
3. Please use a colored sheet of paper between sections/versions. Never staple the sheets. The scanner may not read sheets with pin holes.
4. Five-Response and Ten-Response test sheets cannot be mixed in either a single batch of tests or combined forms/versions (e.g., if you have four versions of an exam, and request combined statistics, all sheets must be either Five- or Ten-Response).
5. Fill out a Job Check-In Sheet and include with test sheets. Check-In Sheets are on a shelf to the left side of the door.
6. Place test sheets in an envelope. When available, envelopes will be provided.
Important Instructions to Students: Remind students each time a test is administered to be careful of five things:
1. Use only a number 2 lead pencil.
2. Students must fill out their name and student ID. The Student ID must be entered in the Identification field.
3. Fill the mark zone (bubble) completely.
4. Erase unwanted marks completely.
5. Make no stray marks on the test scoring sheet.
6. Be careful with the edges of the sheets (torn or wrinkled sheets cannot be fed into the scanner.
Dropping Off and Picking Up Examinations for Scoring: The drop-off and pick-up location for Test Scoring is in Room 7 of the Innovative Technology and Teaching Center (ITTC). Exams may be dropped off during the ITTC building hours and picked up between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
As a best-effort, tests dropped off before noon (Monday - Friday) are usually processed and returned the same day. Exams dropped off after noon are usually processed and returned the following day. During busy times, please allow up to 24 hrs to complete scoring.
NOTE: We are very conscious of security when dealing with examinations. Staff are instructed to return examinations only to the faculty member or the bearer of a signed note from the faculty member authorizing pick-up. We have also implemented a semester permission slip in which the faculty member will specify certain person(s) to pick up exams for an entire semester. We keep the permanent slip on file for the specified semester, and keep a list posted for convenience. Also, please do not be insulted if you are asked for identification. Our staff don’t know all the faculty personally.
Contact Person: If you should have any questions, please contact Dawn Larsen between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. in Room 7 of the Innovative Technology and Teaching Center (ITTC), or by phone at 273-3926, or Email at dawn.larsen@uni.edu.
