Specifications include, but are not limited to: HSE Assessment Requirements The Awarded Bidder must: Provide multiple forms of the test battery on a yearly basis in identical and interchangeable paper-based and computer-based format that allows the examinee to take individual subtests at individual dates and times without taking the complete test battery. Provide a nationally recognized high school equivalency assessment that meets all federal requirements for validity and reliability. Provide a high school equivalency assessment that measures the proficiencies associated with the following subtest content areas: English Language Arts – Reading and Writing, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. The Awarded Bidder will be responsible for verifying the connection between the high school equivalency test outcomes and high school senior outcomes and show how the high school equivalency test outcomes, in their entirety, are commensurate with a statistically significant group of high school seniors and the results used to set passing scores. Subtests should align with the most recent versions of commonly accepted educational standards such as the adult education College and Career Readiness Standards for Adult Education, and Next-Generation Science Standards. The Awarded Bidder shall provide the knowledge and skills needed to be tested, the test format, and the determination of proficiency. The Awarded Bidder must complete new studies for any significant change to testing, including test items, or scoring. HSE Assessment Administration Requirements The Awarded Bidder must: Establish requirements for the Department to utilize in determining test site eligibility including accessibility, security, technical, and physical test site requirements. Provide training to include: Train-the-trainer training for at least five state agency staff on how to deliver the tests through the contractor’s system, including each test administration role and the minimum qualifications needed for each role at no additional cost to the Department. Training resources for all roles of test administration for both paper-based and computer-based testing. Training and training resources free of charge for all test administration. Training resources and information necessary to provide further training for local program test site staff to ensure that test security and implementation of standard protocols are met, including written guidelines for proctors to follow that describe how the test is to be set up and administered, and procedures for handling test irregularities. Provide technical assistance to testing centers on an “as needed” basis during adult education program hours. A toll-free contact phone number must be provided to both test sites and examinees to use to report technical problems and for examinee support. HSE Assessment Registration Requirements The Awarded Bidder must: Propose a registration process for both CBT and PBT that is able to determine test eligibility and have procedures in place to investigate, communicate, and resolve application irregularities. Ensure the examinee registration process takes into account eligibility requirements according to the following Department guidelines: The examinee must be a Maine resident to be provided free high school equivalency testing. The examinee must be age 17 or older with a valid state or government picture ID. Eligibility is based on documentation of examinee test readiness as determined by Department guidelines. Maine High School Equivalency Diplomas will be issued for tests taken in English only. Have a method for test center administrators to create, register, and schedule examinee accounts and a method for the Department to pay for the tests directly without involving the examinee in the billing process. Have a method for examinees to login and create their own individual tester account.
