Frequently Asked Questions

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Why should I become involved in test development activities?

Participation in test development activities provides educators with an opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from across the state and to contribute to the quality of education in California.

How do I get involved in test development activities?

The first step is to complete and submit an application. Once an application is received, an educator's qualifications will be reviewed in regard to open committee spaces. The Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) will make all committee member selections.

Where are the meetings typically held?

Most meetings will take place in Sacramento, California.

How does my school district get reimbursed for a substitute teacher if needed for my attendance at a test development meeting? How do I get reimbursed for my mileage and travel expenses?

Substitute reimbursement forms will be provided at each meeting. The Substitute Reimbursement form should be submitted to Evaluation Systems by the school/district office with an invoice attached. Expense forms will be available online.

I have colleagues who would like to attend. May I encourage them to participate?

All interested participants need to submit an application, which will be considered by the CTC. Please ask colleagues to submit an application from this website. You may also nominate colleagues by completing a nomination form available on this website.

If I do not get selected to participate in a test development conference, are there other opportunities to get involved?

Yes, you could be involved in the following types of test development activities:

• Content Validation Survey. As a practitioner or someone who prepares educators, you may be selected to participate in an online survey to help verify job-relatedness of the test objectives.
• Field Test. If you are a faculty member of an educator preparation program, you may be asked to assist in field testing the draft test items for your subject area by encouraging your students to participate. Participating in the field test will allow students to preview the types of items that may appear on the actual test.

What are the arrangements for hotel accommodations?

Evaluation Systems will reserve a hotel room for you, if needed. The cost of the room and tax will be directly billed to Evaluation Systems. You will be asked to provide a credit card number for incidentals. Should you need to cancel your attendance at the meeting, and/or cancel or modify your overnight accommodations reservation, please contact Evaluation Systems as soon as possible. Evaluation Systems incurs charges for no-shows and for sleeping room cancellations that occur later than 3:00 p.m. the day before check-in. If you need to cancel your accommodations after 5 p.m., please contact the hotel directly.

May I use my cell phone and/or PDA at a test development meeting?

As a courtesy to other attendees and facilitators, please refrain from the use of cell phones or PDAs during the meeting. We ask that you kindly turn off your phone/PDA or set it to vibrate and step outside of the meeting room to take or make phone calls.

What if I have special dietary requests?

Evaluation Systems selects menus that we hope everyone will enjoy. We realize that some individuals have special dietary needs. Attendees who notify us in advance about special dietary requests are provided with a meal based as closely as possible on their specific dietary needs. If you have strict dietary restrictions, you may need to make alternative meal arrangements as our food and beverage options may not meet your needs.

What should I wear?

Business casual attire is appropriate for all conference activities. We recommend that you dress in layers and bring a sweater or jacket to the meeting in case the room temperature is not comfortable for you.

Are the meeting rooms and hotel accommodations handicap accessible?

Evaluation Systems strives to hold meetings that are accessible to all. If you require special assistance, auxiliary aids, or other reasonable accommodations to participate fully in the meeting, please let us know in advance. Any information regarding your disability will remain confidential.

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