Who We Are
The RMCTA comprises college testing centers in the Rocky Mountain region, including the following states: Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. RMCTA exists as a resource for prospective test takers and member institutions.
Hot Topics Identification + Intervention = Retention Retention is now an even more important topic for colleges because of the economic downturn. Using testing information to target specific groups and to determine a plan of action can increase the percentage of students who continue their education. Remembering Our Mission in Lean Times Changes to the Foreign Service Officer Test The Foreign Service Officer Test is now administeed online at designated test centers and will take about three hours to complete. The test will be given during an eight-day window, and there will be approximately four test windows every year. Reservations for a seat during any given test window must be made at least 48 hours prior to the first day in that test window. Register online at http://www.act.org/fsot/ An Ounce of Prevention: Strategies and Technologies to Ensure Test Security Cheating on tests and breaches of security jeopardize the foundations of fair and equitable testing. High-tech toys aid cheating The days when cheating comprised of low-tech methods like writing crib notes under the brim of a baseball cap are over. After all, it is the 21st century. Test Centers are being warned to look out for new, "high-tech" cheating methods. Several years ago it started with term paper Web sites and programming calculators with notes. Now, text messages, picture phones, MP3 players and other technology are changing the rules during exam time. One big hot item in cheating is now ordinary looking wristwatches. The problem came to the forefront in February 2005, when a dozen students were caught receiving exam answers on their cell phones. Another case involved a student in a CBT center who used a tiny microphone to talk to someone outside in a car with a wireless web connection who was feeding her the answers. The use of miniature cameras to record test questions is of particular concern. Such cameras are easily concealed in ordinary items such as eye glass frames, clothing, pens, or jewelry. Slightly unusual behavior as the person operates the camera may be the only indication the proctor will have, and the person may be using the cubicle (if in a CBT room) to shield the behavior from view. High-tech methods go beyond text messaging. Ear buds or headphones hidden beneath hooded sweatshirts or long hair quietly pump out pre-recorded notes. Wireless Internet access transforms some calculators into a chance to get assistance from anyone in the world. Calculators with pre-programmed formulas are also a problem. There are Web sites where students can download fake labels for Aquafina bottles with answers on them instead of the ingredients. It's nearly impossible to keep up with the technology to prevent cheating. Test center supervisors should strive to provide continuous training and updating for your staff on things to watch for on test day. Issues of concern for administrators of ETS CBT Tests on college campuses What is the future of the CBT model, both as a test delivery system and as a business model? How will this continue to be viable on campuses with the loss of GMAT and the shift of TOEFL iBT to fixed dates? Campus administrators have seen a steady shift away from providing a service to running a business--a shift that does not fit with our mission as educational institutions. As a nonprofit organization, this creates a dilemma. The 2010 NCTA Conference will be held this September in Atlanta, Georgia. This is the 11th Annual Conference for NCTA. Questions? Email us at conference@ncta-testing.org. Questions about sponsoring and/or exhibiting? Email us at sponsors@ncta-testing.org.
What's New in Testing
As states face huge deficits and universities are required to make deep budget cuts, we testing directors are asked to justify our departments’ contributions to the institution.
Placement and Diagnostic Testing Directly in High Schools?
As high school outreach programs gain popularity, many testing directors are being asked by upper administration to "take their show on the road."
The NCTA Professional Standards and Guidelines were initiated to serve as a model for post-secondary test centers in delivering high quality testing services. Individuals at institutions have adopted these guidelines to help them provide appropriate services to their students and clients.
