Frequently Asked Questions About KCA

• General FAQs
• Practice Test & Tutorial Questions
• Formative Test Questions
• Assessment Questions
• User Questions

You can also read more About Us, Or send an email to CETE.
Problems? Call CETE at 785-864-3537 or Mary O'Brien at 785-864-0730.

 

General FAQs

1. What is the KCA software?
2. When will the updates for KCA be scheduled in 2007-08?
3. How do I find out information about changes or problems with KCA?
4. Who do we call if we have problems?

Practice Test & Tutorial Questions:

1. How do I access the Practice Tests and Tutorials?
2. Is it necessary that I use both the practice tests and tutorials?
3. Will I get a score on the practice tests?
4. Do I need to have a test session ticket for the practice tests?
5. Are there Spanish or KAMM practice tests?
6. What do I need to access the tutorials?
7. Why are the tutorials not working?
8. Is there an audio version of the tutorials?
9. Is there a Spanish version of the tutorials?
10. How do I use Full Screen Mode?

Formative Test Questions:

1. Will the formative test process change in fall 2007?
2. What subjects will have formative tests available?
3. How does the KCA TestBuilder work?
4. Can I change my password?
5. How do I enroll my students to take the KCA formative tests?
6. What username is used for the KCA formative tests?
7. Can I still reactivate students during formative testing?
8. Will more formative tests be added?
9. Do different Testing Pools have to be created?
10. Can Tests be shared between teachers?
11. Can only teachers see results from student tests?
12. Will I still have access to reports for formative tests?

Assessment Questions:

1. Will KAMM and Spanish tests be available this year?
2. How do we enter the attending questions?

KCA User Questions:

1. How do we prepare students to take the KCA test?
2. How do I enroll my students to take the KCA test?
3. Do I need to do anything if a student leaves my district?
4. Why is it taking so long for my student to login into KCA?
5. When my students try to login to KCA I am getting error messages.
6. Visual display problems with the Reading test.
7. What happens when internet interruptions occur?
8. How come when using the graphing calculator we are getting an error message when students type a fraction in as part of an equation?
9. Is there a way for students to type in a fraction into the equation box without getting an error?
10. What type of calculator is the graphing calculator modeled after?
11. Does the basic calculator include the square root key?
12. If I reactivate a student's login, do I need to print a new test session ticket?
13. If I reactivate a student, is there a certain amount of time for which the student is reactivated?
14. When my student tries to login to the pilot test, the system is indicating that the test is not available?
15. I can find my student in the student editor, but no test session tickets are available for this student.
16. We are using Windows XP, and have multiple users that each use their own login to the same computer. Do I need to activate the audio for each user?
17. I've submitted PSLG records to KIDS, but the CETE test tickets aren't right.

Answers:

General FAQs:

1. What is the KCA software?

   • KCA is the software required to participate in the Kansas Computerized Assessment program. KCA is a java application that needs to be installed on each of the computers to be used for computerized testing in your school.
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2. When will the updates for KCA be scheduled in 2007-08?

   • The release date for KCA version 4.4 is July 16th. This release will require that old versions of KCA be first uninstalled; however, as part of the new installer for KCA 4.4, we have included a feature that will automatically uninstall any old version of KCA and install KCA 4.4. Thus, you need only download the new version and run the "install" software. It will automatically uninstall and replace the existing KCA software version.
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3. How do I find out information about changes or problems with KCA?

   • Information about changes or problems with KCA will be sent out thru the KCA tech listserv, as soon as problems and solutions are identified. Subscribe to the KCA tech listserv.
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4. Who do we call if we have problems?

   • CETE at 785-864-3537 or Mary O'Brien at 785-864-0730.
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Practice Test & Tutorial Questions:

1. How do I access the Practice Tests and Tutorials?

   • You must download the KCA software on any computer that will be used to take the KCA Practice, Formative, or Real NCLB test. You can download the software from the Download Center. Once you download the KCA software, you can access the tutorials from the button in the bottom right of the KCA menu page. The KCA Practice Tests can be accessed by clicking on the Practice Using the KCA Software link.
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2. Is it necessary that I use both the practice tests and tutorials?

   • All students and teachers must review the tutorials. You can use the KCA Practice Tests to help you learn to take a test with KCA, however if you have taken any KCA Formative Tests then you might not need to also take the KCA Practice Tests.
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3. Will I get a score on the practice tests?

   • No, the KCA Practice Tests should only be used to learn how to use the KCA test.
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4. Do I need to have a test session ticket for the practice tests?

   • No, you only need the KCA software and an Internet connection. The KCA Practice Tests use a generic login that can be used as often as needed to practice.
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5. Are there Spanish or KAMM practice tests?

   • Spanish KCA Practice tests are not provided. KAMM KCA Practice Tests are available. You can access the KAMM KCA Practice Tests just as you do the KCA Practice Tests, but when prompted to enter "kca" as the generic password, you will need to enter "kamm" instead.
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6. What do I need to access the tutorials?

   • You will need the KCA software downloaded on each machine that will run the tutorial. The tutorial can be accessed by opening the KCA application and clicking on the Tutorials link in the bottom right of the menu page. You will need an Internet Connection. The student tutorials require Flash version 7r63 or higher. We recommend the most current version of Flash for best performance. If you need to update your version of Flash, visit the Flash Player Download Center.
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7. Why are the tutorials not working?

   • The student tutorials require Flash version 7r63 or higher. We recommend the most current version of Flash for best performance. If you need to update your version of Flash, visit the Flash Player Download Center.
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8. Is there an audio version of the tutorials?

   • Yes.
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9. Is there a Spanish version of the tutorials?

   • Yes.
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10. How do I use Full Screen Mode?

    • For computers with a screen resolution of 800x600 pixels, or for browsers with several add-on toolbars, your browser's Full Screen mode will provide the largest possible area for viewing the tutorials.
      
      

      PC: Internet Explorer, Opera, Firefox

      
      
      1. Press F11 to enter Full Screen
      2. To exit, click outside of the tutorial, then press F11:
         
         
         
      
      

      Mac: Use Opera

      
      
      1. Select View > Full screen from the Opera menu.
      2. To exit, control-click outside of the tutorial. The browser menu will have an option to leave full screen mode:
         
         
         
      
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Formative Test Questions:

1. Will the formative test process change in fall 2007?

   • No, KCA TestBuilder is still available for use. KCA TestBuilder provides more flexibility in creating and administering formative tests. For more information on TestBuilder, download the KCA Formative Test Manuals from the Documentation section.
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2. What subjects will have formative tests available?

   • Reading and Mathematics. Science and Social Studies formative tests will be available in Fall 2007.
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3. How does the KCA TestBuilder work?

   • The KCA TestBuilder has three levels: District Administrator, Building Administrator, and Teacher. District and Building Administrators accounts are already provided. The Building Administrators is responsible for creating and maintaining Teacher accounts.
   • The teacher can add tests or create their own custom test to their My Tests page, set up test administrations for a test, administer a formative test to their students using the KCA software, and get results for their students.
   • For more specific information, you can download the KCA TestBuilder Administrative and Teacher Manual from the Documentation section.
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4. Can I change my password?

   • Yes, after you login you can change your username and password by using the link in the top right of the screen. If you forget your teacher password, please contact your Building Administrator. If you forget your building password, contact your District Administrator.
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5. How do I enroll my students to take the KCA formative tests?

   • Students are not enrolled to take the KCA formative tests. Teachers use pre-built tests or custom tests, and set up test administrations for their classroom.
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6. What username is used for the KCA formative tests?

   • The username is a flexible field. The student will enter their name in this field, along with the password and session ID that was provided by the teacher. The teacher should instruct their students if they want students to enter their name in a specific way (i.e., last name, first name – Smith, John). While the username field is flexible, each student must use a different username.
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7. Can I still reactivate students during formative testing?

   • Yes, the KCA Formative Tests will follow the same 90 minute window for students that have been kicked out a KCA test, no reactivation will be required. However, for a student that exits the KCA Formative Test, and needs to be reactivated, you will be able to reactivate the student through the KCA TestBuilder. Please note: due to the new flexibility of KCA TestBuilder, your student must sign back into their formative test using the exact username.
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8. Will more formative tests be added?

   • The Default KSDE pool contains any formative that was used in the past. No new tests will be added to Reading or Mathematics, but the flexibility of KCA TestBuilder will allow teachers to create their own custom test which contain items that are available from an assigned Testing Pool. Science and Social Studies items will be added in Fall 2007
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9. Do different Testing Pools have to be created?

   • No, teachers accounts can be created and assigned to the Default Formative Pool. Teachers will then have access to all pre-built tests and questions from all subjects and grades available. You can create additional testing pools only if you want to limit the test and items available to teachers.
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10. Can Tests be shared between teachers?

    • Tests can be created by the KCA TestBuilder Editor. The KCA TestBuilder Editor account must be assigned to a testing pool other than the Default Formative Pool. The Editor can create new questions within the KSDE standard framework, or edit existing formative test questions. The Editor can also create tests that can be put in testing pools for all teachers that are assigned to the same testing pool as the KCA TestBuilder Editor.
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11. Can only teachers see results from student tests?

    • No, results will soon be able to viewed by teacher , Building, and District Administrator.
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12. Will I still have access to reports for formative tests?

    • Yes, the same reports are still be available in KCA TestBuilder.
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Assessment Questions:

1. Will KAMM and Spanish tests be available this year?

   • Yes
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2. How do we enter the attending questions?

   • Attending questions will be entered through the KIDS system beginning 2006-07.
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KCA User Questions:

1. How do we prepare students to take the KCA test?

   • There are many tools available for you that your students should and MUST take advantage of to properly prepare them to test with KCA. A good guide to using these tools is listed in recommended order;
     1. Review the KCA Administration Manual which can be downloaded from the Documentation section.
     2. Observe and interact with the tutorial (students and teachers) for your subject (mathematics, reading, science, and social studies). Each content area tutorial serves all tested grades.
     3. Complete at least one (a MUST) and preferably both practice tests for your appropriate subject (students and teachers). Each subject and grade level configuration has two Practice Tests to experiment with and experience.
     4. Utilize the KCA Formative Tests. These tests provided by indicator/subject/grade, with an additional comprehensive test per subject/grade.
     5. Review as necessary.
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2. How do I enroll my students to take the KCA test?

   • Students that will be enrolled for KCA will need to be added through the KIDS system. Students who have been added can be enrolled for the KCA in 24-48 hours. All students are automatically enrolled for KCA. Test session tickets should be printed for all students that will be taking KCA.
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3. Do I need to do anything if a student leaves my district?

   • You do not need to do anything about students who leave. Destroy the Test Session Tickets for those students.
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4. Why is it taking so long for my student to login into KCA?

   • This situation is not unusual if local bandwidth is limited. When students login the tests are downloaded to the local computer. Some of the tests are relatively large (due to the many illustrations and charts) and it will take longer to download these tests. To decrease the amount of time to login, stagger your students by a few seconds (i.e., 10 students login, then direct another 10 students to login after 30 seconds, etc.). This will help speed things along.
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5. When my students try to login to KCA I am getting error messages.

   • "Unable to connect to the KCA server. Please check your Internet connection. Contact your teacher or test administrator."
   • "Your internet connection has been lost. Contact your teacher or test administrator to reactivate your password for this part of the test."
   • "A system error has occurred. Contact your teacher or test administrator."
   • "A system error has occurred. Contact your teacher or test administrator to reactivate your password for this part of the test."
   • First, test your Internet connection by accessing a site such as www.google.com. If you connection is good, try to access a KCA practice test. If you have the same results contact your technical staff to assist in determining if your KCA program is installed or update properly. Contact us if you continue to have problems logging into KCA.
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6. Visual display problems with the Reading test.

   
   • some text seems to be cut off…
   • text seems to be missing…
   • the text seems to run off the screen (word wrap)…
   • the tools or the screen seems to blur…
   • typos wherein words appear joined (e.g., "appearjoined")…
   • one or more of the tools do not work or stop working…
   • the computer will not take an answer when selected.
   
   • This problem is most likely related to the video card and/or memory in the computer. If you see this problem is; 1) have your student log off the test, reboot the machine, reactivate the student login, and have your student log back into the test; if this is not successful then, 2) have your student log off the test, and increase the color resolution on your monitor before continuing. These actions usually correct these particular problems.
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7. What happens when internet interruptions occur?

   • Once a student is "out of the system" (either by accident, loss of Internet connection, or exited unknowingly), the student will have 90 minutes from initial login to log back into the same test session without having to have his/her login reactivated. Past 90 minutes, or if the student properly ended the test session, you will need to have her/his Test Session Ticket password reactivated. Once reactivated, then the student can log back into the test and continue. Be sure that the student is exited completely of the current KCA test session BEFORE you reactivate. To get to a reactivation screen, log into www.cete.us website and select KCA Main Page on the left side menu. Select Monitor Status. Choose your school, subject and grade, and a list of your testing students will be brought up on the screen. Find your student and test part that need to be reactivated. Check the box by that student and test part and select Reactivation Selected at the bottom of the screen. Your student will now be able to enter the test.
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8. How come when using the graphing calculator we are getting an error message when students type a fraction in as part of an equation?

   • This happens when they type in a fraction in parenthesis using the division symbol. An error message is created that says, "invalid expression/x values for function f."
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9. Is there a way for students to type in a fraction into the equation box without getting an error?

   • Yes, enter a multiplication symbol between the fraction and the 'x' variable. For example, the function (1/4)x+8 needs to be specified as (1/4)*x+8.
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10. What type of calculator is the graphing calculator modeled after?

    • TI-83
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11. Does the basic calculator include the square root key?

    • Currently, the basic calculator does not include the square root key. If the student needs to use the square root, they can use the graphing calculator. If the graphing calculator is not available to the student (for approved test parts), they should use an approved handheld calculator.
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12. If I reactivate a student's login, do I need to print a new test session ticket?

    • No, the same test session ticket for a part can be used once that same part has been reactivated.
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13. If I reactivate a student, is there a certain amount of time for which the student is reactivated?

    • The student will remain reactivated until they log back in to finish the assessment.
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14. When my student tries to login to the pilot test, the system is indicating that the test is not available?

    • Be sure that your student is using the "Take a Pilot Test" link from the menu page of the KCA software.
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15. I can find my student in the student editor, but no test session tickets are available for this student.

    • Check that the 'test type' has been indicated in the KIDS database. If no test type has been selected, a test form cannot be assigned to the student. Once the test type is entered into KIDS, CETE will receive the information by the following day, and test session tickets will then be available.
    • You can also Request a KIDS update now - Useful for new students or students for whom you have made a recent KIDS data correction, by clicking on this link in the 2007 Student Editor. You must have already submitted a new KIDS record, and can then update the student's record in CETE. A test session ticket will then be available for your student.
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16. We are using Windows XP, and have multiple users that each use their own login to the same computer. Do I need to activate the audio for each user?

    • No, once the audio has been set for the software, it will be set for all users.
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17. I've submitted PSLG records to KIDS, but the CETE test tickets aren't right.

    • Keep in mind that CETE processes KIDS data nightly. To expedite the process, you can use the "Request a KIDS update now" tool on the 2007 Student Editor under Data Tools on the CETE website. If you are still having trouble, go through the following steps to determine where the problem lies:
      1. Verify the PSLG record was successful by looking at the "Accepted Records by Type - PSLG" and "Available for Assessments" reports in KIDS. If these aren't accurate, then there was a problem with you KIDS submission.
      2. Verify that the student is listed with the correct "Test Type", school, and grade level in the 2007 Student Editor on the CETE website under Data Tools.
      3. If you are changing a student from one test to another (i.e. GA to KAMM), use the KCA status screen to verify that the student did not start the test. If the student already started the test, you will need to use the "Special Action Request" form to get the student switched to the new form.
      4. Try downloading the tickets one more time just to make sure your copy is recent.
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