Before the Assessment

The information in this section as well as the sections During the Assessment and After the Assessment are found in a checklist which can be accessed and printed from the section Checklist.

Summary of Steps Before the Assessment

• Read this user guide and the Professional Responsibilities.
• Ensure you understand how to administer the Grade 9 Assessment of Mathematics using the e-assessment system. EQAO provides webinars and self-guided learning modules.
• Meet with the school administrator to review roles and responsibilities, and to plan for the administration, accommodations, etc.
• Coordinate with the school administrator to ensure that the alternative version of the assessment will be available in all formats that students will use.
• Create an account and log in to your e-assessment account.
• Ensure class information is accurate by Viewing and Managing Classes.
• Add additional teachers or invigilators to your class, if required. 
• View student list and click on each student’s name to ensure information is accurate (including accommodations).
• Schedule the sample test.
• Confirm students are able to log in to the e-assessment platform. Provide each student with their OEN and access code for class. If you are using lockdown access, you will need to enter the four-digit (SEB) or six-digit (Kiosk) code on each device, before students can log in.
• Have students practise using the tools and platform functionality while completing the scheduled sample test. Ensure that the “Submit student responses to EQAO” button is selected following the administration of the sample test. This will close the sample test and allow you to open the operational assessment when ready.
• Schedule the operational assessment (if not already completed by your school administrator). Each session must be completed in one continuous sitting.
• Confirm access to resources, as needed, including manipulatives, headphones, calculators, and paper and pen or pencil for rough work.

Creating Your Account

To start the process, you should have received an e-mail invitation from no-reply@eqao.vretta.com. This e-mail contains directions on how to create an account, as well as a unique invitation code, which is needed for the creation process. If you have not received the e-mail invitation, please check your junk or spam folder or contact your school administrator to confirm that the e-mail has been sent.

Note: Teachers that have an existing account will use the same account for different assessment years. There is only one account associated with a teacher e-mail. If necessary, click on Forgot Password to login into your existing account.

Listed are the steps to take after you have received the invitation e-mail:

1. To create a teacher account, start by clicking the link provided in your invitation e-mail. This will take you to the Complete Your Registration page.

Note: Each invitation code can be used only once and is valid for 7 days from the time it is sent out. Should you require an extension, please send an e-mail to eqao-support@vretta.com.

2. On the Complete Your Registration page, enter the unique invitation code that you received in your e-mail invitation, along with your first and last name and e-mail address, and create a secure password, then click Create Account.

3. Once the account is created, you will receive a second e-mail with a link to confirm your account. Click the link in this second e-mail to activate your account.

4. Once you have activated your account, click the Proceed to Login button and you will be redirected to the login screen where you will need to fill in your login information, using the same e-mail address and password used when creating the account.

5. Once you have logged into your account, you will be redirected to the Classes/Groupings page.

Logging in

Go to the Login page.

Enter your e-mail address and password and click Sign In.

Resetting a Password

1. Go to the Login page.
2. Enter the e-mail address you used to create your account, and click Forgot Password?
3. Instructions explaining how to reset your password will be sent to the e-mail address you have entered.

Note: If you provide an e-mail address that does not have an account for our system associated with it, you will not receive a password reset e-mail. If the e-mail does not arrive in your inbox, please check your junk or spam folder.

Viewing or Managing Classes

In your account, you will have the classes that contain all of your students. These classes are where you will schedule the sample test and the operational assessment, and manage students. To view or manage your classes, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your teacher account.

2. Once you are logged in, you will be taken directly to the Classes/Groupings page where you can view and manage your class.

3. In this view, you will see your classes. To open a class, click Select Class.

4. Once you have opened your class, you will be able to review key information about the class and schedule assessments. The image below shows a sample class. The descriptions beneath the image correspond to the numbers in the image.

1. Access Code (for Assessment Session): Your class will have an access code. This access code gives students in your class access to the assessment.
2. Class: Your class is school administrator assigned and the information about the class has been uploaded by your school board.
3. Active and Completed Assessments: Here you will see the list and type of assessments that are currently active and those that were completed. You will have the ability to schedule sample test and operational assessment sessions by clicking Start or Schedule Assessment Session. Refer to the Scheduling the Sample Test and the Scheduling the Operational Assessment sections for more information.
4. View Reports: This is where you would view any reports available for your class.
5. Manage Students: Students currently in the class are listed here. For instructions on how to manage students refer to the section Viewing or Managing Students.
6. Add/Remove Teacher/Invigilator: Click [Add/Remove] to add or remove an additional teacher or invigilator to your class.

Adding and Removing Additional Teachers or Invigilators

Important:  When a class is created and a main teacher has been assigned to the class by the school administrator, that teacher can add new teachers and invigilators to their class.  Once the additional teacher or invigilator has been added, they will then have access to the invigilation page.

Any changes you make will be visible in the school administrator account. As soon as a change is made, school administrators can see a record of additional teachers or invigilators who have been added to a class in the Classes/Groupings Tab and Teachers/Invigilators tab.

1. To add additional teachers or invigilators to a class, you first need to select the class from the teacher home page.

2. Next, click [Add/Remove] to add or remove an additional teacher or invigilator to your class. Adding additional teachers or invigilators will allow them to invigilate assessments for this class.

3. To add a teacher or invigilator, select the box next to the teacher or invigilator’s name, then click OK.

Note: To remove a teacher or invigilator, you can unselect the box next to the teacher or invigilator’s name, and then click OK.

4. Once the additional teachers or invigilators have been added or removed, you can see a record of the currently assigned Teachers/Invigilators at the top of the Assessments page next to [Add/Remove] Additional Teacher(s)/Invigilator(s).

Note: The main teacher originally assigned to theclass will not see their own name displayed in the additional teacher/invigilator list.

Viewing or Managing Students

1. Log in to your teacher account.
2. Click Select Class to open your class.

3. Click Manage Students.

4. This will open a list of all your students in the class and their information.

Adding Students to Classes

Your school board will have pre-loaded a class into your account. This class will already have the students that were included in this upload. Students should be kept in the board-assigned class. However, you may need to add students to your class after the initial upload. This can be done directly from your class. 

1. Open your class, and click Manage Students.

2. In this view, you can click New Student Account and enter the student’s personal information and OEN. This will add the student to your class.

You will need the student OEN in order to add the student to your class. Your school administrator will need to validate the student’s information (which means they are confirming all the student information that has been added or edited is correct) before the end of the administration dates.

Adding Guest Students to Classes

A guest student is a remote student associated with a virtual school (i.e. online through a virtual school at the school board), who would complete the assessment at your school under the supervision of school staff.

Note:

• Home-schooled students are not considered guest students; the school administrator will ensure that they are added to the school list. This student can complete the assessment in-person because they are on the school list.
• A student who is attached to the school and receives home-instruction services or is learning online through the school, is not considered a guest student.

Please follow the steps below to add guest students to a class.

1. Open your class, and click Manage Students.

2. You will see a page displaying a list of registered students in your class. To add guest students, click Add Guest Students.

3. To add a guest student, you will need to input the Access Code (1) from the student’s assigned class at their home school. After you enter the Access Code in the space, press Add (2).

4. All students associated with the code will be added to your class with the label Guest next to their names.

5. To remove guest students from a class, select Guest Classes (1) beside Registered Students. A table will appear listing the access codes of the classes that were added. Select the remove button (2) found below column labelled Remove in the row of the guest class access code you would like to remove. Clicking on the Registered Students will take you back to your list of students. Students who were labelled as Guest will no longer appear in your list.

Note: The teacher from the home school should not schedule assessments for students that have been added to classes at another school as guest students.

Viewing and Managing the Sample Test

This section includes instructions on how to provide students with access to the sample test through the e-assessment platform. The sample test can be scheduled by the school administrator or the teacher. If the school administrator is scheduling the sample test, the teacher can skip these steps.

The sample test allows students to go through the types of questions and features that they will experience during the operational assessment. It also includes all tools and accessibility features that will be available during the assessment, so that students can familiarize themselves beforehand.

Note: Students with special education needs or special circumstances who require the alternative version of the operational assessment, can access an alternative version of the sample test.

For information on the operational assessment, refer to the section Scheduling the Operational Assessment.

Using the Lockdown Access Method for the Sample Test

For the sample test, it is recommended to use the same method you are planning to use for the operational assessment. If you are using the Lockdown Access (SEB or Kiosk) for the operational assessment, using the same method for the sample test will allow you to fully test out the system prior to the operational assessment. By using the same method, you can troubleshoot any technical issues ahead of the operational assessment.

Scheduling the Sample Test

You can complete a sample test in order to give your students a chance to experience the e-assessment platform before their operational assessment.

If the class is currently completing the operational assessment and a student needs to complete the sample test, you will need to provide the student access to the sample test from the EQAO website. Refer to the Accessing the Sample Test from the EQAO Website section for further information.

Note: The sample test can not be scheduled if there is an operation assessment currently scheduled.  The operation assessment must be closed before the sample test can be scheduled.  Please refer to the section Submitting Student Responses for information on closing the operational assessment.

Follow these steps to schedule a sample test:

1. Log in to your teacher account.

2. Click Select Class to open your class.

3. Once you have selected your class, you will be taken to the Assessments Page. Click Start or Schedule Assessment Session to begin the scheduling process.

4. Two choices will appear: Sample Test (Grade 9) and Grade 9 Assessment of Mathematics. Click Sample Test (Grade 9)

5. Two more choices will appear: Start Now and Schedule for Later. 

(a) Click Start Now to begin the sample test immediately.

A pop-up will appear showing a table with a list of students assigned to this class. This table shows whether the student has not started, started or completed the sample test. After you have reviewed the list of students, click Continue to start the sample test.

Note: If you selected Start Now, you will be taken directly to the invigilation page and you may skip the next steps in this section. The section Administering the Sample Test  provides information on logging your students into the sample test.

(b) Click Schedule for Later, if you would like to schedule the sample test for a future date.

A pop-up will appear showing a table with a list of students assigned to this class. This table shows whether the student has not started, started or completed the sample test. After you have reviewed the list of students, click Continue to schedule the sample test.

This will allow you to set start date/time for the sample test Session A. When you have finalized your date, click Schedule Assessment to finalize the scheduling of the sample test for your class.

After you click Schedule Assessment, you will be returned to the Assessments page. There you will notice that the sample test you just scheduled is now listed under ACTIVE ASSESSMENT.

Once you are ready to administer the sample test, follow the steps in the following section.

Administering the Sample Test

If you selected Schedule for Later, follow these steps to administer the sample test. If you selected Start Now, jump to step 4.

1. Log in to your teacher account.
2. Click Select Class to open your class.
3. Once the class is opened, you will be taken to the Assessments Page. Under ACTIVE ASSESSMENT click the sample test you have previously scheduled.

4. Assist students in logging into the sample test.

For the sample test, we recommend the students use the same log in method they will be using for the operational assessment. By using the same method, you can troubleshoot any technical issues ahead of the operational assessment.

Logging in Using the Lockdown Browser

The SEB or Kiosk application will need to be started and the password will need to be entered for each device. School administrators will provide the password to you. After entering the password, a page will open where students can log in to the sample test using the access code and their OEN. The access code and the student OEN can be found on the invigilation page; see below for more details. Once logged in, students will have to enter their last name to access the landing page of the sample test.

Logging in Using Direct Access

If your school or one or more of your students is using the Direct Access method, have students login in directly from the EQAO website. Students must select the Login button on the top right corner and then select the Login button in the student section. A page will open for students to enter their class access code and OEN. The class access code and the student OEN can be found on the invigilation page; see below for more details. Once logged in, students will have to enter their last name to access the landing page of the sample test.

Invigilating the Sample Test

Once the sample test has opened, you will be redirected to the invigilation page. This page is where you will monitor and manage your students’ progress throughout the sample test. The image below shows a sample invigilation page. The descriptions beneath the image correspond to the letters in the image.

A. Access Code (for Assessment Session): Each class will have an access code for the sample test that students will need to enter each time they login to complete Session A.

B. List of Students: This is a list of all students currently enrolled in your class for this assessment session. Beside each student name is the student OEN which can be seen by clicking Show OEN. During the sample test, you can see which students are currently logged in and which are not by their login status.

C. Unlocking Sessions: A session must be unlocked by the teacher for students to start it. To unlock a session for the entire class, click the lock icon associated with the session you would like students to complete. Ensure the session is unlocked only for the students who are present in your class.

D. Pausing a Session for a Student: If you need to pause a session for an individual student, click the lock icon associated with the individual student for the session you want to pause. When the student needs to return to that session, you can click the lock icon again to unlock the session. For more information on pausing for an individual student or the entire class, refer to the Pausing and Resuming the Assessment section in this user guide.

E. Closing the Sample Test: Once your students have completed the session, click the Submit student responses to EQAO button found at the top of the page. Clicking this button will close and end the entire sample test for all students.

F. Reporting Issues: Refer to the Reporting Issues section for further instructions on how to report an issue to EQAO.

G. Show Unsubmit Session Button: If you need to unsubmit a submitted session for a student, click the Show Unsubmit Session Button found at the top of the page. Clicking this button will allow teachers to re-open a session for a student that was submitted in error.

H. Pause Session: If you need to pause the entire class, click the Pause Session button. The button will change to Resume Session. When you are ready to start the session again, click Resume Session. For more information on pausing for an individual student or the entire class, refer to the Pausing and Resuming the Assessment section in this user guide.

Locking and Unlocking a Session of the Sample Test

Locking/Unlocking a Session for an Entire Class: Click the lock icon associated with the session you would like your class to complete. This will unlock the session for everyone. Clicking the unlock icon will re-lock the session for the entire class.

Locking/Unlocking a Session for Individual Students: Click the lock icon for each student associated with the session you would like your students to complete. To lock a session for a student, click on the unlock icon for a student.

Note: When students have finished and submitted their session, it will be locked for them and you will not be able to unlock it. If students require more practice sessions, you may schedule another sample test session. As this is the sample test, you cannot unsubmit a session, however, this option is available for the operational assessment. Refer to Unsubmitting a Session for more information.

Monitoring Students Progress while Invigilating

As students complete the assessment, you will notice the status of the students labelled in different ways as they complete Session A. These include:

• Not Started: A students status is indicated as Not Started if they have not officially started Session A.

• Ready to Start: Once the teacher has clicked the lock icon in Session A, the session will be unlocked. At this point, the student’s status will change from Not Started to Ready to Start.

• Section number and Question number:  As students work through Session A information about the session will be displayed.

• Submitted: Once a student has submitted Session A, their status will show as Submitted.

Closing the Sample Test 

Once students have completed the sample test, it must be closed. This step is necessary as only the sample test OR the operational assessment can be active at one time. In order to close the sample test, you need to click the Submit student responses to EQAO button. Clicking this button means students will no longer have access to this sample test. By submitting student responses to EQAO for the sample test, this will allow you to schedule another sample test (if needed) or schedule the assessment on the future date.

After clicking the Submit student responses to EQAO button, a pop-up screen will appear where you must verify your submission. Type yes in the input box then click OK. This will ensure the sample test is closed allowing you to open future assessments for students.

You will be returned back to the Assessments page. There you will notice that listed below COMPLETED ASSESSMENT(S) is the previously scheduled sample test.

Accessing the Sample Test from the EQAO Website

Anyone can access the sample test directly from the EQAO website.

The alternative version of the online sample test is also available including audio with and without full descriptions of all mathematics graphics. The format with full descriptions is designed for students with visual impairments. The alternative version of the sample test provide students who will be using this version of the operational assessment with the opportunity to become familiar with the online assessment and its platform, and with the types of audio descriptions provided.

To start the sample test, go to

• Sample Test
• Alternative Version of the Sample Test including Audio with Full Descriptions
• Alternative Version of the Sample Test including Audio without Full Descriptions

Results of the Sample Test

Immediately after completing the sample test, students will be provided with a results page where they can view each question and see their response and the correct response. This results page is provided for the sample test and it is not provided during the operational assessment. These results will not impact the students’ results on the operational assessment. Students can complete the sample test multiple times.

Teachers will not be sent a copy of the sample test results.

Scheduling the Operational Assessment

The operational assessment can be scheduled by the school administrator or the teacher. If the school administrator is scheduling the assessment, the teacher can skip these steps and proceed directly to administering the Operational Assessment. Refer to the section by clicking Administering the Assessment for more information.

Note: The operational assessment can not be scheduled if there is a sample test currently scheduled.  The sample test must be closed before the operational assessment can be scheduled.  Please refer to the section Closing the Sample Test for more information.

Follow these steps to schedule an operational assessment session.

1.  Log in to your teacher account.
2. Click Select Class to open your class.

3. Once the class is open, you will be taken to the Assessments Page. Under ACTIVE ASSESSMENT, click Start or Schedule Assessment Session to begin the scheduling process.

4. Two choices will appear: Sample Test (Grade 9) and Grade 9 Assessment of Mathematics. Click the Grade 9 Assessment of Mathematics.

5. Click Schedule for Later to launch the OSSLT for the students in your grouping.

Note: Clicking Schedule for Later will allow you to view a table summarizing the students who have and those have not completed the assessment. After you have reviewed the list of students, click Continue to schedule the operational assessment.

This will allow you to set a start date/time for Session A and B. When you have finalized your dates, click Schedule Assessment to finalize scheduling the operational assessment.

Note: You must leave 1 minute between the scheduled times for Session A and B.

6. After you click Schedule Assessment, you will be returned to the Assessments page. There you will notice that the assessment that you just scheduled is now listed under ACTIVE ASSESSMENT.

7. When you are ready for your students to complete the scheduled assessment, refer to Administering the Assessment.