Typically, campus testing coordinators update information directly on-screen in the Test Distribution Engine (TIDE). Campus testing coordinators also have the option of updating this information in bulk using file uploads. To conduct bulk file uploads, the campus testing coordinator must be familiar with Excel.

There are two files that can be used to update information in bulk: The "Additional Student Fields" file and the "Test Attributes" file.

Training

Click here for Video of the Live Training

Bulk File Upload to Change Test Format from Paper to Online.
Click here for Video (10 min) - Click here for Task Card

Bulk File Upload to turn on Accommodations (Attributes). Accommodations must be turned on in TIDE before students log in. The Presentation attribute must be changed to Spanish for Spanish testers in Grades 3-5.
Click here for Video (18 min) - Click here for Task Card

Bulk File Upload to Change Eligibility. The eligibility flag ensures the student can see the test.
Click here for Video (17 min) - Click here for Task card

Use of the file "Additional Student Fields" for:

• Updating the Emergent Bilingual Indicator Code for TELPAS. TELPAS testers require a value of "1".
• Years in US Schools for TELPAS.
• Changing the Test Format from Paper to Online for STAAR assessments. The change from paper to online should only be made after the dates listed below. This will allow for the processing of backup paper orders required by our district.
  
  December STAAR EOC: After Sept 29, 2021
  April STAAR EOC English I & II: After Jan 31, 2022
  May STAAR 3-8 Math, Reading, Science, and Social Studies: After Feb 17, 2022
  May STAAR EOC Algebra I, Biology, and US History: After Feb 25, 2022.
  June STAAR EOC Algebra I, English I & II, Biology, and US History: After May 24, 2022
  
  
• Indicating Other Designated Supports for STAAR, that are non-embedded in the online test, like, for example, extra time, individualized structured reminders, manipulating test materials, supplemental aids, etc.
• STAAR 3-8 Above Grade for a student testing English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, or Social Studies above their grade level.

To download a template and access contextual help, log in to TIDE. In the left pane titled "Preparing for Testing", go to Student Information > Upload Additional Student Fields. Task cards and videos will be posted here after February 1, 2022.

Use the Attributes file to turn on embedded accommodations for Beginning of Year, Interim, TFAR*, and STAAR assessments.

Depending on the subject, the most commonly used accommodations include:

• Text-to-Speech **
• Content and Language Supports
• Presentation (Must be set to Spanish for a Spanish test)
• Spelling Assistance
• Speech-to-Text
• TI Calculator
• American Sign Language (ASL) Videos
• Large Print (Enlarges font size for paper orders and for online tests)
• To download a template and access contextual help, log in to TIDE. In the left pane titled "Preparing for Testing", go to Test Attributes > Upload Test Attributes.
  Task cards and videos will be posted here after February 1, 2022.

* TFAR: Texas Formative Assessment Resource
** Text-to-Speech only reads what is selected by the student and hence is the best fit for most students who test online and qualify for Oral Administration. Auto-Text-to-Speech reads everything on the screen and the student cannot pause it. Hence, Auto-Text-to-Speech is the best fit for students who would benefit from uninterrupted reading of all instructions and content.