IT Test Scoring Service Updates

Instructors and Academic Support Staff,

Last spring, a notice regarding several changes in Test Scoring Center services was sent to instructors who had recently used the service. As we approach Fall 2024 finals, we would like to reiterate these changes and ensure the smoothest experience possible for patrons of the service. The following changes have been in place since the summer:

• The request form has been updated. One form is required per test, or effectively per key. If you require a single test to be scored multiple ways (e.g., using the same key but scoring with different point values), a form is required for each scan/run.

• Forms (request forms and Scantron forms) should be dropped off at the IT Help Desk during operating hours. The former Test Scoring Center office is now private and is not open to the public.

• The SecureWeb service was retired in May. Results are now provided to instructors by email; however, we will optionally print your results for you to pick up. You may also pick up your original Scantron forms at the IT Help Desk or have them returned to you via campus mail.

• When tests and required forms are dropped off, the turnaround time to deliver scoring data to instructors can be up to two business days (see below for final exam information).

Recognizing that final exams are a peak period for test scoring, we will offer expanded hours on Friday, December 13, until 6:00 PM for test drop-off. We will also have drop-off hours on Sunday, December 15, from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM. Tests that are dropped off on Friday or Sunday will be scored and results returned by Noon on Monday, December 16. While we will accept test drop-offs on Monday and will attempt to score them prior to the 3:00 PM grading deadline, we respectfully request that you drop off tests prior to Monday to prevent delays due to unforeseen circumstances.

Regarding the future of test scoring services, IT and Academic Affairs have agreed that the service is an academic function that compliments the Assessment and Testing Center, which was transitioned to Academic Affairs in 2023. Therefore, IT will end its test scoring service on May 20, 2025. IT and Libraries are working in tandem to prepare support and materials for faculty to transition to Gradescope Bubble Sheet for Scantron-style testing going forward. Gradescope Bubble Sheet is available for your use now, if you would like to familiarize yourself with it and plan to administer tests with it in the Spring semester. Gradescope provides several advantages over an in-person scoring service, including:

• There is no need for costly forms; bubble sheets are printed on demand, on regular copier paper, using any printer.

• Results are available immediately.

• Response problems on any form are detected and flagged for your review.

• The service can be accessed via Canvas, allowing grading without the need to upload a spreadsheet.

• The service has "email the student" functionality.

JMU Libraries offers consultation for instructors who would like to use Gradescope in their courses. To use Gradescope Bubble Sheet testing, physical bubble sheets must be completed by exam-takers, scanned into PDF format, and uploaded to Gradescope. This function can be performed using any departmental copier, a personal device (scanner or phone), or at one of two publicly available document scanners in the Gabbin Assessment and Testing Center (ATC). Scanning assistance is available from ATC staff.

Have Questions?

• For questions about the IT Test Scoring Center (Scantron service), please reach out to the IT Help Desk at (540)568-3555 or helpdesk@jmu.edu.

• For questions about Gradescope Bubble Sheet, please contact JMU Libraries’ Learning Innovations & Design Desk at (540)568-6799 or LIDdesk@jmu.edu.

Thank you,
Information Technology