STAMP Getting Started

Step 1. Place Your Order

Testing coordinators will work with an Avant account manager to identify the following and place the order:

• Number of test takers 
• Testing window (test access open date and test access end date)
• Class/Testing groups and languages for each testing group
• Group rostering controls (rostering controls are available only at the Class/Testing Group level)

Step 2. Complete and Return Your Set-Up Form

You will receive a set-up form from your account manager. Complete your set-up form and provide the following information prior to returning it to Avant:

• School or location name
• Class/Testing group name
• Language for each class/testing group
• Testing window (test access open date and test access end date)

Step 3. Receive Proctor/Results Logins

Three variations of proctor/results logins are available, with different access levels for each. Contact your account manager if you would like to set up district or school level account logins.

The Avant STAMP Proctor/Results Login can be used to:

• Access Test Results
• Monitor Test Progress
• Review Test Results
• Download Individual Reports
• Download Results Summary

Step 4. Complete Test Preparation Steps

A. Review information available on these pages:

• Technology Guides
• Proctoring Guide
• Reporting Guide

B. Determine how your organization will use the Login Name field (a required field on the Login Page) and provide instruction to Teachers and Proctors.

Login Name refers to an identifier to be used by your organization. Every test taker must have a unique Login Name. The test taker will need to remember their Login Name to resume an “IN PROGRESS” test.

C. Determine your testing schedule and make lab arrangements.

• Laptops in classrooms may be used for testing if lab time is unavailable. 
• Test takers can take the test in the same room. We suggest taking the following steps to insure the best testing experience:
  • STAMP test takers:
    • Use headphones/microphones for the Listening and Speaking sections so the ambient sounds are not distracting. 
  • STAMP for ASL test takers:
    • Arrange the room with ample separation between test takers. Use visual barriers to avoid distraction and misconduct.
    • Test takers must keep their hands and face within the frame of the camera.
    • Lighting should allow the face to be clearly visible with light in front of the test taker and no windows behind which creates a silhouette effect.
    • Use of face masks that hide facial expressions will result in a lower proficiency rating.
• Ensure that test takers have enough time to complete the assessment. Each Avant STAMP test must be completed within 90 days of the start date. Resets and retakes are not allowed after 90 days of starting the test.
• We highly recommend scheduling make-up exams and test completion time for test takers who may need more time than anticipated. See Testing Accommodations for more information.
• Avant will make every attempt to notify users of upcoming scheduled maintenance or other known interruptions to service.

D. Ensure readiness by working with a Technology Representative

• Check with your Technology Representative to determine if sufficient bandwidth is available for the size of your testing groups.
• Let the Technology Representative know which, if any, character-based languages and keyboard styles need to be activated on the computers that will be used for the Writing section of the test.

E. Provide information to test takers:

• Any instructions specific to your organization and testing (test window dates, your organization’s contact information)
• Avant STAMP Test Taker Guide 
• Avant STAMP for ASL Test Taker Guide
• Avant STAMP for Latin Test Taker Guide
• STAMP Benchmark & Rubric Guide
• Power Up Guide
• Avant STAMP Sample Tests.

F. Provide support or arrange to support test takers with the following issues:

• Computer setup (see Technology Guide, Headset Guide, Writing Input Guide)
• Login problems
• Basic test-taking questions