Countdown Kits Now Available for All Job Ready Titles

NOCTI is pleased to announce that Countdown Kits are now available for all NOCTI Job Ready assessments.  This product is a valuable classroom tool to assist instructors in preparing students for NOCTI testing.  The Countdown kit complements the NOCTI Study Guides and assessments and includes a set of laminated posters which are intended to be a visual reminder for the upcoming NOCTI assessment.

The Countdown Kit includes the following components: Teacher Guide with helpful tips for using the posters in the classroom One 18x24 content-specific poster Supplemental 11x17 posters: Benefits of Taking the NOCTI Assessment Study Tips Test Preparation Test Taking Tips Test Anxiety NOCTI Score Report
	Pricing/Ordering Information $35.00 per kit Order online at your Client Services Center!

NOCTI Task-Link Reports Now Exportable to Excel

In response to customer requests, NOCTI is pleased to announce that our Task-Link report can now be exported to Excel.  The choice is yours – select the “View” link to view your task-link report as a PDF file or select the “Excel” link to export the data to Excel for easy manipulation.

NOCTI Score Reports can also be exported to PDF or Excel formats.  Exporting the score reports to PDF format allows for easy printing and storage to the site’s choice of media (i.e., local network, flash drive, etc.).  The Excel export feature provides schools with a method for easily manipulating data.  This option can be helpful with a variety of analysis and reporting needs.

Spring Pilot Tests Now Available at No Cost

Don’t miss out on an opportunity to participate in NOCTI’s 2012 Pilot!  NOCTI is offering 35 assessment titles as part of its annual piloting activities.  (See list below).

The piloting phase not only helps NOCTI ensure the validity of the assessment but also creates a unique opportunity for sites to administer the new test in a “no pressure” environment.  Piloting also allows sites to review and improve internal test administration processes and procedures and encourages a review of curriculum to ensure effectiveness.  Pilot tests are offered at *no cost* to NOCTI customers.

The assessment blueprints and administration information for the titles below will be posted in January 2012.  Order forms must be submitted by 1/31/12.  Questions?  Contact Ronda Gilmore at ronda.gilmore@nocti.org or 1-800-334-6283 x219.

Job Ready Assessments:

• Accounting – Basic
• Accounting – Advanced
• Administrative Assisting
• Advanced Mechatronics – Level II
• Architectural Drafting
• Automotive Technician – Core
• Automotive Technician – Advanced
• Building Trades Maintenance
• Business Information Processing
• CAD
• CAD CAM
• Computer Technology
• Criminal Justice
• Culinary Arts Level 1 – Prep Cook
• Culinary Arts Level 2 – Cook
• Early Childhood Care and Education – Advanced (Performance Only)
• Electric Power and Distribution
• Electronics
• Graphic Production Technology
• Health Assisting
• Hospitality Management – Food and Beverage
• Hospitality Management – Lodging
• HVACR – Installation and Start-up
• HVACR – Service and Repair
• Industrial Electricity
• Industrial Electronics
• Interior Decorating and Design (Performance Only)
• Mechanical Drafting and Design
• Mechatronics – Level 1
• Medical Assisting
• Retail Commercial Baking
• Retail Trades
• Technical Drafting
• Telecommunications

 
Pathway Assessments (written only):

• Human Services

Seeking Subject Matter Experts

NOCTI is accepting applications for individuals to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) on its assessment teams. 

All revisions/developments in the 2012 Series will be conducted in an online web-based format.  The team meetings encompass a one-week period and meetings are scheduled in the evening hours (6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. EST) to minimize daytime scheduling conflicts. A professional honorarium is offered.

SMEs must have a minimum of three years of recent experience in the subject area.  Secondary and post-secondary educators as well as representatives from business and industry are encouraged to apply. 

If you, or someone you know has experience in any of the areas shown to the right, we hope you'll consider this rewarding professional development opportunity!  Our teams fill up quickly, so don’t delay!  To submit an application, click here.   If you have questions, please contact Julie Vanhala at 1-800-334-6283 x243 or julie.vanhala@nocti.org.

2012 Test Revision & Development Series Schedule

Job Ready

• 21st Century Skills for Workplace Success (Jan 9-13)
• Carpentry (Feb 6-10)
• Computer Programming (Apr 30-May 4)
• Dental Assisting (Feb 20-24)
• Floriculture (June 18-22)
• Floriculture-Greenhouse (June 18-22)
• Home Health Aide (Mar 5-9)
• Marcellus Shale Gas Drilling (TBA)
• Nursing Assisting (Mar 19-23)
• Practical Nursing (Apr 16-20)
• Pre-Engineering/Engineering Technology (Jul 9-13)
• Television Production (Jul 23-27)
• Visual Communications and Multimedia Design (Aug 6-10)
• Welding (Aug 20-24)

Pathway

• Administrative Services (Jan 23-27)
• Banking and Related Services (Jun 4-8)
• Business Financial Management (Jun 4-8)
• Education and Training (May 14-18)
• Financial and Investment Planning (Jun 4-8)
• General Management (Jan 23-27)
• Human Resources Management (Jan 23-27)

SME Spotlight - Mary Maggard

In Lexington, Kentucky, there is a woman who oversees what might be nicknamed “NOCTI South.”

For more than a decade, Mary Maggard has coordinated NOCTI testing for students at Bluegrass Community & Technical College (BCTC).  She has also developed a partnership with area businesses and industry by providing assessment services using tests developed by NOCTI.  Employers select the NOCTI assessment tool to be used for employee selection, promotion, or evaluation of training needs.  The Assessment & Testing Center at BCTC provides the third-party testing environment under Mary’s leadership.

Because Mary was familiar with NOCTI’s services and assessments, she was eager to get “behind the scenes” by serving as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on a test revision team.  Her first revision experience was in 2006.  Since then, she has served on several business-related Job Ready test revisions.  She was also a key player in the development of several new Pathway titles in the business cluster.

Each revision team includes SMEs from both secondary and post-secondary education, as well as business and industry.    Mary’s unique position as a member of a post-secondary institution who is also an expert in the “real world” of business and industry were credentials few other team members offered.  NOCTI seeks a wide geographical representation that includes team members from several states across the country.  Mary’s home state of Kentucky offered a southern perspective to the mix.

According to Mary, working as an SME has been interesting because it brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds and locations, all with ideas and input on the test that is being revised.  “NOCTI staff members are task-focused, skillful facilitators,” states Mary.  “They lead purpose-driven teams who update and develop some of the best exams in the world!”

Mary’s strong knowledge of English grammar and spelling, as well as her ability to state questions and answer choices clearly and concisely are outstanding. Combined with her current technical knowledge in business-related fields, she was a leader on the revision teams.  Her contribution to the quality of the written items and performance jobs has been exceptional.