Long Beach Schools Flagged For Posting Materials Online During Statewide Testing

Students at more than 200 schools, including three high schools in Long Beach, in the state posted materials onto social media sites during California’s Standardized Testing and Reporting assessment. Jordan, Lakewood and Wilson high schools are the schools included on the list released by the California Department of Education.

Though test scores were not affected, Long Beach Unified School District spokesman Chris Eftychiou said the district takes test security seriously. Eftychiou said three potential problems were reported out of the 61,000 students who were tested within LBUSD.

According to Etfychiou, one instance involved the posting of the front page of an answer sheet, but didn’t compromise the test questions or answers. Another involved the posting of the bottom of an answer sheet did not reveal enough information to affect the validity of the tests. The third was posted after the test was taken and didn’t contain images of test materials.

“We post signs in each testing room, using a state-provided template, stating that ‘unauthorized electronic devices may not be used at any time during the testing session,’" Eftychiou said. “As in prior years, any staff members who come near any tests [within six feet of an exam] are required to sign a security affidavit here in Long Beach.”

Other security measures this year included collecting students’ cell phones in advance and placing them in envelopes that were returned after each test session, he added. As well as placing cell phones in backpacks that were placed out of students’ reach.

Schools with postings onto social media platforms by students increased to 242, up from the 216 reported last year, but since most were not legible, test results were not affected, according to the CDE. The schools, however, will not be eligible for academic awards, the CDE said.