The ERB Announces At-home ISEE Testing
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the ERB has announced they will soon be offering at-home testing for the official ISEE exams. This option will be available for students applying to grades 5-12, although when exactly it will go into effect has not been made clear.
As a reminder, the ISEE, which stands for Independent School Entrance Exam, is used widely by nearly all private day schools, as well as many boarding schools, to assess students for admissions. The ERB, which stands for Educational Records Bureau, is the organization that administers the ISEE.
Ivy Link students applying to private/boarding schools for the admissions in Fall 2021 will be taking the ISEE in Fall 2020. If your family does not fall into the typical timeline, please contact Ivy Link for advice regarding your testing schedule and applications to private/boarding schools.
Accessible from Multiple Devices
Students will be able to take the ISEE remotely on a wide variety of devices using a platform call, ProProctor. We understand that the remote computer system requirements will be minimal. Students should be able to access the ProProctor platform from personal computers or laptops with internet connectivity. ProProctor is not available on tablets or smartphones.
How the Process Works
When registering for the ISEE, parents/guardians should select the ProProctor solution. Parents will be able to help students with logging into ProProctor and the pre-testing setup. When students log in to ProProctor, the system will prompt them through an identity verification procedure and a testing environment inspection, led by a Prometric readiness agent via a live video/audio session. Using the student’s computer webcam (or an external camera), the Prometric readiness agent will conduct a live scan of the room and desk area to confirm that it meets security requirements. Additionally, the agent will perform a webcam security inspection of the student’s pockets, sleeves, accessories, and glasses (where applicable).
Once the test starts, ProProctor locks down the device that the student is using, so that there is control over the exam administration, particularly timing, and the student is prevented from accessing any other programs or screen capture exam content.
Monitoring During Test-Taking
Once the test starts, a certified Prometric proctor will use the webcam to monitor the student for the duration of the test. The student will not be able to see the Prometric proctor, but the student should know that the proctor they are with the student the entire time and will be able to provide assistance at any point during the test or stop a test if any irregularities or testing violations occur.
Ivy Link will continue to monitor testing developments and keep families informed with any important updates regarding the ISEE, SSAT, and Private Day/Boarding school admissions. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about ISEE and SSAT test preparation with Ivy Link.
