Changes for Spring 2025 Testing

Based on feedback from educators and students during the fall 2024 testing window, we're making some adjustments for spring. Here's what’s changing:

Changes to the Bluebook™ Experience

Keyboards Recommended for Windows Tablets

To ensure students can use the Highlights & Notes tool during testing, all students using a Windows tablet as their testing device are strongly recommended to use an external keyboard.

Changes to Extended Time

Students approved to test with extended time now have the option to waive some or all of their allowed extra time after standard time has elapsed. They'll be able to move on to the next section or end the test.

Embedded Text-to-Speech Features

Students approved to use a text-to-speech accommodation in Bluebook will now be able to do so directly in the testing app. Please note that all students are welcome to toggle on and experiment with the text-to-speech feature while taking practice tests in Bluebook, but the SSD coordinator must request approval in SSD Online for a student to use text-to-speech when taking an actual assessment.

Information All in One Place

Instead of using separate guides for planning, registration, and accommodations, you'll now find all the information you need compiled into one helpful resource—the Test Coordinator Manual.

New Features in Test Day Toolkit

If you're a test coordinator, you'll be able to designate a backup coordinator without calling College Board and add your staff in bulk using a .csv file. We're also making it easier to set up a test administration by giving you the ability to copy rooms from your active administrations into a new one and allowing you to see student grade levels on the All Students page to help with room assignments.

Modifications to Staff Training Experience

Our training modules now have more options to customize your training by role, including allowing users to select multiple roles if necessary. Test coordinators will also be able to see which of their staff members have completed training and note whether any staff members have been trained on site.

Changes to seating arrangements

Elevated theater/auditorium style seating is now permitted for testing, though not recommended. If you need to use this type of room to test your students, keep in mind that 3-ft. distancing and desk space rules apply. Every other row must be empty and students cannot have a clear line of sight to each other's screens.

Keep Seating Charts Longer

Test coordinators are now required to keep seating charts for 60 days (up from 30) for test security purposes.

New Policies for Accommodations

Many policies regarding accommodated testing have been updated. Please see the SSD website and the Accommodations Guide in the Test Coordinator Manual for more details.

Proctor Approval for Student Reentry

Students need proctor approval to continue testing after they quit or exit Bluebook or their device crashes or loses power. When students sign in to Bluebook again, they’re told to raise their hand and ask you for help. Any time you leave your desk, bring your device with Test Day Toolkit (tablet, laptop, or phone) with you so you can resolve these issues efficiently.

To allow students to continue:

• Click the student's name on the Test Day Toolkit monitoring dashboard to open their profile page.
• Click the Let Student Continue Testing button.