CAP Talk

Cadet Programs => Cadet Programs Management & Activities => Topic started by: Eclipse on December 04, 2017, 02:21:26 PM

Title: CAPR 40-2, Test Control, Effective 01 Jan 2018
Post by: Eclipse on December 04, 2017, 02:21:26 PM
https://www.capmembers.com/media/cms/CAPR_402_Test_Admin_BC417CD4D1F4B.pdf

Nothing earth-shattering that I see.  Some of the language around not needing inventories
(or sometimes even a TCO) when there is no local test storage has been strengthened.

I can't imagine why any unit would continue to maintain a local inventory of tests - in the rare cases
they have to be printed (which should not be a surprise, because cadets with special needs in
these regards should be having those discussions well in advance) they are all available "on-demand".
"On demand" could also mean "TCO prints at home and brings to meeting, for the tiny number of
units who can't find internet where they meet.

It took a while, but the end result of this is certainly a "win" by NHQ for everyone, and despite concerns
(which I shared) about water-down the testing for cadets, there doesn't seem to be much change -
the fast-burners get through them with no issues, and those who don't prepare or generally struggle
academically (or just can't be bothered), have issues.

Those emails you get from the LMS when a cadet passes always make me smile - just wish I saw more
of them and more often.
Title: Re: CAPR 40-2, Test Control, Effective 01 Jan 2018
Post by: Cadetter on December 04, 2017, 03:24:08 PM
The change to randomized milestones could make them harder to pass (I know it's mentioned in 60-1 as well).

Of course, since I'll have passed the Earhart exams barely before 1 Jan, it won't affect me much, but many cadets in my squadron attempt the Wright Brothers 3+ times (and since there was one version, it theoretically should've been easier to pass once they've seen the questions).
Title: Re: CAPR 40-2, Test Control, Effective 01 Jan 2018
Post by: darkmatter on December 04, 2017, 05:23:20 PM
It's hards and I feel bad when I see a cadet not able to pass the online or paper tests and thus they can't promote and because I can't test for them
Title: Re: CAPR 40-2, Test Control, Effective 01 Jan 2018
Post by: arajca on December 04, 2017, 10:34:23 PM
Are drill tests required to be inventoried? As far as I've heard they are not as they are not a controlled test item, but I don't see it addressed in the new reg.
Title: Re: CAPR 40-2, Test Control, Effective 01 Jan 2018
Post by: Eclipse on December 04, 2017, 11:34:42 PM
All but Wright Bros are publicly available from open sources, so they were never inventoried.
http://www.capmembers.com/media/cms/CAPT_782_Drill_Test_FINAL_0D0A619D59581.pdf

WB can be printed on demand.

We laminated all of them (except WB) and just pull them out as needed, and WB is referenced
via a cell phone, tablet, or PC during the test.
Title: Re: CAPR 40-2, Test Control, Effective 01 Jan 2018
Post by: Walkman on December 05, 2017, 12:02:08 AM
This will effect my unit as we don't have any internet access at our meeting place (Army Reserve Center). The cadets will have to make sure they plan ahead better so the TO can print the test prior to the meeting. Not a huge deal, we'll manage.
Title: Re: CAPR 40-2, Test Control, Effective 01 Jan 2018
Post by: Eclipse on December 05, 2017, 12:40:37 AM
Is it a rural thing (i.e. no coverage) or a "not on my phone thing", which I see all the time, especially
from older members?

These days I just find it hard to believe that any unit is lacking at least one person who would be willing
to light up their phone as a hotspot, or you can get mobile hot spots for as little as $15 a month for 1GB
(which goes a long way for just legit CAP use).

A mobile hotspot would be something the "#63.75" challenge could be used for.

With all that said, you could still inventory tests onsite if you really wanted to.
Title: Re: CAPR 40-2, Test Control, Effective 01 Jan 2018
Post by: Walkman on December 05, 2017, 02:10:06 AM
Quote from: Eclipse on December 05, 2017, 12:40:37 AM
Is it a rural thing (i.e. no coverage) or a "not on my phone thing", which I see all the time, especially
from older members?

We can't use the Army's Wifi. We've used an SMs cell as a hot spot a few times, but mostly we just manage without.
Title: Re: CAPR 40-2, Test Control, Effective 01 Jan 2018
Post by: lordmonar on December 05, 2017, 06:15:41 AM
Quote from: arajca on December 04, 2017, 10:34:23 PM
Are drill tests required to be inventoried? As far as I've heard they are not as they are not a controlled test item, but I don't see it addressed in the new reg.
I don't see why they would need to be.   The tests are available to anyone on CAPMEBERS.
Title: Re: CAPR 40-2, Test Control, Effective 01 Jan 2018
Post by: kwe1009 on December 05, 2017, 05:04:43 PM
Quote from: Walkman on December 05, 2017, 12:02:08 AM
This will effect my unit as we don't have any internet access at our meeting place (Army Reserve Center). The cadets will have to make sure they plan ahead better so the TO can print the test prior to the meeting. Not a huge deal, we'll manage.

It would be a good practice for cadets to formally request to take a certain test at a certain date.  We require cadets to request testing through their chain of command.  That way it helps everyone in the chain learn and understand the importance of using the chain of command.  Of course there sometimes issues when the chain of command fails to send the request forward but that makes it easier for use to find the weak links in the chain and take corrective action to fix it.
Title: Re: CAPR 40-2, Test Control, Effective 01 Jan 2018
Post by: Eclipse on December 05, 2017, 05:24:08 PM
+1 We have a report-in form that all the staff can see, including cadet staff, and
require 1-week advance request to take a drill or proctored test, or pretty much anything
that isn't on the already published and public agenda.

This has eliminated the cadets who remember they wanted to drill this week at
90 minutes into a 2-hour meeting and well after the entire group already did drill
(hey, kids, amirite?).

Of course circumstantial flexibility is always an option.
Title: Re: CAPR 40-2, Test Control, Effective 01 Jan 2018
Post by: Cadetter on December 05, 2017, 05:33:18 PM
Having cadets who want drill tests (non-secured) bring a copy to the meeting if they request "late" (whenever that is for your squadron) could also work. We require 1-week in advance except for special circumstances that must be approved by the CC or CDC.
Title: Re: CAPR 40-2, Test Control, Effective 01 Jan 2018
Post by: TheSkyHornet on December 08, 2017, 06:08:24 PM
Quote from: arajca on December 04, 2017, 10:34:23 PM
Are drill tests required to be inventoried? As far as I've heard they are not as they are not a controlled test item, but I don't see it addressed in the new reg.

They are not. It actually says on the drill test book:

QuoteTest Security. There is no need for this test booklet to be secured. Because these are performance tests and
the subject matter is known to the cadets, there is essentially no advantage to cadets who happen to see the
test booklet in advance.