Isaac Rivera, CSC Docket No. 2019-2335

BackgroundIsaac Rivera appeals his score for the oral portion of the promotional examination for Fire Captain (PM1051V), Paterson. It is noted that the appellant passed the subject examination with a final average of 82.980 and ranks 43rd on the resultant eligible list.

This two-part examination consisted of a written multiple-choice portion and an oral portion. Candidates were required to pass the written portion of the examination, and then were ranked on their performance on both portions of the examination. The test was worth 80 percent of the final score and seniority was worth the remaining 20 percent. Of the test weights, 31.35% of the score was the written multiple-choice portion, 22.49% was the technical score for the evolving exercise, 7.53% was the supervision score for the evolving exercise, 4.28% was the oral communication score for the evolving exercise, 19.23% was the technical score for the arriving exercise, 7.53% was the supervision score for the arriving exercise, and 7.59% was the oral communication score for the arriving exercise.

The oral portion of the Fire Captain examination consisted of two scenarios: a fire scene simulation with questions designed to measure the knowledge of safe rescue tactics and procedures to safeguard citizens, supervision of fire fighters and the ability to assess fire conditions and hazards in an evolving incident on the fireground (evolving); and a fire scene simulation designed to measure the knowledge of safe rescue tactics and procedures to safeguard citizens, supervision of firefighters and the ability to plan strategies and tactics based upon a building’s structure and condition (arriving). Knowledge of supervision was measured by questions in both scenarios, and was scored for each. For the evolving scenario, candidates were provided with a 15-minute preparation period, and candidates had 10 minutes to respond. For the arriving scenario, a five-minute preparation period was given, and candidates had 10 minutes to respond.

The candidates’ responses were scored on technical knowledge and oral communication ability. Prior to the administration of the exam, a panel of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) determined the scoring criteria, using generally approved fire command practices, firefighting practices, and reference materials. Scoring decisions were based on SME-approved possible courses of action (PCAs) including those actions that must be taken to resolve the situation as presented. Only those oral responses that depicted relevant behaviors that were observable and could be quantified were assessed in the scoring process.

Candidates were rated on a five-point scale, with 5 as the optimal response, 4 as a more than acceptable passing response, 3 as a minimally acceptable passing response, 2 as a less than acceptable response, and 1 as a much less than acceptable response. For each of the scenes, and for oral communication, the requirements for each score were defined.

For the evolving scenario, the appellant scored a 4 for the technical component, a 5 for the supervision component, and a 5 for the oral communication component. For the arriving scenario, the appellant scored a 3 for the technical component, a 4 for the supervision component, and a 5 for the oral communication component. The appellant challenges his scores for the technical component of both scenarios. As a result, the appellant’s test material, video, and a listing of PCAs for the scenarios were reviewed.

The evolving scenario involved involves a fire in a bookstore, and fire has broken through the roof. For the technical component, the assessor indicated that the appellant missed the opportunity to account for his crew with a PAR in question 2. On appeal, the appellant states that he gathered his members back to a safe location.

Question 2, indicates that, upon entry to perform a primary search, the candidate notes extremely high temperatures and a lot of smoke, and fire spreading across the ceiling from side C to side A. Candidates were to describe their next action. In response to this question, the appellant stated, “Fire has compromised the ceiling, hittin’ the roof, high heat. I’m gonna call an urgent message and let the Chief know of our findings. I’m gonna gather my members up back ‘em up to the safe truss and let the 2 and 1/2s hit the ceiling to cool it down if possible so we can continue our primary search.” For this response, he received credit for the mandatory action of evacuating the crew from the building. At the end of every scenario and prior to the questions, instructions state, “In responding to the questions, make sure your actions directly relate to the scenario. Do not assume or take for granted that general actions will contribute to your score.” Gathering members back to a safe location is not the same as doing a PAR. In fact, it is not the same as evacuating the crew from the building. Taken in context, the appellant backed his crew up, waited for water to cool the trusses, and then continued his primary search. He did not indicate that he would evacuate. As such, the appellant missed a mandatory response, and his score for this component was changed by the Division of Test Development and Analytics from 4 to 2. The appellant’s response to question 2 was incorrect, and he did not provide enough additional responses to elevate his score to a 3. As such, the appellant’s score of 2 for this component is correct.

For the arriving scenario, the assessor assigned a score of 3, using the “flex rule,” and noted that the candidate failed to report possible victims inside upon arrival, which was a mandatory response to question 1. It was also noted that he missed the opportunity to appoint a safety officer in question 2. On appeal, the appellant states that he assigned a safety officer for scene safety.

Regarding the flex rule, mandatory responses are responses that are requirements for a performance to be acceptable (a score of 3). Sometimes, a candidate states many additional responses but does not give a mandatory response. The flex rule was designed to allow the SMEs to assign a score of 3 to candidates who fail to give a mandatory response but who provide many additional responses. However, the SMEs cannot provide a score higher than a 3 in those cases. All mandatory responses must be given in order for a performance to be acceptable, whether there is one mandatory response or five of them. It is not assumed that candidates receive a score of 5 which is then lowered for lack of responses. Performances that include mandatory responses get a score of 3, and those without mandatory responses get a score of 1 or 2, unless the flex rule is used. Additional responses only increase a score from 3 to 4 or from 3 to 5.

The arriving scenario involved a report of fire on the first and second floor of a row home, where there were people squatting inside when the fire broke out. Question 1 asked candidates to use proper radio protocols to perform an initial report upon arrival, and question 2 asked for specific actions to take after the initial report.

For the technical component, the assessor noted that the appellant failed to report possible victims inside upon arrival, which was a mandatory response to question 1. It was also noted that the appellant missed the opportunity to appoint a safety officer, which was an additional response to question 2. On appeal, the appellant argues that he assigned a safety officer for scene safety.

In reply, a review of the appellant’s presentation indicates that he did not properly respond to question 1, but incorporated his response to this question with his specific actions in response to question 2. As a result, he did not indicate in his initial report that there were possible victims inside. As he continued, he indicated that he assigned a safety officer for scene safety. Nevertheless, his additional responses contributed to his score, but as he missed a mandatory response, his score cannot be higher than a 3 pursuant to the flex rule.

CONCLUSION

A thorough review of the appellant’s submissions and the test materials indicates that the decision below is amply supported by the record, and the appellant has failed to meet his burden of proof in this matter.

ORDER

Therefore, it is ordered that this appeal be denied.

ClosingThis is the final administrative determination in this matter. Any further review should be pursued in a judicial forum.