Spring Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide Version 1.2

Transcription

1 Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide Version 1.2 Spring 2014 Field Test English Language Arts/Literacy and Mathematics Performance Based Assessment (PBA) and End of Year Assessment (EOY) PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide April

2 Document Revisions Revision Date Revision Summary Description January 17, 2014 Version 1.0 Initial Post March 5, 2014 Version 1.1 Reorganized document and updated with Infrastructure Trial Survey and TestNav app details April 25, 2014 Version 1.2 Updated to incorporate Infrastructure Trial Survey feedback If assistance is needed at any point during your Infrastructure Trial, contact the PARCC Support Center at or Copyright , PARCC, Inc. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide April

3 Table of Contents Glossary of Important Terms... 4 About This Guide... 5 Infrastructure Trial Overview Implementing an Infrastructure Trial Create a Communication Plan Scheduling the Infrastructure Trial PearsonAccess Training Center Log in to the PearsonAccess Training Center Technology Setup Setting Up for an Infrastructure Trial Preliminary System Test Conducting an Infrastructure Trial After Conducting the Infrastructure Trial Creating Sample Students Create Sample Students Creating a Test Session Create a Sample Test Session Add Additional Sample Students to a Session Print Authorization Tickets Conducting a Test Session Start a Test Session Conduct an Infrastructure Trial at a School Monitor Sessions To Resume a Student Closing the Infrastructure Trial Stop a Session Follow Up Appendix A: Technology Quick Guide Infrastructure Trial Appendix B: LEA/District and School Test Coordinator Quick Guide Infrastructure Trial* Appendix C: Infrastructure Trial Test Administrator Script Appendix D: Session Monitoring Form Infrastructure Trial Appendix E: Training Resources for Technical Coordinators Appendix F: Training Resources for Test Coordinators/ Administrators Appendix G: Guides and Manuals for Tech Prep Week PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide April

4 Glossary of Important Terms PearsonAccess is the website used for the registration, setup, preparation, and management of both the computer based and paper based formats of the PARCC Field Test. PearsonAccess is a secure site for PARCC Field Test participants that requires username and password setup and can be found at Additional information about setup and operation of computer based testing for the PARCC Field Test is available in the PearsonAccess User Guide. This document is available at PearsonAccess Training Center is an online portal that provides an opportunity to practice Test Administrator and Technology Coordinator tasks. It is also the means of managing the Infrastructure Trial (dress rehearsal) in preparation for testing. The PARCC PearsonAccess Training Center is a secure site for PARCC Field Test participants that requires a username and password setup and is available at PARCC Field Test participants will have 2 separate accounts for the PearsonAccess production site and the PearsonAccess Training Center. Proctor Caching software will be available to all PARCC schools as part of the Pearson TestNav 8 delivery platform at no additional cost. Pre caching is the process of loading or caching test content locally to a designated proctor caching computer at a school. Pre caching reduces test delays due to network congestion and provides students with a more seamless testing experience in the event of disruptions to Internet connectivity. Proctor Caching software is loaded by the school onto a designated device other than a testing device, and acts as a local server that delivers secure testing content to student test taking devices. Proctor Caching does not require a server class operating system or hardware, and can run on any device on the network that meets the minimum requirements for proctor caching machines ( ml). Pre caching using Pearson s Proctor Caching software is recommended for the computerbased PARCC Field Test. TestNav is the browser based application used by students to take the computer based PARCC Field Test. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide April

5 About This Guide This guide is intended to provide a comprehensive list of tasks involved in conducting an Infrastructure Trial. For technical issue resolution or further information on tasks involved for managing student data, the manuals posted at can be referenced. Section 1.0 Implementing an Infrastructure Trial This section will provide instructions and information on contacting PARCC Support with questions or technical issues. 2.0 PearsonAccess Training Center This section discusses the PARCC PearsonAccess Training Center. 3.0 Technology Set Up This section covers all of the technology aspects of the Infrastructure Trial, and provides instructions on configuring the Infrastructure Trial Environment. 4.0 Creating Sample Students This section describes how to create sample students in the PearsonAccess Training Center for an Infrastructure Trial. 4.0 Setting Up a Test Session This section provides all the necessary information and steps for setting up sessions for an Infrastructure Trial and managing student assignments for sessions. 6.0 Conducting a Test Session This section provides all the necessary information and steps for conducting an Infrastructure Trial including printing Student Authorization Tickets and instructions about starting, monitoring, and stopping sessions in the PARCC PearsonAccess Training. 7.0 Follow Up This section includes instructions for providing your LEA and PARCC with feedback regarding the Infrastructure Trial. To be used by LEA/District and School Test Coordinator LEA/District, School Test Coordinator, and Technology Staff Technology Staff LEA/District or School Test Coordinator LEA/District or School Test Coordinator LEA/District or School Test Coordinator All Staff Additionally, Appendix E, Appendix F and PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide April

6 Appendix G provide a detailed list of Training Resources for Technical Coordinators, Test Administrators, and Tech Prep Week respectively. This includes the name, description and location of all applicable Guides and Manuals referenced throughout this Guide. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide April

7 Infrastructure Trial Overview What is an Infrastructure Trial? An Infrastructure Trial is an opportunity for LEAs, schools, and students to prepare for the computer based PARCC Field Test by simulating test day network utilization. This will help to determine any school or LEA issues, and confirm all testing devices are properly configured and ready to run PARCC assessments. The Infrastructure Trial also provides an opportunity to introduce students to the TestNav testing interface through the online test content. Unlike a live assessment, you will not use real student information; instead you will create sample students in the PearsonAccess Training Center at Student responses are neither captured nor saved when they interact with TestNav as part of the Infrastructure Trial process. This is a dress rehearsal to confirm that: TestNav is configured correctly Devices can successfully run TestNav Network will bear the full load Participating staff know what to do for PARCC computer based assessment Students are familiar with the computer based tools and format Note: You will not be able to set up accommodations for students in the training center for an Infrastructure Trial. The Infrastructure Trial should take approximately 60 minutes to administer. Schools are encouraged to provide any feedback on the Infrastructure Trial to LEAs and to PARCC via LEAs should contact your State PARCC Field Test Lead with feedback and/or concerns regarding software or hardware issues. All instructions required to run an Infrastructure Trial are included in this guide. Additional resources, which include Pearson s general guides for TestNav and Proctor Caching, are available at Why Administer an Infrastructure Trial? Conducting an Infrastructure Trial provides the school with a scheduled opportunity to practice in a low stakes environment that can help identify possible problems and avoid delays during administration of the PARCC Field Test. With the exception of creating sample student data and configuring TestNav in the PearsonAccess Training Center, many activities will already be required for the PARCC Field Test. The same installation of Proctor Caching should be used for both the Infrastructure Trial and the operational environment used for the PARCC Field Test. Working through an Infrastructure Trial may also help identify gaps to address in technology, communication, and training in preparation for PARCC Field Tests. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide April

8 Who should be involved? You should involve all LEAs and school personnel responsible for participating in a computerbased assessment. It provides the opportunity to collectively evaluate the test environment and identify and resolve potential issues prior to the Field Test. For example, you would want to include: Test Coordinators Test Administrators LEA and school technology staff Students When should I conduct an Infrastructure Trial? The Infrastructure Trial window began January You should plan to conduct an Infrastructure Trial only after you have confirmed site and staff readiness, but before the start of your testing window. You will also want to confirm your testing windows and guidelines with your State PARCC Field Test Lead. Where do I start? The Infrastructure Trial is conducted using the PearsonAccess Training Center at You should first check with your LEA to see if the Infrastructure Trial will be performed from a district or school level. Then, you will need to verify that all staff members participating in the trial have received user IDs and passwords for the PearsonAccess Training Center with appropriate permissions. Refer to the PearsonAccess User Guide for more information about establishing logins for school staff. This document is available at If assistance is needed at any point during your Infrastructure Trial, contact the PARCC Support Center at or PARCC@support.pearson.com. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide April

9 1.0 Implementing an Infrastructure Trial Tasks in this section will be performed by: LEA/District School Test Coordinator 1.1 Create a Communication Plan A key best practice for a successful computer based testing experience is developing a communication plan for all staff that have a role in computer based assessments. If you are a LEA/district test coordinator, you need to make sure that you establish communication with your technology staff early, before testing is scheduled and during the testing window. Test Coordinators will be the primary recipients of broadcast s that provide important information about computer based testing including when tests are available for proctor caching download. Develop a communication plan that contains the following elements: Contact information for school technology staff so you can reach them during testing PARCC Help Desk contact information ( or PARCC@support.pearson.com) to get assistance during testing To avoid causing any loss of data, when in doubt, contact Pearson support staff before you act. Pearson support staff is available to ensure your school s technology is configured correctly and communicating with Pearson network servers. 1.2 Scheduling the Infrastructure Trial To ensure a successful Infrastructure Trial, you should plan and coordinate the following activities: Identify all students who will participate in the Infrastructure Trial Recruit individuals to serve as Test Administrators Train all staff involved in Infrastructure Trial Designate appropriate testing spaces Consult with the Technology Coordinator and confirm that all the student testing devices meet the requirements needed to participate in the Infrastructure Trial Have technology staff perform a Preliminary System Test Have students practice TestNav 8 navigation and tools by using the Tutorials found at Assign students and testing locations to Test Administrators Practice tests and tutorials available through the PearsonAccess Training Center may be used for the Infrastructure Trial. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide April

10 Schools must plan approximately 60 minutes to administer the Infrastructure Trial (times may vary depending on whether the tutorial or a practice test form is chosen) per class group of students, after Test Sessions have been created and technology set up is completed. The tutorial forms contain screens and items to help familiarize you and your students with the computer based testing tools and the process for responding to different item types on the computer. Although the tutorials are available by grade band, they are NOT grade band specific. Each form contains the same generic tutorial content that shows how to navigate within TestNav, how to use different tools, and how to interact with different item interactions. When creating students and setting up test sessions, there are 4 tutorial options available: Infrastructure Trial Grades 3 5 Infrastructure Trial Grades 6 8 Infrastructure Trial High School Infrastructure Trial Generic Practice test forms are assessments that help familiarize you and your students with sample PARCC test items. Answer keys are available for the tests at When creating students and setting up test sessions, there are 18 practice test options available: Grades 3 11 Performance Based Assessment tests for ELA/L Grades 3 8 End of Year tests for mathematics Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II tests for mathematics PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide April

11 2.0 PearsonAccess Training Center Tasks in this section will be performed by: LEA/District School Test Coordinator Technology Staff The PARCC PearsonAccess Training Center is the site used to set up and administer an Infrastructure Trial. Within the PARCC PearsonAccess Training Center, users can create sample students, assign the Infrastructure Trial test to sample students, create sample test sessions, and add students to these test sessions. The PARCC PearsonAccess Training Center is also used to monitor sessions during the Infrastructure Trial. Because most of the setup for computer based testing occurs at the school level, these instructions are directed to the School Test Coordinator and Technology Coordinator. However, depending on the state and local policy, these tasks could also be completed by the District Test Coordinator. Note: Disable pop up blocking software for the PearsonAccess website. A pop up blocker will block screens from opening on testing devices. 2.1 Log in to the PearsonAccess Training Center The LEA Test Coordinator will be responsible for creating an account for the School Test Coordinator (and possibly Technology Coordinators) in the Training Center. If you are responsible for creating other school user accounts (such as your Technology Coordinator and staff that will administer the test), your LEA Test Coordinator will provide you with instructions for how to do this. You should receive an with your username (which is your address) and instructions for creating your password. If you have not received these instructions, contact your LEA Test Coordinator. Most PearsonAccess users will have two login credentials; one for the Training Center, and one for the live site. You will need your PearsonAccess Training Center account to setup the Infrastructure Trial. Log in for the first time After you receive the containing your username, complete the following steps: 1. Click on the link within the Create a password; you will be prompted to enter it twice, and then click Set Password. 3. Click OK. 4. To return to the Training Center, go to 5. Then click Sign In to log in to the PearsonAccess Training Center. 6. Read the Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions of Use, then click Accept. To reset your password (If needed) 1. Go to Then click Sign In to log in to the PearsonAccess Training Center. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide April

12 2. On the Login screen, click Reset your password to go to the Reset Password screen. 3. Enter your username (which is your address) and then click Reset Password. Log in again The next time you log in, use the following log in procedure: 1. Go to 2. Enter your username and password, and then click Sign In. Locked Accounts 1. You have only five chances to enter the correct username (which is your address) and password on the login screen. If the fifth attempt is unsuccessful, your account will be locked. For additional information regarding PearsonAccess including how to create user accounts, please refer to the PearsonAccess User Guide located on the Manuals and Documents tab on the PearsonAccess resources page at PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide April

13 3.0 Technology Setup Tasks in this section will be performed by: Technology Staff This section covers all of the technology aspects of the Infrastructure Trial and provides instructions on configuring the Infrastructure Trial environment. 3.1 Setting Up for an Infrastructure Trial Prior to beginning the Infrastructure Trial, LEA and school technology staff will need to coordinate roles and responsibilities for preparing your schools for conducting the trial. 1. Run the SystemCheck Tool The first step to verify bandwidth and hardware readiness is to use the SystemCheck for TestNav to verify device and network readiness. SystemCheck was developed for customers to validate their testing workstations meet the minimum system requirements needed to run TestNav and to provide information about network capacity for student testing. To access guides and training modules for SystemCheck, go to the resources tab at To gather realistic results, SystemCheck should be run from a student test taking device in the computer testing lab, on the same day of week/time of day as when you anticipate performing field testing. For example, if you plan to test on a Monday morning at 9 a.m., run your checks on a Monday morning at 9 a.m.; running in the afternoon or on a weekend will not replicate the normal network usage for the testing environment. SystemCheck will only need to be run once on a computer for each administration unless changes are made to the operating system or Java. To run SystemCheck, visit a. Select Check Your System tab. b. Click Start to begin the check. If the system passes the check, a green check mark displays at the top with the message All Checks Passed. If the system fails, a red X displays next to the area that failed. Next, the testing capacity will need to be checked. If proctor caching is used, please skip to Step 3 and Step 4 before completing these steps. a. Click the Start button. b. Select the Testing Capacity tab. c. Select the test type from the drop down. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide April

14 d. Click Start to view the results of the test. e. You can add, change, or delete proctor caching computers. In order to recalculate the results, click Start. For additional details on PARCC Technology Specifications, see the Full Technology Specifications for 2014 PARCC Field Test Participation at test technology 2. Configure Internet firewalls, content filters, and spam filters. Internet firewalls, content filters, or spam filters must be configured to allow pass through to the Pearson domain. Verify content filter/firewalls and allow the appropriate sites, including: *.testnav.com:80 *.testnav.com:443 S3.amazonaws.com Allow javaw.exe to communicate Set browsers to allow pop ups Allow local file access to home directory For more information about Pearson domains review the Technical Setup Training module found at or review the TestNav 8 User Guide located on the Technology Information tab on the PearsonAccess resources page at Next, configure the common applications listed below to NOT launch on any student test taking devices during testing sessions: Anti virus software performing automatic updates Power management software on laptops warning of low battery levels Screen savers and sleep mode E mail with auto message notification Calendar applications with notifications, such as Google Calendar Pop up blockers Set automatic updates (itunes) For additional details on PARCC firewall and content filter instructions by device, see the Full Technology Specifications for 2014 PARCC Field Test Participation at test technology PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide April

15 Note: Chromebooks and ipads SystemCheck cannot be launched on ipads and Chromebooks. If you plan to use Chromebooks or ipads for the Field Test administration, you will need to download a device specific TestNav application to run PARCC assessments that are currently available through the Google Chrome store or Apple itunes store. For testing environments that use these devices, an Infrastructure Trial can be conducted using the secure TestNav app. Instructions on setting up and managing ipad and Chromebook devices are available at: Emerging Technologies Training Module Using TestNav on a Chromebook Using TestNav on an ipad The following Steps (3 and 4) are only required for those using Proctor Caching. Please complete the actions listed below if using Proctor Caching, if not, please proceed to Section 3.2 Preliminary System Test. 3. Download and install Proctor Caching software Although it is not required, Pearson strongly recommends installing and using proctor caching to locally deliver test content for computer based assessments. Proctor Caching software is loaded by the school on to a designated device other than a testing device, which acts as a local server that delivers secure testing content to student test taking devices. Proctor Caching does not require a server class operating system or hardware, and can run on any device on the network that meets the minimum requirements for proctor caching ml. The Proctor Caching software can be downloaded from the Technology Information tab on the PearsonAccess resources page at A training module and guide is also available to describe installation and use of proctor caching. Proctor Caching software is free and does not require secure login access to download. Once installed, the Proctor Caching software includes access to a diagnostic monitoring web page to assist district personnel with visibility to the status of cached content and monitoring caching connections from testing workstations. In your browser, type address>:4480 and hit Enter to view the Proctor Caching interface. You will see three tabs. The Home tab provides an at a glance view. Select the Contents tab for information about test content and caching status. Select the Client List tab to monitor client connectivity. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide April

16 4. Configure TestNav for Proctor Caching (If applicable) If you are proctor caching, this configuration will notify TestNav where to access test content from the Proctor Caching machine during the testing window. If you choose to proctor cache, you may also change the default save location for encrypted backup files for TestNav. The Configure TestNav menu can be selected from the homepage. It is used to access the configurations settings to set primary and secondary temporary student response save locations, and if applicable, set up a connection to your proctor caching workstations. To create a TestNav configuration for your organization, click on the New Configuration button. You will then need to follow these steps: 1. Fill in following fields: PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide April

17 a. Name for configuration 2. Select an organization a. Select the school/organization which will use this configuration 3. Configuration Details Fill in following fields a. Name for the caching machine b. Internal network IP address of the caching machine c. Port number for the caching machine (4480 for Pearson supplied proctor caching) Note: If you will be using a non Pearson supplied caching solution you will uncheck the box next to this computer uses Pearson supplied proctor caching software and make sure the port is the correct port for the caching solution you will be using. d. Next, you will set the Save Locations for the students encrypted backup files for Windows or Mac workstations. You may use the Pearson default locations (i.e., the Pearson folder in the user s home directory). Pearson recommends that a secondary save location be designated when possible for redundancy. Note: If you wish to set custom locations for the Primary location, uncheck the Use Default Location checkbox and enter the path for the custom location. Students will need to have appropriate read and write permissions to access the designated save locations. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide April

18 4. Click Continue to complete the configuration. See the Technology Setup training and the Configure TestNav and Proctor Caching Training at In addition the TestNav Users Guide includes additional information and scenario descriptions at 5. Cache test content Proctor Caching is completed at the session level on the Session Details screen. Click on Proctor Caching to download test content to the proctor caching machine. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide April

19 See the How to Proctor Cache a Test Session Training at In addition the TestNav Users Guide includes additional information and scenario descriptions at Preliminary System Test Prior to students taking part in the Infrastructure Trial, School Technology Staff should perform a Preliminary System Test. The Preliminary System Test is an informal, small scale Infrastructure Trial that is recommend to help ensure systems are setup and in place before student participation. Technology Staff should work with the Test Coordinators to follow the steps in Sections 4.0 and 5.0 to create sample students and a test session. Then, Technology Staff will log in to several computers to ensure cached test content is delivered to TestNav. This process is designed to help ensure a successful full scale Infrastructure Trial. 3.3 Conducting an Infrastructure Trial The following section describes the roles and responsibilities of the Technology Staff during the Infrastructure Trial. As a reminder, in order to complete set up, the test administrator will need to follow the steps in Sections 4.0 and 5.0 to create sample students and a test session. The detailed steps for conducting the Infrastructure Trial are provided in section 6.2 Conduct an Infrastructure Trial at a School. 1. Ensure proctor caching software is running (if applicable) In your browser, type address>:4480 and hit Enter to view the proctor caching interface. You will see three tabs. The Home tab provides an at a glance view. Select the Contents tab for information about test content and caching status. Select the Client List tab to monitor client connectivity. 2. Monitor Network Performance for slowdowns or ISP bandwidth usage If using a wireless connection, monitor the connections and verify that access point placement is sufficient for testing Provide technology support to LEA/district test coordinators and test administrators 3.4 After Conducting the Infrastructure Trial The following section describes the roles and responsibilities of the Technology Staff after conducting the Infrastructure Trial. 1. Purge cached test content (if applicable) In your browser, type address>:4480 and hit Enter to view the proctor caching interface. You will see three tabs. The Home tab provides an at a glance view. Select the Contents tab for information about test content and caching status. Select the Content tab to PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide April

20 select content to purge. To delete and reload test content, the Proctor Caching diagnostics page requires a password. The password is t35t1n6. 2. Conduct follow up on any identified issues Following the Infrastructure Trial, there may be things that require follow up and resolution prior to the Field Test administration. Observations from monitoring, as well as feedback from test administrators, LEA/School test coordinators, and students, should be used to conduct the follow up. Pearson customer support is available as needed for support and the detailed technical manuals are available at PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide April

21 4.0 Creating Sample Students LEA/District Tasks in this section will be performed by: School Test Coordinator Because the purpose of an Infrastructure Trial is to test LEA and school infrastructure, real student data will not be used. The Training Center provides a simple means of creating sample students that can be used for an Infrastructure Trial. Sample students must be created before setting up an Infrastructure Trial session. This section will go over the process by which sample students will be created and managed for an Infrastructure Trial. 4.1 Create Sample Students Sample students must be created within the Training Center in order to administer an Infrastructure Trial. You must be signed in as a school level user to access the Create Sample Students wizard. The number of sample students to be created should be based on the maximum number of testing devices that will be used concurrently during testing. Create at least 10% additional sample students so you will have extra student authorization tickets in the event of any login complications. Each ticket is valid for one login attempt, unless the student is resumed in PearsonAccess. To create sample students within the Training Center: 1. Log in to the Training Center ( 2. On the home page, click Create Students. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide April

22 3. You should see your school listed under the Organization drop down menu. Click Next. 4. Next, you must designate a class name (create a new class or select an existing class from the drop down list), Grades (3 5, 6 8, High School), Test Name (PARCC Infrastructure Trial), and the Number of Students you would like to create. Up to 99 sample students can be created at a time. 5. Select the appropriate grade/test combination. Note: only the following grade/tests should be used for infrastructure trial. Not all grade levels are available to select, but the grade level selected is not captured or passed on, so any grade level can be selected. Options are currently 3, 5, 7, 8, For the Test Name, please select the appropriate test that you would like to use to conduct the infrastructure trial. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide April

23 7. Click Create Students. 8. The next screen will prompt you to continue with creating students. Click Yes Create Students to continue, or No Cancel Create to cancel 9. A confirmation screen will appear once the sample students have been created Repeat the steps above until you have created sample students for the number of testing devices that will be tested concurrently, plus at least 10% additional sample students. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide April

24 5.0 Creating a Test Session LEA/District 5.1 Create a Sample Test Session Tasks in this section will be performed by: School Test Coordinator After sample students have been created, sample Test Sessions should be created to administer an Infrastructure Trial. For an Infrastructure Trial, it is recommended that you setup a session for each testing lab/class. IMPORTANT: If using proctor caching, the proctor caching machine must be configured for TestNav prior to creating a test session. To configure TestNav, please work with your Technology Coordinator to complete the tasks in section 3.1 Setting up an Infrastructure Trial through 3.4 Configure TestNav. Note: Any field in PearsonAccess with an arrow next to it allows the option to filter by that field. A red arrow could also mean a required field. To create a sample test session: 1. In the Training Center, go to the Test Management tab and click Manage Test Sessions. 2. Click New Session. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide April

25 3. Enter the Session Name. Then select the School, Test to be Administered, Default Form Group Type ( Main ), and Scheduled Start Date. Scheduled Start Time and Location/Room are not required fields but it is recommended to complete both. Note: The Scheduled Start Date and Scheduled Start Time for a session is intended primarily for planning purposes, it is not enforced. A test session will not be started until you click Start on the Session Details screen, regardless of the scheduled start date and time. 4. Students can be added to a session by selecting an entire class at once or selecting individual students. To add students by class, select the View By: Classes button and check the box next to the class containing the sample students you would like to add to the session. Then click Add to Session. 5. Click Save to create the session. A confirmation page will be displayed once the session has been created. 5.2 Add Additional Sample Students to a Session 1. In the Training Center, go to the Test Management tab and click Manage Test Sessions. 2. Click the session name. The Session Details screen will be displayed. This is the primary location for all test management activities. 3. To add students to a session, click Add Students. 4. Students can be added by selecting an entire class at once or selecting individual students. To add students by class, select the View By: Classes button and check the box next to the class containing the sample students you would like to add to the session. Then click Add to Session. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide April

26 5.3 Print Authorization Tickets Authorization tickets include a Login ID and Password for each individual sample student. This information is necessary in order to log in to a test for the Infrastructure Trial. 1. In the PARCC PearsonAccess Training Center, go to the Test Management tab and click Manage Test Sessions. 2. Click the session name to go to the Session Details screen for that test session. 3. To print authorization tickets, click on Authorizations > Student Authorizations and then select the format in which you would like to download the tickets. The authorization tickets can be downloaded in three different formats: Detail View, Grid View, and List View. a. Detail View only shows one authorization ticket per page. b. Grid View shows six authorization tickets per page in a three row/two column layout. c. List View displays ten authorization tickets per page separated horizontally. 4. Once you have selected the file format you want, open it and print the authorization tickets. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide April

27 6.0 Conducting a Test Session LEA/District 6.1 Start a Test Session Tasks in this section will be performed by: School Test Coordinator The session must be started before sample students are able to log in to the Infrastructure Trial. 1. In the PARCC PearsonAccess Training Center, go to the Test Management tab and click Manage Test Sessions. 2. Click the session name to go to the Session Details screen for that test session. 3. Click Start in the top left corner of the Session Details screen. 4. A confirmation screen will appear. Click Yes Start Session to start the session or No Cancel if you don t want to start the session yet. 5. A confirmation page will be displayed once the session has been started successfully. 6.2 Conduct an Infrastructure Trial at a School Your School Test Coordinator will provide you with a schedule and instructions for administering the Infrastructure Trial forms. It will take approximately 30 minutes to administer and review the items. 1. Prepare Testing Devices Launch TestNav on all testing devices by accessing Note: As described in section 3.1 Setting Up for an Infrastructure Trial, ensure that all software applications, including Internet browsers, are closed on all student workstations before this test begins. 2. Direct Test Administrators and Students Direct Test Administrators to their assigned computer lab or other testing location. Direct students to their assigned computer lab or other testing location. 3. Distribute Authorization Tickets After students are seated, read the appropriate administration script and distribute test authorization tickets when instructed to do so. Ensure that each student has headphones. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide April

28 4. Read Script Test Administrators are required to adhere to the scripts provided in this manual (Appendix C) for administering the Infrastructure Trial. You may repeat any part of these directions as many times as needed while you are delivering the script, but you may not modify or paraphrase the wording. Use your professional judgment in responding to student questions that arise during the testing session. Remember that you may not answer student questions about the test items or assist students in responding to test items. Read word forword all text that is boxed and printed in bold type and preceded by the word Say. Text that appears outside the boxes in regular type or italics should not be read aloud to the students. 5. Conduct Test Session The Script provides instructions for students to log in to TestNav, and concludes with instructions for students to Start Test Now, this marks the beginning of the Test Session. The students will be given 30 minutes to complete the practice test or tutorial as part of this test session. 6. Supervise Test Administration During each test session, circulate around the room and check to see that students are recording their answers in the correct session of the computer based testing environment. 6.3 Monitor Sessions Once a session has been started, there are a number of actions that may need to be carried out in order to complete the Infrastructure Trial. These actions include resuming sample students, resuming sample students with saved responses, and marking tests complete. The Test Administrator should have their own device to perform these actions. The following table lists the statuses that may appear for a student in the Session Details and a description of what each status indicates. Status Ready Active Exited Completed Marked Complete Resumed Student Status Key Description The student has not logged in to the session yet, but is ready to log in. The student is currently in the test. The student has exited the session, but has not submitted his or her responses yet. Students in Exited status will need to be resumed by a Test Administrator to re enter the test. The student has completed the test and has successfully submitted his or her responses. The student s test has been marked complete by the Test Administrator rather than being submitted through TestNav. The student is ready to log back in to the session. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide April

29 Resumed Upload The student is ready to log back in to the session and some responses were not sent to Pearson servers before exiting. Students will be prompted to have saved responses uploaded before resuming the test. If a student logs out of the session at any point before the test is completed, the student will need to be Resumed before the student can log in again. Before a session can be stopped, all students within the session must be either in Completed or Marked Complete status. The following image reflects the screen to mark a student s test complete if they are unable to complete the test. 6.4 To Resume a Student 1. To resume a sample student, go to the session page and check the box next to the Student Name that needs to be resumed. Then click Resume Test. 2. After Resume Test is clicked, a confirmation page will display. Click Yes Resume Tests to resume the sample student or No Cancel if you don t want to resume the student yet. 3. Another confirmation page will be displayed once the student has been successfully resumed. 4. Go back to the session page. The student s status will now show Resumed and the sample student will now be able to log back in to the session. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide April

30 6.5 Closing the Infrastructure Trial Once an Infrastructure Trial has been completed, the Infrastructure Trial session can be stopped. 6.6 Stop a Session 1. Before a session can be stopped, all students within the session must be either in Completed or Marked Complete status. You may also need to remove any Ready students from the session. a. To remove Ready students from a test session: 1) Go to the Session Details screen and check the box beside the student to be removed. 2) Click Remove 3) Click Yes Remove Students and a confirmation page will be displayed. b. To mark a student s test complete: 1) Go to the Session Details screen and check the box beside the student to be marked complete. These students will be in Exited status. 2) Click Mark Test Complete 3) A confirmation page will be displayed and the student s status will now show Marked Complete. 2. To stop the session, click Stop in the top left corner of the session page. After Stop is clicked, a confirmation page will display. Click Yes Stop Session to stop the session or No Cancel if you don t want to stop the session. 3. Another confirmation page will be displayed once the session has been stopped successfully. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide April

31 7.0 Follow Up Tasks in this section will be performed by: All Staff Once your Infrastructure Trial has been completed, the computer based testing team at the school should review all notes from the Infrastructure Trial. Follow up steps include: 1. Contact the PARCC Support Center on any specific technology issues. a. If assistance is needed at any point during your Infrastructure Trial, contact the PARCC Support Center at or b. Make sure that you are prepared to answer all relevant questions listed below so that PARCC Support can assist you effectively and efficiently. 2. Share any notes regarding need for support with the LEA computer based testing team. 3. If requested, confirm with LEA/SEA that schools have completed the trial successfully. 4. Report any issues that cannot be resolved with assistance from Pearson to the LEA. 5. Report any comments that will help in designing future Infrastructure Trials or improving the administration of the test to LEAs and to PARCC via the following survey: 6. LEAs should contact your State PARCC Field Test Lead with feedback and/or concerns regarding software or hardware issues. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide April

32 Appendix A: Technology Quick Guide Infrastructure Trial Preparing for an Infrastructure Trial Configure internet firewalls, content filters, and spam filters If applicable, download and install Proctor Caching software (For more information about Proctor Caching, see the Proctor Caching User Guide available at Run the SystemCheck Tool (For more information about the SystemCheck, see the SystemCheck User s Guide available at Note: If Proctor Caching, this should be done before Proctor Caching software is installed to check device readiness and then after the Proctor Caching software has been installed to check testing capacity. Configure browser settings to cache test content Verify that Proctor Caching and TestNav are communicating If applicable, load and configure the appropriate app for ipad or Chromebooks (see directions at Assist the Test Coordinators and Administrators to configure test sessions If applicable, cache content on non testing computer and specify the Proctor Caching computer Perform a small scale, Preliminary System Trial by School Technology Staff WITHOUT student participation PRIOR to the Infrastructure Trial Conducting an Infrastructure Trial Ensure Proctor Caching software is running Monitor network performance for slowdowns or ISP bandwidth usage If using a wireless connection, monitor the connections and verify access point placement is sufficient for testing Monitor Infrastructure Trial in order to provide feedback to your LEA and/or PARCC Provide technology support to LEA/District Test Coordinators and Test Administrators After Conducting an Infrastructure Trial Purge test content (This is not required for the Infrastructure Trial) Conduct follow up on any identified issues Evaluate overall results and repeat the Infrastructure Trial as necessary to resolve issues Provide feedback using the Infrastructure Trial survey PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide April

33 Appendix B: LEA/District and School Test Coordinator Quick Guide Infrastructure Trial* *Steps can vary by role based on how roles/responsibilities are assigned for your LEA/school. Preparing for an Infrastructure Trial Read the PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide Spring 2014 Complete the Training Modules (see the Training Resources for the Technical Coordinators or Training Resources for Test Coordinators/Administrators) Read and review all appropriate manuals and user guides (see the Guides and Manuals for Tech Prep Week) View the Kickoff and Q&A Webinar from March 10th on PearsonAccess Secure Site > Support > Training, which reviews the step by step process for the Infrastructure Trial Confirm that all Test Coordinators, Test Administrators, Technology Coordinators and staff members participating in the Tech Prep Week have completed the appropriate district and PARCC Training (see Training Resources for Technical Coordinators or Training Resources for Test Coordinators/Administrators) Confirm that all Test Coordinators, Test Administrators, Technology Coordinators and staff members participating in the Tech Prep Week have read all appropriate manuals and user guides (see Guides and Manuals for Tech Prep Week) Provide the URL for the PearsonAccess Training Center to all Test Coordinators, Test Administrators and Technology Coordinators which is: Confirm that staff participants have received user IDs, passwords and appropriate permissions to the Training Center Develop a Tech Prep Week communication plan/schedule for each test school/location Create Sample Student(s) in the Training Center for the Infrastructure Trial Create Test Session(s) in the Training Center for the Infrastructure Trial Work with the Technology Coordinator to create Test Session(s), if needed Print Student Authorization Tickets Distribute the Student Authorization Tickets after the student are seated at a testing computer for the Infrastructure Trial Start Test Session(s) in the Training Center for the Infrastructure Trial Conducting an Infrastructure Trial Provide guidance/support to Test Administrators as needed Direct Test Administrators to their assigned computer lab Direct Students to their assigned computer lab Monitor and manage the test sessions PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide April

34 Monitor the Infrastructure Trial in order to provide any feedback to your LEA and/or PARCC After Conducting an Infrastructure Trial Conduct a Lessons Learned meeting to document any challenges or concerns Provide Infrastructure Trial feedback via Survey Monkey at: Provide feedback or concerns regarding software or hardware issues to State PARCC Field Test Lead PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide April

35 Appendix C: Infrastructure Trial Test Administrator Script The Infrastructure Trial is an important opportunity for LEAs, schools, and students to prepare for computer based PARCC Field Test administration. The tutorials will help to familiarize you and your students with the computer based testing tools and the process for using the navigation and tools within TestNav and responding to different item types on the computer. Practice tests provide you and your students with an opportunity to become familiar with PARCC test items. Read only the bold instructions in each Say box to students. Text that is outside the Say boxes and unbolded text are directions for Test Administrators to follow and should not be read to students. When students arrive, the TestNav log in screen should appear on all testing device screens. Say Today, you are going to take a test. This test introduces you to the tools and the format of the computer based test questions. Please sit quietly while I distribute Student Authorization Tickets and headphones. Do NOT log in until I tell you to do so. Distribute Student Authorization Tickets. Say Now, look at your Student Authorization Ticket. Type your Username exactly as shown on your Student Authorization Ticket. (Pause.) PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide April