Fall Infrastructure t Trial Readiness Guide Version 3.0

Transcription

1 Infrastructure t Trial Readiness Guide Version 3.0 Fall 2015 PARCC Test Administration English Language Arts/Literacy and Mathematics Performance Based Assessment (PBA) and End of Year Assessment (EOY) PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide Fall

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 October 2014 Version 2.0 Updated for 2014 Assessments December 2014 Version 2.1 Edited language re: Testing Tickets July 2015 Version 3.0 Updated for Fall 2015 Assessments 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 Fall

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 next Training site Log in to the PearsonAccess next Training site 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 Student Testing Tickets Conducting a Test Session Start a Test Session Conduct an Infrastructure Trial at a School Monitor Sessions To Resume Students Closing the Infrastructure Trial Stop a Session Follow-Up Appendix A: Technology 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 PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide Fall

4 Glossary of Important Terms PearsonAccess next is the website used for the registration, setup, preparation, and management of both the computer based and paper based formats of the PARCC Test. PearsonAccess next is a secure site for PARCC 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 Test is available in the PearsonAccess next User Guide. This online guide is available at setup/ and in the secure Support section of PearsonAccess next. The PearsonAccess next Training site 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 next Training site is a secure site for PARCC Test participants. It requires a username and password setup and is available at Proctor Caching software will be available to all PARCC schools as part of the Pearson TestNav 8 delivery platform. Precaching is the process of loading or caching test content locally to a designated proctor caching computer at a school. Precaching reduces test delays from 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 ( Precaching using Pearson s Proctor Caching software is recommended for the computer based PARCC Test. TestNav is the online testing platform used by students to take the computer based PARCC Assessments. Additional information regarding technology requirements and setup instructions can be found in the TestNav 8 User Guide at setup/. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide Fall

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 training/ 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 next Training Site This section discusses the PARCC PearsonAccess next Training site. 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 next Training site for an Infrastructure Trial. 5.0 Creating a Test Session 1 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 Testing Tickets and instructions about starting, monitoring, and stopping sessions in PARCC PearsonAccess next 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 Appendix G provide a detailed list of Training Resources for Technology Coordinators and Test Administrators. This includes the name, description, and location of all applicable guides and manuals referenced throughout this guide. 1 1 In PearsonAccess next, a session is the group of students registered to test a content area together (same time and location). Each content area of the PARCC assessments is comprised of units. Each unit has a set administration time within a session and is typically administered all at once. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide Fall

6 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 Test by simulating test day network utilization. This will help to identify any school or LEA issues, and to 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 practice online test content. Unlike a live assessment, you will not use real student information; instead you will create sample students in the PearsonAccess next Training site. The Training Site is located at Select PARCC Training, or your state specific Training Site, from the drop down menu. Student responses are neither captured, nor saved when students 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 can 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 site for an Infrastructure Trial. Once your network is configured, your devices are set up and tested to run TestNav, staff are trained, and sessions and sample students are created, the Infrastructure Trial should take approximately 60 minutes to administer. Depending on the size of your Infrastructure Trial, it may take 1 2 weeks for setup Schools are encouraged to provide feedback to their LEAs regarding the Infrastructure Trial. LEAs should contact your State PARCC 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 setup/. Why Administer an Infrastructure Trial? Conducting an Infrastructure Trial provides the school with a scheduled opportunity to practice administering a test in a low stakes environment that can help identify possible problems and avoid delays during operational administration of the PARCC Assessments. With the exception of creating sample student data and configuring TestNav in the PearsonAccess next Training site, many activities that are part of the Infrastructure Trial are already required for administering PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide Fall

7 the PARCC Test. For Example, the same installation of Proctor Caching should be used for both the Infrastructure Trial and the operational environment used for the PARCC Test. Working through an Infrastructure Trial may also help identify gaps in technology, communication, and training that need to be addressed to prepare for PARCC Assessments. Pearson recommends that you run an Infrastructure Trial for each test administration (Fall Block and Spring Block), making sure to use the same versions of Proctor Caching software and TestNav that will be used for the upcoming testing window. Who should be involved? You should involve all LEAs and school personnel responsible for participating in a computerbased assessment. The Trial provides the opportunity to collectively evaluate the test environment and to identify and resolve potential issues prior to the PARCC Test. For example, you would want to include: Test Coordinators Test Administrators LEA and school Technology Coordinators Students When should I conduct an Infrastructure Trial? 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 Test Lead. Where do I start? The Infrastructure Trial is conducted using the PearsonAccess next Training site at Select the PARCC Training Site, or your state specific Training Site, from the drop down menu. You should first check with your LEA to see if the Infrastructure Trial will be performed at 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 next Training site with appropriate user role(s) assigned. Note: Users given access to the training site will also need to be created in the operational site. To add users, go to Setup > Manage Users > Create and Edit User Accounts in PearsonAccess next. Refer to the PearsonAccess next User Guide for more information about establishing logins for school staff. This document is available at setup/. 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 Fall

8 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 an LEA test coordinator, you need to make sure that you establish communication with your technology staff early, both before testing is scheduled and during the testing window. Test Coordinators will be the primary recipients of broadcast s that will provide important information about computer based testing, including when tests will be available for proctor caching. 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 Note: To avoid causing any loss of data, when in doubt, the Technology Coordinator (when available) should 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. You should select the maximum number of students you expect to be testing at the same time so that your Trial approximates the actual anticipated load on your network. Recruit individuals to serve as Test Administrators Train all staff involved in the Infrastructure Trial Designate appropriate testing sites 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 PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide Fall

9 Practice tests are available at the PearsonAccess next Training site and are recommended to be used for the Infrastructure Trial. Once Test Sessions are created and the technology set up is completed, schools will need approximately 60 minutes to administer the Infrastructure Trial per class/group of students. Administration durations may vary depending on whether or not a tutorial or practice test is chosen. 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 tests/. 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 Note: The Infrastructure Trial can only be conducted in the PearsonAccess next Training Site. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide Fall

10 2.0 PearsonAccess next Training site Tasks in this section will be performed by: LEA/District School Test Coordinator Technology Staff The PARCC PearsonAccess next Training site must be used to set up and administer the Infrastructure Trial. Within the PARCC PearsonAccess next Training site, you can create sample students, assign the Infrastructure Trial test to sample students, create sample test sessions, and add students to these test sessions. A test session in PearsonAccess next is an assessment containing certain units. The PARCC PearsonAccess next Training site is also used to monitor sessions during the Infrastructure Trial. Because most of the setup for computer based testing occurs at the school level, the instructions in sections 2.0 and 3.0 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 LEA Test Coordinator. Note: Work with your Technology Coordinator or school technology staff to disable pop up blocking software for the PearsonAccess next website. For information on how to manage pop up blockers, go to setup. 2.1 Log in to the PearsonAccess next Training site The LEA Test Coordinator will be responsible for creating an account for the School Test Coordinator) in the Training site. 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. You will need your PearsonAccess next Training site 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 site, go to 5. Then click the PearsonAccess next button and select Training from the menu in order to sign in to the PearsonAccess next Training site. 6. Read the Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions of Use, then click Accept. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide Fall

11 To reset your password (if needed) 1. Go to Then click Forgot Password and select Training from the menu. 2. Enter your username (which is your address) and then click Request Password Reset. Log in again The next time you log in, use the following log in procedure: 1. Go to 2. Then click the PearsonAccess next button and select Training from the menu in order to sign in to the PearsonAccess next Training site 3. Click Sign In. 4. Enter your username and password, and then click Sign In. Locked Accounts 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. If locked, use the Forgot Password option on the home screen. For additional information regarding PearsonAccess next, including how to create user accounts, please refer to the PearsonAccess next User Guide located in the Technology Setup tab on the PARCC web page at setup. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide Fall

12 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 to conduct the trial. 1. 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 *.pearsontestcontent.com Allow javaw.exe to communicate Set browsers to allow pop ups Allow local file access to home directory Next, configure the common applications listed below NOT to 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) Windows Accelerator Microsoft OSX Three finger tap gesture on MacBook For additional details on PARCC firewall and content filter instructions by device, see the Full Technology Specifications test participation at PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide Fall

13 2. Run the SystemCheck Tool Next, use the SystemCheck for TestNav tool to verify device and network readiness, including bandwidth. 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. It should be run to verify bandwidth, network readiness, and device readiness. To access guides and training modules for SystemCheck, go to the resources tab at setup/ 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 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 single computer for each administration unless changes are made to the operating system or Java. To run SystemCheck, visit setup/. a. Select PARCC SystemCheck from the SystemCheck drop down. b. Click Start to begin the check. c. Select Check Your System tab. d. Click Start to perform checks. 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. a. Select the Testing Capacity tab. b. Click Start to view the results of the test. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide

14 c. If you are using Proctor Caching, follow step 3, below, to download and install Proctor Caching software. 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 test participation at Note: Androids, Chromebooks and ipads SystemCheck can be launched on ipads, Chromebooks, and Androids, but it will only launch in an internet browser on those devices, and it will only verify that the operating system version is compatible with TestNav. The Testing Capacity tab is not currently available on these devices. If you plan to use ipads, Chromebooks, or Androids for the Test administration, you will need to download a device specific TestNav application to run PARCC assessments. The TestNav Apps are available through the Apple App Store (ipads), the Google Chrome Web Store (Chromebooks), and Google Play (Androids). 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, Chromebook, and Android devices are available at: Note: TestNav Desktop App A TestNav Desktop App is has been developed for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux Operating Systems. TestNav Desktop is an optional solution for Windows and MAC OS X but required for Linux. The supported versions of Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Safari internet browsers can still be used for the Infrastructure Trial. Details regarding the TestNav Desktop App can be found at: 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 PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide

15 loaded by the school on to a designated device, not a testing device, which acts as a local server to deliver 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. The Proctor Caching software can be downloaded from the Technology Setup tab on the PearsonAccess next resources page at setup/. A user 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 provides access to a diagnostic monitoring web page which allows school personnel (if caching at the school level) and district personnel (if caching at the district level) to view the status of cached content and to monitor 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: Tests, Clients and Help. Select the Tests tab for information about test content and caching status. Select the Clients tab to monitor client connectivity. 4. Configure TestNav for Precaching Content If you are precaching test content, this configuration will notify TestNav where to access test content from the precaching machine during the testing window. If you choose to precache, you may also change the default save location for encrypted backup files for TestNav. To configure TestNav, select TestNav Configurations from the Setup menu on the PearsonAccess next homepage. It is used to access the configurations settings to set primary and secondary temporary student response save locations, and if applicable, to set up a connection to your precaching workstations. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide

16 To create a TestNav configuration for your organization, click on the Create/Edit Configurations from the Select Tasks dropdown; click Start to launch the configuration. You will then need to follow these steps: 1. Complete Details Fields a. Enter a Configuration Name b. Select the school/organization which will use this configuration from the Organizations drop down menu PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide

17 2. Default Precaching Computer Configuration a. Fill in the following fields: Computer Name for the caching machine Internal network IP address of the caching machine Port number for the caching machine (4480 for Pearson supplied Precaching Software) If you will be using a non Pearson supplied caching solution you will check the box next to Uses Pearson Precaching Software and make sure the port is the correct port for the caching solution you will be using. Next, you will set the Response File Backup 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). When possible, Pearson recommends that a secondary save location be designated. Click Create to complete the configuration. The Success green status message will appear, acknowledging that your configuration has been added. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide

18 3. From the Create/Edit Configurations Details screen you can edit configuration name, add additional organizations, edit settings, add precaching computers to the configuration, and test connection to the precaching computers. Click Save when finished updating information; Click Exit Tasks button to return to TestNav Configurations screen. Precaching Content Precaching can only be completed after students and test sessions have been created. For a step by step guide to creating test sessions, see Section 5. The simplest way for Technology Coordinators to proctor cache test content is to use the Precache By Test function in PearsonAccess next. Under Setup, select Precache By Test PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide

19 Next select one or more tests to cache and the Precache servers you are using. Click Precache. A confirmation message will open to confirm the caching computer you are precaching test content to. Click Precache. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide

20 A new window with the proctor caching diagnostic screen will open with the status. You can also precache sessions by using the Students in Sessions screen. Choose Students in Sessions under the Testing tab. Select a session in the Session List. From here, it will allow you to proctor cache the session by clicking the Update Cache button. A popup window appears outlining precaching information. Click the Precache button to initiate the caching process. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide

21 For more information on how to Proctor Cache test content, reference the Proctor Caching and TestNav Configuration Training module at In addition, the TestNav Users Guide includes additional information at setup/. 3.2 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 participate. 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 four tabs: Tests, Clients, Settings, and Help. Select the Tests tab for information about test content and caching status. Select the Clients 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 PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide

22 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. From the Tests tab select the content to purge. To delete, reload or refresh test content, a password is required. The default 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 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 setup/. 4.0 Creating Sample Students LEA Test Coordinator 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 site 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 describes the process by which sample students are created and managed for an Infrastructure Trial. 4.1 Create Sample Students Sample students must be created within the Training site in order to administer an Infrastructure Trial. 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 testing tickets in the event PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide

23 of any login complications. Each ticket is valid for one login attempt, unless the student is resumed in PearsonAccess next. Note: The Infrastructure Trial can only be conducted in the Training site. To create sample students within the Training site: 1. Log in to the Training site 2. On the home page, click Setup; select Students from menu. 3. Next, select Generate Sample Students from Tasks menu; click Start to continue. 4. You will need to complete these fields: Organization: Select your school/organization. Class: Add an Existing Class Name or you may choose to create a new class. Classes are useful for adding large numbers of students to a session at once. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide

24 Grade Level When Assessed Test: Select one of the Practice Tests available from the pull down menu. Test Format: Select Online for this option. Number Of Students: Input a number between 1 through Click Generate. 6. A confirmation screen will appear once the sample students have been created. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide

25 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. 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. A Test Session in PearsonAccess next is an assessment comprised of multiple units in a content area test (e.g., English Language Arts/Literature; Mathematics). IMPORTANT: If precaching test content, the Precaching Computer must be defined within the school or district s TestNav Configuration in PearsonAccess next. 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. To create a sample test session: 1. In the Training site, go to the Testing tab and click Sessions. 2. From the Select Tasks pull down menu select Create/Edit Sessions and click Start. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide

26 3. Complete the test session details by entering the Session Name and selecting the Organization (School or District) from dropdown menu. 4. Next, complete the Test & Form section. Select Test Assigned and choose the appropriate Practice Test from the dropdown. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide

27 5. Form Group Type to be set to Main. 6. If precaching select the Precaching Computer from drop down menu. The menu includes caching computers configured in the 3.4 Configure TestNav steps. 7. Then, enter Scheduled Start Date in Scheduling section. 8. Scheduled Start Time and Lab Location are not required fields, but it is recommended to complete both. Note: The Scheduled Start Date and Scheduled Start Time for a session are 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. 9. Finally, under Students add the students assigned to this session and click Create.. A confirmation message will be displayed once the session has been successfully created. Note: you can add individual students by name or ID association or in bulk using the class option. To add students by class, select the Find by Class button and select the class containing the sample students you would like to add to the session. 5.2 Add Additional Sample Students to an Already Created Session If students were not added when the session was created, you can add them at a later time. 1. In the Training site, go to the Testing tab and click Students in Sessions. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide

28 2. Select the session name from the Session List. Multiple sessions can be selected. 3. Then select Add Students to Sessions from task menu. Click Start. 4. To add students to a session, use Find available students. 5. Students can be added by selecting an entire class or selecting individual students. To add students by class, select the By Class button and select the class you wish to add to the session. Then click Add. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide

29 5.3 Print Student Testing Tickets Testing 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 next Training site, go to the Testing tab and click Students in Sessions. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide

30 2. From the Session List, add Session name. The Session Details screen will appear. 3. To print Student Testing Tickets, click on Download Resources > Student Testing Tickets. 4. Tickets open in new browser window. Right click for print option. 6.0 Conducting a Test Session LEA Test Coordinator 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 next Training site, go to the Testing tab and click Students in Sessions. 2. Click the session name from the Session List. The Session Details screen will appear for the test session selected. If multiple sessions are selected, the option to Combine View appears. 3. Click the green Start in the Session Details screen. If multiple sessions are selected and are combined, there is an option to start all sessions. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide

31 4. After beginning the session, the green Start button will become a red Stop button. 6.2 Conduct an Infrastructure Trial at a School Your School Test Coordinator will provide Test Administrators 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 or Double click the TestNav shortcut if you are using TestNav Desktop 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 testing devices before this test begins. Commented [CT1]: Need to add an option to launch TestNav Desktop 2. Direct Test Administrators and Students to testing locations Direct Test Administrators and students to their assigned computer lab or other testing location. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide

32 3. Distribute Student Testing Tickets After students are seated, read the appropriate administration script and distribute testing tickets when instructed to do so. Ensure that each student has headphones. 4. Read Infrastructure Trial Script Test Administrators are advised 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, 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 on which to perform these actions. Please refer to the Training for Test Administrators and PearsonAccess next User Guide in the appendix for information on using PearsonAccess next. 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 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. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide

33 Completed Marked Complete Resumed Resumed Upload 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. The student is ready to log back in to the session and some responses were not sent to Pearson servers before exiting. When the student logs on to a Resumed Upload test, a staff member needs to be present to navigate to the saved responses to be uploaded to the student testing device 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. 6.4 To Resume Students 1. To resume more than one sample student, go to Testing> Students in Session page. Be sure the session is selected within Session List. Check the box next to the Student Name(s) that needs to be resumed. Select Resume Student Tests from the task menu. Then click Start. 2. Click Resume PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide

34 3. After Resume is clicked, a message will display stating Success, changes saved. Click Exit Tasks to return to Students in Session screen. 4. The student resumed will now show Resumed status. To resume one student at a time click on the arrow next to their Exited status and select Resume. The student status will update to Resumed. Closing the Infrastructure Trial 6.5 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(s) to be removed. 2) Select Remove Students from Sessions from tasks menu and click Start. 3) Click Remove, a message will display stating Success, changes saved will appear if student is successfully removed. Click Exit Tasks to return to Students in Session screen. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide

35 4) The student is removed from session list. 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. 2) Select Mark Student Tests Complete from task menu. Then click Start. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide

36 3) Enter reason for marking student(s) complete. Finally, click Mark Complete 4) After Mark Complete is clicked, a Message will display stating Success, changes saved. Click Exit Tasks to return to Students in Session screen. 5) The student marked complete will now show Completed status. 2. To stop the session, click Stop on the Students in Session screen. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide

37 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 2. Share any notes regarding need for support with the LEA computer based testing team. 3. If requested, confirm with LEA that schools have completed the trial successfully. 4. Report any issues that cannot be resolved with assistance from Pearson to the LEA. 5. LEAs should contact your State PARCC Test Lead with feedback and/or concerns regarding software or hardware issues. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide Fall

38 Appendix A: Technology Quick Guide Infrastructure Trial Preparing for an Infrastructure Trial Configure internet firewalls, content filters, and spam filters. It is highly recommended that users download and install Proctor Caching software (For more information about Proctor Caching, see the Proctor Caching User Guide available at setup/). Run the SystemCheck Tool (For more information about the SystemCheck, see the SystemCheck User s Guide available setup/) Note: The SystemCheck Tool should be used to check device readiness and testing capacity. If using Proctor Caching software, run the testing capacity check once Proctor Caching software is installed to validate the capacity of the Proctor Caching computer. Configure browser settings to cache test content. Verify that Proctor Caching and TestNav are communicating. If applicable, load and configure the appropriate app for ipads, Chromebooks, or Androids (see directions at setup/). Create enough sample students to replicate the maximum number of concurrently testing at any one time. Assist the Test Coordinators and Test Administrators to configure test sessions. If proctor caching, cache content on a non testing computer and specify that device as the precaching 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 to PARCC State Contact if necessary. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide

39 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. Complete the Training Modules ( training/). Read and review all appropriate manuals and user guides (see the Guides and Manuals for Tech Prep Week). 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 next Training site 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 site. Develop a Tech Prep Week communication plan/schedule for each test school/location. Work with the Technology Coordinator to create Test Configurations, if needed. Create Sample Student(s) in the Training site for the Infrastructure Trial. Create Test Session(s) in the Training site for the Infrastructure Trial. Print Student Testing Tickets. Distribute the Student Testing Tickets after the student are seated at a testing computer for the Infrastructure Trial. Start Test Session(s) in the Training site 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. Monitor the Infrastructure Trial in order to provide any feedback to your LEA and/or PARCC. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide