Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide Spring 2014 Field Test English Language Arts/Literacy and Mathematics Performance Based Assessment (PBA) and End of Year Assessment (EOY)
Document Version Revision Date Revision Summary (most recent first) January 17, 2014 Version 1.0 If assistance is needed at any point during your Infrastructure Trial, contact the PARCC Support Center at 888 493 9888 or PARCC@support.pearson.com. Copyright 2013 14, PARCC, Inc. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide 2
Table of Contents Glossary of Important Terms... 4 Infrastructure Trial Overview... 5 1.0 Create a Communication Plan and Schedule the Infrastructure Trial... 9 1.1 Create a Communication Plan... 9 2.0 Technology Setup... 11 2.1 Before the Infrastructure Trial... 11 2.2 During the Infrastructure Trial... 15 2.3 After the Infrastructure Trial... 15 2.4 Preliminary System Test... 15 3.0 PearsonAccess Training Center... 16 3.1 Log in to the PearsonAccess Training Center... 16 4.0 Create Sample Students... 18 4.1 Create Sample Students... 18 5.0 Session Management... 21 5.1 Create a Sample Test Session... 21 5.2 Add Additional Sample Students to a Session... 22 5.3 Print Authorization Tickets... 22 5.4 Configure Browser Settings for Caching Content and Caching Test Content... 23 5.5 Start a Session... 23 5.6 Conduct an Infrastructure Trial at a School... 24 5.7 Monitor Sessions... 25 5.8 After the Infrastructure Trial... 26 5.9 Stop a Session... 26 6.0 Follow-Up... 28 6.1 Contacting PARCC Support Center... 28 Appendix A: Technology Quick Guide Infrastructure Trial... 29 Appendix B: LEA/District and School Test Coordinator* Quick Guide Infrastructure Trial... 30 Appendix C: Infrastructure Trial Test Administrator Script... 31 Appendix D: Session Monitoring Form Infrastructure Trial... 33 PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide 3
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 http://parcc.pearson.com. 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 http://parcc.pearson.com/support. 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 http://parcc.pearson.com/trainingcenter. 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 on to a designated device other than a testing device, which acts as a local serve 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 student testing devices. Pre caching using Pearson s Proctor Caching software is recommended for the computer based 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 4
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 to determine any school or LEA issues and confirm all testing devices for PARCC testing can run the appropriate software. The Infrastructure Trial also provides an opportunity to introduce students to the online testing interface. Unlike a live assessment, you will not use real student information; instead sample students are created in the PearsonAccess Testing Site. Student responses are neither captured nor saved when they interact with the Sample Items and Tutorial that are part of the Infrastructure Trial process. Sample items are used and not secure. This is a dress rehearsal for confirmation 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 A successful Infrastructure Trial relies heavily on coordination and communication across the school stakeholders involved in the preparation and administration of the Infrastructure Trial. While PARCC has not established a formal method of measuring success in this process, Infrastructural Trials are an opportunity for LEA/District assessment, technology, and school personnel to identify objectives upfront and resolve any issues prior to the PARCC Field Test. Throughout this guide mechanisms will be described to monitor the process from an administrative and technology perspective. Prior to 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. The Infrastructure Trial should take approximately thirty minutes to administer. Schools are encouraged to provide any feedback on the Infrastructure Trial to LEAs. 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 http://parcc.pearson.com/support. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide 5
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. Infrastructure Trial benefits include: LEAs have the opportunity to work with sample test forms intended to match expected school bandwidth utilization during testing. Schools will create a similar testing environment (e.g., testing rooms, number of testing devices, appropriate switches and hubs, power supplies) that will be used for the PARCC Field Test. Schools will be able to manage the test sessions in the PearsonAccess Training Center and use tools (e.g., TestNav, System Check) provided by Pearson to determine network user capacity and bandwidth requirements. Schools can run a trial, which simulates the appropriate number of student logins based on the total number of testing devices that they intend to use concurrently for testing, prior to the Field Test. Reviewing set up and communications prior to testing in an Infrastructure Trial can avoid possible problems and delays during the live PARCC Field Test. Early detection of school technology readiness issues can mitigate possible problems and delays during assessment administration by reviewing set up and communications prior to the start of the Field Test. The Sample Items and Tutorial can be used to provide PARCC practice for all students participating in the PARCC Field Test. An Infrastructure Trial can reinforce communication plans to be sure everyone knows who to contact for help. Students responses to Sample Items and Tutorial are not captured or scored. 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 PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide 6
When should I conduct an Infrastructure Trial? The Infrastructure Trial window begins in January 2014 and is available through the administration of the PARCC Field Test ending in June 2014. 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. Prior to or concurrent with your Infrastructure Trial period, you will want to: Complete local Test Administrator training activities Confirm your school network and assessment environment configuration Develop a Field Test communication plan Where do I start? The Infrastructure Trial is conducted using the PearsonAccess Training Center at http://parcc.pearson.com/trainingcenter. 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 http://parcc.pearson.com/support. If assistance is needed at any point during your Infrastructure Trial, contact the PARCC Support Center at 888 493 9888 or PARCC@support.pearson.com. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide 7
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 http://parcc.pearson.com/support can be referenced. Section Create a Communication Plan and Schedule the Infrastructure Trial This section will provide instructions and information on contacting PARCC Support with questions or technical issues. Technology Setup This section covers all of the technology aspects of the Infrastructure Trial, and provides instructions on configuring the Infrastructure Trial Environment. PearsonAccess Training Center This section discusses the PARCC PearsonAccess Training Center. Sample Students This section describes how to create sample students in the PearsonAccess Training Center for an Infrastructure Trial. Session Management This section provides all the necessary information and steps for setting up sessions for an Infrastructure Trial, managing student assignments for sessions, and printing Student Authorization Tickets. Instructions about starting, monitoring, and stopping sessions in the PARCC PearsonAccess Training Center are also included in this section. Follow Up This section includes instructions for providing the LEA and Pearson with feedback regarding the Infrastructure Trial. To be used by LEA/District and School Test Coordinator Technology Staff LEA/District and School Test Coordinator LEA/District or School Test Coordinator LEA/District or School Test Coordinator All PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide 8
1.0 Create a Communication Plan and Schedule the Infrastructure Trial 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 best practices for communicating with your technology staff early, before testing is scheduled, during the testing window. Test Coordinators will be the primary recipients of broadcast emails that provide important information about computer based testing including when tests are available for proctor caching download. Tests are typically available a week before the start of the testing window and we strongly recommend that your technology staff configures the proctor caching work stations and download the test content before test day. It is important that all technology staff receive the proper training before they begin setting up the environment for computer based testing. Develop a communication plan that contains the following elements: Contact information for school technology staff so you can reach them during testing Pearson support contact information (888 493 9888 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. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide 9
Scheduling the Infrastructure Trial Some students may not be familiar with computer based testing or the tools and item types used in the computer based PARCC Field Test. Therefore, all students who will participate in the PARCC Field Test must first take the Sample Items and Tutorial as part of the Infrastructure Trial. The Sample Items and Tutorial contains practice 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. The Sample Items and Tutorial are not intended to replicate the difficulty of the items on the test, but it is similar in content and format. Schools must plan for 30 minutes to administer the Sample Items and Tutorial per class/group of students. The Sample Items and Tutorial contain both ELA and Mathematics questions and is broken into the following Grade Bands: Grades 3 5 Grades 6 8 High School 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. Assign students and testing locations to Test Administrators PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide 10
2.0 Technology Setup This section covers all of the technology aspects of the Infrastructure Trial and provides instructions on configuring the Infrastructure Trial environment. 2.1 Before the 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. 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 domains. For more information about Pearson domains review the Technical Setup Training module or review the TestNav 8 User Guide located on the Technology Information tab on the PearsonAccess resources page at http://parcc.pearson.com/techinformation. 2. Download and install Proctor Caching software The first phase is to verify bandwidth and hardware readiness. Pearson strongly recommends installing and using proctor caching to locally deliver test content for computer based assessments. The software can be downloaded from the Technology Information tab on the PearsonAccess resources page at http://parcc.pearson.com/techinformation. A training module and guide is 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 http://<ip 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 11
3. Run the SystemCheck Tool Use 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 gather realistic results, SystemCheck should be run from a student testtaking device 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 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 access SystemCheck, visit http://parcc.pearson.com/systemcheck. To learn more about SystemCheck for TestNav, visit the Technology Information Resources page at http://parcc.pearson.com/techinformation. A note about Chromebooks and ipads: SystemCheck cannot be launched on ipads and Chromebooks. Also, ipad mini devices are not supported devices. 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 will be available through the Google Play store or Apple itunes store in late February. Prior to that release, Chromebook and ipad users can conduct Infrastructure Trials through web browser access to TestNav, however this method will not simulate the secure lock down mode that student will experience using the TestNav app. As a result, if you conduct a trial prior to the app release it is highly recommended that a second trial be conducted using the secure TestNav app once it is available. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide 12
4. Configure TestNav to use Proctor Caching In order for TestNav to know where to save encrypted backup files, you must create a TestNav configuration in PearsonAccess. If you are proctor caching, this configuration also notifies TestNav where to access test content on the proctor caching machine during the testing window. 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: 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 PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide 13
make sure the port is the correct port for the caching solution you will be using. If you will not be proctor caching, simply leave the IP Address and Port fields blank; you will still need to complete the next steps. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. Click Continue to complete the configuration. See the Technology Setup training, or the TestNav Users Guide for additional information and scenario descriptions at http://parcc.pearson.com/techinformation. 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 14
2.2 During the Infrastructure Trial 1. Ensure proctor caching software is running In your browser, type http://<ip 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 2.3 After the Infrastructure Trial 1. Purge test content In your browser, type http://<ip 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 select content to purge. 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 http://parcc.pearson.com/techinformation. 2.4 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 3.0 and 4.0 to create sample students and a test session. Then, Technology Staff will login 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. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide 15
3.0 PearsonAccess Training Center The PARCC PearsonAccess Training Center is the site used to 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 sessions, and add students to these 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 a school level, these instructions are directed to the School Test Coordinator. Note: Disable pop up blocking software for the PearsonAccess website. A pop up blocker will block screens from opening on administrating testing devices. 3.1 Log in to the PearsonAccess Training Center The LEA Test Coordinator will be responsible for creating an account for the School Test Coordinator in the Training Center. If you are responsible for creating other school user accounts, your LEA Test Coordinator will provide you with instructions for how to do this. You should receive an email with your username (which is your email address) and instructions for creating your password. If you have not received these instructions, contact your LEA Test Coordinator. Most PearsonAccess users will receive two emails; 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 email containing your username, complete the following steps: 1. Click on the link within the email. 2. 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 http://parcc.pearson.com/trainingcenter Then click Sign In to log in to the PearsonAccess Training Center. 5. Read the Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions of Use and click Accept. To reset your password (If needed) 1. Go to http://parcc.pearson.com/trainingcenter. Then click Sign In to log in to the PearsonAccess Training Center. 2. On the Login screen, click Reset your password to go to the Reset Password screen. 3. Enter your username (which is your email address) and then click Reset Password. Log in again The second time that you log in, use the following log in procedure: 1. Go to http://parcc.pearson.com/trainingcenter. 2. Enter your username and password, and then click Sign In. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide 16
Locked Accounts 1. You have only five chances to enter the correct username (which is your email 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 http://parcc.pearson.com/support. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide 17
4.0 Create Sample Students 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. 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 ten percent 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 (http://parcc.pearson.com/trainingcenter). 2. On the home page, click Create Students. 3. You should see your school listed under the Organization drop down menu. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide 18
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. Select the appropriate grade/test combination. Please 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 3, 5, 7, 9, 11) For the test, please select the appropriate test that you would like to use to conduct the infrastructure trial. Infrastructure Trial Generic: TestNav tutorial of tools and navigation Infrastructure Trial Grade 3 5: Sample item set content for grade 3 5 Infrastructure Trial Grade 6 8: Sample item set content for grade 6 8 Infrastructure Trial HS: Sample item set content for high school PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide 19
5. Click Create Students. 6. The next screen will prompt you to continue with creating students. Click Yes Create Students to continue, or No Cancel Create to cancel. 7. A confirmation screen will appear once the sample students have been created. 8. 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 20
5.0 Session Management 5.1 Create a Sample Test Session Once sample students are available, sample sessions must be created to administer an Infrastructure Trial. For an Infrastructure Trial, it is recommended that you setup a session for each testing lab/class. Note: Any field in PearsonAccess with an arrow next to it allows the option to filter by that 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. 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. 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. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide 21
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. 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 PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide 22
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 three authorization tickets per page separated horizontally. 4. Once you have selected the file format you want, open it and print the authorization tickets. 5.4 Configure Browser Settings for Caching Content and Caching Test Content Once the sessions have been created, the test content will need to be cached if you are using Proctor Caching. In order to configure the browser settings for caching test content and then to cache test content, see the most recent Proctor Caching User Guide. Disregard any references to completing tasks in PearsonAccess; the Infrastructure Trial is managed via the PARCC PearsonAccess Training Center. Follow all instructions for the activities below: Configuring browser settings to cache test content Caching test content The Proctor Caching User Guide is posted to http://parcc.pearson.com/support. 5.5 Start a Session The session must be started before sample students are able to log in to the Infrastructure Trial. 5. In the PARCC PearsonAccess Training Center, go to the Test Management tab and click Manage Test Sessions. 6. Click the session name to go to the Session Details screen for that test session. 7. Click Start in the top left corner of the Session Details screen. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide 23
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. 5.6 Conduct an Infrastructure Trial at a School Your School Test Coordinator will provide you with a schedule and instructions for administering the Sample Items and Tutorial. It will take approximately 30 minutes to administer and review the Sample Items and Tutorial. 1. Prepare Testing Devices Ensure that all software applications, including Internet browsers, are closed on all student workstations before this test begins. Launch TestNav on all testing devices by accesing https://parcctrng.testnav.com. 2. 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. 3. 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. 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. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide 24
5.7 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 devise 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. Ready Active Status 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. Exited Completed Marked Complete Resumed Resumed Upload 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. 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. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide 25
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 and the student s status will now show Resumed and the sample student will now be able to log back in to the session. 5.8 After the Infrastructure Trial Once an Infrastructure Trial has been completed, the Infrastructure Trial session can be stopped. 5.9 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. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide 26
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 27
6.0 Follow Up 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 with the PARCC Support Center on any specific technology issues. The school should also share these notes with the LEA computer based testing team. The LEA/SEA may also request additional confirmation that the trial has been completed successfully. Report to the LEA any issues that cannot be resolved with assistance from Pearson, or any comments that will help in designing future Infrastructure Trials. Schools are encouraged to provide any feedback on the Infrastructure Trial to LEAs. LEAs should contact your State PARCC Field Test Lead with feedback and/or concerns regarding software or hardware issues. 6.1 Contacting PARCC Support Center If assistance is needed at any point during your Infrastructure Trial, contact the PARCC Support Center at 888 493 9888 or PARCC@support.pearson.com. Make sure that you are prepared to answer all relevant questions listed below so that PARCC Support can assist you effectively and efficiently. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide 28
Appendix A: Technology Quick Guide Infrastructure Trial Before the Infrastructure Trial Download and install Proctor Caching software (For more information about Proctor Caching, see the Proctor Caching User Guide available at http://parcc.pearson.com/support) Verify that Proctor Caching and TestNav are communicating Run the SystemCheck Tool (For more information about the SystemCheck, see the SystemCheck User's Guide available at http://practice.parcc.testnav.com/) Configure browser settings to cache test content Cache test content During the 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 Provide technology support to LEA/ District Test Coordinators and Test Administrators After the Infrastructure Trial Purge test content Conduct follow up on any identified issues Evaluate overall results and repeat the Infrastructure Trial as necessary to resolve issues PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide 29
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. Before the Infrastructure Trial Establish a communication plan Schedule the Infrastructure Trial Create sample students Create test sessions Communication session creation to technology staff to initiate caching of content Print authorization tickets Start test session During the Infrastructure Trial Provide guidance/support to Test Administrators as needed After the Infrastructure Trial Hold a follow up meeting with staff that participated Collect Test Administrator feedback Assess IT and assessment staff communication procedures and adjust as necessary Conduct follow up on any identified issues Evaluate overall results and repeat Infrastructure Trial as necessary to resolve issues PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide 30
Appendix C: Infrastructure Trial Test Administrator Script Some students may not be familiar with computer based testing or the tools and item types used to in the computer based PARCC Field Test. Therefore, ALL students who will participate in the PARCC Field Test must first take the Sample Items and Tutorial. The Sample Items and Tutorial help to familiarize you and your students with the computer based testing tools and the process for identifying and responding to different item types on the computer. The Tutorial is not intended to replicate the difficulty of the items on the test, but it is similar in content and format. Read only the bold instructions in each Say box to students. Text that is outside the Say boxes includes 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. https://parcctrng.testnav.com Say Today, you are going to take a Sample 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. Type your Username exactly as shown on your Student Authorization Ticket. (Pause.) PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide 31
Next, type the Password exactly as shown on your Student Authorization Ticket. (Pause.) Now, select the Sign In button. You should see a Welcome screen. Do NOT proceed past the Welcome screen. Circulate throughout the room to make sure all students have successfully logged in. Retype the Username and Password for a student, if necessary. Say Once you are on the Welcome screen, click NEXT to proceed to the Tutorial (Pause.) During the course of answer sample questions, take some time to use each tool. These include the Eliminate Choice, Highlighter, Eraser, Notepad, Straightedge, Calculator, and Exhibit tools. The Math tools (Straightedge, Calculator, and Exhibit) are only available on the Math questions. Also make sure to use each button at the bottom of the screen. Does anyone have any questions about how to use the tools or how to navigate between questions? Answer any questions. Say When you reach the end of Section 1, click NEXT SECTION, and then click NEXT. You will see a STOP SIGN on the screen. Click NEXT. When you reach the end of Section 2 of the Infrastructure Trial test, click SUBMIT, Yes, submit my test and YES once more. You will have 30 minutes to complete the Tutorial. Now begin working. 3. Walk around the room and assist volunteers as needed in order to complete the Infrastructure Trial. 4. See the Follow Up section for how to provide your LEA and Pearson with feedback on your experience in the Infrastructure Trial PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide 32
Appendix D: Session Monitoring Form Infrastructure Trial 1. Did any students have issues logging into the Infrastructure Trial? Yes No If yes, please note which machine/device the students were testing on. 2. Were any error codes presented to the student? Yes No If yes, document here. If no, describe what occurred. 3. Did you observe students having any usability issues? Yes No If yes, describe here. 4. Based on your observations, document the general comfort level students had with the test. If there were specific areas of concern or questions from students, record those here. PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide 33