Fall Infrastructure t Trial Readiness Guide Version 3.0

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PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide – Fall 2015 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

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Glossary of Important Terms

PearsonAccessnext_{is the website used for the registration, setup, preparation, and management}

of both the computer‐based and paper‐based formats of the PARCC Test. PearsonAccessnext_is a secure site for PARCC Test participants that requires username and password setup and can be found at http://parcc.pearson.com/support/. Additional information about setup and operation of computer‐based testing for the PARCC Test is available in the PearsonAccessnext

User Guide. This online guide is available at http://parcc.pearson.com/technology‐setup/ and in the secure Support section of PearsonAccessnext_.

The PearsonAccessnext_{Training site is an online portal that provides an opportunity to practice}

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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/manuals‐training/ can be referenced. Section To be used by 1.0 Implementing an Infrastructure Trial This section will provide instructions and information on contacting PARCC Support with questions or technical issues. LEA/District and School Test Coordinator

2.0 PearsonAccessnext_{Training Site}

This section discusses the PARCC PearsonAccessnext_{Training site.}

LEA/District, School Test Coordinator, and Technology Staff 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. Technology Staff 4.0 Creating Sample Students This section describes how to create sample students in the PearsonAccessnext_{Training site for an Infrastructure Trial.}

LEA/District or School Test Coordinator 5.0 Creating a Test Session1 This section provides all the necessary information and steps for setting up sessions for an Infrastructure Trial and managing student assignments for sessions. LEA/District or School Test Coordinator 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 PearsonAccessnext_Training.

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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 PearsonAccessnext_{Training site. The Training Site is located at}

http://pearsonaccessnext.com. 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.

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 PearsonAccessnext_{Training site,} many activities that are part of the Infrastructure Trial are already required for administering

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

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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 computer‐ based 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 PearsonAccessnext_{Training site at}

http://pearsonaccessnext.com. 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

PearsonAccessnext_{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 PearsonAccessnext_{. Refer to the}

PearsonAccessnext_{User Guide for more information about establishing logins for school staff.}

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Practice tests are available at the PearsonAccessnext_{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 http://parcc.pearson.com/practice‐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

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2.0 PearsonAccess

_{Training site}

Tasks in this section will be performed by:

LEA/District School Test Coordinator Technology Staff

The PARCC PearsonAccessnext_{Training site must be used to set up and administer the} Infrastructure Trial. Within the PARCC PearsonAccessnext_{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 PearsonAccessnext_{is an assessment} containing certain units. The PARCC PearsonAccessnext_{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 PearsonAccessnext_{website. For information on how to manage pop‐up} blockers, go to http://parcc.pearson.com/technology‐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 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. You will need your PearsonAccessnext_{Training site 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 site, go to http://parcc.pearson.com/pearsonaccess/. 5. Then click the PearsonAccessnext_{button and select Training from the menu in order to}

sign in to the PearsonAccessnext_{Training site.}

6. Read the Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions of Use, then click Accept.

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To reset your password (if needed)

1. Go to http://parcc.pearson.com/pearsonaccess/. Then click Forgot Password and select Training from the menu. 2. Enter your username (which is your email 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 http://parcc.pearson.com/pearsonaccess/.

2. Then click the PearsonAccessnext_{button and select Training from the menu in order to}

sign in to the PearsonAccessnext_{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 email 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 PearsonAccessnext,_{including how to create user}

accounts, please refer to the PearsonAccessnext_{User Guide located in the Technology Setup}

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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 PearsonAccessnext_{resources page at}_{http://parcc.pearson.com/technology‐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 http://<IP 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

PearsonAccessnext_{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.

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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

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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

Tasks in this section will be performed by: LEA/District School Test Coordinator

5.1 Create a Sample Test Session

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 PearsonAccessnext_{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 PearsonAccessnext_{. 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.

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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 PearsonAccessnext_{Training site, go to the Testing tab and click Students in} Sessions.

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PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide – 2015 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

Tasks in this section will be performed by: LEA Test Coordinator School Test Coordinator

6.1 Start a Test Session

The session must be started before sample students are able to log in to the Infrastructure Trial.

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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 https://parcctrng.testnav.com. 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

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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 (http://parcc.pearson.com/manuals‐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).

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Appendix C: Infrastructure Trial Test

Administrator Script

The Infrastructure Trial is an important opportunity for LEAs, schools, and students to prepare for computer‐based PARCC Test administration. The tutorials will help to familiarize you and your students with the computer‐based testing tools, navigating through TestNav, and practicing with different item types. Practice tests provide you and your students with an opportunity to become familiar with PARCC test items. Read only the bold instructions in each Say box to students. Text that is outside the Say boxes and non‐bolded text are directions for Test Administrators to follow and should not be read to students. When students arrive, the TestNav log in screen should appear on all testing device screens. https://parcctrng.testnav.com Say Today, you are going to take a test. This test introduces you to the tools and the format of the computer‐based test questions. Please sit quietly while I distribute student testing tickets. Do NOT log in until I tell you to do so. Distribute Student Testing Tickets. Say Now, look at your student testing ticket.

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PARCC Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide – 2015 44

Appendix E: Training Resources for Technical

Coordinators

Training Resources for Technical Coordinators During Tech Prep Week

Guide/Manual Description Target

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Appendix F: Training Resources for Test

Coordinators/Administrators

Training Resources for Test Coordinators/Administrators During Tech Prep Week

Guide/Manual Description Target Audience

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Appendix G: Guides and Manuals for Tech

Prep

Guides and Manuals for Tech Prep

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Fall Infrastructure t Trial Readiness Guide Version 3.0

Document Revisions

Table of Contents

Glossary of Important Terms

About This Guide

Infrastructure Trial Overview

What is an Infrastructure Trial?

Why Administer an Infrastructure Trial?

Who should be involved?

When should I conduct an Infrastructure Trial?

Where do I start?

2.0 PearsonAccess

next

Training site

2.1 Log in to the PearsonAccess

Training site

3.2 Preliminary System Test

3.3 Conducting an Infrastructure Trial

5.0 Creating a Test Session

5.1 Create a Sample Test Session

5.3 Print Student Testing Tickets

6.0 Conducting a Test Session

6.1 Start a Test Session

6.2 Conduct an Infrastructure Trial at a School

Appendix B:

LEA/District and School Test

Coordinator Quick Guide – Infrastructure Trial*

Preparing for an Infrastructure Trial

□

□

□

□

□

Appendix C: Infrastructure Trial Test

Administrator Script

Appendix E: Training Resources for Technical

Coordinators

Appendix F: Training Resources for Test

Coordinators/Administrators

Appendix G: Guides and Manuals for Tech

Prep

_{Training site}

_{Training site}