Administering the ACT Online August 2015

Online Testing Components

What is TestNav? TestNav™ is the online testing engine ACT has contracted to utilize for delivering the ACT taken online. TestNav offers the following features: Scalability — supports thousands of simultaneous testing sessions in the schools Reliability — students are protected from technical failures Compatibility — operates on existing school computers and networks Consistency — a similar experience for every student regardless of location or computer platform Security — the highest levels possible for test content, desktop security, and user access

How is TestNav accessed? TestNav is accessed by an installed application called TestNav Desktop. Arkansas schools are required to install and use TestNav Desktop. TestNav Desktop delivers tests electronically to students. TestNav Desktop offers the same levels of security, reliability, and scalability as does TestNav, but does not require Java. The system can be run using the appropriate browser and operating systems. Recognizing that technology (such as operating systems, platforms, and devices) is ever- changing, TestNav minimum system requirements are continually being updated to reflect the latest compatibility.

What is PearsonAccess next ? PearsonAccess next is the browser-based system utilized for student management and online testing administration activities. Secure user log-in that controls access to organizations, tasks and students.

SystemCheck Tool SystemCheck estimates the number of concurrent testers that could be supported, at the time the check is performed. SystemCheck was developed as a tool for customers to use to validate their computers meet the technical requirements. Support can also use SystemCheck to validate the computer for any technical problems. Special Note: To gather realistic results System Check must be run from a student testing machine on the same day of the week as well as time that it is anticipated to deliver online testing.

What is Proctor Caching? ProctorCaching software is used in conjunction with TestNav to reduce bandwidth requirements and accelerate the delivery of test content. Allows you to pre-cache test content to your local network before a test. Reduces the burden on your ISP by eliminating redundancy in requests for test content. Stores an encrypted local copy of all pre- cached tests ADE requires Arkansas schools to use ProctorCaching

Technical Readiness

What software/hardware is supported? Minimum System Requirements for Proctor Caching and student testing devices.

Early Warning System What happens if issues are encountered with the network during testing? TestNav will save student responses to an encrypted backup file so the student can either continue testing or exit the system without losing response data.

Site Readiness

Training

Training and Resources Live Webinars which include interactive question and answer sessions Manuals & Quick Reference Sheets Sample Tests TestNav Video

Test Session

Active Test Session

During Testing Activities Monitor student progress

Post Test Activity: Close Session

Post Test Activity: Purge Test Content

Room Set-Up

Seating Arrangements If the room has …Then workstations … no carrels, dividers, or partitions between workstations  must face the same direction  must be distanced so examinees are at least three feet apart (side-to-side measured shoulder-to-shoulder) and at least five feet apart (front-to-back measured head-to-head)  may not face the wall or each other  must be set up so that examinees in one row cannot see the screens of any workstations in front of them carrels, dividers, or partitions between workstations  do not need to face the same direction  may face the wall or each other as long as there is adequate privacy between examinees a U-shaped seating configuration  must face the wall and not each other

Student Experience

Sign In Screen for TestNav

Test Security

Student preparation

Student information Claim Code Pretest Instructions for Online Testing First Name: __________________ Middle Initial: __________ Last Name: _______________________ Claim Code: _____________

Student information Schools will provide instruction sheets containing Claim Code to students Following the instructions students will go to If they already have an account they will enter their login information. Otherwise – They will create an account following the on- screen instructions

Student information From the Left-Hand menu select The ACT State and District Complete the form that appears using the name and claim code that appears at the top of the Instruction Sheet. A confirmation page will appear. From this point forward follow the on-screen instructions

Student information

FOR MORE INFORMATION Website -- ACT State Testing 800/ x 2800 ACT State Testing Accommodations 800/ x 1788 Contact Us Via Our Contact Us Webpage: Standard Customer service hours: M-F 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Central Time 37