Technical requirements The Test – testNAV 8 – As soon as the number of students and particular devices are known, these devices should be tested against testNAV 8. If you are planning to use iPads, keyboards should be purchased and the particular students who will be field testing should begin to use on a consistent basis. Full technology guidelines are here: ogySpecificationsforPARCCFieldTestV12November2013.do cx ogySpecificationsforPARCCFieldTestV12November2013.do cx Example of timeframe testing is March 24 – April 11 – online testing location(s) must be identified early so they can be “test ready” and ready no later than one week prior and then will need to be to be set back to original state once all students are tested. So when choosing a spot expect this amount of time as a minimum.

System check and end point management System check should be done at the same time of the day that the assessment will be given – suggesting two weeks prior in order to assure internal network throughput especially for wireless. iPads – Need a free App - must be iOS 6 or 7 and run in single app mode Chromebooks - TestNAV 8 Chrome App (free) to ensure in Kiosk mode Needs for PC or a MAC - Java plugin 1.5 or higher Pop-ups for Pearson site need to be allowed The other items on PC and MAC computers should not be allowed to launch automatically during the test - Anti virus software, browsers or OS updates power management software on laptops for low battery screen savers with automatic message notification energy saving features Lock Down of devices should occur after end are points configured correctly

Device saving options Rationale: Student Responses Files (SRF) - saved locations become very important for backup of student answers (encrypted) during the test. This is not mandatory but recommended highly - See table of device and conditions: DeviceWhere can SaveConditions PCLocal, network drive, Pearson Most stable, can resume test on another machine with most recent answers MacLocal, network drive, Pearson Most stable, can resume test on another machine with most recent answers iPadLocal, PearsonIf hard drive fails, only Pearson uploaded answers available ChromebookLocal, PearsonIf hard drive fails, only Pearson uploaded answers available

Proctor caching: Caching is highly recommended by Pearson/PARCC and the WNYRIC. A caching device is installed in the district and the tests are downloaded ahead of time in an encrypted manner. They are not unencrypted until the test is launched. Caching minimizes the risk of interruption by bandwidth, network or ISP issues. Learn more about caching here: achingtoBetterManageNetworkTraffic_ pdf achingtoBetterManageNetworkTraffic_ pdf

Proctor caching functionality:

Proctor caching specifications WNYRIC will work with you to identify a caching option within your network (could be on TEM server): Proctor caching hardware requirements can be found at Proctor caching requires a fixed internal IP address For setting up an upstream proxy refer to the Windows or Mac “Tips on Proctor Caching” section in the TestNav 8 Proctor Caching User Guide available January Use the SystemCheck Testing Capacity tab for determining your network capacity during computer-based testing

Preparedness of infrastructure Policies and filtering will be needed in order to ensure connectivity to Pearson by opening ports and whitelisting URLs – WNYRIC will do this for districts in our content filtering/firewall and network connectivity services. Districts not in WNYRIC filtering must contact Pearson for instructions. SPAM filtering – add Pearson.com to allow for receipt of Pearson System Access log on info and information updates. WNYRIC messaging will update Spam filter for those in SPAM filtering service.

Infrastructure testing trial This is a "dress rehearsal" of the CBT assessment. There will be an Infrastructure Trial Manual provided before the end of January Does not use student information and is considered low stakes This needs to occur at least one week prior to the CBT and needs to involve your local BOCES and WNYRIC for planning/scheduling. Why? - Review setup and communications prior to testing in a trial Minimal additional activities to do at the time of the assessment so better prepared Student and test results are not affected Provides Practice of communication plans Lowering level of concern and increasing preparedness for administration of tests to anticipate possible situations that may occur on testing day(s).

Necessary network structure

Resources - PARCC/Pearson: PARCC: PARCC Field Test: Support Center System check: Support: Pearson Access: TestNav 8 Requirements and Caching info: