1. Welcome Assessment/Data Conference Getting It Right
Technology Requirements for Online Testing
January 2015

2. Topics Site Readiness Network Requirements
Hardware and Software Requirements
Secure Browser Installation
Network Diagnostics and Configuration
SLIDE 2
Script: This tutorial will cover five basic topics: site readiness, network requirements, hardware and software requirements, secure browser installation, and network diagnostics and configuration.

3. Objectives By the end of this presentation, you should be able to:
understand your role and responsibilities;
prepare for the Smarter Balanced tests at your school;
install the secure browser; and
troubleshoot technical problems during the tests.
SLIDE 3
Script: By the end of this presentation, you should be able to:
understand your role and responsibilities;
prepare for the Smarter Balanced tests at your school;
install the Secure Browser; and
troubleshoot technical problems during the tests.

4. Technology Coordinator Tasks
Logins and passwords
Minimum system requirements
Secure Browser
Determining system readiness/network capacity
Troubleshooting technical issues
SLIDE 4
Script: As your school’s Technology Coordinator, you will be responsible for ensuring that all of the systems and configurations necessary to administer the Smarter Balanced test are in place and functioning correctly. Your tasks include:
understanding the basic functionality of online systems, including logins and passwords;
checking all computers to be used for testing to make sure they meet the minimum system requirements to run the test;
installing the appropriate Secure Browser on testing devices;
determining initial and ongoing system readiness and network capacity; and
troubleshooting technical issues that may arise during the test.

5. Network Requirements Network Connection:
A stable, high-speed (wired or wireless) network and an adequate Internet connection are required for the test.
The average response time for each assessment depends on the reliability and speed of your school’s Internet connection.
SLIDE 5
Script: A stable, high-speed (wired or wireless) network and an adequate Internet connection are required for the test. The average response time for each assessment depends on the reliability and speed of your school’s Internet connection.

6. Network Requirements Network Configuration:
Content filters, firewalls, and proxy servers should be configured to allow traffic on the protocols and to the Smarter Balanced servers.
Session timeouts on proxy servers and other devices should be set to values greater than the average scheduled testing time. For example, if test sessions are scheduled for 60 minutes, consider session timeouts of 65–70 minutes.
Web proxy servers must be configured to NOT cache data received from Smarter Balanced servers.
For any device that performs traffic shaping, packet prioritization or quality of service, the IP addresses to be used for testing should be given a high priority to ensure the best performance.
SLIDE 6
Script: For online testing applications to work properly, it is important that your network settings are configured correctly. Content filters, firewalls, and proxy servers should be configured to allow traffic on the protocols and to the Smarter Balanced servers listed on the next two slides. Session timeouts on proxy servers and other devices should be set to values greater than the average scheduled testing time. For example, if test sessions are scheduled for 60 minutes, consider session timeouts of 65–70 minutes. This will help limit network interruptions during testing. Web proxy servers must be configured to NOT cache data received from Smarter Balanced servers. If your client network uses any device that performs traffic shaping, packet prioritization or quality of service, the IP addresses to be used for testing should be given a high priority to ensure the best performance.

7. Network Requirements Network Configuration:
Montana has a dedicated Measured Progress URL:
Provides access to practice and training tests
In weeks to come, secure portal capabilities will become active
Sign-in will allow access for individuals to all Smarter Balanced components to which they have been granted permissions.
SLIDE 7
Script: Content filters, firewalls, and proxy servers should be configured to allow the URLs and/or IP addresses/ports for the test delivery servers being used for your state. These will vary depending upon where your state’s test delivery servers are hosted.

8. Network Requirements Network Configuration:
Content filters, firewalls, and proxy servers should be configured to allow the URL group.
URL
SLIDE 8
Script: Content filters, firewalls, and proxy servers should be configured to allow the URL group and port shown.

9. Network Requirements Performance Factors: Bandwidth
Total number of students simultaneously testing
Secure Browser installation
Wireless networking configuration
SLIDE 9
Script: In general, the performance of the test delivery system will depend on a number of factors, including bandwidth, total number of students simultaneously testing, Secure Browser installation, and the wireless networking configuration (if used). We will go into further detail about these factors in the next few slides.

10. Network Performance Bandwidth:
At least 20Kbps bandwidth per student being tested
Affected by both Local Area Network (LAN) traffic and internet traffic from the router
LAN should always be analyzed to determine potential traffic bottlenecks
Use vendor-provided diagnostic tool if offered
Online diagnostic tool available at
SLIDE 10
Script: Smarter Balanced recommends having at least 20Kbps bandwidth per student being tested. This is in addition to any network demands by other uses within the school. Bandwidth performance can be affected by both Local Area Network (LAN) traffic and Internet traffic from the router. Regardless of hardware or network topology, we recommend a performance analysis of both the LAN and the Internet infrastructure in order to identify any bottlenecks that may impact test performance. Your state’s vendor may provide a diagnostic tool to assist you with this analysis. If not, you can access a free online diagnostic tool such as the School Speed Test, available at

11. Network Diagnostics Tool
Network Traffic:
Network performance may slow when large numbers of students are testing at once.
Multiply the number of students being tested by 20Kbps to get an estimate of needed bandwidth, and compare with the network speed test.
Perform network analyses at different times to ensure adequate capacity.
SLIDE 11
Script: Another factor that may affect network performance is the number of students who are testing at one time. Just as traffic speed decreases on a busy highway, network performance may slow when large numbers of students are testing simultaneously. It is recommended that network performance analyses be performed at various times prior to testing to ensure adequate capacity for large numbers of simultaneous test takers. Multiply the number of students that will simultaneously take the test by 20Kbps to get an estimate of needed bandwidth. Compare that with the results of the network speed test and ensure that there is sufficient excess margin.

12. Network Performance Wireless Security: Access Points:
Wireless traffic must use encryption.
Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2)
Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)
Access Points:
Wireless access points have limits on total bandwidth and number of simultaneous devices.
Access the practice and training tests through the Secure Browser to ensure adequate capacity.
SLIDE 12
Script: In order to maintain the security of sensitive test‐related data, wireless traffic must use encryption. Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2) with Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is strongly recommended. A properly configured wireless network should provide adequate bandwidth and wireless access points for testing. Wireless access points have limits on total bandwidth as well as on the number of simultaneous devices. To be sure of sufficient capacity you need to have the same number of computers in the room that will be used for testing and try them out simultaneously. Using the Secure Browser to access the Practice and Training Tests can help you determine whether your wireless network is capable of handling test traffic effectively.

13. System Requirements Computers Recommende d Minimum for New Purchases
Operating System
Minimum Requirement for Current Computers
Recommende d Minimum for New Purchases
Windows
XP (service Pack 3), Vista, 7, 8.0, 8.1
Server 2003 and 2008
Pentium 233 MHz processor
128 MB RAM
52 MB hard drive free space
Minimum screen resolution 1024x768
1 GHz processor
1 GB RAM
80 GB hard drive
Mac OS X
10.4.4–10.9
Intel x86 or PowerPC G4 or G5 processor
512 MB RAM
200 MB hard drive free space
Linux
Fedora Core 6
(K12LTSP 4.2+)
Ubuntu 9-12
Pentium II or AMD K6-III 233 MHz processor
64 MB RAM
52 MB hard drive
SLIDE 13
Script: You must ensure that your school’s computers meet the minimum hardware and software requirements in order for assessments to function effectively.
However, online testing performance can be improved by using computers with faster processors and more disk space than the minimum. The table shown provides information about supported operating systems. All computers to be used for testing must have a minimum screen resolution of 1024x768. The most current system requirements can also be found at the Smarter Balanced website at

14. Supported Mobile Devices
Operating System
Supported Tablets
Browsers for TA Sites
Browsers for Student Sites
Android to 4.4
Google Nexus 10 Motorola Xoom
Motorola Xyboard
Samsung Galaxy Note (10.1)
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1)
Native browser GoogleChrome
Android Secure
Browser
(AIR Mobile Secure Browser)
Chrome v31 to v35
Chromebook
GoogleChrome
iOS 6.0 to 7.1
iPad 2 and above
Safari
iPad Secure Browser
SLIDE 14
Script: The Smarter Balanced assessment is also available on multiple mobile devices using a variety of operating systems. Tablets must have at least a ten inch screen. iPads with a 9.5” display are an accepted part of this class. A minimum screen resolution of 1024x768 is required for all testing devices. An external keyboard is required. Students may also use a mouse with their devices if that is what they are accustomed to doing in their day-to-day work. The table shows the mobile devices that have been certified for use in testing. The most up-to-date information on supported mobile devices is available on the Smarter Balanced website at

15. Secure Browser
The Secure Browser prevents students from accessing other computer or Internet applications and copying test information during testing.
Training and Practice Tests can be accessed with either the secure browser or with Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer 10 and 11, or most native tablet Web browsers.
SLIDE 15
Script: The Smarter Balanced test is delivered using a Secure Browser in order to protect the security and integrity of the test. The Secure Browser prevents students from accessing other computer or Internet applications and copying test information during testing. If the system detects other applications popping up or running on the computer, it will shut down the testing session. Students cannot access the test using any other browser. However, the training and practice tests can be accessed with either the Secure Browser or with supported Web browsers including Firefox, Chrome, Safari and Internet Explorer 10 and 11.

16. Where to Obtain Secure Browser Secure Browser Location
Computer/Device
Secure Browser Location
Windows, Mac, and Linux computers
MTSmarter.measuredprogress.org
Android tablets
Play Store
iPad tablets
App Store
Google Chromebooks
Chrome Web Store
SLIDE 16
Script: You are responsible for ensuring that the correct Secure Browser is installed on all computers and mobile devices to be used for testing. Your state will provide you with information about where to obtain the Secure Browser. The Secure Browser version that was installed for the Field Test is not valid for future assessments. It is strongly recommended that you uninstall version 6.3 from all testing computers before downloading and installing the current Secure Browser version. Should you keep both, it is critical that only the current version be used during testing. The table shows where to obtain the appropriate Secure Browser applications for each type of device.

17. Secure Browser Installation
Installation Method:
Download the Secure Browser from your state’s specified location and install it.
Download and save the Secure Browser onto a media device (such as a flash drive) and copy and install the files on each computer.
Download and save the Secure Browser to a network folder and then copy and install the files on each computer.
SLIDE 17
Script: You can install the Secure Browser on individual computers or devices using several methods. You can: Download the browser directly from your state’s specified location and install it;
Download and save the Secure Browser onto a media device (such as a flash drive) and copy and install the files on each computer or;
Download and save the Secure Browser to a network folder, and then copy and install the files on each computer.
If you need to install the Secure Browser on a system for which you do not have administrative rights, see the instructions in the Secure Browser Installation Manual. If you prefer, you may push the Secure Browser out to all of the testing computers and devices on your network, using whatever software tools you normally use for directory scripts.

18. Secure Browser Installation Windows
MSI file type enables deployment using a number of tools:
Active Directory Group Policy;
Microsoft SMS;
Microsoft SCCM;
Microsoft WSUS; and
Windows NT Batch
SLIDE 18
Script: There are several methods to deploy the Smarter Balanced Secure Browser depending on your platform. For the Windows platform, Smarter Balanced provides the Secure Browser in an MSI package file. This file type enables deployment using a number of tools including:
Active Directory Group Policy;
Microsoft SMS;
Microsoft SCCM;
Microsoft WSUS; and
Windows NT Batch

19. Secure Browser Installation Mac and Linux
DMG file type enables deployment using Apple Remote Desktop.
Munki
Filewave
Linux
TAR file type enables deployment using a number of tools including the following:
Shell scripts
Puppet
SLIDE 19
Script: For the Mac OS X platform, Smarter Balanced provides the Secure Browser as a DMG package file. This file type enables deployment using Apple Remote Desktop, for example, and the other options listed here. For the Linux platform, Smarter Balanced provides the Secure Browser in a generic TAR file. This file type enables deployment using a number of tools including shell scripts and puppet. Detailed instructions for Mac and Linux installation can be found in the Secure Browser Installation Manual.

20. Secure Browser Installation Tablets
Android Tablets
The secure browser can be downloaded from the Google Play store.
iPads
The secure browser can be downloaded from the App store.
SLIDE 20
Script: For Android tablets, the Secure Browser can be downloaded from the Google Play Store. For iPads, the Secure Browser can be downloaded from the App Store. Both Android and iOS Secure Browser installations will connect to the URL shown on the slide. The secure browsers for Android tablets require the secure browser keyboard to be selected before students can access the login page. The guided access feature must be enabled for iPads. Instructions for these settings can be found in the Secure Browser Installation Manual.

21. Secure Browser Installation Chromebooks
Chromebooks app is available at the Chrome Web Store
Installation varies for managed and non- managed Chromebooks
Instructions for both types can be found in the Technical Specifications Manual
SLIDE 21
Script: The secure browser app for Chromebooks is available at the Chrome Web Store. The installation process varies depending upon whether you are using managed or non-managed Chromebooks. Instructions for both types of Chromebook can be found in the Secure Browser Installation Manual.

22. Pop-Ups
Configure browsers on Test Administrator devices to allow pop-ups from your state vendor’s websites.
Student computers should have their pop- up blockers disabled.
SLIDE 22
Script: Many of our sites use pop-ups to provide additional information to the user. Devices used by test administrators should have their browsers configured to allow pop-ups from your state vendor’s websites. Student computers should have their popup blockers disabled.

23. Secure Browser Configuration Mac 10.7 and Above
Spaces
Spaces feature must be disabled.
See instructions in the Secure Browser Installation Manual.
SLIDE 23
Script: For student computers running Mac OS 10.7 and 10.8, the spaces feature must be disabled if it is enabled. For instructions on disabling the spaces feature and configuring the popup blocker, see the Secure Browser Installation Manual . It is important to note that student computers should NOT have their popup blockers disabled, as any pop-ups that occur during testing will result in the student being logged out of the test.

24. Firewall, Content Filter, and Proxy Servers
Description
URL
Download the Smarter Balanced Secure Browser
Test Administrator Training and Training Tests sites “
Test Administrator Interface
Administration and Registration Tools (ART)
SLIDE 24
Script: As we noted earlier, it is important that session timeouts on proxy servers and other devices are set appropriately, that web filters are not blocking test-related websites, and that test data are not being cached. The table shown lists the URLs that need to be accessible for testing. If your network uses traffic shaping, packet prioritization or quality of service, these URLs should be assigned a high priority level to ensure optimal performance.

25. Embedded Supports and Accommodations
The Smarter Balanced open source platform contains the same embedded supports and accommodations as the Field Test.
The requirements presented are adequate for all embedded supports
For American Sign Language videos, schools may want to schedule students during a window where there is less traffic on school internet
ASL videos are large, and can cause delays on server traffic in schools with low bandwidth issues
SLIDE 25
Script: The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium is committed to making sure that every student can access the test. You will see many tools that are available to improve accessibility, including Text-to-Speech. This accommodation works by tapping into the computer’s built-in speech engine to allow eligible students to listen to test content and is only available via the Secure Browser. Technology Coordinators are responsible for ensuring that this voice technology is available and functioning. For Windows and Mac operating systems, default voice packs are generally pre-installed. Linux users may need to install an open-source Text-to-Speech package if one was not installed with the operating system. Detailed information about voice packs can be found in the Technical Specifications Manual.

26. Text-to-Speech
Voice technology must be available and functioning for students who require this accommodation.
For Windows and Mac operating systems, default voice packs are generally pre-installed.
Linux users may need to install an open-source text-to- speech package if one was not installed with the operating system.
Detailed instructions can be found in the Technical Specifications Manual.
SLIDE 25
Script: The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium is committed to making sure that every student can access the test. You will see many tools that are available to improve accessibility, including Text-to-Speech. This accommodation works by tapping into the computer’s built-in speech engine to allow eligible students to listen to test content and is only available via the Secure Browser. Technology Coordinators are responsible for ensuring that this voice technology is available and functioning. For Windows and Mac operating systems, default voice packs are generally pre-installed. Linux users may need to install an open-source Text-to-Speech package if one was not installed with the operating system. Detailed information about voice packs can be found in the Technical Specifications Manual.

27. Volume control and Headphones
Check volume prior to opening secure browser to ensure that volume is set properly
Plug in headphones and check to make sure they are working and that volume is appropriate
SLIDE 25
Script: The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium is committed to making sure that every student can access the test. You will see many tools that are available to improve accessibility, including Text-to-Speech. This accommodation works by tapping into the computer’s built-in speech engine to allow eligible students to listen to test content and is only available via the Secure Browser. Technology Coordinators are responsible for ensuring that this voice technology is available and functioning. For Windows and Mac operating systems, default voice packs are generally pre-installed. Linux users may need to install an open-source Text-to-Speech package if one was not installed with the operating system. Detailed information about voice packs can be found in the Technical Specifications Manual.

28. MontCAS Contacts Ashley Makowski, Assessment Assistant, ACT
Yvonne Field, Assessment Specialist, ELP and NCSC ,
Pam Birkeland, Digital Library
Paula Schultz, Smarter Accommodations
Judy Snow, State Assessment Director ,

29. Measured Progress Help Desk
For
Smarter
Science CRT and CRT-Alt

30. Thank you! Further Information:
opi.mt.gov/curriculum/MontCAS/index.html?gpm1_9
SLIDE 26
Script: Thank you for taking the time to view this training module. If you have questions or need further information, visit the Smarter Balanced website at the address shown on the slide, or consult your state’s help resources.