1. Technology Readiness for Schools and LEAs
Welcome to: “Technology Readiness for Schools and Districts.” This module covers guidelines and available tools around the technology specifications for PARCC assessments.

2. Introduction/Purpose
By the end of this training module, you will have a general understanding of:
PARCC’s minimum and recommended hardware and bandwidth requirements
School readiness planning
Technology Setup
Infrastructure Trial
Available resources
The Technology Readiness guide helps organizations understand, manage, and make decisions in preparing school technology to be used for online testing. Schools, districts, and states can use this information to determine the readiness of existing computers as test-taking devices for the PARCC assessment. In order to be considered as prepared for computer-based testing, we recommend you follow all of the processes in this module.
By the end of this training module, you will have a general understanding of:
PARCC assessments minimum and recommended requirements for computer hardware, input devices, and security requirements.
How to prepare your school for assessment administration. This will include information on the recommended levels of bandwidth that will support assessment needs and the types of devices used in PARCC assessments.
How to prepare technology by configuring internal network, understanding TestNav 8 - the testing environment for PARCC assessments, configuring proctor caching, and setting up practices tests in the PearsonAccessnext Training Site.
Perform an infrastructure trial. This activity is a “dry-run,” designed to assist district and school leaders in identifying gaps in assessment administration capacity, including computer-based test taking devices and bandwidth, and explore possible scenarios for addressing those gaps. The trial also provides an opportunity for students and test administration staff to become familiar with the TestNav 8 testing platform and to experience the actual testing environment.
This module will also direct viewers to available resources such as: the training center, accessibility features and accommodations, available training materials, and support.
This training may be viewed by district and school personnel involved in PARCC assessments and will be particularly helpful to LEA Test Coordinators (LTCs), School Test Coordinators (STCs), and Technology Coordinators (TCs).

3. Topics Technology Guidelines School Planning Overview Technology Setup
Configure the Network
Proctor Caching
TestNav 8 and Proctor Caching Configurations
Setup TestNav Devices
Practice Tests and Sample Items
Infrastructure Trial
Resources
PARCC has created technology guidelines to inform schools and LEA/districts as they make technology decisions to best meet the instructional and assessment needs of their students. The information in these guidelines are intended to help schools, LEA/districts, and states determine the level of readiness of their existing computer inventories and the new instructional hardware they may need to purchase to administer the PARCC tests.

4. Technology Guidelines
Go to: Topics
PARCC Technology Set-up
The information in this training module can be found in the Technology Guidelines for PARCC Assessments manual. These guidelines provide the most up-to-date information on supported devices, hardware, operating system, browser, and network specifications; as well information on bandwidth recommendations, proctor caching requirements, computer-based accessibility features, embedded accommodations, and available online tools.
Information on technology guidelines can be found at

5. Technology Requirements Categories
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Minimum Specifications
apply to existing technology inventories
Recommended Specifications
apply to existing technology inventories and new hardware purchases
Some specifications in the Technology Guidelines for PARCC Assessments are separated by technology requirements. These are set into two categories:
Minimum specifications address the oldest operating systems and lowest levels of hardware capacity that can reasonably be compatible with PARCC computer-based assessments and can be considered as satisfying PARCC guidelines. This specification should be applied to all existing school technology inventories.
Recommended specifications outline the levels of computer and network capacity that are most likely to meet growing demands for school technology that supports learning, assessment, and administrative uses simultaneously across classrooms. This specification can be considered to satisfy PARCC guidelines through the assessments. This specification should be applied to both existing school technology inventories and new hardware purchases.

6. Devices, Operating System, and Browser Specifications
Go to: Topics
Technology Guidelines
Operating System, Browser, and App Requirements for each Device:
Windows desktop, laptop, and tablet
Certain versions of Windows OS, Firefox, or TestNav Desktop App.
Mac desktop and laptop
Certain versions of Mac OS X/Safari , Firefox, or TestNav Desktop App
TestNav application only, no browser requirements:
Chromebook - The installation of a Chromebook-specific TestNav App is required.
iPad - The installation of an iPad-specific TestNav App is required.
Android tablet - The installation of an Android-specific TestNav App is required.
Linux - The installation of TestNav Desktop is required.
Devices that will be supported for the PARCC operational assessments include selected desktops, laptops, netbooks, thin clients/VDI systems, and tablets. These devices will be compatible, provided they meet the established hardware, operating system, browser and networking specifications. These specifications are outlined in the Technology Guidelines for PARCC Assessments manual. The most current version of this manual is found on the technology page of parcconline.org/technology.
While PARCC’s ongoing processes for assessment and technical platform design continue, Technology Guidelines for PARCC Assessments is intended to help states and districts inform their own readiness preparations and decision-making.
Web browser requirements are also outlined in the Technology Guidelines for PARCC Assessments manual and are driven by browser compatibility with the Pearson TestNav 8 assessment delivery platform. Schools using Chromebooks, iPads, or Android tablets will need to download the TestNav 8 app and therefore do not have specific web browser requirements.
There are also installable TestNav applications for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux computers. This will allow Technology Coordinators to install a TestNav client application that does not require a local computer to have a Java Web plugin enabled.

7. Other Specifications for Each Device
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Memory
Processor
Connectivity
Screen Size
Screen Resolution
Input Devices such as Keyboard, Mouse, or Touchpad
Assistive Technologies
Headphone/Earphone
Microphone
Browser Dependencies
Firewalls, Content, and Spam Filters
Bandwidth Recommendations
Security
The Technology Guidelines for PARCC Assessments manual will also identify other specifications for each device like screen resolution and input devices.

8. Topics Technology Guidelines School Planning Overview Technology Setup
Go to: Topics
Technology Guidelines
School Planning Overview
Technology Setup
Configure the Network
Proctor Caching
TestNav 8 and Proctor Caching Configurations
Setup TestNav Devices
Practice Tests and Sample Items
Infrastructure Trial
Resources
PARCC is committed to keeping state and local leaders informed. All publications are designed specifically to assist state and local policy makers in preparing to administer PARCC assessments. This includes school planning.

9. School Planning Overview
Go to: Topics
PARCC.pearson.com
Technology Setup
PearsonAccessnext
Configure the Network
Proctor Caching
TestNav 8
Configuring Devices with the
Training Center and Practice Tests
Infrastructure Trial
Resources
Assessment Capacity Planning Tool
Technical Training Modules
PearsonAccessnext and Proctor Caching Technology User Guides
Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide
School planning involves several different aspects of technology and resources.
The components of the technology setup process include (but are not necessarily limited to):
The PearsonAccessnext system is the online portal to manage your organizations, user accounts, student registration, ordering materials, and importing and exporting files.
Configuring your network prior to testing will reduce common issues with network security devices, such as content filters and firewalls.
Proctor caching is a utility that caches test forms to a computer within a school’s network prior to testing, to reduce bandwidth load during testing window periods.
TestNav 8 is the online testing environment the students will use to take PARCC assessments.
You should validate that devices meet minimum or recommended specifications. Configure each device before testing. Example: turn off screen saver and auto updates to antivirus and other programs and configure screen resolutions, if needed. This will reduce technical issues during the test administration.
Utilize student tutorials, sample items, and practice tests. These available simulation tools will provide students and local educators the opportunity to experience the administration of PARCC assessments before the assessment day. The tutorials will help you gain familiarity with TestNav 8, the testing environment for the PARCC assessments, and its navigation tools, functions, and features. Sample items engage users on various item types that are hosted on the technology platform. Practice tests are available for each grade level and are intended to give a full testing experience to students on the computer-based testing platform, TestNav 8. You may also use the PearsonAccessnext Training Center to practice setting up test sessions.
Conduct an infrastructure trial to provide the school with a scheduled opportunity to practice and to test the school’s and district’s technical capacity and online test administration readiness in order to identify possible problems with the administration of the PARCC assessment.
Use available resource material such as the Assessment Capacity Planning Tool, technical training modules and user guides for PearsonAccessnext, proctor caching, and infrastructure trial readiness, and
Understand the available accessibility features and accommodations for students.
Many of these resources are found on the PARCC portal located at parcc.pearson.com.
Accessibility Features and Accommodations

10. Topics Technology Guidelines School Planning Overview Technology Setup
Go to: Topics
PARCC Training Modules
Technology Guidelines
School Planning Overview
Technology Setup
Configure the Network
Proctor Caching
TestNav 8 and Proctor Caching Configurations
Setup TestNav Devices
Practice Tests and Sample Items
Infrastructure Trial
Resources
Proctor Caching & TestNav Configuration Training Module located at:
For the Technology setup, it is recommended to complete the following steps prior to testing:
Configure the network, so that network security devices such as content filters and firewalls allow connectivity with PearsonAccessnext, TestNav, proctor caching, and communication with Pearson.
Proctor caching software should be installed on selected computers with local static IP addresses.
TestNav 8 and proctor caching configurations will then need to be added to PearsonAccessnext for both the production site and the training site.
Practice tests, sample items, and student tutorials can be utilized to gain further experience with TestNav 8 and the PARCC test administrations.
Once the technology setup is complete, schools can then conduct an infrastructure trial to collectively evaluate the test environment. This will allow schools to identify and resolve any issues prior to the PARCC test administrations.
A more in depth look into these technology setup steps can be viewed on the training module Proctor Caching & TestNav Configurations.

11. Resources – Technology Setup
Go to: Topics
PARCC Technology Set-up
Technology setup resources can be found on the parcc.pearson.com/technology-setup site. This includes the Proctor Caching installer and guide and the Technical User Guides.

12. Configure the Network Network Configurations:
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Network Configurations:
TestNav 8 Domains and Ports:
*.testnav.com:80, 443
*.pearsontestcontent.com:80
*.thawte.com:80
*.usertrus.com (new)
*.comodaca.com (new)
*.google-analytics.com (recommended, but not required)
Pre-caching Local Network Ports:
4480, 4481
PearsonAccessnext Domain and Ports:
*.pearsonaccessnext.com:80, 443
PearsonAccessnext s:
@support.pearson.com
Implement these configurations in your network, so that network security devices such as content filters and firewalls allow connectivity with PearsonAccessnext, TestNav, proctor caching, and communication with Pearson.

13. Proctor Caching
Go to: Topics
PARCC Training Modules
Accelerate the Delivery of Test Content and Reduce Internal Bandwidth During Testing with Proctor Caching:
Download proctor caching software.
Install on Windows or Macintosh computer with a local static IP address.
It is required that you download the most up-to-date version available.
Reference the Proctor Caching User Guide and Proctor Caching & TestNav Configuration Training Module located at
Proctor caching accelerates the delivery of test content to students and reduces the amount of bandwidth required for online (or computer-based) testing. The computer running proctor caching should be located on the network closest to the TestNav 8 clients. Generally, the closer proctor caching machine is on the network to the TestNav 8 client, the better the performance. Proctor caching can be implemented at the school or lab level. Administrator level access is required to install the software.
Please note: You should have a static IP address for the machine that you will be installing the proctor caching software.
Reference the Proctor Caching User Guide for further information on Hardware and Software Requirements, installation, and monitoring proctor caching activities. The Proctor Caching & TestNav Configuration Training Module is located at

14. TestNav 8 & Proctor Caching Configuration
Go to: Topics
PARCC Training Modules
What’s next:
TestNav 8 and proctor caching must be configured in PearsonAccessnext for your organization, prior to testing.
Configuration needs to be added once in Production and once in Training site.
Proctor caching requires an internal static IP address. Before proceeding to add configuration verify with your network administrator that your proctor caching machine has a static IP address.
Recommendation is to have a primary and an alternate TestNav 8 save location specified.
Once the network has been configured, proctor caching has been installed and validated, we are now ready to create our TestNav 8 and proctor caching configurations in PearsonAccessnext. A configuration will need to added in the production site and separately in the Training site.
Next, we will review steps to configure TestNav. These steps can also be found in the Proctor Caching & TestNav Configuration Training Module located at

15. Configure TestNav Setup
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Next you will need to create a TestNav configuration. Sign in to the PearsonAccessnext website. Technology staff will need to receive secure access from their LTC.
The TestNav configuration screen can be accessed by selecting Setup > TestNav Configurations. This will allow you to access the configurations settings to set primary and secondary temporary student response save locations for TestNav, and if applicable, set up a connection to your proctor caching machine(s).
Select Create/Edit TestNav Configurations from the tasks menu to launch the configuration screen.
Press Start.
You will be prompted to name your configuration. Configuration names must be unique within the PearsonAccessnext website for your state. Note that the Training site is shared by multiple states so configuration names must be unique across multiple states in the Training site. Pearson recommends using only letters and numbers in this field, as other characters may cause a problem with test delivery. For example, Computer Lab 1 and Computer Lab 2, or High School and Middle School.
Next, using the Organizations drop-down menu, select the appropriate school or district from the menu. Regardless of the organization level, you will have the ability to add multiple settings (and proctor caching machines) to the configuration.
Identify the proctor caching machine. In the “Default Precaching Computer” section, enter a computer name, the computer’s IP address, and port information.
The computer name will be the name that displays when selecting a caching machine during the test session creation.
If you will be proctor caching, provide the internal network IP address of the caching machine and the port number, which unless modified is 4480 for Pearson-supplied proctor caching. The IP address should be a static address to ensure students can access content during testing. Also note, the computer selected for proctor caching should not be a student’s testing machine.
Check “Uses Pearson Precaching Software.”
If you will be using a non Pearson-supplied caching solution, you will uncheck the box next to “Uses Pearson Precaching software” and make sure the port is the correct port for the caching solution you will be using.
If you will not be Precaching, simply leave the IP Address and Port fields blank; you will still need to complete the next steps for TestNav.
For Response File Backup Locations, it is recommended that a Secondary Location be specified for Windows and Macintosh computers. The Secondary Location must be writeable by students and can be a network share on school network or a shared location on the local computer.
Press Create
A green Success message will display after successful configuration. A red error will appear if there are issues.
To view, add, or make changes to an existing configuration, click on the configuration name under “Configurations.”

16. Chromebook and iPad Reference Technical User Guides available at:
Go to: Topics
PARCC Technology Set-up
Reference Technical User Guides available at:
Using TestNav 8 on a Chromebook
Installing TestNav on Managed Chromebooks
Installing TestNav on Unmanaged Chromebooks
Launching TestNav
Using TestNav 8 on an iPad
Apple Configurator via USB
Apple Profile Manager
Autonomous Single App Mode
Guided Access Mode – iOS 7 and iOS 8
For further guidance on Chromebook and iPad devices reference the Technical User Guides section links on PARCC.pearson.com/technology-setup.

17. Setup Guides: Browser-based
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Prep devices by logging into the production site:
Prep devices by using the production URL and using the login credentials: username and password

18. Setup Guides: TestNav App
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Prep devices by logging into the production site:
On computers using TestNav Desktop or TestNav app on mobile devices, use the App Check under the user icon. A green “App Check Success” message will appear if the device has been properly configured.

19. Practice Testing
Go to: Topics
PearsonAccessnext Training Site
PARCC Training Modules
Practice Testing in the PearsonAccessnext Training Site
Use Training site to generate sample students and setup sample sessions to assist school personnel to become familiar with PearsonAccessnext.
Use Training site to identify some configurations issues ahead of infrastructure trial.
Use Training site to setup sample sessions to allow students to practice using TestNav
Use practice tests and sample items to allow students to become familiar with test questions or items.
Once technology setup is complete and school personnel and students are familiar, move on to infrastructure trial.
Practice tests are a critical step in supporting students’ and schools’ transitions to new assessment content. Practice tests were developed so students and staff can have a hands-on experience with the test environment and sample items to help prepare for the PARCC assessments.
STCs, especially new ones, need to experience the setup and delivery of a test in PearsonAccessnext and best place to practice test delivery and setup is in the PearsonAccessnext training site. It is recommended that the practice test be administered on the device(s) which will be used during the operational assessment. Practice tests provides students with the experience of taking an online assessment, learn how to navigate the user interface, use the tools and accessibility features, and STCs learn how to administer an online assessment in a safe place, the practice environment. Training site practice test content can be proctor cached, and because of this, districts can confirm the functionality of proctor caching.
To learn more about setting up practice tests in PearsonAccessnext go to the Infrastructure Trials Running a Dress Rehearsal Training Module.

20. Topics Technology Guidelines School Planning Overview Technology Setup
Go to: Topics
Technology Guidelines
School Planning Overview
Technology Setup
Configure the Network
Proctor Caching
TestNav 8 and Proctor Caching Configurations
Setup TestNav Devices
Practice Tests and Sample Items
Infrastructure Trial
Resources
Next we will discuss the benefits of conducting an infrastructure trial and the resources available to prepare schools for an infrastructure trial.

21. Infrastructure Trial
Go to: Topics
PARCC Support Page (Manuals and Training)
An infrastructure trial is an opportunity for LEAs, schools, and students to prepare for computer‐based PARCC assessments by simulating test day network utilization.
This is performed in the PearsonAccessnext Training Site.
Schools are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the PARCC Training Center to evaluate their infrastructure before the live assessments to ensure there is time to take corrective action on any issues discovered during the infrastructure trial.
Review the PARCC Infrastructure Readiness Guide and the Infrastructure Trials: Running a Dress Rehearsal training module to prepare for this activity.
It is recommended to run the infrastructure trial prior to both the Fall and Spring Test Administrations.
After your technology setup activities are complete you may now proceed to the infrastructure trial activities.
An infrastructure trial is an opportunity for LEAs, schools, and students to prepare for computer‐based PARCC assessments by simulating test‐day network utilization. This is a dress rehearsal to confirm that:
TestNav 8 is configured correctly,
testing devices can successfully run TestNav,
the school network will bear the full load of computer-based testing,
participating staff know what to do for PARCC computer‐based assessments, and
students are familiar with the computer‐based tools and format.
In performing the infrastructure trial, you will not use real student information; instead you will create sample students in the PearsonAccessnext Training Center. Student responses are neither captured nor saved when they interact with TestNav 8 as part of the infrastructure trial process.
Schools are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the PARCC Training Center to evaluate their infrastructure before the live assessments to ensure there is time to take corrective action on any issues discovered during the infrastructure trial. To prepare schools to conduct an infrastructure trial, the PARCC Infrastructure Readiness Guide is available on the Support page of PearsonAccessnext. The training module, Infrastructure Trials: Running a Dress Rehearsal, will also be available to step you through the process of an infrastructure trial. This is located on the PARCC support page at

22. Topics Technology Guidelines School Planning Overview Technology Setup
Go to: Topics
Technology Guidelines
School Planning Overview
Technology Setup
Configure the Network
Proctor Caching
TestNav 8 and Proctor Caching Configurations
Setup TestNav Devices
Practice Tests and Sample Items
Infrastructure Trial
Resources
Next, we will review the resources available to you.

23. Resources – PARCC Technology Website
Go to: Topics
The information presented in the module on technology guidelines, school readiness planning, proctor caching installer and guide, technical user guides, and customer support information can be found at parcc.pearson.com/technology-setup.

24. Resources – Technology Guidelines document
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Technology Guidelines for PARCC Assessments
Details on technology guidelines, which include minimum and recommended requirements, can be found in the Technology Guidelines for PARCC Assessments document.

25. Resources – Training Center
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The Training Center is found at:
Select the green PearsonAccessnext drop-down menu and select Training.
Enter your user ID and password, and then click Sign In to go to the Training Center.
The PearsonAccessnext Training Center allows you to practice without affecting the “live” data for testing activities. For instance, STCs can generate sample students and practice placing an additional order. TAs can practice managing test sessions and TCs can practice setting up a TestNav configuration.
The Training Center is found at parcc.pearson.com/pearsonaccess.
When you select Training, notice that the Training Center has a brown theme, while the live site has a blue theme.

26. Click the Quiz button to edit this quiz
Test your knowledge:
Quiz
Does the Technology Guidelines document outline specifications for screen resolution and requirements for headphone or microphone needs?
Yes No
Is SystemCheck a replacement for conducting an Infrastructure Trial?
Should staff and students use the practice tests?
What is the definition of minimum specifications?
This specification addresses the oldest operating systems and lowest levels of hardware capacity that can reasonably be compatible with PARCC computer-based assessment. This specification should be applied to all exiting school technology inventories.
This specification outlines the levels of computer and network capacity that are more likely to meet growing demands for school technology that supports learning, assessment, and administrative uses simultaneously across classrooms. This specification should be applied to both exiting school technology inventories and new hardware purchases.
What do school planning activities involve?
Technology Set-up: PearsonAccessnext, TestNav, Proctor Caching, Configure the Network, and Configuring Devices with the SystemCheck Tool
Training Center and Practice Tests
Infrastructure Trial
All the above
Script:
***Interactive for users.***
Click the Quiz button to edit this quiz

27. Go to: Topics
Thank you
We have discussed PARCC’s minimum and recommended hardware and bandwidth requirements, school readiness planning, technology setup activities such as proctor caching, infrastructure trial, and how to find available resources. This concludes the Technology Readiness for Schools and Districts Training Module. Thank you!