1. Computer-Based Testing (CBT) Certification Tool
Maria C. Bruguera, Director 1
Mara C. Ugando, Staff Specialist
Kathleen Sierra, Supervisor
Assessment, Research, and Data Analysis
In an effort to ensure readiness for high-stakes computer-based testing at your school, the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) has implemented a Computer-Based Assessment Certification process. Schools will complete an online certification tool to provide actual data for the Spring 2018 computer-based administrations. Schools are asked to input data for the number of computers that will be used for each administration, the total number of students to be tested, and the number of students to be tested concurrently each day. Schools are also asked to confirm that they have completed or will complete necessary setup activities prior to testing.

2. CBT Assessments
Florida Standards Assessments (FSA): AIR Platform
FSA English Language Arts (ELA) Writing
Grade 8
Grade 9
Grade 10
Retake
FSA ELA Reading
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 6
Grade 7
The following Florida Standards Assessments (FSA) will be administered on the computer in the Spring:
English Language Arts Writing component in grades 8-10 and Writing Retake
English Language Arts Reading component in grades 4-10 and Reading Retake

3. CBT Assessments
Florida Standards Assessments (FSA): AIR Platform
FSA Mathematics
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 6
Grade 7
Grade 8
FSA End-of-Course (EOC)
Algebra 1 Retake
Algebra 1
Geometry
The following Florida Standards Assessments (FSA) will be administered on the computer in the Spring:
Mathematics in Grades 3-8
Algebra 1 Retake End of Course
Algebra 1 End of Course and
Geometry End of Course

4. CBT Assessments
Next Generation Sunshine State Standards (NGSSS) and FCAT 2.0: Pearson TestNav Platform
NGSSS End-of Course (EOC)
Biology 1
Civics EOC
US History
FCAT 2.0 Reading Retake
All Florida Next Generation Sunshine State Standards End Of Course assessments and FCAT 2.0 Retake are administered on the computer: The assessments are:
FCAT 2.0 Reading Retake
Biology 1 End Of Course
Civics End Of Course
and US History End Of Course

5. Spring 2018 Certification Requirements
for Computer-Based Testing (CBT)
ALL schools (elementary, K-8 centers, middle schools, senior high schools, and alternative centers) administering CBT assessments in the spring must complete the following two procedures to ensure readiness:
The first requirement is to complete the FLDOE web-based certification tool. The web-based certification tool window is:
December 15, –January 26, 2018
The second requirement is to conduct readiness trials for each CBT platform; as applicable:
School-wide AIR FSA Infrastructure Readiness Trial on any day within the February 12-16, 2018 window; and
School-wide PearsonAccess Next Infrastructure Readiness Trial on any day within the March 12-16, 2018 window.
Please refer to the “FSA Infrastructure Trial Guide” and the “Pearson’s Infrastructure Readiness Guide” to have the necessary information and instructions to conduct the trials.
To prepare for Spring 2018 computer-based administrations, ALL schools (elementary, K-8 centers, middle schools, senior high schools, and alternative centers) must complete two procedures to ensure readiness for computer-based testing.
The first requirement is to complete the FLDOE web-based certification tool, the instructions are provided in this screencast training. The web-based certification tool window is December 15, 2017 – January 26, 2018.
The second requirement is to conduct readiness trials for each of the computer-based testing platforms; as applicable: the school-wide AIR FSA Infrastructure Readiness Trial is scheduled on any day within the February 12-16, window and the School-wide PearsonAccess Next Infrastructure Readiness Trial on any day within the March 12-16, 2018 window.
The school-wide AIR FSA Infrastructure Readiness Trial is conducted for all the computer-based FSA (ELA Reading and Writing, Math, and End-of-Course assessments) while the School-wide PearsonAccess Next Infrastructure Readiness Trial is conducted for the FCAT 2.0 Reading Retake and Next Generation Sunshine State Standards End-of-Course Assessments.
The infrastructure readiness trial will provide schools the opportunity to simulate test-day network utilization, determining any school or district issues, and confirming that all workstations that will be used for testing can run the appropriate software. The FSA Infrastructure Trial Guide should be used as a reference guide for the necessary information and instructions to administer the trial and is available in the FSA Portal under Technology Resources. It is also posted on the test chairperson information page under Miscellaneous/Other.
There is also a Pearson Infrastructure Readiness Guide that should be used when planning and conducting the trial for Pearson’s testing platform. This guide can be found at the Avocet website by selecting the letter I for infrastructure readiness guide or the test chairperson information page under Miscellaneous/Other.

6. Minimum Specifications
AIR’s FSA
Minimum Specifications
Important Note:
AIR has released a new secure browser (v. 10.0) for the school year. All schools must have the new browser installed by the end of January Refer to Weekly Briefing #21564.
AIR has developed this document detailing the minimum specifications required to run the Test Delivery System (TDS) CBT platform that will be used with the FSA. This document is available on the FSA Portal under Technology Resources and is also posted on the test chairperson webpage under Miscellaneous/Other.
Schools will need to identify workstations that meet these minimum requirements to be able to determine how many computers may be used for high-stakes testing.
For optimal student experience, any computer that takes a noticeably long period of time (more than 10 seconds) to start and run applications, even computers which meet the requirements listed on this slide, should not be used for high-stakes computer-based testing, if possible.
Also please note, even though the specifications state that each computer must have a mouse, touchpads are permitted for students who are comfortable using them.

7. Minimum Specifications
Pearson’s TestNav
Minimum Specifications
This document details the minimum specifications required to be able to run the Pearson TestNav platform. These specifications are also available at Avocet website by selecting M for Minimum Specifications CBT – then click on Florida TestNav8 Support Link or the test chairperson information page under Miscellaneous/Other.
Schools will need to identify workstations that meet these minimum requirements to be able to determine how many computers may be used for high-stakes testing.
Be sure that you have the most up-to-date specifications for each platform as there have been several revisions to both platforms. The minimum specifications document consist of several pages so please review each one carefully.
Important Note:
Pearson has also released an updated TestNav app for the administration of the NGSSS assessment programs.  The TestNav app is optional for schools to download.

8. FSA Secure Browser
A secure browser must be downloaded and installed on all computers that will be used for student testing.
The new FSA Secure Browser 10.0 is now available at resources/browsers/  
All schools must have new browser installed by the end of January 2018.
Software application is installed either on a file server or on each computer that will be used for testing.
Response files are not saved locally. (No Proctor Caching software.)
Note: If there is a disruption in connectivity during testing, the students will be prevented from continuing to test until the issue is resolved.
The FSA secure browser must be downloaded and installed on all computers that will be used for student testing. Please note, There is a NEW version of the secure browser for the school year. All schools that did not participate in the Fall or Winter 2017 FSA EOC administration, must have the new browser installed by the end of January 2018.
The new secure browser is available on the FSA portal.
This is a web-based platform. Response files are not saved locally. There is no proctor caching software as with the TestNav8 platform. If there is a disruption in internet service during testing, the student will be prevented from continuing to test until the issue is resolved.
The testing platform does not permit access to other applications during testing. This means that any applications that may automatically launch during testing will interrupt the student’s testing session, logging the student out of the test. Applications such as antivirus updates, power management software for laptops, screen savers, and with automatic message notifications should be configured so they do not launch during test sessions.

9. TestNav - Pearsonaccess next
Web-browser, no download on individual student workstations
Proctor Caching software must be installed only in proctor caching computers.
Software application is installed either on a file server or on each computer that will be used as a proctor caching computer.
Important Note:
Pearson has released a new TestNav app for the school year. 
Optional Installable Desktop App is available to alleviate Java issues at
TestNav is a web-based browser, which does not need to be downloaded on individual student workstations. Only the Proctor Caching software must be installed and only on computers that will be used as proctor caching computers. Recommendation is to have one proctor cache computer per lab setting. Software application can be installed either on a file server or on each computer that will be used as a proctor caching computer.
This testing platform also does not permit access to other applications during testing. This means that any applications that may automatically launch during testing will interrupt the student’s testing session, logging the student out of the test.
Pearson has released a new TestNav app for the school year. The TestNav app is optional for schools to download.
Please note that the installable desktop app can be pushed.  It will create a desktop shortcut on student workstations and students will double-click the icon and it will be set to go for testing, they don’t have to enter in a URL address.  All computers and devices running the old TestNav app must be updated prior to testing by the end of January 2018.
*All schools that will use the app must have it installed by the end of January 2018.*

10. Spring 2018 Certification Process
Certification Tool opens on:
December 15, 2017
Certification Tool closes on:
January 26, 2018
Note: This survey must be completed by ALL schools and centers administering the Spring 2018 FSA, FCAT 2.0, and NGSSS CBT assessments.
The spring certification tool must be completed by all schools (including elementary schools, K-8 Centers, middle schools, high schools, and alternative education centers that will administer the Spring 2018 FSA, FCAT 2.0, and/or NGSSS computer-based assessments.
The certification readiness window is from December 15, to January 26, 2018.
Schools must complete the tool by January 26, 2018.

11. Spring 2018 Certification Process
M-DCPS’ FSA CBT Administration Schedules
Date
Assessment
February 26 -  March 2
Spring 2018 FSA English Language Arts (ELA) Writing Component
ELA Grade 10 Retake (Writing component only)
March 1 -9
Spring FSA ELA Writing Component
Grades 8-10
Note: The tests may be administered in any order, by school. One grade level does not need to be completed before another begins, and more than one grade level may be administered concurrently.
March 19 – 22 &
April 2 - 6
Spring 2018 FSA ELA Grade 10 Retake
ELA Grade 10 Retake (Reading component only)
Spring 2018 FSA End-of-Course (EOC ) Retake
Algebra 1 Retake (Retakers only)
The following few slides will provide you with the testing windows for all the computer-based assessments in the spring.
The Spring 2018 FSA English Language Arts (ELA) Writing Retake will be administered on February 26 - March 2, 2018 to eligible students who need to pass the test for graduation purposes.
The Spring 2018 FSA English Language Arts (ELA) Writing component will be administered to Grades 8-10 on March 1-9, 2018.
Additionally, eligible students that need to retake the Grade 10 English Language Arts Reading component and the FSA Algebra 1 Retake EOC for graduation will take the test on March 19 – 22 & April 2 – 6, Please note that March 23 is a Teacher Planning Day and there will NOT be any testing.
Also important note that Spring Break is scheduled in the middle of the Retake window. No testing will occur during Spring Break on March 26-30, 2018.
No testing on March 23rd, Teacher Planning Day. Spring Break, March

12. Spring 2018 Certification Process
M-DCPS’ FSA CBT Administration Schedules
Date
Assessment
April 16 – May 18
Spring FSA ELA and Mathematics
ELA Reading: Grades 4-10
Math: Grades 3-8
April 16– May 18
Spring FSA End-of-Course (EOC)s
Algebra 1 (first-time testers)
Geometry
Note: The tests may be administered in any order, by school. One subject test does not need to be completed before another begins, and subject tests may be administered concurrently.
The Spring 2018 FSA ELA Reading and Mathematics tests will be administered to students on the computer from April 16th through May 18th. The FSA ELA Reading tests are administered to students in grades 4-10 and the Mathematics tests are administered to students in grades 3-8.
The Spring 2018 FSA Algebra 1 and Geometry End-of-Course assessments will also be administered from April 16th through May 18th on the computer to eligible students enrolled in the appropriate EOC courses.
As you can see, these assessment windows overlap. Please take into consideration the number of sessions and allotted time for each test as you begin planning your daily schedule to ensure that you complete computer-based testing by the end of the testing window. You may schedule more than one group (general education students) each day of testing so that you can ensure that you can test all students within the testing window. Also, as a reminder schools selected for a calibration CBT grade/subject must administer that test within the first 2 weeks of testing (April 16-27).
Please Note: that these assessments may be administered in any order, by school. One grade level/subject test does not need to be completed before another begins, and more than one test may be administered concurrently.
Again, carefully review the number of sessions and allotted time for each test as you begin planning your daily schedule to ensure that you complete all testing by the end of the testing window.

13. Spring 2018 Certification Process
M-DCPS’ NGSSS CBT Administration Schedules
Date
Assessment
March 19 – 22 &
April 2 - 6
Spring FCAT 2.0 Retake
Reading
April 16 – May 18
Spring NGSSS EOCs
Biology 1
Civics
US History
Note: The tests may be administered in any order, by school. One subject test does not need to be completed before another begins, and subject tests may be administered concurrently.
The Spring 2018 FCAT 2.0 Reading Retake will be administered March 19 – 22 & April 2 – 6, Please note that March 23 is a Teacher Planning Day and there will NOT be any testing. Also important note that Spring Break is scheduled in the middle of the FCAT 2.0 Reading Retake window. No testing will occur during Spring Break on March 26-30, 2018.
The Spring 2018 Next Generation Sunshine State Standards Biology 1, Civics, and US History EOC will be administered on the computer to eligible students enrolled in the appropriate EOC courses on April 16th through May 18th .
Please note that this window overlaps with the FSA computer-based assessments.
The EOC tests may be administered in any order, by school. One subject test does not need to be completed before another begins, and subject tests may be administered concurrently.
It is important that you review the district’s testing calendar carefully so that you are entering the data under the correct testing days and that you plan accordingly to ensure that you can complete all computer-based testing within the testing windows. Also allow a few days for make-up sessions.
No testing on March 23, Teacher Planning Day and Spring Break, March

14. Certification Tool Steps
Access the tool at
Step 1: Log in and Change Your Password
Step 2: Enter Contact Information
Step 3: Complete the Survey
I. Computer Specifications
II. Student Scheduling Plan
III. Annual/Long-Term Checklist
IV. Administration-Specific Checklist
Note: Once you have entered all of the data, click “Save” and select the link to continue the survey at the top of the screen.
Step 4: Review the Data with School Staff
Step 5: Confirm School Computer-Based Assessment Certification Team
Step 6: Complete Survey
The URL address to access the certification tool is listed on this slide.
There are 6 steps involved with the certification process. Step 1 is to log in and create a password. Step 2 is to enter contact information for the person entering the school data. Step 3 is completing the survey. There are 4 sections in the survey that need to be completed. Computer Specifications; Student Scheduling Plan; Annual/Long-Term Checklist; and Administration-Specific Checklist.
Step 4 print and review the data entered. Step 5 enter/confirm the computer-based team at your school. Step 6 submit Survey to District.

15. Step 1: Log in and Change Your Password
The first time you log into the tool, you will use the Miami-Dade School district number (13) and your four-digit school number with no spaces for your username and password.
For example, Andover Middle is school number Therefore, staff at Andover Middle would type for both the username and password.
Once you log into the tool, you will be prompted to set up a new password. However, the username will remain as 13 followed by your four-digit school number.
Please be sure to write down the new password. If you forget your password and need to reset it, please contact Student Assessment and Educational Testing office at
Important Note:  The first time you log in, the username will be the M-DCPS two-digit district number (13) and your four-digit school number with no spaces (e.g.,13XXXX) for both the username and password.  You will be prompted to change your password. 

16. Step 2: Enter Contact Information
The first time you log in, you will be required to give contact information for the individual at your school who will be responsible for reviewing and approving school data in the tool.
Be sure to click “Save”.
Note: Once you have entered and saved the contact information, click on the Main Menu to proceed.
Next, enter contact information for the individual at your school entering and reviewing the school data in the tool. Once the contact information is entered, please be sure to click on SAVE then you will click on Main Menu.

17. Step 3: Complete the Survey I. Computer Specifications
Enter the number of computers that are available for high-stakes computer-based assessments, and meet minimum stated specifications. 
Please be sure to click on “Save” and select the link to continue the survey at the top of the screen.
Note: This section must be completed first because the data you enter will be used to populate fields in Section II.
Now you are ready to complete the survey. Be sure to click on the applicable survey link from the Main Menu. In Section 1, Computer Specifications: You will enter the number of computers that are available for high-stakes computer-based testing, and meet minimum stated specifications.  Once you enter the number of computers available, the tool is programmed to reserve 2 percent of the computers as alternates (with a default minimum of 1 computer), in case there are specific hardware or system malfunctions during testing.
Please note that these alternate computers will be deducted from the total number of computers available for testing, which will be automatically populated in Section II. This calculation is the total number of computers that meet all of the minimum specifications, minus the computers that will be reserved as alternates.
Schools will not be allowed to enter more than this number of computers on any given day of testing, but some administrations will allow them to use the computers more than once in a given day. Please note that this section must be completed first because the data you enter will be used to populate fields in Section II.
Also, keep in mind that you should only include computers that can used in lab setting for testing. The current location and function of computers should inform this decision. After entering the data, please be sure to click on “Save” and select the link to continue the survey at the top of the screen.

18. Step 3: Complete the Survey II. Student Scheduling Plan
Enter the number of students to be tested and the number of sessions the school plans to conduct each day of the assessment window.
Please be sure to click on “Save” and select the link to continue the survey at the top of the screen.
Note: Only enter data for the dates that are approved based on the district’s testing calendar.
Section 2: Student Scheduling Plan is next: This section of the certification tool asks you to provide the total number of students to be tested concurrently for each administration based on the number of computers available and to schedule the number of students that will be tested each day of the administration window for each assessment.
Note that if your school will not administer a specific test, you will need to click on “Not applicable” and leave those spaces blank. For example, if you are an elementary school that will not administer the Spring 2018 Next Generation Sunshine State Standards EOC assessments, then you must click on “not applicable” next to the Spring 2018 NGSSS EOC; only complete the FSA section as applicable.
Scheduling is a crucial task in preparing for and completing testing within the designated testing window. In addition to the number of computers available for testing, other factors should be considered, such as available bandwidth and staff to serve as test administrators, proctors, and technical support.
For example, if you have 3 testing labs with 30 computers available in each lab, then you would schedule 90 students each day of testing. If you plan to have 2 groups an AM and PM group, then you can schedule 180 students per day. Only if it’s general ed. students who do not have extended time accommodation.
Please keep in mind the number of sessions for each test when you complete your scheduling and fill out the tool. The FSA ELA Writing test is a one session test administered in one day while the FSA ELA Reading test is a two-session test administered over 2 days and the FSA ELA Math in middle grades (6-8) is a 3-session test administered over 2 days.
You may schedule more than one group to take a test on any given day if they are regular standard students so that you are able to test all your students within the designated testing window.
You can schedule group A in the morning to complete session 1 of the test and group B in the afternoon to complete session 1 of the same test. The same groups will return the next day to complete session 2. Group B can be scheduled in the morning to complete session 2 of the test and group A can be scheduled in the afternoon to complete session 2 of the test (if you flip flop the schedules, it will provide each group with one opportunity to test in the morning.)
Once you enter the data, please be sure to click on “Save” and select the link to continue the survey at the top of the screen.
Please note that you must enter the data under the correct testing days as provided in the district’s testing calendar. Please review the district’s testing calendar carefully before filling out the survey. Entering the data under the wrong dates, for example, during Spring Break or on a Teacher Planning Day, will require you to have to reenter the data.
Additionally, if an error message appears after clicking SAVE, please refer to the Guide to Computer-Based Assessments Certification Tool for Spring 2018, pages 8-10 that provides a chart with the error message and hints to help you correct the issue.
*Be sure not to enter data on Teacher Planning Day or during Spring Break when students are not in school.*

19. Step 3: Complete the Survey III. Annual/Long-Term Checklist
Next is Section 3: Annual/Long Term Checklist: It includes test preparation activities under 2 areas: Training and Preparation and Technical Setup
Respond to questions using the drop-down boxes provided. There are 3 response options:
This activity has been completed or will be completed prior to testing.
We cannot complete this activity and need assistance, or
Not Applicable
Please be sure to click on “Save” when you complete the checklist and select the link to continue the survey at the top of the screen.
Please be sure to click on “Save” when you complete the checklist and select the link to continue the survey at the top of the screen.

20. Step 3: Complete the Survey IV. Administration-Specific Checklist
The last section of the survey - Section 4 Administration-Specific Checklist includes test preparation activities under 3 areas: One Month Prior to Testing ; One Week Prior to Testing; and The Day Before Testing Begins
You are also required to respond to questions using the drop-down boxes provided.
There are 3 response options:
This activity has been completed or will be completed prior to testing.
We cannot complete this activity and need assistance, or
Not Applicable
Please be sure to click on “Save” after you complete the checklist and select the link to continue the survey at the top of the screen.
Please be sure to click on “Save” when you complete the checklist and select the link to continue the survey at the top of the screen.

21. Step 4: Review the Data with Your school
At this point, it is recommended that you use the “Print Survey” function from the Main Menu to print all data that has been entered in the tool for your school. Review this information with others at your school to confirm that all workstations to be used have been identified and that everyone agrees that this data accurately reflects your school’s capability for computer-based testing.
Use the “Print Survey” function from the Main Menu to print all data that has been entered in the tool for your school to review with school staff.

22. Step 5: School Computer-Based Assessment Certification Team
Step 5: Go to the Survey section and select “Section V. School Computer-Based Assessment Team.”
This will identify the principal and a school-level team of contacts for computer-based testing. One person is also identified as the primary point of contact for the school. Each person identified should have reviewed all of the information entered into the tool and confirmed its accuracy.
Once you have successfully entered and saved this information, select the link to continue the survey at the top of the screen.
Identify the principal and a school-level team of contacts for computer-based testing. One person is also to be identified as the primary point of contact for the school.
Click on “Save” and select the link to continue the survey at the top of the screen.

23. Step 6: Complete survey
Now you can go to the Survey section and select “Section VI. Submit to District.” Please be sure to click on “Survey Completed” on this page.
Clicking the Submit button on this page will record the date and notify the district that the survey is complete. Only submit the survey AFTER everyone on your computer-based assessment team has confirmed that all information is accurate. You may be contacted by the district to confirm this data.
Please note that it is important that you complete this last step – “Submit to District”. This last step closes out the survey for your school. If you do not click on Submit to District, your school will continue to show as NOT Completed - PENDING.
Go to the Survey section and select “VI. Submit to District.”
Very Important Note: Click “Survey Completed” on this page. This will record the date and notify your district that the survey is complete.

24. Student Assessment and Educational Testing
Contact Information:
Student Assessment and Educational Testing  
If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact Student Assessment & Educational Testing Office at
Thank you for your time.