1. Smarter Balanced Field Test Technology Requirements 9:00 a. m
Smarter Balanced Field Test Technology Requirements 9:00 a.m. January 22, 2014
This webcast is designed for district testing coordinators, and anyone who will be assisting with technology aspects of testing.
We will focus on just the Secure Browser in this Webcast, but there is much more information in the Technology Specifications Manual that will be useful.
Refer to the technical guide when doing the install (we’ll remind you throughout). This webcast is an overview. We will be providing detailed “how to” videos for each device-specific install at a later date.

2. Source Material
Throughout the presentation, we will be referring to the Technical Specifications Manual (TSM), available at
January 2014

3. Student Participation Expectations
5% of students will take Field Test items from one content area (i.e., ELA or math) and 95% of students will take Field Test items from both content areas.
Participation expectations:
Grades 3–8: All students are expected to participate.
Grades 9 and 10: Only students selected for the scientific sample are expected to participate.
Grade 11: Students selected for the scientific sample are expected to participate; all others are encouraged to participate.
January 2014

4. Student Participation Expectations
The only students exempt from participating in the Smarter Balanced Field Test are:
Students who participate in the CAPA
For the ELA test only, English learners (ELs) who have been attending school in the United States for less than 12 months
January 2014

5. When are we testing?
The statewide testing window starts March 18 and ends June 6.
Each school will have an assigned six-week testing window during which all testing must be completed.
January 2014

6. Technology and System Requirements

7. Internet/Network Requirements
A constant, stable, high-speed Internet connection is required for the test.
The average response time for each assessment depends on the reliability and speed of your school’s Internet connection.
Content filters, firewalls, and proxy servers must be configured to allow testing.
Recommend a minimum of 20 kbps for each student testing, but this will likely spike at startup time.
January 2014

8. Internet/Network Requirements
Make sure that you have enough Wireless Access Points to support the number of students testing at any given time.
Wireless traffic must use encryption. WPA2 and AES standards are strongly recommended.
Try out the Network Diagnostic Tool, available at
January 2014

9. Technology Requirements
For more specific information about technology requirements, see TSM 5–16.
For more background on overall technology readiness, watch the Technology Readiness Webinar recorded on November 4 at
January 2014

10. System Requirements Desktops and Laptops TSM 13
Supported Operating Systems
Minimum Requirements for Current Computers
Minimum Recommended Specifications
Windows
XP (Service Pack 3), Vista, 7, 8.0
Server 2003 and 2008
Pentium 233 MHz
128 MB RAM
52 MB hard drive free space
1.3 GHz processor
1 GB RAM
80 GB hard drive
Mac OS X
10.4.4–10.9
Intel x86 or PowerPC G3, G4 or G5
256 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
64 MB RAM
TSM 13
January 2014

11. Mobile Operating Systems and Browsers
System Requirements
Mobile Operating Systems and Browsers
Operating System
Supported Tablets
Browsers for TA Sites
Browsers for Student Sites
Android 4.04–4.2
(likely also 4.3, but not 4.4)
Google Nexus 10
Motorola Xoom
Motorola Xyboard
Samsung Galaxy Note (10.1)
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1)
Native browser
Google Chrome
Android Secure Browser (AIR Mobile Secure Browser)
Chrome v18 and above
Chromebook
iOS 6.0–7.0
iPad 2, 3, and 4th generation (Retina Display) (and iPad Air)
Safari
iPad Secure Browser (AIR Mobile Secure Browser)
If you plan to use Android-based tablets, be aware of the Smarter Balanced device certification process outlined at
TSM 14
January 2014

12. Hardware Requirements
Headphones are required for each test station (needed for all students for the ELA test)
Microphones not required
External keyboards required for tablets
10″ diagonal display or larger (iPads with 9.5” screens are OK)
1024 x 768 display resolution
On-site printers are required for students with the Print on Demand accommodations
See TSM 15 for important information about printer placement and security requirements.
January 2014

13. Software Requirements
Disable pop-up blockers (TSM 17).
Install Verdana font on Linux machines used for testing (TSM 17).
Disable Windows Fast User Switching (TSM 18).
Disable Spaces in Mission Control for Macs (TSM 34).
Enabled Guided Access on iPads (TSM 53; TSM 55-57).
For Android tablets, change the keyboard to the AIRSecureTest (TSM 49).
January 2014

14. Accommodations
Text-to-Speech Accommodation information can be found in TSM
Braille hardware and software information can be found in TSM
Print On Demand hardware information can be found in TSM 15.
Additional information about accommodations can be found in the A&A guidelines document on the Smarter Balanced portal.
January 2014

15. What is the Secure Browser?

16. What is the Secure Browser?
The secure browser is a type of software that must be installed on each computer for the 2014 Smarter Balanced Field Test.
There are different versions of the secure browser for different device types and operating systems.
January 2014

17. What is the Secure Browser?
All Field Test secure browsers (Windows, Mac, Android, Chromebook, iOS and Linux) are available on the Smarter Balanced Portal Web page (
Need to uninstall Pilot Test version of browser, if previously installed.
If you have a secure browser for your state testing, no need to uninstall it.
January 2014

18. When Should the Secure Browser Be Installed?
Install the Secure Browser as soon as possible.
This gives stakeholders time to become familiar with the software, testing interface, etc.
The practice test can be accessed by anyone without installing any special software at
The practice test can also be accessed via the secure browser.
Gives students a preview of the locked-down testing experience.
Helps determine if network resources are sufficient for testing.
January 2014

19. Installing the Secure Browser

20. Smarter Balanced Portal Secure Browser Web Page
URL:
January 2014

21. Secure Browser Installation on Desktops and Laptops
One-by-One manual installation:
Download and install on each computer either directly or by transferring the installer via flash drive or network drive.
Additional information on one-by-one manual installation, refer to TSM 27–36. (Note: Instructions vary by system!)
January 2014

22. Secure Browser Installation on Desktops and Laptops
Network installation:
Install on a shared drive and install the Secure Browser shortcut to each users profile.
Have the users login script install or copy the Secure Browser installation.
There is an option for non-administrator installation.
Support available for Terminal Server/thin client and NComputing virtual desktops.
Third-party options such as Apple Remote Desktop, MS System Center Configuration Manager, LANDesk, etc.
For additional information on network installation, refer to TSM 37–41.
January 2014

23. Secure Browser Installation on Mobile Devices
Install on iPads via the Apple App Store.
Install on Androids via the Google Play Store.
For managing large-scale iPad deployments, see the Apple iOS Education Deployment Guide:
For additional information on network installation, refer to TSM 48 and 52.
January 2014

24. Proxy Configuration The following proxy values are supported:
0: Direct connection, no proxy
1: Manual proxy configuration
2: Proxy auto-configuration (PAC)
4: Auto-detect proxy settings
5: System proxy settings (this is the default)
For additional information on proxy configuration, refer to TSM 42–46.
January 2014

25. Secure Browser Notes
The Secure Browser checks for “prohibited” applications while it is running. This includes Instant Messaging, Screen Capture, etc.
Ctrl-Alt-Del is disabled, so use Ctrl-Alt-Shift-F10 to exit the software for Windows and Mac. Use Ctrl-Alt-Shift-Esc to exit in Linux.
January 2014

26. What Next?

27. I’ve Installed the Browser, Now What?
Run the Practice Test.
Open the browser and select “Training Test.”
Refer to the Practice Test User Guide:
Run the Network Diagnostics Tool.
Open the browser and select “Network Diagnostics Tool.”
Run at various times of the day, with varying numbers of students indicated.
Establish points of contact within your district to respond to technical issues during testing.
Review checklists for other tasks.
January 2014

28. Technology Coordinator Checklist
Technology Coordinator Activities
References in TSM
Estimated Time to Complete
Target Completion Date (or fill in your own date)
Direct Responsibilities
Verify that your school’s Internet and network are properly configured for testing.
See TSM, Section I, page 5
5–10 hours
Complete at least 3–4 weeks prior to testing.
Work with technology personnel to:
Conduct network diagnostics
Download the Secure Browser (beginning late November or early December)
Resolve other technical issues before and during testing
TSM, page 7
See TSM Section V, page 24
TIDE User Guide
Verify that all of your school’s computers that will be used for online testing meet the minimum hardware requirements.
See TSM, Section II, page
Verify that the secure browser is installed and accessible on all computers that will be used for testing.
See TSM, Section V, page 24, and Section VI, page 46
Disable pop-up blockers and install any necessary plug-ins or software.
See Section III, page 16
Complete at least 1–2 weeks prior to testing.
Disable Fast User Switching.
See TSM, Section III, page 17
TSM 71–72
January 2014

29. Technology Coordinator Checklist
Technology Coordinator Activities
References in TSM
Estimated Time to Complete
Target Completion Date (or fill in your own date)
Disable Spaces in Mission Control on computers with Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion), 10.8 (Mountain Lion), or (Mavericks).
See TSM, page 33
5–10 hours
Complete at least 1–2 weeks prior to testing.
Work with TAs to close all “forbidden applications” except those identified as necessary by the District Technology Coordinator (DTC).
Load all accommodation software onto computers that will be used for testing.
Braille
Test-to-speech
Voice Packs
See TSM, Section IV, page and Section VII page 57 and 67
Monitor Administration Activities
Monitor testing progress during the testing window and ensure that all students participate as appropriate, addressing student issues as needed.
As needed
Follow up on any technical issues raised by the School Test Coordinator for resolution.
TSM 71–72
January 2014

30. Other Reminders Complete the Technology Readiness Tool.
Review Field Test window assignments.
And don’t forget… there are still some paper tests to administer for CST, CMA, CAPA, and STS. (STS is optional). Reminders for the paper testing:
Test administration setup
Pre-ID
January 2014

31. Resources and Support

32. E-mail: caltac@ets.org
Resources and Support
CalTAC help desk is there to support YOU!
We can help determine the installation option that works best for your LEA.
Consider putting your technology coordinator in touch with your CalTAC representative, who has access to technology experts.
Phone:
January 2014

33. Questions?