1. PARCC Technology Guidelines FROM SEPTEMBER 2013 UPDATE

2. General Guidelines TECHNOLOGY GUIDELINES VERSION 3.0

3. Bandwidth Recommendations Minimum with Caching Minimum without Caching Recommended for Assessment + Instruction External Connection to the Internet 5 kbps per second per student 50 kbps per second per student 100 kbps per second per student or faster

4. School Bandwidth for Testing Simultaneous Test- Takers / Devices Minimum Connection Speed (External Connection to the Internet) With Caching (5 kbps / student) Without Caching (50 kbps / student) 15 students / devices75 kbps750 kbps 20 students / devices100 kbps1000 kbps (1 mbps) 30 students / devices150 kbps1500 kbps (1.5 mbps) 60 students / devices300 kbps3000 kbps (3 mbps) 90 students / devices450 kbps4500 kbps (4.5 mbps)

5. Desktop/Laptop Specifications Minimum Specifications Recommended Specifications Operating System WindowsWindows XP, SP3Windows 7 or newer Mac OSMac OS 10.5Mac OS 10.7 or newer LinuxUbuntu 9-10 Fedora 6 Ubuntu 11.10 Fedora 16 or newer Chrome OSChrome OS 19Chrome OS 19 or newer Memory512 MB RAM1 GB RAM or greater ConnectivityComputers must be able to connect to the Internet via wired or wireless networks. Screen Size9.5 inch or larger Screen Resolution1024 x 768 or better

6. Desktop/Laptop Specifications (continued) Minimum Specifications Recommended Specifications Input Device Keyboard Mouse / touchpad / touchscreen Input device must allow students to select/deselect, drag, and highlight text, objects, and areas. The input device must allow students to enter letters, numbers, and symbols and shift, tab, return, delete, and backspace. To meet security guidelines each Bluetooth/wireless keyboard must be configured to pair with only a single device. Headphone / Earphone and Microphone Headphone/Earphones Microphone Headphones/earphones are required for all students for all PARCC assessments. Microphones are required for all students taking the Speaking and Listening Assessment.

7. Tablet Specifications Minimum Specifications Recommended Specifications Operating System AndroidAndroid 4.0 with 512 MB RAM or greater Android 4.0 or newer with 1 GB RAM or greater Apple iOSiPad 2 running iOS 6 with 512 MB RAM or greater iPad 2 or newer running iOS 6 or newer with 512 MB RAM or greater WindowsWindows 8 with 512 MB RAM or greater Windows 8 or newer with 1 GB RAM or greater ConnectivityComputers must be able to connect to the Internet via wired or wireless networks Screen Size9.5 inch screen size or larger Screen Resolution1024 x 768 or better

8. Table Specifications (continued) Minimum Specifications Recommended Specifications Input Device Requirements Keyboard Touchscreen or Mouse Due to the onscreen occupied by a tablet’s virtual keyboard, PARCC assessments will require external keyboards for test takers using tablets so as not to limit or obscure the view of test item content and related functionalities when text input is required. External keyboards must allow students to enter letters, numbers, and symbols and shift, tab, return, delete, and backspace. Tablet touchscreen interface can be used to select/deselect, drag, and highlight text, objects, and areas. To meet security guidelines, each Bluetooth/wireless keyboard must be configured to pair with only a single computer during test administration.

9. Table Specifications (continued) Minimum Specifications Recommended Specifications Headphone / Earphone and Microphone Requirements Headphones / Earphones Microphone Headphones/earphones are required for all students for all PARCC assessments. Microphones are required for all students taking the Speaking and Listening Assessment.

10. Tablets Continued Additional Guidance Tablets smaller than 9.5” not compatible E-Readers NOT supported Smart Phones NOT supported

11. PARCC Field Test TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS AS OF SEPTEMBER 2013

12. External Connection to the Internet Minimum with Caching Minimum without Caching Recommended for Assessment + Instruction 5 kilobits per second (kbps)/student 50 kilobits per second (kbps) / student 100 kilobits per second (kbps) / student or faster

13. Desktop, Laptop, Netbook Thin Client / VDI Computers Supported for Field Test Supported for 2014-2015 Operational Assessment Minimum Specifications Recommended Specifications Operating System WindowsYes Windows XP, SP3Windows 7 or newer Mac OSYes Mac OS 10.5Mac OS 10.7 or newer LinuxNoYesN/A Chrome OSYes Not all accessibility features will be supported for Chrome OS YesChrome OS 19Chrome OS 19 or newer

14. Additional Specifications Minimum Specifications Recommended Specifications Memory512 MB of RAM1 GB RAM or greater ConnectivityComputers must be able to connect to the Internet via wired or wireless networks Screen size9.5” size or larger Screen Resolution1024 x 768 resolution or better

15. Additional Specifications (continued) Minimum Specifications Recommended Specifications Input Device Requirements Keyboard – wired or wireless / Bluetooth Mouse or Touchpad or Touchscreen The input device must allow students to select/deselect, drag, and highlight text, objects, and areas. The input device must allow students to enter letters, numbers, and symbols and to shift, tab, return, delete, and backspace. To meet security guidelines each Bluetooth/wireless keyboard must be configured to pair with only a single computer during assessment administration

16. Additional Specifications (continued) Minimum Specifications Recommended Specifications Headphone / Earphone and Microphone Requirements Headphones / Earphones Headphones / Earphones are required for all students for all PARCC assessments

17. Desktop, Laptop, Netbook, and Thin Client / VDI Computers Additional Guidance Each computer operating in a thin client environment must meet or exceed minimum hardware specifications, as well as bandwidth and security requirements Computers meeting minimum specifications for the 2014-2015 are not likely to be compatible beyond the 2015-2016 assessment Computers must accommodate the 1024 x 768 screen resolution minimum without panning. PARCC recognizes that some netbook computers may have screen resolutions slightly less than the 1024 x 768 minimum, yet may meet all other minimum requirements. PARCC will establish a means for schools to evaluate if the device will be able to display assessment items.

18. Tablets Supported for Field Test Supported for 2014-2015 Operational Assessment Minimum Specifications Recommended Specifications Operating System AndroidNoYesN/A Apple iOSYes iPad 2 running iOS 6 iPad 2 or newer running iOS 6 or newer WindowsYes (not RT) Yes (RT unknown) Windows 8Windows 8 or newer

19. Tablet (Additional Specifications) Minimum Specifications Recommended Specifications Operating System Android512 MB RAM or greater 1 GB RAM or greater Apple iOS512 MB RAM or greater Windows512 MB RAM or greater 1 GB RAM or greater ConnectivityComputers must be able to connect to the Internet via wired or wireless networks Screen Size9.5” screen size or larger Screen Resolution1024 x 768 resolution or better

20. Tablet (Additional Specifications) Minimum Specifications Recommended Specifications Input Device Requirements Keyboard (wired or wireless / Bluetooth) Touchscreen or Mouse Due to onscreen space occupied by a tablet’s virtual keyboard, PARCC assessments will require external keyboards for test takers using tablets so as not to limit or obscure the view of test item content and related functionalities when text input is required External keyboards must allow students to enter letters, numbers, and symbols and to shift, tab, return, delete and backspace To meet security guidelines, each Bluetooth / wireless keyboard must be configured to pair with only a single device during assessment administration

21. Tablets (Additional Specifications continued) Minimum Specifications Recommended Specifications Headphone / Earphone and Microphone Requirements Headphones / Earphones Headphones / Earphones are required for all students for all PARCC assessments.

22. Tablets Continued Additional Guidance Windows RT NOT supported for field test Tablets smaller than 9.5” not compatible E-Readers will NOT be supported Smart Phones will NOT be supported

23. Devices Needed for Testing School TypeMinimum number of devices Recommended number of devices For a school with three tested grades (K-5, 6-8, 9-12) One device for every two students in the largest tested grade One device per student for the largest tested grade For a school with six tested grades (K-8) One device per student for the largest tested grade One device per student for the two largest tested grades

24. TestNav 8.0.2 HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS

25. Hardware Requirements Minimum Hardware Requirements WindowsMacintoshiPad (2 or higher) Processor1.6 GHz x86- compatible Intel Core Duo 1.83 GHz Only Intel-based Macs are supported Any Memory512 MB RAM1 GB RAMAny Screen1024 x 768 Resolution 9.7 inch

26. Software Requirements (PC) WindowsIE 9.0IE 10.0ChromeFirefox XP (SP3)XX VistaXXX 7XXXX 8XXX Notes: Chrome requires version 20 or higher Firefox requires version 14 or higher

27. Software Requirements (Macs) Mac OS XSafari 5.0Safari 6.0ChromeFirefox 10.5X 10.6XXX 10.7XXXX 10.8XXX Notes: Mac OS X 10.7 and 10.8 users who install the Java for OS X 2012-006 update from Apple on student workstations will not be able to use the Chrome browser. The update breaks compatibility.

28. Software Requirements (tablets) The TestNav 8 app for iOS is in development. It is required for secure testing. Until the app is ready, the Safari browser can be used for tests that do not require locking down the device.

29. Browser Dependencies Java runtime plugin version 1.5 and higher Pop-ups for Pearson sites Local File access to home directory

30. Firewall / Proxy Servers / Content Filtering When using Proctoring Caching, the following must be opened in any firewalls, proxy servers, or software that is used for internet content filtering: URL:Port testnav.com:80 testnav.com:443 s3.amazonaws.com Note for Mac 10.6: In certain situations when the parental control is on and the user attempts to connect to SSL sites, the automatic Internet content filter on Mac 10.6 workstations may block the testnav.com domain. To resolve this, set the parental control to “Always Allow” the testnav.com domain.

31. Accessibility Features PARCC ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES AND ACCOMMODATIONS MANUAL SEPT 2013

32. Definition PARCC technology-based assessments, accessibility features are tools or preferences that are either built into the assessment system or provided externally by test administrators. Accessibility features can be used by any student taking the PARCC assessments (i.e., students with and without disabilities). Since the accessibility features are intended for all students, they are not classified as accommodations. Students should be exposed to these features prior to testing, and should have the opportunity to select and practice using them. Accessibility features are intended to benefit a wide range of students, and are available to any student at his or her discretion during testing.

33. PARCC Accessibility System Accommodations Features for All Students Tools embedded Accessibility Features for All Students Identified in advance Accommodations

34. Accessibility Features for All Students PARCC AccessibilityISAT/PSAE Accommodations Audio amplification Blank paper (provided by test admin) Graphic organizers Eliminate answer choices Flag items for reviewCues on test booklet General administration directs clarified (by test admin) Auditory supports General administration directions read aloud and repeated as needed (by test administrator) Highlight toolDirections highlighted Headphones

35. Accessibility Features for All Students PARCC AccessibilityISAT/PSAE Accommodations Magnification/enlargement device Large print Note pad Pop-up glossary Redirect student to the test (by test administrator) Spell checker Writing tools

36. Accessibility Features for All Students PARCC AccessibilityISAT/PSAE Accommodations Adaptive and specialized equipment Adapted environment Answer Masking Background/font color (color contrast) Visual supports (colored paper) General masking Line reader tool Text-to-speech for the mathematics assessments Oral presentation

37. What are Presentation Accommodations? Presentation accommodations alter the method or format used to administer a PARCC assessment to a student, including auditory, tactile, visual, and/or a combination of these, rather than having the student take the test in the same format as other students. For students taking computer-delivered assessments, all presentation accommodations must be identified in advance by a student’s PNP (during the test registration process).

38. Proposed Presentation Accommodations for Students with Disabilities DomainPARCCISAT/PSAE ELA/Literacy Text-to-speech or video of a human interpreter for the ELA assessments, including items, and passages Sign Language Refreshable braille displays Closed-Captioning of multimedia passages Descriptive video MathematicsVideo of human interpreter

39. Proposed Presentation Accommodations for Students with Disabilities DomainPARCCISAT/PSAE Both Domains Assistive technology Hard-copy braille testsBraille/large print Video of a human interpreter for test directions Tactile graphics Paper-and-pencil edition

40. What are Response Accommodations? Response accommodations allow students to use alternative methods to provide responses to test items, such as through dictating to a scribe or using an assistive device. For students taking computer-delivered assessments, all response accommodations must be identified in advance by a student’s PNP (during the test registration process).

41. Proposed Response Accommodations for Students with Disabilities DomainPARCCISAT/PSAE ELA Scribing or speech-to-text (i.e., Dictation/Transcription or Signing) for constructed responses Answer dictation Word prediction for PBA Mathematics Calculation device and mathematics tools (on Non- calculator Sessions) Calculator Both Domains Assistive technology Scribing or speech-to-text for selected response items Answer dictation Braille note-taker

42. PARCC Field Test ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES

43. Accessibility Features for All Students SupportModeAvailable for Field Testing 2014 Answer MaskingComputer BasedYes* EOY ELA: Grades 3,5,8,11 Math: Grades 4,7, Algebra 1 and Geometry Audio AmplificationDevice DependentYes *Accessibility features which must be determined in advance by the IEP/504/EL team (if applicable) or a student’s educational team/or staff member

44. Accessibility Features for All Students SupportModeAvailable for Field Testing 2014 Background/Font Color (Color Contrast) Black on Cream Black on Light Blue Black on Light Magenta White on Black Light Blue on Dark Blue Computer BasedYes* PBA/EOY ELA: Grades 3,5,8,11 Math: Grades 4,7, Algebra 1 and Geometry

45. Accessibility Features for All Students SupportModeAvailable for Field Testing 2014 Blank PaperSchool ProvidedYes Eliminate Answer ChoicesComputer BasedYes Flag Items for ReviewComputer BasedYes General Admin Directions Clarified By Test AdministratorYes General Admin Directions Read Aloud and Repeated as Needed By Test AdministratorYes

46. Accessibility Features for All Students SupportModeAvailable for Field Testing 2014 General MaskingComputer BasedNo* Highlight ToolComputer BasedYes Headphones or Noise Buffers School ProvidedYes Line Reader ToolComputer BasedYes NotepadComputer BasedNo Pop-up GlossaryComputer BasedYes

47. Accessibility Features for All Students SupportModeAvailable for Field Testing 2014 Redirect Student to TestBy Test AdministratorYes Spell CheckerExternal Device OnlyYes Text-to-Speech for the Mathematics Assessments Computer based A human reader can be provided for a grade level that is not available for field test Yes* PBA/EOY Grades 4, 7, Algebra 1 Writing Tools (cut & paste, copy, underline, bold, and insert bullets) Computer basedYes

48. Accessibility Features for All Students SupportModeAvailable for Field Testing 2014 Magnification/Enlargement Students using tablets will use pinch/zoom to increase font size or graphics Students using PCs and laptop would use a keyboard to increase font size and graphics Device zoom will support magnification of the entire window up to the maximum magnification level available for the browser being used Computer basedYes

49. Accessibility Features for All Students SupportModeAvailable for Field Testing 2014 Browser magnification limits are as follows: Chrome: 500% IE:1000% Firefox: 300% iOS: 400% Enlargement Device A magnification glass tool is also available to enlarges text and graphics up to 200%

50. Presentation Accommodations for Students with Disabilities AccommodationModeAvailable for Field Testing 2014 Additional Assistive Technology External DeviceYes External Assistive technology devices will be tested out during the second phrase of UAT in December 2013 PARCC states will be notified regarding what assistive technology devices can be used.

51. Presentation Accommodations for Students with Disabilities AccommodationModeAvailable for Field Testing 2014 Braille Edition of ELA/Literacy and Mathematics Assessments Hard-copy braille tests for ELA/Literacy and Mathematics Refreshable braille displays for ELA/Literacy only No Closed-Captioning of Multimedia Passages on the ELA/Literacy Assessments Computer basedNo Descriptive VideoComputer basedNo

52. Presentation Accommodations for Students with Disabilities AccommodationModeAvailable for Field Testing 2014 Paper-and-Pencil Edition of the ELS/Literacy and Mathematics Assessments PaperYes Tactile GraphicsComputer BasedNo Text-to-Speech or Video of a Human Interpreter for the ELA/Literacy Assessments, including items, response options, and passages Computer Based Human reader if grade level not available for field test Yes PBA/EOY ELA: Grades 5, 8, 11

53. Presentation Accommodations for Students with Disabilities AccommodationModeAvailable for Field Testing 2014 ASL Video for the Mathematics Assessments for a Student Who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing Computer BasedNo ASL Video of Test Directions for a Student who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing By Test AdministratorNo

54. Response Accommodations for Students with Disabilities AccommodationModeAvailable for Field Testing 2014 Additional Assistive Technology External deviceYes External Assistive technology devices will be tested out during the second phrase of UAT in December 2013. PARCC states will be notified regarding what assistive technology devices can be used

55. Response Accommodations for Students with Disabilities AccommodationModeAvailable for Field Testing 2014 Braille Note-takerComputer BasedNo Calculation Device and Mathematics Tools (on Non-calculator Sessions of Mathematics Assessments) External DeviceYes Scribing or Speech-to-Text (i.e., Dictation / Transcription or Signing) for the Mathematics assessments; and for selected response (not constructed response) items on the English Language Arts/Literacy Assessments By Test Administrator Yes

56. Response Accommodations for Students with Disabilities AccommodationModeAvailable for Field Testing 2014 Scribing or Speech-to-Text (i.e., Dictation / Transcription ) for constructed responses on the English Language Arts/Literacy Assessments By Test AdministratorYes Word prediction on the ELA/Literacy Performance-Based Assessment External DeviceYes Extended timeBy Test AdministratorYes

57. Accommodations for English Learners AccommodationModeAvailable for Field Testing 2014 Extended TimeBy Test AdministratorYes General Administration Directions Clarifies in Student’s Native Language By Test AdministratorYes General Administration Directions Read Aloud and Repeated as Needed in Student’s Native Language By Test AdministratorYes Scribing or Speech-to-Text: Responses Dictated for the Mathematics Assessments in English By Test AdministratorYes Word to Word Dictionary (English/Native Language) School ProvidedYes

58. Pearson Technology Readiness Tool (TRT)

59. https://www.techreadiness.net

60. TRT Homepage

61. TRT Available Reports

62. TRT Setup Tab

63. What does a red “(missing)” on a report mean? If “(missing)” is indicated on a report, there is School Readiness Survey or Device information that has not yet been provided by the district or school. Only after this data is added for the specific school or organization can the Technology Readiness Tool calculations provide non-zero readiness results. Actions: you will need to lookup the original value of the data field that is showing "missing" in either School Survey or Device data. Once found, the value most likely will show "blank", and you will need to provide that missing value. Reports will update within an hour of submission.

64. PARCC Assessment Capacity Planning Tool HTTP://WWW.LIVEBINDERS.COM/PLAY/PLAY?ID=972764&PR ESENT=TRUE

65. Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY SPECIFICATIONS (AUGUST 2013)

66. Bandwidth Recommendations w/out Content Caching Server Minimum Bandwidth Recommended Bandwidth Per Student40-100 kbps100 kbps or faster

67. Bandwidth Recommendations with Content Caching Server Minimum Bandwidth Recommended Bandwidth Per Student20-50 kbps50 kbps or faster

68. Minimum Specifications (Computers, Laptops) Operating System / Devices Supported VersionMinimum Configuration WindowsXP, Vista, 7, 8, Server 2003XP SP3, Pentium or AMD 500 MHz, 512 MB RAM, 200 MB hard drive space Mac OSX10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8Mac 10.5, Intel x86, 512 MB RAM, 200 MB hard drive space LinuxUbuntu 9+, Fedora 6+Ubuntu 9 or Fedora 6, Pentium or AMD 500 MHz, 512 MB RAM, 200 MB hard drive space ChromeOS v19+Chrome OS v19+

69. Minimum Specifications (Tablets) Operating System / Devices Supported VersionMinimum Configuration iOS DevicesiOS 6+iPad 2 with iOS 6, 512 MB RAM, Wifi support only Android DevicesAndroid 4.0+Android 4.0, 512 MB RAM, Wifi support only Windows TabletsWindows 8Windows 8, 1 GB RAM, Wifi support only

70. Minimum Screen and Resolution Requirements Configuration Screen Size10” screen or larger Screen Resolution1024 x 768 or better

71. Recommended Specifications (Computers/Laptops) Supported VersionRecommended Configuration Operating System / Devices WindowsXP, Vista, 7, 8, Server 2003 Windows 7+, 1.4 GHz processor, 1 GB RAM, 1GB hard drive free space Mac OSX10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8Mac 10.7+, 1 GHz processor, 1 GB RAM, 1 GB hard drive free space LinuxUbuntu 9+, Fedora 6+Ubuntu 11 or Fedora 16+, 1 GHz processor, 1 GB RAM, 1 GB hard drive free space ChromeOS v19+Chrome OS v19+

72. Recommended Specifications (Tablets) Operating System / Devices Supported Version Recommended Configuration iOS DevicesiOS 6+iPad 3 with iOS 6 or newer, 1 GB RAM, Wifi support only Android DevicesAndroid 4.0+Android 4 or newer, 1 GB RAM Wifi support only Windows TabletsWindows 8Windows 8 or newer, 1 GB RAM, Wifi support only

73. Recommended Screen and Resolution Requirements Configuration Screen Size10” screen or larger Screen Resolution1024 x 768 or better

74. DLM Capacity Planning Tool

75. Next… Update your district’s/school’s TRT – make sure to keep it updated Watch for requests for information (speed tests, quick responses to infrastructure information, etc.) Make sure you are on your LTC listserv ConnectED / E-Rate / technology plans – if grant opportunities become available, be ready to participate

76. Parting Thought… It is with some caution that I encourage you to “wait until next year!” With the start of mass testing under the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), everything will not be magically different then. However, I think that the bar will be raised for the use of technology. That will affect us all, probably in a good way. - Craig Williams, Digital Learning Environments Blog http://www.guide2digitallearning.com/blog_craig_williams/w ait_until_next_year http://www.guide2digitallearning.com/blog_craig_williams/w ait_until_next_year

77. Contact Information Jamey Baiter State Technology Readiness Coordinator (SRC) Illinois State Board of Education jbaiter@isbe.net Phone – 217-782-5589 Mary O’Brian Director of Assessment Illinois State Board of Education mobrian@isbe.net Phone - 866.317.6034 Livebinder Link : http://www.livebinders.com/play/play?id=972764&present=true http://www.livebinders.com/play/play?id=972764&present=true