Online Testing: TestNav 7.5 System Check Tool, Proctor Caching District and Campus Coordinators, Technology Staff, and Test Administrators

Online Testing Online Testing Permissions Browser-based TestNav Proctor Caching 2.0 Configuring TestNav –Creating a New Proctor Caching Location –Creating a Proctor Caching Location for a Student –Deleting a Proctor Caching Location –Applying TestNav Configurations Setting Up Your Infrastructure Resources Pearson and TEA Contact Information 2

Online Testing Permissions In order to perform many tasks necessary to setup your infrastructure and technology for online testing, you must have the appropriate user role in the Texas Assessment Management System, delivered through PearsonAccess. District Testing Coordinators and District Testing Assistants can: –View TestNav Configurations –Create, Edit, and Delete TestNav Configurations –Proctor Cache a test session –Edit Individual Student TestNav Configurations –Apply TestNav Configurations Campus Testing Coordinators and Online Session Administrators can: –View TestNav Configurations –Proctor Cache a test session –Apply TestNav Configurations For more information on the new user roles and the access associated with each, refer to the User Roles and Permissions for the Texas Assessment Management System at or from within the Assessment Management System at Support >Resources >Technology Information. 3

Browser–based TestNav In fall 2011, the TestNav Test Delivery System changed to a new version. TestNav 7 is completely browser-based and offers several advantages over TestNav 6.9, including: enhanced security, scalability, reliability, and compatibility expanded versatility of test-item types enhanced integration with the administrative functions in the Assessment Management System, delivered through PearsonAccess no installation of the TestNav software is required operating system compatibility includes Windows and Mac 4

Proctor Caching 2.0 In fall 2011, a new version of proctor caching software was released. The new version, Proctor Caching 2.0, offers several advantages: points the test delivery computers to the designated proctor caching computer through the Assessment Management System supports Windows and Mac operating systems supports a single proctor caching configuration per organization The new versions of Proctor Caching 2.0 for PC and Mac computers can be found at or from within the Assessment Management System at Support > Resources > Downloads. For more information about proctor caching and the steps involved in pre- caching test content refer to the TestNav 7 Combined Technical Guide located at or from within the Assessment Management System at Support >Resources >Technology Information. 5

Diagram of How Proctor Caching Works 6

Configuring TestNav 7

Configure TestNav Using Configure TestNav, you can manage proctor caching computer configurations. For the proctor caching computer to receive requests for test content, TestNav must be configured to use the proctor caching computer as a proxy computer. This means that adding a proctor caching computer configures TestNav to use that designated proctor caching computer. 8

Creating a New Proctor Caching Location To create a new configuration 1.Enter into your browser to go to the Assessment Management System. 2.In the right-side panel, click the Log in to the Texas Assessment Management System link to go to the Login screen. 3.Enter your user ID and password, and then click the Log in button to go to the homepage for your account. 4.Go to Test Setup > Configure TestNav. 5.Click the New Configuration button to open the configuration details screen and add a descriptive name for the new configuration setting. 9

To create a new server 1.Click the New Server button to add a proctor caching IP address, port (4480), and a descriptive name for the new proctor caching computer, and then click the Save button. –Repeat, if necessary, to add more proctor caching locations. –The session will default to the first configuration listed for the organization assigned to the test session. –Click the Edit link to make changes to the IP Address, description, or port, and then click the Save button. –Click the Visit link to go to the proctor caching console. –For more information about the proctor caching console, see the TestNav 7 Combined Technical Guide, available at or from within the Assessment Management System at Support >Resources >Technology Information Creating a New Proctor Caching Location

To select response file save locations –In the Confirm Client Response File Backup location box of the Configuration Details screen, designate the primary and secondary response file backup locations. –You must select a primary save location when configuring TestNav. A network location is the recommended primary save location. –Selecting an alternate save location is highly recommended. The alternate save location must be different from the primary save location. A local client computer location is the recommended alternate save location. –The student must have read and write access to the primary and alternate save locations in order for the student response file to be saved. 11 Creating a New Proctor Caching Location

To select response file save locations cont… NOTE: Pearson recommends specifying two save locations—a network location (primary), and a local client computer location (alternate). The use of UNC paths is not recommended. By designating one or more file save locations, you are stipulating where a student’s responses will be saved if the connection to the testing server is interrupted. The default primary save location is: \{your servername}\{your shared_location}\TestNav\temp The save locations for the response file must be locations to which all clients have read and write access. If you use the default alternate locations, responses will be saved locally on the C:\drive. Therefore, you must ensure that students have write access to that particular location, otherwise responses will not be saved and you will receive an error message. Change the default location to another location on the shared drive if you do not want responses saved locally on the client. 12 Creating a New Proctor Caching Location

13 1.Click the Add Organization button to select the organization(s) that will use the TestNav configuration (called the Configuration Name on the screen). At least one organization must be selected in order to create a new TestNav configuration. Make sure to establish a configuration for the organizations that are testing. 2.Select a proctor caching computer and the organization(s) it will be associated with. Complete the fields in the Confirm Client Response File (formerly the Student Response File) Backup Location section, and then click the Save button to save the TestNav configuration. –This field will default to a local save location. Creating a New Proctor Caching Location

Creating a New Proctor Caching Location for a Student By default, tests will be cached based on the TestNav configurations established in the Test Setup module. However, the proctor caching settings can also be modified for a given student on the Session Details screen. This may be necessary, for example, if a server has connection issues. A student would be able to be re-routed to a different cache location to begin testing without delay. 1.Go to Test Management > Manage Test Sessions. Click on the name of the session you want to cache to go to the Session Details screen. 2.Click the Start button on the Session Details screen to start the test session. 3.Click on the paper and pencil icon next to the student’s name on the Session Details screen to go to the Student Configuration Details screen to create a specific configuration for a student. 14

Deleting a Proctor Caching Configuration 1.Go to Test Setup > Configure TestNav. 2.Select the checkbox next to the configuration name you wish to delete, and then click the Delete button. 15

Applying TestNav Configurations It is important to create a new TestNav configuration before you create your test sessions for an online test administration. If you have created your sessions before creating your configuration, you will need to manually assign a configuration to each test session. 16

To apply a configuration to all students in a session who are in an active status For configurations with a single server 1.Go to Test Management > Manage Test Sessions. 2.Select the session name to go to the Session Details screen. 3.Click the Start button to start the session. 4.On the confirmation screen, click the Yes, Start Session button. Then click the Return to Session Details link. 5.Click the Apply TestNav Configuration button. 6.On the confirmation screen, click the Yes – Apply TestNav Configuration button. 7.Repeat these steps for each existing online test session. 17 Applying TestNav Configurations

To apply a configuration to all students in a session who are in an active status For configurations that include multiple servers 1.Go to Test Management > Manage Test Sessions. 2.Select the session name to go to the Session Details screen. 3.Click the Start button to start the session. 4.Click the Edit button to edit the session details. 18 Applying TestNav Configurations

To apply a configuration to all students in a session who are in an active status For configurations that include multiple servers cont… 5.Select the appropriate server from the drop-down menu in the Edit Session Details screen. 6.Click the Save button to apply the update. 7.On the confirmation screen, click the Yes – Continue with Update button. Then click the Return to Sessions Details link. 8.Click the Apply TestNav Configuration button. 9.Repeat these steps for each existing online test session. 19 Applying TestNav Configurations

To apply a configuration assignment for an individual student 1.Go to Test Management > Manage Test Sessions. 2.Select the session name to go to the Session Details screen. 3.Click the Start button to start the session. 4.Click the paper and pencil icon next to the student's name to go to the Student Configuration Details screen. 20 Applying TestNav Configurations

To apply a configuration assignment for an individual student cont… 5.Click the Edit button to change the configuration for that student. 6.Repeat these steps for each student for whom a configuration assignment needs to be applied. 21 Applying TestNav Configurations

Setting Up Your Infrastructure 22

Pearson Communication District IT Staff District & Campus Testing Staff Campus IT Staff Content Filters Firewalls Proxies TestNav Guides District IT Communications Important Notices DTC-specific TEA Communications Firewalls Proctor Caching TestNav District IT Communications Special Alerts IT-specific and DTC- specific TEA Communications New Tools New Processes White Papers Important Notices Partnership with IT Staff Is Critical 23

Hardware, Operating System, and Web Browser Recommendations The following programs are required for online testing: Adobe Flash Player 10.0 or higher must be installed on administrative computers in order to view the TestNav 7 tutorial via a browser ( Java 1.5 to 1.6.x must be installed in order to use browser-based TestNav 7. The minimum and recommended technical requirements for all computers accessing the Assessment Management System and TestNav 7 are available as a separate document at or from within the Assessment Management System at Support >Resources >Technology Information. 24

Best Practices for Saving Bandwidth Limit non–testing computer and network usage during testing Adjust your network bandwidth “throttles,” if in place Monitor network usage before and during testing Use proctor caching and ensure it is properly configured Stagger the logging in of students on the day of the test –One room per minute (approximately) Use the System Check Utility to verify that you have the appropriate amount of bandwidth for online testing 25 Bandwidth

Early Warning System (EWS) Purpose – Keep the online testing environment secure Common EWS triggers –Any applications that may automatically launch on a computer should be configured not to launch during testing sessions. Common applications that may launch automatically include: –Anti-virus software performing automatic updates –Power management software on laptops warning of low batteries –Screen Savers – with Auto message notification –Systray icons if clicked by the student can cause TestNav to exit. –Student tries to access something outside the online testing environment Best practices – Turn off updates, screensavers, etc. – Install the manufacturer’s monitor and/or graphics drivers  Generic drivers sometimes prevent EWS messages from being properly displayed – Gray/blue/white screens 26

Wireless Computers in Testing What does my school use? – b – oldest – g – most common – n – fastest/newest – What is ? –Technology standard, like VHS, DVD, 8-track, etc. – Wireless access points (WAP) Common pitfalls to using WAP –Too many computers on one wireless access point (WAP) – Obstructions (walls) – Too much distance –Mixing slower and faster wireless technologies (and still expecting faster) 27

Wireless Computers in Testing Best Practices to using WAP Wireless access points – more is better Distance – closer is better Limit number of computers per wireless access point Try a small number first for proof of concept – Do not roll out a few hundred on the first attempt (baby steps) Obstructions – limit obstructions Use the System Check Utility to verify that you have the appropriate amount of bandwidth for online testing 28

Online Testing System Check The online System Check utility for TestNav 7 is designed to help technology personnel identify whether the infrastructure is ready for online testing prior to scheduled testing dates. Network infrastructure readiness is a key component in assessing and planning for online testing. 29

Online Testing System Check The TestNav tab checks to make sure the computer meets the minimum software requirements to deliver tests online. 30

Online Testing System Check The Network User Capacity tab provides a data throughput check that assesses both the data transfer speeds and the estimated number of concurrent testers that could be supported for a given test if testing were to occur at the same moment the system check test is run. This result, however, may not accurately represent the constraints that may exist when testing actually occurs, especially if network conditions will be significantly different from their state when the system check test is run. This diagnostic tool should be run at the peak time of network utilization in the day in order to obtain the most accurate results. 31

Online Testing System Check The Testing Volume Calculator tab provides a tool for modeling and calculating the anticipated throughput and student testing volumes planned for a scheduled date of testing. Since the calculation is based on network speed and expected utilization, this is a purely theoretical calculation. 32

Resources 33

What resources are available for online testing? 34 Online Testing Resources –User's Guide for the Texas Assessment Management System –Unified Texas Minimum System Requirements –PearsonAccess Overview Training Modules –TestNav 7 Combined Technical Guide –TestNav 7 and Proctor Caching Quick Start –Tips for TestNav 7: Adobe Flash Player and Java –2012 District and Campus Coordinator Manual These and additional online resources for TAKS, TELPAS, and STAAR EOC can be found at or from within the Assessment Management System at Support >Resources.

Software Downloads Proctor Caching – Mac Proctor Caching – PC/Windows 35

TestNav Links The Texas Assessment Management System: Operational (Live) Site – The Texas Assessment Management System: Practice Center – 36

Training Administration/Technology Staff – Texas Assessment Management System Practice Center  Flash Written Composition Tool — Texas Assessment Practice Administration  Proctor Caching Testing Tool — Texas Assessment Practice Administration  Texas Practice Test — Texas Assessment Practice Administration – PearsonAccess Overview Training Modules Students –Texas Specific Testing Tools — ePAT –Flash Written Composition Tool — ePAT –TELPAS Online Reading Test Student Tutorials — ePATs 37

Pearson and TEA contact information 38

Pearson’s Austin Operations Center 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM CT Monday–Friday Toll free: information about online testing or online testing procedures navigating the Texas Assessment Management System accessing and using the Practice Center managing examinee data setting up test sessions assigning login IDs and passwords accessing resources questions about Pearson Online Testing communications questions about oral administration of test sessions Call or Pearson’s Texas Online Team for assistance with: setting up a test run of the TestNav test delivery system network problems proctor caching issues evaluating infrastructure hardware and software requirements or problems the TestNav Early Warning System wireless networking issues technical emergencies solving online testing set-up issues 39

Texas Education Agency’s Student Assessment Division Telephone Fax TEA Student Assessment website – Call TEA’s Student Assessment Division for assistance with: testing accommodations requesting changes to the testing schedule questions about the policy on taking breaks and lunch testing beyond normal school hours handling unusual circumstances on test days violations of test security handling school emergencies that affect testing questions about general online testing policy questions about TEA communications 40