![]() ![]() Settings and security have to be set manually as the TestNav SystemCheck tool cannot run. On tablets, typing utilizes an onscreen keyboard, which obscures sometimes half of the screen, an occurrence that can hinder the assessment. This presents a serious security flaw that could compromise the testing platform, and should be considered when assessing the district’s current plan for desktops.ĭistricts planning on using tablets should consider that they will need to use wired or Bluetooth keyboards for assessments. ![]() As of March 2014, Microsoft Windows XP is supported by PARCC but will not be supported by Microsoft after April 8. There are considerations outside the requirements outlined by PARCC, such as which Microsoft Windows operating system to run on desktops or laptops. Windows-based PCs and laptops, Mac desktops and laptops, tablets such as iPad, Android and Windows Surface and Chromebooks are all valid choices for endpoints. The selection of the testing endpoint is dependent on being able to provide a secure testing environment and meeting TestNav’s technical requirements, as well as the school districts’ preferences and existing equipment. There are various endpoint choices for the computer-based assessments, including personal computers, laptops and tablets. PARCC provides TestNav SystemCheck over the Internet for administrators to test their endpoints at any time. Currently there are downloadable apps for Chrome OS and iPad, with Android apps most likely arriving by the summer or fall of 2014. The only exceptions to the Java requirement are tablets and Chromebooks. Each endpoint choice has different requirements, but the system check is looking for three major requirements: operating system (O/S), Internet browser version and Java environment. When using TestNav, it runs a system check which analyzes the endpoint. TestNav runs on a commonly used programming platform called Java. TestNav has specific technology requirements for the testing endpoint to ensure a functioning and secure test environment. TestNav is a test delivery method which has been used for years by healthcare providers, law enforcement and schools around the country. PARCC assessments are web-based and hosted by PearsonAccess, using Pearson’s TestNav online engine. To understand what hardware platform is right for schools, it’s best to know more about how the assessment is delivered to students. Districts not selected for the field test can still benefit by communicating with those districts participating about their findings and experiences. This is a great chance to assess current abilities and needs and make plans for technology projects. ![]() ![]() This is a chance to test and demonstrate the online platform and operational procedures in preparation for the actual PARCC assessments in spring 2015. More than 1 million students, including many New Jersey schools are administering the Spring 2014 PARCC field test. On its website, PARCC provides an interactive “Assessment Capacity Planning Tool” that will help districts work out the number of testing platforms and bandwidth they would need for their particular testing scenarios. PARCC assessment needs can be broken down into two major tech requirements: Hardware platforms for students to take the tests on, and network/Internet bandwidth to handle the number of students taking the test simultaneously. A sound strategy would consider the short and long term, be flexible, yet secure, and best align the PARCC readiness investment with other district technology goals. These requirements will continue to change as new technology is released and as computer security threats are addressed. Since the announcement of the PARCC assessments, there have been many changes and updates to these requirements and recommendations. These guidelines give schools options on what technology platform should be used to proctor assessments and challenge schools to create a computer-based assessment technology strategy for their district. There are detailed guidelines given by PARCC for minimum and recommended technology requirements, which are updated regularly and posted on PARCC’s technology website. But they now have more specific guidelines to prepare for. For years education leaders and technology personnel have been improving and expanding technology for instruction, assessment and administration. The PARCC assessments offer an interactive and media-rich testing and instructional platform for students who often learn and play in today’s digital age. PARCC assessments are based on the Common Core State Standards and require computers with Internet access. New Jersey’s K-12 public schools are faced with new challenges for the 2014-2015 school year with the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) assessments. New Jersey School Boards Association Login Search Menu ![]()
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