MDE Testing Update 1/4/2017

[Brian Norman]

Online Testing Infrastructure Readiness Checklist

To assist districts and schools with preparation for online testing for MCA, the 2016–2017 Online Testing Infrastructure Readiness Checklist is available on the Technology Resources page of PearsonAccess Next (PearsonAccess Next > Technology Resources). Use this checklist to confirm sites are ready for online testing. Once the checklist is completed, work with your District Assessment Coordinator to indicate site readiness in MDE’s Test WES system.

In addition to the checklist, the following resources are available on the Technology Resources page to ensure your district is prepared for testing from a technology perspective:

• 2016–2017 Infrastructure Trial User Guide
• The SystemCheck tool to measure the readiness of your school’s network
• Hardware and software requirements for TestNav 8 and Proctor Caching
• Directions for installing and using Proctor Caching

Note: If your district completed the steps in the checklist for OLPA, and your infrastructure and configurations have not changed, you are not required to repeat the steps for MCA before verifying site readiness.

Upcoming Technology Trainings from Pearson

Pearson will be providing a technology readiness webinar and regional training workshops to support technology staff in preparation for MCA 2017. Detailed information for all spring technology trainings is posted to the Technology Resources page of PearsonAccess Next (PearsonAccess Next > Technology Resources > Additional Technology Resources).

• Technology Training Webinar: Tuesday, Feb. 7. No registration is required. A link to join the session is included in the posted document and will be provided in future Assessment Updates.
• Regional Technology Training Workshops: Pearson will be conducting three regional technology training sessions for DTCs and technology staff. Registration is required and links to register are included in the posted document.
• Brainerd, Feb. 14
• Roseville, Feb. 15
• Mankato, Feb. 16

Resources for Technology Coordinators for ACCESS for ELLs 2.0

In preparation for administering ACCESS for ELLs 2.0, districts will need to use WIDA’s available resources. Go to the WIDA website and select the Technology tab (wida.us > Assessment > ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 > Technology).

• Review the Technology Readiness Checklist for WIDA Online Assessments. This checklist covers site planning, scheduling, logistics, communication, training, and a timeline of implementation.
• Review the Technology User Guide for INSIGHT on how to implement software updates and installs available on the WIDA website.
• Review technology requirements, including the ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 Headset Specifications for the Speaking test.

Attend or watch the recordings of the Technology Coordinator Overview webinar series. Go to the WIDA website and select the Preparation & Training tab (wida.us > Assessment > ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 > Preparation & Training > Free Webinars).

Before testing, view the Test Demo and Sample Items on WIDA AMS (wida-ams.us > All Applications > General Information > Public Test Resources). This is a

n important step to ensure the audio and headset components are working correctly.

Please contact the WIDA Client Services Center with any questions at [e-mail] or 1-866-276-7735.