Assessment Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the frequently asked questions regarding the new online Pearson Science and Social studies assessments
  
  1. BYOD: Can students use their own device? No. These tests use two applications, TestNav (which must be installed on each machines) and Proctor caching. 
  2. What is TestNav? What is Proctor caching?  TestNav is the secure browser-based application used by students to take computerized tests.  Proctor caching accelerates the delivery of test content and reduces the amount of bandwidth required for online testing. 
  3. This is an online test. What happens if the network goes down? First, the good news is we will have a second line to the internet soon so this shouldn’t be an issue however it depends how the tests are set up. There are two options for Student Response files (SRF). SRF can either be saved to both the individual’s student testing workstation and a network location or just be saved to the individuals’ student testing workstation. 
  4. How often are Student Response Files (SRF) saved? Uploading of response data is continuous. If the upload fails, then TestNav will try again.  If it fails three times the proctor is notified and a back up plan is then made.  There are early warning signs set up in the system to prevent data loss. 
  5. What if the student doesn’t finish the test? TestNav can identify the correct student response file if a test is successfully resumed. The SRF can only be used the next time the student resumes a test.  
  6. Computer skills for students – will this diminish test results? Any time a state test is presented in a new format, it is likely that some students will be unfamiliar with that format and therefore, unable to access the test fully.  Initial implementation of online assessments carries this risk.  Familiarizing yourselves and eventually your students with sample items is a legitimate strategy for minimizing the number of students who understand what a question is getting at but are too confused by the online presentation of it to show what they know.  
  7. If I have questions, whom should I ask?  Please contact Jonathan Dings or Brigitte Mutter in the Office of Planning and Assessment or via email at tcap.helpdesk@bvsd.org.  Jonathan Wright and Angel Stobaugh are happy to  address questions related to the English Language Arts section of the future PARCC assessment.