About This Special Edition UpdateThis update presents important information and reminders for schools preparing for test administration. We wish you a smooth test administration.
Updated Instructions for Students Using LaptopsThe Test Administrator's Manual for Computer-Based Testing (CBT TAM) provides guidance regarding the management of students' computers during the 3- to 5-minute mid-session break to be taken at the test administrator's discretion. This guidance appears on pages 41, 52, 65, 79, 104, and 111.
The guidance includes a recommendation to close laptop lids during the break. Note, however, that some laptops are configured so that applications "lose focus" (become disrupted) if the lid is closed. Check with your technology coordinator before testing to determine if your school's devices are configured in this way. If your school's devices would lose focus, students could place a manila folder over the screen instead of closing the lid. If TestNav does lose focus during testing, test administrators will need to resume students' tests. Please share this information with your teams.
Materials Summary Forms for Grades 3–8It has come to our attention that the Materials Summary forms for grades 3–8 contain an error. In the "Qty Shipped" column, the number of CBT TAMs shipped is incorrect. Therefore, schools should inventory their shipment of TAMs without using the Materials Summary so they can confirm that they received enough manuals for their test administrators. Questions should be directed to the MCAS Service Center (see contact information in the header of this update).
Tasks to Complete Prior to AdministrationSchools are encouraged to take the following steps prior to administration. Additional steps to complete before testing are described in the Checklist of Tasks on pages 48–49 of the Principal's Administration Manual (PAM) .
(Recommended) Precache operational test content in PearsonAccess Next (PAN) two weeks prior to testing (see step 3 on page 55 of the PAM).
Create PAN Sessions and assign students to them (see step 4 on page 55 of the PAM). This is a required step before testing. Following this step, schools may prepare their PAN Sessions up to two days before testing, following the instructions in step 5 on page 60 of the PAM.
SR/PNP for the Operational High School STE Tests High schools should note they now will see the operational high school STE administration in PAN beginning today, March 19. No action is required at this time. Schools will need to complete the SR/PNP for this administration beginning on April 1. At the end of March, a file will be posted in schools' DropBoxes to assist in completing the SR/PNP. More information will be provided in the next update.
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