Configuring and Administering Tests with JAWS

Configure JAWS before students use it for computer-based testing. This section contains the instructions for the following tasks:

• Configuring JAWS to Recognize the Secure Browser
• Additional Configuration for JAWS 2020
• Applying Settings for Contracted and Uncontracted Braille
• Configuring JAWS to Speak “Dollars”
• JAWS Unified Keyboard Settings

The configuration instructions in this section apply to JAWS 2020, JAWS 2021, and JAWS 2022, as well as Fusion.

Configuring JAWS to Recognize the Secure Browser

Take the following step to associate the current-year secure browser with JAWS:

1. Open the JAWS ConfigNames.ini file. This file may appear in two folders. Depending on how JAWS is installed on the device, both files may need to be modified.
   • Start ➔ All Programs ➔ JAWS [version year] ➔ Explore JAWS ➔ Explore Shared Settings (required)
   • Start ➔ All Programs ➔ JAWS [version year] ➔ Explore JAWS ➔ Explore My Settings (optional)
2. In the ConfigNames.ini file, locate the line of text that contains firefox:3=firefox. At the end of this line, press [Enter] on the keyboard to create a new line.
3. In the new line, type in the following string: CASecureBrowser15=firefox (no ending punctuation).
4. Save the file.

Additional Configuration for JAWS 2020

Older versions of JAWS do not run properly with the secure browser unless an additional JAWS file is downloaded and configured. Take the following steps if the student uses JAWS 2020:

1. Download the fsdomsrv.ini zip file from CAI and save it to the desktop or other known location.
2. Locate the JAWS folder that contains the existing fsdomsrv file (sample in figure 1).

   • JAWS 2020:Local Disk ➔ Program Files ➔ Freedom Scientific ➔ JAWS ➔ 2020

     

     Figure 1. Sample JAWS2020 fsdomserv file location

3. Drag and drop the newly downloaded fsdomsrv.ini file from its location into the folder listed in the previous step. When the Replace or Skip Files window—as shown in figure 2—opens, select the Replace the file in this destination option.

   

   Figure 2. Replace or Skip Files window

Applying Settings for Contracted or Uncontracted Braille

For students to use contracted or uncontracted literary braille with their RBD, the correct JAWS setting must be applied prior to launching the secure browser. Braille mode settings also need to be selected.

1. Open JAWS and then select the Utilities menu. In the Utilities menu, select Settings Center. The Settings Center, shown in figure 3, will open.

   

   Figure 3. JAWS Settings Center, Contracted Braille Translation screen

2. From the Application drop-down list at the top of the Settings Center screen, select firefox.
3. Take the following actions:
   1. Scroll down to the “Braille” section in the Search for settings panel displayed on the left side and expand the subsettings. The Settings Center window displays the options for Braille Translation.
   2. In the “Translation” section (figure 4), verify the Language drop-down list is set to English – United States.
   3. Select a braille type:
      • For a student who prefers contracted braille, select Unified English Braille Grade 2 from the Output and Input drop-down lists.
      • For a student who prefers uncontracted braille, select Unified English Braille Grade 1 from the Output drop-down list.

   

   Figure 4. JAWS Settings Center, Translation screen

4. In the Braille Mode section, ensure that the four settings that follow—and shown in figure 5—are checked (and only these settings are checked):
   1. Active cursor follows Braille display
   2. Braille display or cursor follows Active cursor
   3. Enable Word Wrap
   4. Auto Detect Braille Display using Bluetooth (if available)

   

   Figure 5. Braille Mode settings

5. Select the [Apply] button and then select the [OK] button.

Configuring JAWS to Speak “Dollars”

The instructions in this subsection will ensure that JAWS correctly speaks the dollar ($) symbol.

1. Open JAWS and then select the Utilities menu. In the Utilities menu, select Settings Center. The Settings Center will open.
2. In the “Search for settings” panel on the left side, scroll down to the Text Processing section and expand the subsettings.
3. Select Speak Dollars.

4. The Settings Center, shown in figure 6, will display the Number And Date Processing options, including Speak Dollars.

   

   Figure 6. Setting Center Number And Date Processing options

5. Check the box for Speak Dollars.
6. Select [Apply] and then select [OK].

JAWS Unified Keyboard Settings

JAWS includes a unified keyboard setting that allows students to use [Alt] + [Tab] to return to the secure browser when permissive mode is turned on.

The unified keyboard setting is turned on by default, but it still should be verified before testing begins that it is enabled for a student using JAWS.

1. Open JAWS and navigate to Utilities ➔ Setting Center.

2. Search in the Settings Center for “Unified Keyboard” and mark the Use Unified Keyboard Processing Method checkbox (refer to figure 7).

   

   Figure 7. Use Unified Keyboard Processing setting

Optional JAWS Voice Adjustment Settings

JAWS voice settings may be adjusted for a student on the basis of the student’s individual needs. Voice Profile, Speaking Rate, and Punctuation must be set prior to administering assessments. Instructions for each setting follow.

Opening the JAWS Voice Adjustment Window

Open JAWS and select the Options menu. In the Options menu, select Voices and then Voice Adjustment, as shown in figure 8. The Voice Adjustment interface will open.

Figure 8. Opening the Voice Adjustment interface

Adjusting JAWS Voice Profile, Speaking Rate, and Punctuation Settings

Voice Profile, Speaking Rate, and Punctuation can be set in the Voice Adjustment interface, shown in figure 9. When all settings are saved, select the [OK] button.

Figure 9. Voice Adjustment interface

Voice Profile

1. Select a Voice Profile from the Profile Name drop-down list.
2. Select the [Apply] button.

Voice Rate

1. In the “Voice” section, drag the slider to the desired rate of speed. The lower the rate, the slower the words will be read aloud.
2. Select [Apply].

Punctuation

1. In the “Voice” section, select the Punctuation drop-down list. Select from the following options: None, Some, Most, and All.
2. Select [Apply].

Navigating a Test with JAWS

This section provides an overview of how students can navigate through the test and test questions using JAWS commands.

As TAs and TEs work with students to familiarize them with using the TDS, they should make students aware that the braille transcriptions may not follow the usual braille rules. TAs, TEs, and students should review the information in this section prior to taking a practice or training test or operational assessment.

Navigating the Sign-In Page

This subsection provides instructions about how students navigate the sign-in pages of the TDS. A student will take the following actions to navigate the Student Sign-In screen:

• To listen to each line of text, the student presses the [Down] arrow.
• To move to the [Return to Login] and [Begin Test Now] buttons, the student presses the [Tab] key until the necessary button is reached.
• To select the [Return to Login] or [Begin Test Now] button, the student presses [Enter].

Please Sign In Screen, Operational Assessment or Training Test

1. The student opens JAWS on the local device.

2. To access an operational or training test, the student opens the secure browser on the local device. The student Please Sign In screen, shown in figure 10, displays.

   

   Figure 10. Student Please Sign In screen

3. If the student needs to take a practice test, the student selects the [Go to the Practice and Training Test Site] button.
4. On the Please Sign In web form, the student must enter a first name, SSID, and the session ID, and then select [Sign In].
   1. The student presses the [Tab] key to navigate to the First Name field, where the student should enter a first name.
   2. The student presses the [Tab] key to navigate to the Student ID field, where the student should enter an SSID.
   3. The student presses the [Tab] key to navigate to the first text box for the Session ID. If the first part of the session ID not already entered, the student should enter the first portion of the hyphenated text given by the TA or TE.
   4. The student presses the [Tab] key to navigate to the second text box for the session ID and then enters the next set of hyphenated text given by the TA or TE.
   5. The student presses the [Tab] key to navigate to the third text box for the session ID and then enters the remaining text given by the TA or TE.
   6. The student presses the [Tab] key to navigate to the [Sign In] button and then presses the [Enter] key to log on.

Please Sign In Screen, Practice and Training Tests

1. To access a practice test as a guest, a student accesses the CAASPP website or the ELPAC website and selects the [Practice & Training Tests] button to open the Online Practice and Training Tests web page.
2. A student selects the [Student Interface Practice and Training Tests] button.

3. On the Practice and Training Test Sign In screen, the student should select (click) the toggles next to Guest User and Guest Session so they read Off. These toggles are indicated in figure 11.

   

   Figure 11. Please Sign In screen for the practice and training tests

4. The student should enter an SSID, first name, and the session ID, and then select the [Sign In] button.

   Optional: While the student may log on as a guest user, logging on with the student’s own SSID and First Name is recommended to aid tracking print requests on the Test Administrator Interface.

   Required: To enable print requests, the student must not use Guest Session. The Guest Session checkbox should be unchecked.

Is This You? Screen

This screen requires students to verify personal information.

1. On the Is This You? screen (shown in figure 12), the student must verify personal information. If the information is correct, the student should select [Correct].
   1. To listen to each line of text, the student presses the [Down] arrow. The listed demographic information will be read aloud.
   2. To move to the [Yes] and [No] buttons, the student presses the [Tab] key.
   3. To select the [Yes] or [No] button, the student presses [Enter].

   

   Figure 12. Is This You? student verification screen

Your Tests Screen

This screen lists the available tests for the student’s grade level (figure 13), which shows the options for a practice test. Tests are listed in a two-column table. Students will hear the test name, then the opportunity number, and then the link to choose that test.

Figure 13. Student test selection

1. To move to the first test listed on this screen, the student presses the [Tab] key.
2. To navigate between the test names, the student presses the [Tab] key. The order of navigation is from left to right and top to bottom, in a zigzag pattern.
3. To start or resume the test in focus, the student presses the [Enter] key.

Audio/Video Check

The student should verify the audio works on the Audio/Video Checks screen by pressing the [Enter] to play the video after JAWS reads “play video button” (figure 14). After verifying the video plays, the student presses [Enter] to select the [I could play the sound and video] button.

Figure 14. Audio/Video Checks screen

Instructions and Help and the Review Test Settings Pages

The Instructions and Help screen allows access to the student Help Guide and the Test Settings page. Students must access the Review Test Settings page to verify that all test information and settings are correct. Settings may be different for different assessments.

1. After the student has been approved, the Instructions and Help screen, shown in figure 15, appears. The student has the option of continuing to the assessment, reviewing test settings, or reviewing the on-screen help.

   

   Figure 15. Instructions and Help screen

2. The student should take the following steps to navigate the Instructions and Help screen. At any time, the student may [Tab] to the [Begin Test Now] button—indicated in figure 15—and press [Enter] to begin testing.
   1. To listen to each line of text, the student presses the [Down] arrow.
   2. To move to the [Return to Login] and [Begin Test now] buttons, the student presses the [Tab] key.
   3. To select the [Return to Login] or [Begin Test Now] button, the student presses [Enter].

3. The student should verify that all test information is correct by selecting the [View Test Settings] button and reviewing the settings on the screen, displayed in figure 16.

   

   Figure 16. Review Test Settings screen

   1. To listen to each line of text, the student presses the [Down] arrow.
   2. The student presses [Enter] to select the [Select] button and confirm the settings.
   3. If the information is not correct for an operational assessment, the student should navigate to the [Return to Login] button and press [Enter], and then communicate the incorrect information to the TA or TE. If this a practice or training test, the student can toggle a setting by selecting it and then pressing the [Space bar].

4. The student should select the [View Help Guide] button for additional information about the assessments, either CAASPP or ELPAC. (The student presses the [Tab] key to navigate to the [View Help Guide] button and then presses [Enter].) The Help Guide screen, like the one shown in figure 17, appears.

   

   Figure 17. Sample Test Instructions and Help screen

   1. The student presses [Tab] to navigate to the [Back] button and then presses [Enter] to return to the Instructions and Help screen.
5. To proceed and start the test, the student should navigate to [Begin Test Now] and then press the [Enter] key.

Navigating Within the Test

This subsection provides instructions that describe how students can move around on a test page.

About Test Elements

A test page has up to three primary landmark elements: the Banner (test and student information) Region, Navigation and Test Tools Region, and the Test Content Region, where the test content is located (shown in figure 18). Students navigate between these landmarks in JAWS by pressing the [R] key.

Figure 18. Example test page in streamlined mode

1. Banner Region: The banner contains the test information row, which displays the current question number(s), test name, student name, test settings button, pause button, and help button.
2. Navigation and Test Tools Region: This region displays the navigation and tool buttons.
3. Test Content Region: This section contains the test content, which has the following parts:
   • Stimulus: The “Stimulus” region contains the following elements:
     • Stimulus title
     • Stimulus context menu
     • Stimulus content
   • Question: Each question in the “Question” region contains the following elements:
     • Question number
     • Question labels
     • Question context menu
     • Question stem
     • Response area or answer options

JAWS Keyboard Commands

A student uses the keyboard commands in table 1 through table 4 to navigate within a test page. A student using RBDs with router keys may also press the router key above the text for a button to move the cursor to that button. The student can press the router key again to select that button instead of using the provided keyboard commands.

The actions associated with each JAWS keyboard command depend on the context in which the students presses the key—the same key may have different effects depending on whether the student is on the sign-in pages, the test pages, or within the items and stimuli of the test pages.

If JAWS enters Forms Mode, these keyboard commands may not work. To exit Forms Mode, a student must press Num Pad [Plus] (the “+” key on the keyboard numbers pad).

About JAWS Keyboard Commands: The commands in table 1 through table 4 are a subset of all available JAWS commands.

Navigating Sign-In Pages with JAWS Keyboard Commands

Navigating Test Pages with JAWS Keyboard Commands

Opening and Using Context Menus with JAWS Keyboard Commands

Responding to Items with JAWS Keyboard Commands

Context Menus

The first question or element on a test page will automatically be selected (i.e., “in focus”). Any action taken with a keyboard, mouse, or adaptive peripheral device on a selected element will cause a reaction in that element. Pressing the [Tab] key moves through the elements on a page. For example, pressing [Space bar] while navigating the page from which figure 19 was excerpted would cause the toggle next to Permissive Mode to reset to “ON” (from its present position of “OFF”).

Figure 19. Page excerpt showing an element in focus

A border with a solid or dotted line, a highlight, and a blinking cursor are common, visual indications that an element is in focus.

The instructions in this section assume the student wants to open the context menu for the active (in focus) landmark element on the page and has not yet used the [Tab] key to navigate anywhere.

1. The student should ensure the focus is on the element—stimulus or question—for which the context menu is being opened.
2. To navigate directly to the context menu button, the student presses the [Tab] key twice to display the context menu button. JAWS will read the context menu as “Menu button.”

3. The student presses the [Enter] key to open the context menu and display the list of available menu options, as shown in figure 20. JAWS will read aloud the first item in the menu (for example, “Tutorial”).

   

   Figure 20. Context menu for a question

4. To move up and down the list, the student presses the [Up] and [Down] arrow keys. JAWS will automatically read aloud each question.
5. To select a menu option, the student presses [Space bar]. To exit the menu without making a selection, the student presses the [Esc] key. JAWS will return the focus to the context menu button.

Question Labels

After a student uses a context menu tool for a given question, a label for that tool appears next to the question number (also presented in figure 20). When the student navigates to a question with labels, the student can press [Tab] to navigate to each label, which JAWS reads aloud.

• When a question is marked for review, JAWS reads “Marked for review” for the question label, which is the [Marked for review] (flag-check) [] icon.
• When a question has been printed, JAWS reads “Printed” for the question label, which is the [Print] (printer-check) [] icon.
• When the student has entered a note for a question, JAWS reads “Notes” for the question label, which is the [Notes] (notepad-check) [] icon.

CSA Using a Screen Reader

Nonvisual Information

Be advised that the CSA contains several instances where information not seen by sighted test takers is available to those using a screen reader. If a screen reader user leverages line-by-line navigation, JAWS will introduce the nonvisual information by voicing the word, “gráfico.” In these instances, students should be aware that a graphic is not actually present.

The following are scenarios in which this announcement will occur:

• Drama passages, to make a distinction between dialogue and stage directions
• Footnotes, when a definition of a footnote is introduced within a passage
• Blank spaces, in instances where underlining has been tagged as “blank space”
• Abbreviations and Roman numerals, in cases where pronunciation had to be controlled to ensure clarity of the content

Screen Readers and Refreshable Braille

Screen reader software may be used with refreshable braille and audio presentation.

Text to Be Revised

On specific multiple-choice questions, the student may be asked about a portion of the text that may need to be revised. For these questions, the student will be presented with four answer choices, each with different versions of the written text. Each answer choice will be followed by a repetition of the answer choice in context of the original excerpt. The answer choices in context are preceded by introductory statements such as, “La oración con cambio, lee:” or “La definición lee:”. In some instances, the student may want to navigate word-by-word or character-by-character to discern any grammatical or punctuation errors, in addition to addressing any words that may not be pronounced clearly by an assistive technology. Additional information about this portion of the test is included in the test directions.

Responding to Toggle Questions

This subsection provides basic guidance for responding to question types that may appear on practice or training tests and operational assessments.

Multiple-Choice Questions

Multiple-choice questions require the student to select one answer option. The response area will display several multiple-choice options as radio buttons. The student must select a radio button.

1. After listening to the question text, the student presses the [Tab] key twice.

2. JAWS will read aloud the option letter and option text that is in focus; a sample containing practice test questions is shown in figure 21. If the option is an image, JAWS will read the text description associated with the image.

   

   Figure 21. Selecting a radio button

3. To navigate between each answer option, the student uses the [Tab] and [Shift] + [Tab] commands. (The student can also use the [Up] and [Down] arrow keys to move between options.)
4. JAWS will read aloud the text for the option in focus.
5. To select an answer option in focus as the response, the student presses [Space bar]. The answer option is selected, and JAWS reads “Space,” rereads the response text, and then reads “Selected” to confirm that the response choice is the one the student has selected. If the student selects an option that has been stricken using the strikethrough tool, JAWS will read “Option is struck through.”

Hot Text

Hot text questions require the student to select at least one word, phrase, or sentence. For these question types, it is critical to follow the instructions provided in the question. Some questions may tell the student to select two responses. Others may tell the student to select one response.

1. After listening to the question text, the student presses the [Tab] key twice.

2. JAWS will read aloud the text that is in focus; this text starts, “Special features make this two-week August sleep-away program different and unusual,” in figure 22.

   

   Figure 22. Selecting hot text

3. To navigate between each selectable text area, the student uses the [Tab] and [Shift] + [Tab] commands.
4. JAWS will read aloud the selectable text.
5. To choose a selectable text area in focus as the response, the student presses the [Enter] key. JAWS will announce the text is selected.

Edit Task

Edit task questions require the student to select a response from a list, as shown in figure 23. For these question types, it is critical to follow the instructions provided in the question.

Figure 23. Edit task: list options

Notes about JAWS and Edit Task Questions:

• Each selectable text area is predefined. For selectable text, JAWS will indicate whether the word or phrase is selectable and then continue reading the rest of the sentence or line.

1. The student uses the [Down] arrow to read through each line of text.
2. If a line of text has a selectable word or phrase, JAWS will say “clickable” after the word or phrase.

3. The student navigates to each selectable text field in the question.

   Option 1: Return to the beginning of the question.

   1. Press [Shift] + [H].
   2. Press the [Tab] key to go to the first selectable text field.

   Option 2: Move backward through the selectable text fields in the question.

   1. Press [Shift] + [Tab].

4. When the selectable text is in focus, the student presses [Space bar]. This will open the edit menu. JAWS will read “Edit tools dialog” aloud and provide additional instructions.

   Drop-down list: The student uses the [Up] and [Down] arrow keys to move between options in the list. JAWS will read each option aloud. To select an option, the student presses [Enter].

5. The student presses the [Tab] key to navigate to the [OK] button in the edit menu and then presses [Enter]. The edit menu will close, and the question will be back in focus.

Text Response with Text Formatting Row

Text-response questions require the student to enter text into a text box. The student may be asked to write a sentence, paragraph, or essay. These questions include a row of buttons representing options for formatting text, which is indicated in figure 24. Formatting options include bold, underline, italics, numbered bulleting, symbol bulleting, and more. However, these formatting options are not available to students testing with braille. Note that although figure 24 shows the [Print] printer icon, this option is available in the practice and training tests only.

Figure 24. Answering a text-response question with text formatting

1. The student reads the question and then tabs to move to the response. JAWS will beep and then read, “Edit, type in text” aloud.
2. The student enters a response into the text box.
3. When the student is finished entering a response, the student presses the [Tab] key to exit the response area.
4. The student will leave the text box and move to the next question or field on the page. JAWS beeps again in a different tone upon leaving the text box.

Equation

Equation questions, such as the one shown in figure 25, require a student to enter a mathematics equation or expression in a text field using an on-screen keypad.

Figure 25. Equation question

1. To navigate between the keypad buttons, the student presses the [Tab] key or [Shift] + [Tab]. JAWS reads aloud the character or action for each button.
2. To enter a character in the text field or perform an action from the keypad toolbar, the student presses the [Enter] key. The student can also press the corresponding key on the keyboard, if available.
3. Optional: To add special characters to the text field, the student presses [Alt] + [7], with the focus on the text field. A pop-up window opens, with a drop-down list of the available characters. To move between the options in this list, use the arrow keys. JAWS reads the name of each special character. To insert the selected character, press the [Enter] key.

Table Match

Table-match questions, like the sample question in figure 26, require a student to mark at least one checkbox in a table. The table will have multiple rows and columns. The table row heading and column heading are not selectable. The selectable table cells have checkboxes.

Figure 26. Responding to a table-match question

1. After listening to the question text, the student presses the [Tab] key twice. This takes the student to the first table cell that has a checkbox.
2. JAWS will read aloud the corresponding column name and row name for that table cell.
3. To navigate to each cell that has a checkbox, the student presses the [Tab] key.
4. JAWS will read aloud the corresponding column and row name for each cell.
5. To mark a checkbox, the student presses the [Space bar].