Requirements for Testing

Remote Testing Video Permission

Remote testing permissions can be set up in TOMS for the entire LEA, by school, or by individual TE. The option for remote administration is turned on for all LEAs, schools, and users by default (figure 1).

Organization Profile screen in TOMS with the Ready for Remote Test Administration checkbox marked

Figure 1. LEA’s Organization Profile screen in TOMS

TE Remote Testing Permission

By default, when a TE opens the Test Administrator Interface and creates a test session, the TE will be presented with the test administration options of In Person or Remote or Hybrid.

LEA ELPAC coordinators decide who is allowed to administer tests remotely. In the View & Edit Users screen in TOMS (figure 2), coordinators can disable specific TEs who will not be administering assessments remotely. Coordinators can change the setting for a specific user by selecting the [Disable] link in the Remote Test Administration column (indicated in figure 2). Changes to this setting require 15–30 minutes to update in the system. Once a user has been disabled for remote administration, that user will be able to administer only an in-person test session and will not be presented with test administration options.

View and Edit Users screen in TOMS showing the Remote Test Administration column

Figure 2. View & Edit Users screen in TOMS

Student Remote Testing Video Permission

The Initial ELPAC is administered using the web-based Student Testing Interface and the LEA’s preferred video conferencing application. Since video monitoring occurs in the video conferencing application and not in the TDS, the student’s remote test flag will be defaulted to “No.” Keep the following in mind:

  • Students enrolled in the LEA after July 1, 2023, will have the readiness flag set to “No.”
  • Students will still be presented with the recording and TTS checks prior to entering the test even though communication and video for the remote administration is via the video conferencing application.
  • Students should have the remote test flag set to “No” to avoid camera conflict and remove the remote widget checks from the logon process.

LEAs can download the ELPAC LEA-Level Student Test Assignment Report to view the remote administration settings for students.

Parent/Guardian Notification

The parent/guardian of a student who participates in remote testing must be notified that video monitoring is required for remote test administration. Parent/Guardian letter templates are available to use when notifying parents/guardians about the requirement for eligible students to complete 2023–24 testing. It is not necessary that an LEA collect explicit approval of video monitoring for a student to participate in remote testing; however, the student cannot be assessed remotely if a parent/guardian objects to having the child monitored via video during testing.

An LEA may use whatever method fits its needs to notify parents/guardians about the test administration. The letter templates can be customized to include in-person or remote testing administration options and printed or provided to parents/guardians electronically.

Browsers for Testing

The secure browser should be used when testing in person. The web-based Student Testing Interface should be used when testing remotely.

Web-based Student Testing Interface

The web-based Student Testing Interface should be used when administering the Initial ELPAC remotely. It allows TEs to use Zoom, Teams, or other video conferencing applications with screen-sharing software capabilities to administer a one-on-one assessment. However, this type of screen-sharing software can only be used with the web-based Student Testing Interface, cannot be used with the secure browser, and should only be used in one-on-one administration.

Test Administrator Interface

The Test Administrator Interface is the application TEs will use to create test sessions for students to test. TEs must select the Remote or Hybrid test administration option to access the web-based Student Testing Interface to test students remotely.

Technology Needed for the Remote Administration of Computer-based Assessments

TEs should be familiar with both the web-based Student Testing Interface and the Test Administrator Interface.

The minimum technical requirements for students and TEs are as follows:

  • A computer or tablet meeting the minimum operating system requirements
  • A monitor or screen large enough for comfortable reading
  • A mouse or touch screen
  • A webcam or camera for video monitoring
  • A microphone
  • A speaker or headphones
  • Internet access with a minimum capability of 24 Kbps (To test the speed of the internet, users can access Speedtest.)
  • Required assistive devices, if applicable

For more information about technical requirements for testing, please refer to the CAASPP and ELPAC Technical Specifications and Configuration Guide for Online Testing.

SSIDs

SSIDs are considered confidential and must be kept secure at all times. Students will need access to their SSIDs to log on to the test. LEAs should provide SSIDs to students prior to the session. The TE may not share the SSIDs when other students are present or able to hear or view the exchange. LEAs must take care to follow all protocols when sharing SSIDs to ensure that the numbers are kept confidential. Note that email is not considered a secure distribution method.

The following are recommendations about how to provide SSIDs to students or parents/guardians:

  • Use a parent/guardian or student portal if one is available.
  • Provide SSIDs to students or parents/guardians if they are picking up materials from the school.
  • Mail the SSID to the parents/guardians via US Mail.
  • Message the student if instant messaging or some other means of direct messaging is available, including text messaging.
  • Provide the SSID to the student via a private Zoom meeting—or other meeting software—when meeting with the student individually.
  • Call the student or parent/guardian and provide the SSID over the phone.

The means of sending SSIDs is not limited to those in the previous list. LEA ELPAC coordinators should contact the assigned LEA Success Agent to confirm whether another method is permissible. LEAs are responsible for determining the best way to provide SSIDs while still maintaining confidentiality.