SOL Device Readiness
The district is utilizing TestNav 8 and to ensure that your student laptops and desktops are ready to use for the SOL testing season, those devices need to be used multiple times per week for several hours on end. Computers need to take specific district-issued updates in order to be ready for SOL testing, which means that these devices MUST be shut down properly before being placed back into the carts. These updates are targeting the TestNav program in particular and that application will only be functional for SOL testing once updates are received to your device. If you're fortunate enough to have a cart in your classroom, be proactive and have your students open the application to see whether or not your devices are prepped and ready for testing.
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Be in the know... |
If your devices ARE NOT ready for testing is it most likely because your computers are not being shut down properly.
Applications like TestNav do not get updated through windows updates, they get updated through a program update push from ICTS. When your student devices take longer than normal to shut down, it is generally because programs and applications are receiving one, even though the computer is not indicating it is receiving an update. Please instill a ritual of having students properly shutting down computers and allowing them to completely shut down, which means the screen completely shuts off. If your computers are not receiving these push updates, and TestNav is not prepared for testing, this is the screen you will see. |
Fellow ITRT and colleague, Sara Butcher, made this great PDF illustrating how teachers can ensure their devices are prepared for SOL testing. Be sure to review it for information that can assist you in your endeavors in getting prepared for the SOL testing season.
This YouTube video does a great job of explaining how to use the TestNav tools, providing an in-depth look at the functionality of the tools and live demonstration of how those tools work. This video also talks about the format of the test itself and shows you what to expect as you encounter troubleshooting as the proctor or examiner in a test session. This video is 10 and a half minutes in length.
UH OH....error messages can be a hassle. Figure out what they mean by clicking on the Error Codes button >>>>>>>>
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Fellow ITRT and colleague, Sitha Wenberg, made this great PDF to help with trouble shooting issues. Check it out.
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Practice Makes for Prepared Students
Prior to working with students on the practice item sets, it is important for teachers to familiarize themselves with the navigation, tools, and accessibility features in TestNav 8. Teachers should also be familiar with how to answer multiple-choice and technology- enhanced item (TEI) types. Ensure your students are comfortable with TestNav as well. The button below will link you to a Google Doc that makes for an excellent station activity.
Don't just practice the tools with your students, be sure to practice use with the audio player as well. This only applies for students who have audio accommodations specified in an IEP. Audio practice items are only available in the 2009 release items in TestNav and the test name will be followed by - audio to indicate it is an audio test.
Submitting the test
Submitting a test is not challenging, but what can be is making sure your students follow directions in how to properly submit their tests. Refer to the graphic below for more information about this matter.