Lessons Learned
from the
PARCC Field Test
Paramus Public Schools
Ken Rota, Superintendent
Kathleen McCann, Director of Technology
Kate McCabe, Principal of Cranford High School
Introduction
September’s Invite:

District
Demographics

Field Test Schedule

NJDOE Training


Forums
Conducted
http://tinyurl.com/
PARCC10162014
Component
Number of
Sessions1
Online
PBA & EOY
5
2
Online
PBA & EOY
5
Mathematics
2
Online
PBA
2
6
ELA
2
Online
PBA & EOY
5
3
Mathematics
2
Online
PBA
2
School Name
Grade/Course
Subject Area
Number of Classes Mode of Admin.
PARAMUS HIGH
9
ELA
2
WEST BROOK
MIDDLE
7
ELA
EAST BROOK
MIDDLE
5
EAST BROOK
MIDDLE
MEMORIAL
November’s Additional Invite:
PARKWAY
3
ELA
2
Online
EOY
2
STONY LANE
3
Mathematics
2
Online
EOY
2
Guiding Principles

Educational philosophy for students
• Best experience possible
• Computers hard-wired
 Ethernet and electric
 Proctor caching and files shares
 Like Devices
•
19” monitor
•
keyboard
•
mouse
Top 10
Things You
Need To Know
Top 10…
I.
One Voice
District Team (members)
 District Leader

a. Provide consistency
b. Ensure accuracy
c. Increase confidence/lessen
anxiety
Top 10…
II. Determining
Capacity
 Scheduling
 Training for staff
 Organizing
Students
 Conflicts (school
events/field
trips/etc.)
 Make-ups
Top 10…
III. Technology Infrastructure



Caching Server
Core Configuration Access /
Switch Access
File locations (2)
Top 10 …
IV. Technology - Technicians


Machines PARCC Ready
Manpower – 3 in district Stipend positions created
PARCC Approved Machines
Run PARCC SystemCheck on TestNav site: http://systemcheck.parcc.testnav.com/
└If SystemCheck fails, STOP and CHECK WITH COMPUTER TECHNICIAN
└If SystemCheck passes, continue with the checklist.
Proceed to TestNav http://parcc.testnav.com and enter the username and password provided.
Username: username
Password: password
Permanently disable any pop-ups by checking the box next to “Always Allow” or “Do Not Show
This Again…” for Java. Disable any Internet Explorer Notification Bar pop-ups by selecting “Allow
for all webites” in the drop down menu.
Proceed through the test and click “Submit Final Answers” when you are done.
You will receive a note: “Congratulations ! You have successfully launched Testnav”
Top 10 …
V. Technology – in Testing Room
Staff Tech Training teachers
 Physical Setup – Room
for Students
 Spare computer

Top 10…
VI. Technology – NJ Trax


Tech Readiness Tool
NJ Trax Reports
Top 10…
VII. Test Administration
a.
b.
c.
d.
Technology
Trouble shooting (error messages)
Expectations for Staff
Expectations for Students
Top 10…
VIII. Curriculum Impact

PBA/EOY Evidence Tables
◦ http://www.parcconline.org/assessment-blueprintstest-specs
District Committee
- sequencing (3rd grade math)
 Rubrics for placement/remediation
 Graduation Requirement

Top 10…
IX. Lessons Learned






Gather School Comments & Questions
Read Script Prior to Testing Day
Do Testing Tutorials
Test if possible
Absences (testing dates)
Budgets and Barriers
Top 10…
IX Lessons Learned
 Technology
- Bandwidth connection (split) need hardware ($)
- District capacity (testing devices)($)
- Staffing (tech support)($)
- Connections (internet & power) ($)

-
Instructional Time Impact
Staff training (time/pullout vs. after school)
Room usage (who gets bumped)
Adjustments to teaching schedule (prep periods)
Team schedule vs. split schedule
Multi-grade sections (HS)
Top 10…
X. Community Outreach





Parent Education Nights
Website Links
Newsletters
Rankings
Absences (testing dates) Opt out
More to Come
http://nj.pearsonaccessnext.com
User
Role Matrix
District PARCC team meetings
“Early 2015” : Speaking and listening
assessments.
http://tinyurl.com/PARCC10162014