Assessment/Accountability MCAS
Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System

Spring 2007 Field Test for the Certificate of Occupational Proficiency

I am pleased to announce the spring 2007 schedule for online field-testing of multiple-choice assessment items for the Certificate of Occupational Proficiency (COP). The purpose of this field test is to collect data on test items to determine their validity for possible inclusion on future operational tests. Individual student and school scores will not be reported at this time. Field-testing of performance assessments is tentatively scheduled for late fall 2007.

Participation
Schools are encouraged to test day students in grades 11 and 12 who are currently enrolled in approved Chapter 74 Vocational Technical programs during the school day, within the two-week period of April 30, 2007 through May 11, 2007.

Technical requirements for field-testing
Attached are the computer configuration specifications and set-up information for test administration on Macintosh (Appendix 1) and Windows (Appendix 2) systems.

Additional information
Test administration details will be provided during the Certificate of Occupational Proficiency Implementation Academy session on March 20, 2007. If your school is unable to attend this session, or if you need additional information, three WebEx training sessions have been scheduled:

• April 2, 2007, 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
• April 3, 2007, 8 a.m - 10 a.m.
• April 4, 2007, 2 p.m - 4 p.m.

Please contact Carissa Karakaedos at 781-338-3960 (Carissak@doe.mass.edu) to register.

Thank you for your participation in this important field test administration.

Appendix 1. Macintosh System Requirements and Set-up Instructions

Configuration Requirements

• Popup-blocking software prevents the assessment windows from loading and must be deactivated before assessments can be administered. Examples of software that contains popup-blockers include toolbars and internet properties/options, as well as some firewall and antivirus software packages.

• Directions for deactivating your browser's popup-blocking capabilities are listed below in the How to Set Up a Macintosh Computer section.

Minimum Operating System and Hardware Requirements

• OS X version 10.3.9 or higher
• 128 MB RAM
• G3 processor
• Internet browser supported: Safari

How to Setup a Macintosh Computer

Every Macintosh workstation used for online assessments and assessment administration must be configured properly. Please follow the steps below.

It is essential that the following steps be completed using the same profile that assessment participants will use to login to the workstation on testing day. Many sites have more than one profile (administrator profile, user profile, etc.). If the configuration steps are not completed using the profile that assessment participants will use to login on testing day, students will be unable to access the Online Assessment System to take their assessments.

Browser Options and Preferences

1. Click on the Safari option in the system menu and make sure the Block Pop-Up Windows option is not checked.
2. Click the Preferences option in the Safari menu.
3. A General dialog box will appear.
4. Click the Security tab.
5. Make sure the Block Pop-Up Windows option is not checked.
6. Make sure the Enable JavaScript option is checked.
7. Close the window by clicking the Close button in the upper left-hand corner.

Appendix 2. Windows System Requirements and Set-up Instructions

Configuration Requirements

• NOCTI and Whitener Group Web sites should be added to your Trusted Sites configuration in order to ensure maximum effectiveness. Details for verifying Trusted Sites are below in the How to Set Up a Windows Computer section.

• Popup-blocking software prevents the assessment windows from loading and must be deactivated before assessments can be administered. Examples of software that contains popup-blockers include toolbars and Internet properties/options, as well as some firewall and antivirus software packages.

Minimum Operating System and Hardware Requirements

• Windows 2000 Professional or Windows XP current with service packs and updates. All necessary service packs and updates can be obtained at no charge by using the Windows Update feature on your local machine.
• 128 MB RAM
• Pentium II-350 MHz processor
• 1024 x 768 resolution is highly recommended
• Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher for Windows

How to Set Up a Windows Computer

Every Windows workstation used for online assessments and assessment administration must be configured properly. Please follow the steps below.

It is essential that the following steps be completed using the same profile that assessment participants will use to login to the workstation on testing day. Many sites have more than one profile (administrator profile, user profile, etc.). If the configuration steps are not completed using the profile that assessment participants will use to login on testing day, students will be unable to access the Online Assessment System to take their assessment.

Setup for Trusted Sites Verification

1. Right click on the Internet Explorer icon on the desktop and select Properties.
2. Click on the Security tab.
3. Select the Trusted Sites icon.
4. Click the Sites button.
5. A Trusted Sites dialog box will appear.
6. Enter *.nocti.org.
7. Be sure that "Require server verification (https) for all sites in this zone" is not checked.
8. Click the Add button (*.nocti.org will show in the Web Sites section).
9. Repeat steps 1-8 for *.whitenergroup.com.
10. Click the OK button when finished.