UPDATES & NEWS 

Please read our Summer 2019 newsletter with important updates here. If you didn't receive it, please reach out to csotechteam@rcab.org to be added to the mailing list.

Testing Windows

  • ​Fall 2019 Window: September 3 to October 4, 2019
  • Winter 2020 Window: January 2 to February 7, 2020
  • Spring 2020 Window: April 27 to May 29, 2020

Technical Set Up Reminders

Recommended Bandwidth:
  • 2 MBPS (30 computers MAP and Skills Navigator)
  • 3 MBPS (30 computers MAP for Primary Grades)

New Windows Secure Testing Browser (Lockdown browser)
  • A new Windows Secure Testing Browser (version 5.4.148.0) is available for download starting June 17, 2019. This new Secure Testing Browser version will be required for testing in November 2019.
  • After July 22, 2019, the minimum required version of the Windows Secure Testing Browser will be 5.4.117.0 which was released on June 8, 2018. Earlier versions will no longer be permitted for MAP Growth testing.

New Chromebook app (version 3.1.0) is available starting June 17, 2019

Discontinuing support for iOS 9 and 10
  • Starting July 22, 2019, iOS 9 and 10 will no longer be supported for iPad testing. Please plan accordingly and update your iOS version. This change will make testing on 4th generation iPads no longer possible.

Other Testing Browsers not supported
  • Safari: 9.x and 10.x
  • Firefox: Versions below 64
  • Chrome: Versions below 71
​
Other Secure Testing Browsers and apps not supported
  • Mac Secure Testing Browser: Versions below 4.0.0.3
  • iPad Secure Testing App: Versions below 3.2
  • Chrome Secure Testing App: Versions below 3.0.2

Rapid Guessing Invalidation

A rapid guess means the student answered well below the average response time measured by NWEA for each test question. The response is so fast that the student could not have viewed the question completely. Students who rapid-guessed on 30% or more of the test questions might receive a score that misrepresents their abilities. In order to address rapid guessing, NWEA has put in place the following measures:
  • While waiting to be confirmed, students will see tips helping them understand the purpose of the test, the relevance of trying their best, and what might happen if they go too quickly.
  • Most tests will pause when a student has rapid-guessed on multiple questions.
    • Both student & proctor are notified.
    • Proctor can reengage and resume test (from either student device or proctor console) or suspend test
    • Test will pause two to three times during a test session if necessary
  • Rapid-guessing information will be available for each student directly within the proctor console
    • Test session information will show the number of rapid guesses while student is testing
    • Number of rapid guesses will change to percentage once the test is completed
    • Red flag will appear next to instances of excessive rapid guessing
  • Before closing the session, the proctor has the ability to download a summary of that test session to capture information like testing status and rapid-guessing information
  • The new Retest Recommended – Rapid Guessing report will show only students who reached or exceeded the 30% threshold for excessive rapid guessing
    • The Grade breakdown report and student profile will continue to show this information
  • Tests will not be invalidated due to rapid-guessing, but we recommend that students be retested if they reach the 30% threshold for excessive rapid-guessing to ensure the data reflects what a student truly knows before being used to inform decisions.
 
For more information, please visit NWEA Connection.

Fall 2019 Rostering

For all schools using FACTS SIS, the CSO Tech Team will roster students directly from FACTS SIS.

All other schools will need to submit a roster by August 23, 2019 to csotechteam@rcab.org. 

​NWEA Tech Hotline

  • If you are experiencing a technical issue and need immediate support during testing, please contact the NWEA's Technical Support team by phone at 877.469.3287.
  • For questions that are not time sensitive, you can submit an inquiry online through NWEA's Contact Form:
    https://www.nwea.org/contact-us/support/
  • During testing, you can also check the technical status of NWEA here: http://status.nwea.org. In the event of an emergency, such as a natural disaster which might interrupt testing, this site will provide you with up-to-date notices.
  • You are also welcome to contact Annie Smith and Rebecca Mongeau with any Archdiocese of Boston-related issues and/or concerns by email at csotechteam@rcab.org.