Preparing the computer lab for testing

After you have installed the MAP components needed for testing—the Network Test Environment (NTE) Admin 2 software, MAP TestTaker, and your Network Test Environment (NTE) folders—check your computer lab to determine if there are any additional preparation steps that need to be addressed. Items to consider include the following:

• Check the testing schedules. Does the lab have enough computers to accommodate all classes? If there are not enough computers, some creative scheduling may be necessary. There is no problem with bringing students from different grade levels together for a testing session as long as each student is assigned the correct test.
• Test all machines to ensure everything is working properly, including headphones and audio files (if applicable).
• Clean all computer screens for better viewing, check to make sure the computers are able to support a screen resolution of at least 800 x 600, and take measures to reduce the glare on the computer monitors.
• Verify that the date set correctly on all workstations. MAP TestTaker uses the date stamp from the local workstations, so if the date is incorrect, it could adversely affect reports.
• Make sure the lab is equipped with appropriate testing materials, including a "Do Not Disturb" sign to hang on the lab door while testing is in progress, copies of the student directions to be read before each test, sharpened pencils, erasers, and scratch paper.
• If space is limited, consider having clipboards available with the scratch paper attached to provide a hard surface for writing. Another space-saving idea is to set the keyboard on top of or beside the computer and to instruct students to use the mouse for taking the test.
• Other room preparations include making sure power cords are secured to avoid power loss, and removing any posters or board information that would aid students as they take tests.