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Test
Administration
How do I get my students into the system?
An administrator user is able to upload a file containing
all of the students for his or her school who will access the online test. An
import file template is available to help you create this import file. The
template and instructions for using it can be found in the "Help"
component available once you have logged in through the Test Administrator
page.
How do I get my login information?
A welcome e-mail will be sent to the identified division
coordinators which will include user name and password information. Should
you encounter technical difficulties with the login information, please
contact technical support. Any
additional information requests/changes should be forwarded to Michael Bolling 804-786-6418.
The division coordinators have the ability to set up school coordinators. Once this new user has been set up, the division coordinator can choose to send a Welcome Email by clicking the link in the right menu box. This will send the login information to the new user. Questions at that level should then be directed to the division coordinator.
Division and school coordinators will also be able to set up other test coordinators (teachers,
tutors, proctors). This process will follow the same one outlined above.
Where do I find an overview of how to use the system?
Once you have successfully logged in through the Test
Administrator page, additional information is available through the Help
component.
If I need to leave the Secure Browser window before the test is complete, what do I do?
Use the keys:
CTRL-ALT-Shift F10.
How do I purchase testing units for the ARDT test administration?
Additional testing units may be purchased directly by using the ARDT Online Testing Units Order Form. After logging in, please go to the Help component and you will see a button to download the form.
Who is the point of contact for the Algebra
Readiness Initiative?
ARDT-Virginia State Education Department Contact:
Michael F. Bolling
Mathematics Coordinator
Virginia Department of Education
804-786-6418
Michael.Bolling@doe.virginia.gov
Frequently
Asked Questions
I have a Microsoft Windows computer, what software do I
need to administer and take a test?
In order to administer and take a test, it is recommended
that you have Windows 2000 or higher installed and Internet Explorer 5.1 or
later. The tools for proctoring and taking the tests are available on both
Windows and Mac OS X computers. Please note that the Test Administrator tools
for managing users and student data are only available using Internet
Explorer for Microsoft Windows.
In order to take the operational test, Windows computers also require the
installation of the Secure Browser. The Secure Browser prevents test takers
from accessing web sites and other programs while taking the test. This
software is only used when a student is taking the test and does not transfer
any data other than test content and responses. The Secure Browser can be
downloaded from the VA ARDT Test Administrator website at http://VARDT.starttest.com/
The latest version of Internet Explorer for Windows can be
downloaded from http://www.microsoft.com/windows/downloads/ie/getitnow.mspx. See the Appendix for a full list of technical requirements and
recommendations.
I have an Apple Macintosh computer, what software do I
need to administer and take a test?
In order to administer and take a test, you need Mac OS X 10.3
or later and Safari 1.2 or later. The tools for proctoring and taking the
tests are available on both Windows and Mac OS X computers. Please note that
the tools for managing users and student data are only available using
Internet Explorer for Microsoft Windows.
In order to take the operational test, Mac OS X computers also require the
installation of the Secure Browser. The Secure Browser prevents test takers
from accessing web sites and other programs while taking the test. This
software does not transfer any information from the local computer, and it is
not used when a student is not taking the test. The Secure Browser download
is available from the VA ARDT Test Administrator website at http://VARDT.starttest.com/
The latest version of Safari for Mac OS X can be
downloaded from http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/. See the Appendix for a full list of technical
requirements and recommendations.
What hardware do I need to take a test?
In addition to having a computer that supports one of the required browsers, a color monitor with a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels with 32-bit color is recommended. For best results, use a 17" or larger monitor.
What type of Internet connection should I have?
The administration of this test requires a high speed
Internet connection. Please make sure you discuss your testing needs with
your internal support resources to ensure you have the connectivity necessary
to support the number of students you plan to test within a single testing
session. You may use the "System Check"
to confirm your Internet connection.
How can I check my computer to verify it can deliver this test?
Every computer should be checked to verify it is properly
configured to administer this test. Please go to http://VARDT.starttest.com/ and click
the "System Check" button. When performing the system check,
please include your name and school information in the form. Once the system
check is complete, please review the results and note the estimated number of
concurrent users as displayed in the “Internet Connection” section. The
system check determines Internet bandwidth to and from our servers at the
time the check is run. You may see fluctuations in Internet connection
speeds and concurrent users due to the amount of Internet activity at your
site. Accordingly, the numbers displayed may not accurately reflect
bandwidth as reported by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Please
contact technical support for
additional assistance.
How often do I need to run the System Check?
You only need to run the System Check one time on each computer.
I am concerned about my privacy. Do you use cookies? How
do I configure my browser to allow cookies?
The privacy of students, their personal information, and
the test materials are extremely important. Session cookies are used to track
the current test each student is taking. Session cookies are deleted from
your machine as soon as the student closes the testing browser.
To enable cookies, you will need to access your internet browsing privacy
options. For example, in Internet Explorer, click on the "Tools"
menu, choose "Internet Options" and then select the
"Privacy" tab. Open the list of web sites allowed to use cookies. Add
both "*.starttest.com" and "*.starttest2.com" to the list
of allowed sites.
Do I have to allow pop-ups? How can I configure my pop-up
blocker to allow access to the testing site?
Pop-up windows are only needed for the Test Launch
component of the System Check. By configuring pop-up blockers to only allow
pop-ups from the testing site, the security of the pop-up blocker software is
not compromised. Simply add "*.starttest.com" and *.starttest2.com to
your pop-up blocker's list of allowed sites.
For example, in Internet Explorer running on Windows XP, click on the
"Tools" menu, choose "Pop-up Blocker" and then select
"Pop-up Blocker Settings…". On the screen which opens, enter the
site address "*.starttest.com" into the "Address of Web site
to allow" box and click the Add button. Repeat the process to add the
site address "*.starttest2.com" to the list of allowed sites. After
adding both sites, click "Close" and the browser will now allow
pop-ups from those sites.
If you are using the Google toolbar to block pop-ups,
simply open the testing site and click the toolbar button which displays the
number of sites blocked. This will enable pop-ups on that site.
How do I download the secure browser to multiple computers?
If you are installing the VARDT Browser on multiple computers, move the "VARDT Browser" to a shared folder on a server or the local machine. In order to do this you may need to log in using an administrator username and password. You may need to get this information from your Windows computer administrator. Create a shortcut for the program on the desktop for all users on each computer being used for test delivery. You may also run the VARDT Browser from this web page. Click "Download VARDT Browser" and click "Run" when asked "Do you want to run or save this file?" If you are delivering exams in an imaged network we recommend adding the VARDT browser as part of the image. Otherwise you may need to download the VARDT browser each day that you administer VARDT exams.
To ensure working bookmarks and favorites for this web
site, please follow the instructions below:
Windows users may use the "Bookmark this Site" link that is found
on the main page. Windows users with Internet Explorer may also right-click
on "Welcome to the Virginia Algebra Readiness
Test" and choose Add to Favorites...". Then, choose the
location in which to create the favorite and click "Add".
Mac OS X users with Safari will need to hold down the "Control" key
and click on Welcome to the Virginia Algebra Readiness Test (the Mac
equivalent to a "right-click"). Choose "Add Link to
Bookmarks..." from the contextual menu. Then, choose the location in which
to keep the bookmark and click "Add". Mac OS X users may also drag
the link to the desktop.
Technical Support
If you are having trouble accessing the test, please ensure that you are
using the recommended operating systems and browsers listed in the
Appendix.
I see a "Page not found" message
when trying to access the test.
"Page not found" errors can result from a number of different problems. Use
the following checklist to try to resolve this problem.
- Check to see if you can access other sites over the Internet to make sure that your
Internet connection is functioning properly.
- Run the System Check to ensure you computer meets system requirements and is configured
properly:
- Check to make sure that your operating system and web browser meet the minimum system
requirements listed in this document.
- Check to make sure that your anti-virus, firewall, proxy and content filter systems are
configured to allow inbound and outbound traffic from the starttest.com sites
(you may need assistance from your school or division technical support group
to check these settings)
- If you have checked all of these possible issues and you
still receive the "Page not found" error, you will need to contact
your school or division technical support group for further assistance.
All of the navigation buttons are not appearing or the
test is locking up during navigation.
If you have anti-virus or firewall software installed on
your machine, it may be interfering with the test delivery. This software may
be a stand-alone application such as Norton or may be part of your browser.
Most of these packages allow you to configure them to allow access to sites
you approve as safe. Please refer to the help component of your anti-virus or
firewall software for further assistance.
We are aware of some
schools that are able to pass the system check, but have reported issues with
test performance for multiple students. We have been able to identify the
source of the issue as the site-specific network communication settings. If
you are experiencing this issue, please confirm that your firewall, proxy,
and/or content filters allow unrestricted communication to and from the
following:
- Domains: programworkshop.com, starttest.com,
starttest2.com
- Ports: http(80), https(443)
- IP Addresses: please contact your technical
support for the list of IP Addresses
If this does not address
the issue and you have a content filter, please temporarily disable or bypass
the content filter to see if this helps.
My test is slow.
If you have a fast Internet connection and questions are
taking more than five seconds to load, verify that you do not have performance
problems connecting to other sites. If you believe it is a problem with the
testing site, please contact your technical support.
I cannot find an answer to my problem. How do I contact you?
If you cannot find an answer, please contact technical
support at 1-800-514-8494 or VARDTSupport@testsys.com and we will be happy to assist you.
Appendix- Minimum System Requirements for
Online Testing
The following system specifications will provide the best online testing
experience. The specifications which must be met are noted with an asterisk.
All other specifications are recommendations.
Windows Computers:
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Supported
Browser:
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Microsoft
Internet Explorer 5.1 or higher and the Secure Browser for Windows*
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Operating
System:
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Windows
2000 or higher
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Processor:
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233 MHz
or higher Intel Pentium/Celeron family, or AMD K6/Althlon/Duron family; or
compatible processor
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RAM:
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128 MB
or higher
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Display:
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1024 x 768
with 32-bit color or higher* For best results, use a 17" monitor
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Internet
Connection:
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High-Speed
Internet connection. 768kbps or better.
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Macintosh Computers:
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Supported
Browser:
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Apple
Safari 1.2 or higher and the Secure Browser for Mac OS X*
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Operating
System:
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Mac OS
X 10.3 or higher
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Processor:
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PowerPC
G3, G4, or G5 processor; or Intel-based Mac
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RAM:
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256 MB
or higher
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Display:
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1024 x 768
with 32-bit color or higher* For best results, use a 17" monitor
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Internet
Connection:
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High-Speed
Internet connection. 768kbps or better.
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