Technology

In February 2013, PARCC updated detailed guidelines around the technology specifications for PARCC assessments.

Technology Guidelines For PARCC Assessments: Version 2.1 (Updated February 2013)

Technology Guidelines for PARCC Assessments: Version 2.1 : The document provides minimum and recommended specifications for computer hardware, input devices, and security requirements; and suggests recommended levels of bandwidth that will support schools instructional and assessment needs. It does not yet set minimum bandwidth specifications. Schools, districts, and states can use these guidelines to determine the eligibility of existing computers as test-taking devices for the 2014-2015 PARCC assessments.

Technology Guidelines for PARCC Assessments Version 2.1 updates, and therefore supersedes, the Version 2.0 document previously released in December 2012.

Updates in this version include:

• Clarification about the minimum RAM for iPads running iOS 6.
• Clarifications about the requirements for input devices including touchscreens and Bluetooth/wireless keyboards.
• Clarification about screen resolution requirements.

School Readiness Planning

In March 2013, PARCC released the PARCC Capacity Planning Tool as part of the first phase of assessment administration guidance issued in preparation for the Spring 2014 Field Test and the school year 2014-2015 assessment. This tool, an Excel Spreadsheet (.xlsx format), is designed to assist district and school leaders in identifying gaps in assessment administration capacity, including computer-based test taking devices and bandwidth, and exploring possible scenarios for addressing those gaps. 

The PARCC Capacity Planning Tool allows schools to model different levels of testing windows, devices, simultaneous test-takers by grade level, and bandwidth demands, and to check their current and planned strategies against several “rule of thumb” models for determining test-taking configurations and student to device ratio targets.

Printable PDF versions are provided below for review purposes. Calculations need to be performed in the Interactive Version.

• Capacity Planning Tool – Interactive Version

• Capacity Planning Tool – Print Version
• Small Elementary Example – Print Version
• User’s Guide for PARCC Assessment Administration Capacity Planning Tool: This guide walks through the Assessment Administration Capacity Planning Tool step-by-step to support school and district leaders in using it and interpreting the results.

As assessment development progresses, PARCC will continue to issue increasingly detailed guidance and online tools to help schools evaluate and prepare their assessment technology infrastructure. As available, further information will be posted to this parcconline.org/technology page.

Recommended Guidelines for New Hardware Purchases

Minimum Guidelines for New Hardware Purchases