Remote Testing General FAQs
Can we use remote testing for Identification and Reclassification?
You may test remotely for both Identification and Reclassification.
What LAS Links form do we use for remote testing?
LAS Links form B is used for remote testing.
How do we know if the student's device and bandwidth meet the system requirements.
DRC has created a Device Readiness Check that Test Administrators should provide to the home prior to testing. This readiness check will alert you to any issues with the home testing device. The Device Readiness Checklist may be found at https://www.drcedirect.com/all/eca-readiness-ui/
What is the public URL used to access the LAS Links Online assessment?
What is the public URL used to access the preLAS Links Online assessment?
Can we remote test with paper LAS Links?
No, LAS Links remote testing is limited to online testing only
Can we test in a hybrid situation?
Yes, as long as you use the correct form in the setting (eg: LAS Links form A in brick and mortar; LAS Links Form B online remote).
Do we have to install the INSIGHT app on each student device if they are testing remotely?
No, DRC has developed a public URL (a link) which the student will go to when they are ready to test. THIS IS THE MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED OPTION.
Will the system block off other screens or content during the testing?
While using the public URL for remote testing, certain apps, such as Google Translate are blocked however, students are able to toggle to other pages. This is one reason that DRC has implemented a 1:1 for speaking and 1:5 for the other domains as well as the "recording" of the web meeting. Implementing these measures, along with the use of the Test Monitoring application are key to maintaining the security of the assessment. For onsite testing, the INSIGHT app provides a lock down situation where the student is unable to go to other web pages nor access any other documents while testing.
If we already have student testing licenses, do we need to buy more?
Existing student licenses may be utilized for remote testing
1st Grade Form A licenses purchased may be transferred/converted as/if needed.
A 1st Grade License Transfer form can be found at this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScV6XSsDdKlqcTS21UkjRjLV5r1JQfCg-OSAXe4LdUxak4EJQ/formResponse .
No other grades (grade spans) require license transfers.
Why are remote testing sessions for L, R and W limited to five students?
Remote testing requires the LAS Links Online Test Administrator to manage a web meeting with multiple students, which involves validating credentials and close monitoring of all students in the web meeting. Currently, the number of simultaneous testers is limited to five students to keep web sessions manageable and more secure.
Why are remote testing sessions for Speaking limited to one student?
The LAS Links Speaking assessment requires the student to speak into their microphone so that their answer is captured by the assessment. If the Test Administrator has more than one student testing Speaking at a time, the Test Administrator, as well as other students in the web meeting, will hear all student responses all at once.
Does DRC provide web conference services?
DRC does not provide web conference services. You need to use a third-party vendor. Most free or trial versions of web conference services do not include sufficient functionality to meet our recommendations for remote proctoring.
What do I do if a student is dropped out of a web meeting?
During web meetings, students may encounter technical or Internet problems caused by bandwidth issues in their local environment or by their connection to the Internet. These issues are beyond DRC’s control. If the student experiences short, intermittent problems, you can choose whether or not to allow them to re-join the web meeting in progress. Students can usually rejoin by clicking the link again. If connection problems are significant or disruptive to the flow of your meeting, you should reschedule them for a later time. If you choose to reschedule a student, you may want to invalidate their test and create a new test session for them.
What do I do if a student is disruptive during the web meeting?
Most video conference services have functionality to remove a participant. Follow the instructions for your service to remove the participant. If the student already started the test, you may want to invalidate their test.
With audio and video on, how do you minimize test disruption if a tester has a question, or if you need to interact with a tester regarding a potential security infraction?
You should use a web conference service that allows the web host to control audio during a web meeting. Participant audio should be muted (except for when administering the Speaking assessment). At the beginning of the web meeting, instruct the attendees on how to get your attention via private chat (or by “raising their hand” if the software allows this). Use the breakout rooms if you need to interact with the student privately.
If I already have a LAS Links Form A test session set up, do I have to create a new one for Remote testing?
Yes, you will need to create new Test Sessions for Remote Testing as you are only to use FORM B for Remote testing.
Are we allowed to remote test utilizing the preLAS?
Yes. You may remote test with either preLAS paper and/or online. Guidance may be found in the remote testing section of www.laslinks.com/Texas
Where can I find the preLAS digital cue picture book?
The preLAS Form C digital cue picture book can be found by logging into your INSIGHT account at www.drcedirect.com, click on General Information > Documents > Assessment Resources