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PearsonAccess^next  is the online test management system Massachusetts uses to administer and manage MCASMCAS. It is used to manage:

• User accounts
• Student registration
• Test sessions

The PearsonAccess^next Online User Guide is generic to all states and programs that use PearsonAccess^next , and addresses all functionality in PearsonAccess^next. This is the MCAS Reference Page for the PearsonAccess^next Online User Guide. It page outlines MCAS ' tasks and functions in PearsonAccess^next . MCAS has also has created quick guides that address specific tasks, like managing users in PearsonAccess^next and loading a Student Registration Import. All To find quick start guides can be found on the guides, go to the MCAS support center (mcas.pearsonsupport.com) under , and click the PearsonAccess^next tab   and the Technology Setup tab tabs.NOTE: This page will continue to be updated as additional functionality is developed for MCAS.

Use these links to jump to specific sections on this page:

Accessing PearsonAccess Next 

• To access PearsonAccess^next   go to http://mcas.pearsonaccessnext.com and select Sign in to PearsonAccess^next  .
• For the training site go to trng-mcas.pearsonaccessnext.com.

To learn how to Sign In, see System Basics.

Using PearsonAccess

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Next 

Tasks listed on this page are in as close to chronological order as possible(may vary slightly). The timing of some tasks may overlap.

Getting Started

1. Confirm that the computers you will use to monitor and manage testing meet the stated System Requirements for PearsonAccess^next  .
2. Learn the System Basics.
3. Learn how to Import and Export Data. 

Set Up Technology Configurations

To prepare TestNav configurations in PearsonAccess^next  for online testing, see view the following online user guide pages:

1. Configure Response File Backup Locations.
2. Understand Manage Proctor Caching.
3. Create a configuration, as described in Configure TestNav for Proctor Caching. MCAS recommends using precaching by test to ensure all content is cached ahead of time. 

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education recommends using precaching by test ProctorCache software to Precache Test Content in order to ensure all content is cached before the test starts. 

Set Up User Accounts

To setup users, view the following online user guide pages:

1. Create and Edit a User AccountsAccount.
2. Manage Users.

Prepare for Testing

There are a variety of tasks related to preparing for testing. Some of these tasks are view-only for MCAS.

To prepare for testing, view the following online user guide pages:

1. Create and Edit a Student RecordsRecord.
2. Manage Student Tests

   Manage Enrollment Counts:  All schools must review and verify enrollment counts 

   ExpandtitleClick here to learn how to manage enrollment counts... Include PageIR:_PAsup_ManageEnrollmentCountsIR:_PAsup_ManageEnrollmentCounts
3. Create an Online Test Session

5. Create a Session.

6. Add a Student to a Session.Add Students to Online Test Sessions
7. Configure TestNav for Proctor Caching

Manage Testing

Perform these tasks while testing is in progress:

1. Start a Session and Unlock Tests/Sessions.
2. Retrieve Resources for Manage an Online Test SessionRetrieve  - Student Test Tickets  to to download and print Retrieve Seal Codesprint.
3. Move Students a Student Test Between Online Test Sessions.
4. Monitor or Change Student Test Status.
5. Remove Students from Online Test Sessionsa Student from a Session.

Additional Information

Changes to Student Information: Any changes to student data in  PearsonAccessPearsonAccess^next must also be made in Student Information Management System (SIMS). Contact your district SIMS coordinator to report any changes (go to profiles.doe.mass.edu/search/search.aspx?leftNavID=11239, click Function, select SIMS Contact from the Function menu, and click Get Results).

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