Using Secure Browser for Assessment Administration

The Secure Browser feature is an option available for all assessments in Pathways. When taking an assessment for which the secure browser feature has been activated, students will not be able to open new browser tabs or navigate away from the test without first logging out of the test or turning off the device. These are the steps to use secure browser: 

1. Ensure that all testing devices have been configured with either Chrome Kiosk Mode (for Chromebooks) or Safe Exam Browser (for any other device type). For instructions on this installation, see ‘Configuring Kiosk Mode for Chromebooks’ or ‘Configuring Safe Exam Browser for Windows, macOS, or iOS’.

2. Navigate to Pathways to Proficiency -> Measures -> Assignments. Choose the folder icon to the left of the assignment for which you wish to use Secure Browser. 

3. In the assignment view, turn on ‘Secure Browser Requirement’ from the top right module, then press ‘Save’. 

NOTE:  Steps 4-6 do not apply to students using Chromebooks. For such students, the OLA environment will not change. As long as the Chromebook is running kiosk mode when the student logs in to the assessment, they will not be able to open new browser tabs or navigate away from the test without first logging out of the test or turning off the device (see the note below if a device is running in kiosk mode, but the student is unable to login).

4. Instruct your students to navigate to ola.k12pathways.cloud. If the student is using a Windows, MacOS, or iOS, a button labeled ‘Open Secure Browser’ will display after the student enters the access code for the assignment. When a student selects this button, they will enter the assessment in Secure Browser mode. 

5. Once in the assessment, a student can still exit the assessment by clicking ‘log out’ at the top right corner. The student will be asked to choose whether to submit their answers or save the assessment for later as with any normal assessment. 

6. If a student needs to exit Safe Exam Browser, but they are having difficulty logging out, they should select the power button at the bottom right corner of the secure browser. When a student selects the power button, the teacher will be asked to enter a ‘quit code’. The quit code is the same as the assessment proctor code. To understand how to access this code, see ‘Accessing a Proctor Code’. 

NOTE: If a device is not configured correctly but the student still needs to access the assessment, there is an option to override the secure browser. If the student clicks on 'Secure Browser Override' at the bottom of the page, they will be asked for the proctor code. If the teacher needs to allow a student to access the assessment without the secure browser, they can do so by entering the proctor code. To learn where to find the proctor code, see 'Accessing a Proctor Code.'