All Assessment Programs FAQs
The following questions and answers apply to all state testing programs.
Where can I find test security laws and regulations?
Every Test Administration Manual (TAM) includes relevant South Carolina laws and regulations, often found near the beginning of the TAM.
Is there a deadline by which test security violations must be reported?
There is not a specific deadline by which test security violations must be reported; however, incidents should be reported as they occur and as soon as possible. This ensures timely follow-up on incidents.
What documentation should a School Test Coordinator (STC) gather in order to properly report a violation?
STCs should collect statements from everyone who witnessed or participated in a potential violation. If the violation involves an accommodation that requires an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting, then notes regarding the violation or invalidation of the assessment must be provided before the violation can be processed.
What happens if a student refuses their accommodation?
The accommodation must always be offered, but the student does not have to accept or use it. Educators who support test administration need a process in place to document refusal of accommodations. Educators may want to consider using the resource “South Carolina Review of Accommodations Forms and Guidance” found on the Accommodations and Customized Forms webpage.
Can a trained monitor stay with a testing class if the Test Administrator (TA) has to step out for a moment?
No, only trained TAs may be left with students who are testing.
SC READY FAQs
The following questions and answers apply to the SC READY state testing program.
Where can I find information regarding accommodations for SC READY?
See 2025 SC READY Test Administration Manual (TAM) Appendix C which can be found on the SC READY webpage.
What do I do if a student receives the incorrect accommodation for their section of the test?
Contact the SC READY Program Manager for guidance. See Test Administration Policies and Procedures of the 2025 SC READY TAM, specifically page 47.
What do I do if we discover a student has compromised items on the assessment by exposing them to social media, artificial intelligence (AI) applications, etc.?
See the SCDE Procedures for Exposed Assessment Items on the SCDE Test Security webpage.
How do we handle students signing in with the wrong test ticket and beginning the test?
Stop the administration. Contact the SC READY Program Manager whose contact information can be found on the SC READY webpage.
What are special circumstances? How are they handled?
See 2025 SC READY TAM Appendix C. Contact the SCDE Accommodations Program Manager whose contact information can be found on the Testing Students with Disabilities webpage.
How are secure test materials stored before and after testing?
See the School Test Coordinator’s Section of the 2025 SC READY TAM, which begins on page 53.
Who can have access to secure test materials before testing?
See the School Test Coordinator’s Section of the 2025 SC READY TAM, which begins on page 53.
How are online assessments secured against hacking or screen sharing?
See the 2025 DRC Technology Guide Volume I available in the DRC Insight Portal.
How can we better train our test administrators and monitors to spot cheating during the test?
Test administrators and monitors should engage in active monitoring (SC READY TAM page 41). SCDE Test Security Program Manager, Tonya Kinard, also addressed active monitoring tips in the April 15, 2025 Monthly Office Hours webinar.
Why can’t students use personal devices (like personal laptops or tablets, versus district or school-issued devices) for SC READY online testing?
See Student and School Responsibilities for Maintaining Test Security of the 2025 SC READY TAM, which begins on page 11. Administration of state assessments requires monitored access to a secure testing platform hosted by the SC READY vendor, DRC. This process ensures that student assessment results are valid and reliable.
How are SC READY test administrators monitored to ensure they follow security protocols?
Each local school board must develop and adopt a district test security policy, per State Board of Education regulations. See https://ed.sc.gov/tests/tests-files/test-security/state-board-test-security-regulations/
Are there different security protocols for SC READY paper tests (including Braille and large print) than there are for online tests?
No. See the School Test Coordinator’s Section of the 2025 SC READY TAM, which begins on page 53.
What is the process for disposing of unused test materials?
See the School Test Coordinator’s Section of the 2025 SC READY TAM, which begins on page 53.
How are emergencies handled during SC READY testing?
See Guidelines for Situations That Happen During Testing of the 2025 SC READY TAM, which begins on page 45. Examples of emergencies include fire drills, bomb threats, power failure, death, and severe weather/school closures.
