Testing Information
Tips to Prepare Your Child for Testing
- Ensure that your child gets a good night sleep.
- Ensure that your child east a healthy breakfast.
- Ensure that your child arrives to school on time.
- Talk with your child about doing their very best!
Testing Information by Grade Level
- PRE K
- KINDERGARTEN
- FIRST GRADE
- SECOND GRADE
- THIRD GRADE
- FOURTH GRADE
- FIFTH GRADE
- SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS
PRE K
PHONOLOGICAL AWARENESS LITERACY SCREENING (PALS)
This assessment is given in the fall, during the first 45 days of school, and again in the fall, during the last 45 days of school.
ABOUT THE PALS ASSESSMENT
Assessment Components: Required Tasks: Name Writing, Alphabet Knowledge (all upper and lower case letters), Beginning Sound Awareness; Rhyme Awareness, Nursery Rhyme Awareness, Print and Word Awareness
Test Administration: The assessment is individually administered by a DTC approved or certified educator who has been trained in the use of the test materials.
Students Tested: All K4 students or First Steps K4 students are assessed.
When Tests are Administered: The PALS assessment is administered two times throughout the school year. Once during the first 45 days of school and again during the last 45 days of school.
How Results are Reported: Reports are downloaded from the PALS Online System and are available at the student, class, school, and district level. Raw scores are used in the diagnostic reports and progress monitoring reports. Student raw scores are categorized into developmental ranges of more support, ongoing instruction, and more challenge. The ranges are used to help inform and focus instruction. These results can be used to learn what students currently know and what they are ready to learn next.
KINDERGARTEN
easy cbm
These assessments are administered in the fall; August 14-September 1, 2023, winter; November 27-December 15, 2023, and spring; April 8-May 1, 2024.
ABOUT THE easy cbm ASSESSMENT
Assessment Components: EasyCBM assesses students' skills in reading (including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension) and math (covering various mathematical concepts and skills appropriate for the elementary level).
Test Administration: These assessments are administered by an educator who has been trained in the use of the test materials.
Students Tested: All kindergarten students are assessed.
When Tests are Administered: Benchmark assessments are administered three times throughout the school year; fall; August 14-September 1, 2023, winter; November 27-December 15, 2023, and spring; April 8-May 1, 2024.
How Results are Reported: Results from EasyCBM are presented in easy-to-understand reports that show students' performance compared to grade-level expectations. These reports help teachers and parents track students' progress and make informed decisions about instructional strategies and interventions.
KINDERGARTEN READINESS ASSESSMENT (KRA)
This assessment is given in the fall, during the first 45 days of school.
ABOUT THE KINDERGARTEN READINESS ASSESSMENT
Assessment Components: The South Carolina Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA) measures skills in language and literacy, math, social-emotional development, and physical well-being.
Test Administration: The assessment is individually administered by certified teachers or trained administrators in kindergarten classrooms.
Students Tested: All kindergarten students are assessed.
When Tests are Administered: The KRA is administered during the first 45 days of school.
How Results are Reported: Results are reported to parents and educators in a clear manner, highlighting areas where a child is excelling and areas that may need additional support.
FIRST GRADE
easy cbm
These assessments are administered in the fall; August 14-September 1, 2023, winter; November 27-December 15, 2023, and spring; April 8-May 1, 2024.
ABOUT THE easy cbm ASSESSMENT
Assessment Components: EasyCBM assesses students' skills in reading (including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension) and math (covering various mathematical concepts and skills appropriate for the elementary level).
Test Administration: These assessments are administered by an educator who has been trained in the use of the test materials.
Students Tested: All first grade students are assessed within the area of reading. The math portion of this benchmark assessment is not a requirement for all students and is administered at teacher discretion.
When Tests are Administered: Benchmark assessments are administered three times throughout the school year; fall; August 14-September 1, 2023, winter; November 27-December 15, 2023, and spring; April 8-May 1, 2024.
How Results are Reported: Results from EasyCBM are presented in easy-to-understand reports that show students' performance compared to grade-level expectations. These reports help teachers and parents track students' progress and make informed decisions about instructional strategies and interventions.
MEASURE OF ACADEMIC PROGRESS ASSESSMENT (MAP)
These assessments are administered in the fall; August 28-September 1, 2023, winter; December 4-December 8, 2023, and spring; April 8-April 12, 2024.
ABOUT THE MEASURE OF ACADEMIC PROGRESS (MAP) ASSESSMENT
Assessment Components: The Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) assesses students' skills in reading, language usage, and math. It measures students' growth over time by adapting to their responses during the assessment.
Test Administration: MAP assessments are administered by an educator who has been trained in the use of the test materials.
Students Tested: All first grade students are assessed.
When Tests are Administered: Benchmark assessments are administered three times throughout the school year; fall; August 28-September 1, 2023, winter; December 4-December 8, 2023, and spring; April 8-April 12, 2024.
How Results are Reported: Results from the MAP assessments are reported in detailed reports that provide insights into students' strengths and areas for improvement. These reports help teachers and parents understand students' academic growth and inform instructional decisions.
SECOND GRADE
easy cbm
These assessments are administered in the fall; August 14-September 1, 2023, winter; November 27-December 15, 2023, and spring; April 8-May 1, 2024.
ABOUT THE easy cbm ASSESSMENT
Assessment Components: EasyCBM assesses students' skills in reading (including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension) and math (covering various mathematical concepts and skills appropriate for the elementary level).
Test Administration: These assessments are administered by an educator who has been trained in the use of the test materials.
Students Tested: These assessments are administered to all students in second through fifth grade who receive academic intervention services; tier 2, 3, or 4, as well as any students in which a teacher determines a need for gathering additional academic performance data.
When Tests are Administered: Benchmark assessments are administered three times throughout the school year; fall; August 14-September 1, 2023, winter; November 27-December 15, 2023, and spring; April 8-May 1, 2024.
How Results are Reported: Results from EasyCBM are presented in easy-to-understand reports that show students' performance compared to grade-level expectations. These reports help teachers and parents track students' progress and make informed decisions about instructional strategies and interventions.
MEASURE OF ACADEMIC PROGRESS ASSESSMENT (MAP)
These assessments are administered in the fall; August 28-September 1, 2023, winter; December 4-December 8, 2023, and spring; April 8-April 12, 2024.
ABOUT THE MEASURE OF ACADEMIC PROGRESS (MAP) ASSESSMENT
Assessment Components: The Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) assesses students' skills in reading, language usage, and math. It measures students' growth over time by adapting to their responses during the assessment.
Test Administration: MAP assessments are administered by an educator who has been trained in the use of the test materials.
Students Tested: All second grade students are assessed.
When Tests are Administered: MAP assessments are administered three times throughout the school year; fall; August 28-September 1, 2023, winter; December 4-December 8, 2023, and spring; April 8-April 12, 2024.
How Results are Reported: Results from the MAP assessments are reported in detailed reports that provide insights into students' strengths and areas for improvement. These reports help teachers and parents understand students' academic growth and inform instructional decisions.
Iowa assessment (IA) and Cognitive Abilities test (CogAt)
These assessments are administered in the fall; October 9-October 27, 2023. Make-Ups are administered in the winter; January 9-January 12, 2024.
ABOUT THE IOWA Assessment (IA) and Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAt)
Assessment Components: The Iowa Assessment and the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) are standardized tests used to assess students' academic abilities and cognitive skills. The Iowa Assessment covers subjects like reading, language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. CogAT focuses on cognitive abilities such as verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal reasoning.
Test Administration: The IA and CogAt are administered by an educator who has been trained in the use of the test materials.
Students Tested: All second grade students are assessed.
When Tests are Administered: The IA and CogAt are administered in the fall; October 9-October 27, 2023. Make-Ups are administered in the winter; January 9-January 12, 2024.
How Results are Reported: Results from both assessments are reported to educators and parents in detailed reports, providing insights into students' academic achievement and cognitive strengths. These reports help inform instructional strategies and support services to meet students' individual needs.
THIRD GRADE
easy cbm
These assessments are administered in the fall; August 14-September 1, 2023, winter; November 27-December 15, 2023, and spring; April 8-May 1, 2024.
ABOUT THE easy cbm ASSESSMENT
Assessment Components: EasyCBM assesses students' skills in reading (including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension) and math (covering various mathematical concepts and skills appropriate for the elementary level).
Test Administration: These assessments are administered by an educator who has been trained in the use of the test materials.
Students Tested: These assessments are administered to all students in second through fifth grade who receive academic intervention services; tier 2, 3, or 4, as well as any students in which a teacher determines a need for gathering additional academic performance data.
When Tests are Administered: Benchmark assessments are administered three times throughout the school year; fall; August 14-September 1, 2023, winter; November 27-December 15, 2023, and spring; April 8-May 1, 2024.
How Results are Reported: Results from EasyCBM are presented in easy-to-understand reports that show students' performance compared to grade-level expectations. These reports help teachers and parents track students' progress and make informed decisions about instructional strategies and interventions.
MEASURE OF ACADEMIC PROGRESS ASSESSMENT (MAP)
These assessments are administered in the fall; August 28-September 1, 2023, and spring; April 8-April 12, 2024.
ABOUT THE MEASURE OF ACADEMIC PROGRESS (MAP) ASSESSMENT
Assessment Components: The Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) assesses students' skills in reading, language usage, and math. It measures students' growth over time by adapting to their responses during the assessment.
Test Administration: MAP assessments are administered by an educator who has been trained in the use of the test materials.
Students Tested: All third grade students are assessed.
When Tests are Administered: Benchmark assessments are administered in the fall; August 28-September 1, 2023, and again in the spring; April 8-April 12, 2024.
How Results are Reported: Results from the MAP assessments are reported in detailed reports that provide insights into students' strengths and areas for improvement. These reports help teachers and parents understand students' academic growth and inform instructional decisions.
mASTERYCONNECT BENCHMARK
These assessments are administered in the fall; October 16-October 20, 2023, winter; January 16-January 22, 2024 and spring; March 18-March 22, 2024
ABOUT THE MASTERYCONNECT BENCHMARK ASSESSMENT
Assessment Components: MasteryConnect Benchmark assessments evaluate students' understanding of specific standards and learning objectives within the subjects of math and language arts.
Test Administration: MasteryConnect Benchmark assessments are administered by an educator who has been trained in the use of the test materials.
Students Tested: All third grade students are assessed.
When Tests are Administered: MasteryConnect Benchmark assessments are administered in the fall; October 16-October 20, 2023, winter; January 16-January 22, 2024 and spring; March 18-March 22, 2024
How Results are Reported: Results from MasteryConnect Benchmark assessments are reported through the MasteryConnect platform, providing educators and parents with detailed insights into students' mastery of specific standards and areas where they may need additional support or enrichment.
SCReady
These assessments are administered in the spring;
- May 7, 2024: ELA Part 1
- May 8, 2024: ELA Part 2
- May 14, 2024: Math
- May 16, 2024: Field Test: Text Dependent Writing (TDW)
ABOUT THE SCReady ASSESSMENT
Assessment Components: SCReady is a statewide assessment in South Carolina that evaluates students' proficiency in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics based on state academic standards.
Test Administration: SCReady assessments are administered by a certified educator who has been trained in the use of the test materials.
Students Tested: All third grade students are assessed.
When Tests are Administered: ScReady assessments are administered in the spring;
- May 7, 2024: ELA Part 1
- May 8, 2024: ELA Part 2
- May 14, 2024: Math
- May 16, 2024: Field Test: Text Dependent Writing (TDW)
How Results are Reported: Results from the SCReady assessment are reported to educators, parents, and schools, providing insights into students' academic performance in English language arts and mathematics. These reports help inform instructional planning and support services to enhance student learning and achievement.
FOURTH GRADE
easy cbm
These assessments are administered in the fall; August 14-September 1, 2023, winter; November 27-December 15, 2023, and spring; April 8-May 1, 2024.
ABOUT THE easy cbm ASSESSMENT
Assessment Components: EasyCBM assesses students' skills in reading (including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension) and math (covering various mathematical concepts and skills appropriate for the elementary level).
Test Administration: These assessments are administered by an educator who has been trained in the use of the test materials.
Students Tested: These assessments are administered to all students in second through fifth grade who receive academic intervention services; tier 2, 3, or 4, as well as any students in which a teacher determines a need for gathering additional academic performance data.
When Tests are Administered: Benchmark assessments are administered three times throughout the school year; fall; August 14-September 1, 2023, winter; November 27-December 15, 2023, and spring; April 8-May 1, 2024.
How Results are Reported: Results from EasyCBM are presented in easy-to-understand reports that show students' performance compared to grade-level expectations. These reports help teachers and parents track students' progress and make informed decisions about instructional strategies and interventions.
MEASURE OF ACADEMIC PROGRESS ASSESSMENT (MAP)
These assessments are administered in the fall; August 28-September 1, 2023, and spring; April 8-April 12, 2024.
ABOUT THE MEASURE OF ACADEMIC PROGRESS (MAP) ASSESSMENT
Assessment Components: The Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) assesses students' skills in reading, language usage, and math. It measures students' growth over time by adapting to their responses during the assessment.
Test Administration: MAP assessments are administered by an educator who has been trained in the use of the test materials.
Students Tested: All fourth grade students are assessed.
When Tests are Administered: Benchmark assessments are administered in the fall; August 28-September 1, 2023, and again in the spring; April 8-April 12, 2024.
How Results are Reported: Results from the MAP assessments are reported in detailed reports that provide insights into students' strengths and areas for improvement. These reports help teachers and parents understand students' academic growth and inform instructional decisions.
mASTERYCONNECT BENCHMARK
These assessments are administered in the fall; October 16-October 20, 2023, winter; January 16-January 22, 2024 and spring; March 18-March 22, 2024
ABOUT THE MASTERYCONNECT BENCHMARK ASSESSMENT
Assessment Components: MasteryConnect Benchmark assessments evaluate students' understanding of specific standards and learning objectives within the subjects of math, language arts, and science.
Test Administration: MasteryConnect Benchmark assessments are administered by an educator who has been trained in the use of the test materials.
Students Tested: All fourth grade students are assessed.
When Tests are Administered: MasteryConnect Benchmark assessments are administered in the fall; October 16-October 20, 2023, winter; January 16-January 22, 2024 and spring; March 18-March 22, 2024
How Results are Reported: Results from MasteryConnect Benchmark assessments are reported through the MasteryConnect platform, providing educators and parents with detailed insights into students' mastery of specific standards and areas where they may need additional support or enrichment.
SCReady
These assessments are administered in the spring;
- May 7, 2024: ELA Part 1
- May 8, 2024: ELA Part 2
- May 14, 2024: Math
- May 15, 2024: Science
- May 16, 2024: Field Test: Text Dependent Writing (TDW)
ABOUT THE SCReady ASSESSMENT
Assessment Components: SCReady is a statewide assessment in South Carolina that evaluates students' proficiency in English language arts (ELA), mathematics, and science based on state academic standards.
Test Administration: SCReady assessments are administered by a certified educator who has been trained in the use of the test materials.
Students Tested: All fourth grade students are assessed.
When Tests are Administered: ScReady assessments are administered in the spring;
- May 7, 2024: ELA Part 1
- May 8, 2024: ELA Part 2
- May 14, 2024: Math
- May 15, 2024: Science
- May 16, 2024: Field Test: Text Dependent Writing (TDW)
How Results are Reported: Results from the SCReady assessment are reported to educators, parents, and schools, providing insights into students' academic performance in English language arts and mathematics. These reports help inform instructional planning and support services to enhance student learning and achievement.
FIFTH GRADE
easy cbm
These assessments are administered in the fall; August 14-September 1, 2023, winter; November 27-December 15, 2023, and spring; April 8-May 1, 2024.
ABOUT THE easy cbm ASSESSMENT
Assessment Components: EasyCBM assesses students' skills in reading (including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension) and math (covering various mathematical concepts and skills appropriate for the elementary level).
Test Administration: These assessments are administered by an educator who has been trained in the use of the test materials.
Students Tested: These assessments are administered to all students in second through fifth grade who receive academic intervention services; tier 2, 3, or 4, as well as any students in which a teacher determines a need for gathering additional academic performance data.
When Tests are Administered: Benchmark assessments are administered three times throughout the school year; fall; August 14-September 1, 2023, winter; November 27-December 15, 2023, and spring; April 8-May 1, 2024.
How Results are Reported: Results from EasyCBM are presented in easy-to-understand reports that show students' performance compared to grade-level expectations. These reports help teachers and parents track students' progress and make informed decisions about instructional strategies and interventions.
MEASURE OF ACADEMIC PROGRESS ASSESSMENT (MAP)
These assessments are administered in the fall; August 28-September 1, 2023, and spring; April 8-April 12, 2024.
ABOUT THE MEASURE OF ACADEMIC PROGRESS (MAP) ASSESSMENT
Assessment Components: The Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) assesses students' skills in reading, language usage, and math. It measures students' growth over time by adapting to their responses during the assessment.
Test Administration: MAP assessments are administered by an educator who has been trained in the use of the test materials.
Students Tested: All fifth grade students are assessed.
When Tests are Administered: MAP assessments are administered in the fall; August 28-September 1, 2023, and again in the spring; April 8-April 12, 2024.
How Results are Reported: Results from the MAP assessments are reported in detailed reports that provide insights into students' strengths and areas for improvement. These reports help teachers and parents understand students' academic growth and inform instructional decisions.
mASTERYCONNECT BENCHMARK
These assessments are administered in the fall; October 16-October 20, 2023, winter; January 16-January 22, 2024 and spring; March 18-March 22, 2024
ABOUT THE MASTERYCONNECT BENCHMARK ASSESSMENT
Assessment Components: MasteryConnect Benchmark assessments evaluate students' understanding of specific standards and learning objectives within the subjects of math and language arts.
Test Administration: MasteryConnect Benchmark assessments are administered by an educator who has been trained in the use of the test materials.
Students Tested: All fifth grade students are assessed.
When Tests are Administered: MasteryConnect Benchmark assessments are administered in the fall; October 16-October 20, 2023, winter; January 16-January 22, 2024 and spring; March 18-March 22, 2024
How Results are Reported: Results from MasteryConnect Benchmark assessments are reported through the MasteryConnect platform, providing educators and parents with detailed insights into students' mastery of specific standards and areas where they may need additional support or enrichment.
ABOUT THE SCReady ASSESSMENT
Assessment Components: SCReady is a statewide assessment in South Carolina that evaluates students' proficiency in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics based on state academic standards.
Test Administration: SCReady assessments are administered by a certified educator who has been trained in the use of the test materials.
Students Tested: All fifth grade students are assessed.
When Tests are Administered: ScReady assessments are administered in the spring;
- May 7, 2024: ELA Part 1
- May 8, 2024: ELA Part 2
- May 14, 2024: Math
- May 16, 2024: Field Test: Text Dependent Writing (TDW)
How Results are Reported: Results from the SCReady assessment are reported to educators, parents, and schools, providing insights into students' academic performance in English language arts and mathematics. These reports help inform instructional planning and support services to enhance student learning and achievement.
SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS
easy cbm
These assessments are administered in the fall; August 14-September 1, 2023, winter; November 27-December 15, 2023, and spring; April 8-May 1, 2024.
ABOUT THE easy cbm ASSESSMENT
Assessment Components: EasyCBM assesses students' skills in reading (including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension) and math (covering various mathematical concepts and skills appropriate for the elementary level).
Test Administration: These assessments are administered by an educator who has been trained in the use of the test materials.
Students Tested: These assessments are administered to all students in kindergarten through fifth grade who receive specialized education services.
When Tests are Administered: Benchmark assessments are administered three times throughout the school year; fall; August 14-September 1, 2023, winter; November 27-December 15, 2023, and spring; April 8-May 1, 2024.
How Results are Reported: Results from EasyCBM are presented in easy-to-understand reports that show students' performance compared to grade-level expectations. These reports help teachers and parents track students' progress and make informed decisions about instructional strategies and interventions.
Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State-to-State (ACCESS) for English Language Learners (ELL)
This assessment is administered between January 22-March 15, 2024.
ABOUT THE ASSESSING COMPREHENSION AND COMMUNICATION IN ENGLISH STATE-TO-STATE (ACCESS) FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS (ELL) Assessment
Assessment Components: The ACCESS for English Language Learners (ELL) assesses students' proficiency in English language skills, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Test Administration: This assessment is administered by an educator who has been trained in the use of the test materials.
Students Tested: All students who receive specialized ESOL instructional services take the ACCESS assessment to measure their English language proficiency.
When Tests are Administered: The ACCESS for ELL Assessment is administered between January 22-March 15, 2024.
How Results are Reported: Results from the ACCESS assessment are reported to educators and parents, providing insights into students' English language proficiency levels. These reports help guide instructional strategies and support services to assist ELL students in their language development and academic achievement.
South Carolina Alternate Assessment (SC-Alt)
This assessment is administered in the spring between March 11-April 26, 2024.
ABOUT THE SOUTH CAROLINA ALTERNATE ASSESSMENT (SC-ALT)
Assessment Components: The South Carolina Alternate Assessment (SC-ALT) is designed for students with significant cognitive disabilities who are unable to participate in the general state assessment, even with accommodations. It assesses students' skills in English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies based on alternate achievement standards.
Test Administration: This assessment is administered by a certified special education teacher who has been trained in the use of the test materials.
Students Tested: Students in South Carolina with significant cognitive disabilities who cannot participate in the general state assessment, even with accommodations, are eligible to take the SC-ALT.
When Tests are Administered: The SC-ALT assessment is administered in the spring between March 11-April 26, 2024.
How Results are Reported: Results from the SC-ALT are reported to educators and parents, providing insights into students' academic progress and achievement based on alternate achievement standards. These reports help guide educational planning and support services to meet the unique needs of students with significant cognitive disabilities.