No Tech On Tests
There are strict security protocols mandated by the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) and state law regarding state testing that both students and parents must understand.
Did you know that students are prohibited from having and using electronic devices during testing?
Using a cell phone, smart watch or smart glasses will be treated as a serious breach of both test security and the district's student code of conduct. Using an unauthorized device during testing is a major infraction with severe consequences.
Consequences of Misconduct
Possessing an unauthorized device during testing is a major infraction with severe outcomes:
- Test Invalidation: The student will receive a zero and have their test score invalidated.
- School Discipline: Violations are handled as Level III infractions, which may result in out-of-school suspension and/or a recommendation for expulsion.
- Legal Action: Under S.C. Code Ann. § 59-1-445, violating test security is a misdemeanor. This can lead to an investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), criminal charges, and fines up to $1,000.
- Police Involvement: Per district policy, the School Resource Officer (SRO) will be notified of technology violations occurring during these assessments.
- Possession, but not using, an electronic device during testing, while a lesser offense, will also warrant consequences up to and including any of the previously stated consequences.
How Parents Can Help
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Discuss with your child the importance of not violating the electronic device policy during state testing. Students must keep devices turned off and put away in student bookbags.
- Schedule Appropriately: Please do not schedule doctor appointments or out-of-school functions during testing hours.
- Punctuality: Ensure your child arrives at school on time; specific procedures will be followed for students who arrive late.
- Review Resources: We encourage you to review sample items and testing brochures available on the school and SCDE websites