2018

South Carolina
Career Readiness Assessment
Administration Guide
Paper-Based Testing

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 1. Responsibilities in the Paper-Based Test Administration Process
a. The instructor, also known as a teacher, facilitator, proctor, monitor, or testing administrators,
is responsible for overseeing the test administration in their room, ensuring:
i. Every student has the proper testing materials, including an answer sheet with their preprinted
information, a #2 pencil, scratch paper, a calculator, and a test booklet,
ii. Each instructor signed the Security Agreement and understand South Carolina’s test security
laws, regulations, and policies, found in the Test Security Section,

iii. All test security violations are reported,

iv. Testing rooms are reserved and free from distractions,
v. Directions starting found in the Test Administration Directions Section are read aloud to the
students before each test, and
vi. All testing materials are collected, secured, and returned to the STC (School Test
Coordinator.)
2. Distributing the Testing Materials to the Students
a. It is the responsibility for the instructor to distribute the test booklets and answer sheets to the
correct students. The answer sheet will be preprinted with the student’s name, state ID, date of
birth, grade, district name, school name, and school ID. It will be the responsibility of the
instructor to verify the student who is taking the Career Readiness Assessment matches the
student’s information printed on the answer sheet.

b. If the student’s information is incorrect or a student doesn’t have preprinted answer sheet,
follow the instructions on how to fill out a blank answer sheet found in the Coding Blank Answer
Sheets Section.

c. Continue to the Test Administration Tips Section to locate tips and information on how to
properly administer the Career Readiness Assessment.
3. Collecting the Testing Materials from the Students
a. Collect the test booklets, answer sheet, and any scratch paper from each student, verify the
following:
i. The answer sheet contains the student’s name, state ID, date of birth, grade, district name,
school name, and school ID.
ii. The student bubbled in the test booklet ID and version.
iii. The answer sheet used matches the booklet ID and version indicated on the cover of the
actual test booklet used by the student.
iv. All erasures are complete and that there are no stray marks (note: Faint or poorly marked
answers should be darkened so that they can be read during scanning. Do NOT alter or change
student answers.)
v. There are no stray marks in bar code and sheet registration areas, as these marks can cause
test documents to be misidentified or rejected.

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 Test Administrator Responsibilities

 Read and follow the policies in the SCDE Test Security Guidelines for Grade 11 Testing and
the South Carolina Career Readiness Assessment Administration Guide.
 Test administrators cannot be in rooms where their close relatives are testing.
 Do not leave the room while students are testing or when secure materials are in the room.
 Follow check out and check in procedures.
 Keep materials secure before, during, and after testing.
 Ensure students have the correct answer documents.
 Check rosters and answer documents carefully.
 Check accommodations carefully and ask questions if you need assistance.
 Check IDs of students aren’t known.
 Actively proctor session, do not use cell phones, text, read, etc. during the test administration.
 Notify school testing coordinator of irregularities, disruptions, and needs
 Notify school testing coordinator immediately of students having testing issues.
 Take accurate attendance for make-up purposes.

Monitor Responsibilities
 Read and follow the policies in the SCDE Test Security Guidelines for Grade 11 Testing and
the South Carolina Career Readiness Assessment Administration Guide.
 Facilitate administration of the test to ensure test security is maintained.
 Refer all questions to the test administrator.
 Serve as a messenger between the test administrator and the school testing coordinator.
 Actively proctor session, do not use cell phones, text, read, etc. during the test administration.

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 1. Test Administration Tips
a. The Career Readiness Assessment contains 4 tests: Applied Mathematics, Reading for Infor-
mation, Locating Information, and Essential Soft Skills.

b. The test coordinators are responsible for securely storing all used and unused test materi-als.
It is extremely important that all staff members involved in the administration of these tests follow
the directions for administration very carefully. Specific state laws, regulations, and policies are
provided for your convenience at the end of this Assessment Administrative Guide.

c. For testing sessions divided into two days, the STC will collect the test booklets and answer
sheets after each session, lock the materials in a secure location, and redistribute to the same
examinees at the start of the subsequent testing session.

d. The test ID and version are found on the front cover of the test booklet. Make certain that stu-
dents have bubbled the correct test ID and version onto their answer sheet.

e. Check to see that students are on the correct section. If it is observed that a student inadvert-
ently misses items or a page of questions, encourage him/her to go back and answer those ques-
tions.

f. Keep communication between the instructor and the students to a minimum.

g. Supply students with new #2 pencils as needed.

h. Let students know that it is okay if they do not know a specific answer and encourage them to
choose the best answer.

i. Maintain and oversee the security of all test materials.

j. Only water in a clear bottle with the label removed is allowed during testing.

k. Food is not permitted during testing unless outlined specifically in a student’s IEP/504.

l. After the assessments are complete, all scratch paper should be collected by the STC and
shredded promptly

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 All directions that are in bold and in the colored boxes are to be read aloud to students.

This is the South Carolina Career Readiness Assessment. Please listen carefully as I give
you directions on taking this test.

This is a secure test. During this test, you may not have any electronic or other device with
you that can be used for communication, timing, imaging, or accessing the Internet. These
devices include, but are not limited to, tablets not approved for this test, smart phones, cell
phones, mp-3 players, e-readers, smart watches, or any other electronic or photographic
devices. At this time, I will collect these devices for return at the end of the testing session.
You may not use any device to copy, save, send electronically, or post to the Internet, any
test content. If you are wearing a watch with an alarm, you must make sure it is turned off
now.

You may not communicate with other students during the test, and you may not discuss
specific test content after testing. You may not take copies of any test content or answers
with you when you leave this room. I can answer questions about the test directions, but I
cannot discuss any test questions or answers with you before, during, or after the test. Do
not talk during the test. If you have questions about the directions while you are working,
please raise your hand.

There is one schedule break during the test administration, after the second test. (Edit based
on the break schedule for your school) However, you may obtain permission to go to the re-
stroom if you need to do so during the test by raising your hand. You will not, however, be
given extra time for the test. Only one person will be allowed to leave the test room at a
time.

Be sure that your pencil is a sharpened #2 pencil. If you do not have a sharpened #2 pencil,
please raise your hand. You may NOT use a pen, colored pencil or marker on this test.

I am going to give each of you an answer sheet and a test booklet. When you get your test
booklet, leave it unopened on your desk and do not exchange test booklets with any
students.

Look at the test booklet and answer sheet I have just given you. Please do not open the test
booklet until I tell you to do so. Make sure the answer sheet has your Name, Date of Birth,
State Unique Identifier, District Code number, and School Code number. If you do not have
a test booklet or the correct answer sheet, please raise your hand.

[All students will need to grid their test booklet and version in the appropriate place on their answer
sheets. This code is located on the front cover of each test booklet.]

On the front cover of your test booklet, locate the booklet ID and version of your test.
Bubble the booklet ID and version on your answer sheet. If you have any questions, please
raise your hand.

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 RECORD START AND STOP TIME HERE – POST FOR STUDENTS

55 Minutes

Start Time: ___________ Stop Time: ___________

1. General Directions – Applied Mathematics

I will now give each of you a piece of graph paper and a piece of scratch paper. Write your name on
the top of this paper as this will be collected at the end of the testing session. Should you need more
during the test, please raise your hand.

The first test you are taking today is Applied Mathematics. This test measures your workplace
mathematics skills. The test will be administered in one testing session. You will have 55 minutes to
complete this test. You must complete the entire test at this time and will not be allowed to finish it in
another session. If necessary, you may skip a question and return to it again within this test session.
Do your best to answer every question.

The test consists of multiple choice questions where you must pick one answer choice. You may use
the Formula Sheet provided in your test booklet, a calculator, and scratch paper or graph paper
during the test if needed.

Read each question carefully. Pay special attention to words such as best, most likely, except, and
not, as this may make a difference in the way you read and answer the question. Choose the best
answer from the answer choices provided. After you choose an answer, fill in the circle that matches
your choice for that question on your answer sheet. Do not mark your answers in the test booklet.

Mark only one answer for each question. No points will be given for multiple marks. If you wish to
change your answer, erase the old mark completely before making a new one. Do not make any
stray marks on your answer sheet.

Each question is worth one point. If you do not know the answer to a question, go on to the
following questions and return to the unanswered question later. You should attempt to answer all
the questions, as points are only earned for correct answers.
If you finish early, you may go back and check your work in this section only. Do not turn the page
or enter the next test sections until instructed. Again, you have 55 minutes to complete the Applied
Mathematics test. Time starts now.

[Post start and stop time on the board]

[After 50 minutes, say:]

You have 5 minutes remaining in this section.

[After 55 minutes, say:]

Stop work and put your pencil down. [pause] The Applied Mathematics test is complete. Please place
your calculator underneath your desk. If you are using a school calculator, I will collect them during
6the break.
 RECORD START AND STOP TIME HERE – POST FOR STUDENTS

55 Minutes

Start Time: ___________ Stop Time: ___________

2. General Directions – Reading for Information

Test two is Reading for Information. This test measures your workplace reading skills. The test will
be administered in one testing session. You will have 55 minutes to complete this test. You must
complete the entire test at this time and will not be allowed to finish it in another session. If necessary,
you may skip a question and return to it again within this test session. Do your best to answer every
question. The test consists of multiple choice questions where you must pick one answer choice. You
will read the passage and select the best answer.

Read each question carefully. Pay special attention to words such as best, most likely, except and not,
as this may make a difference in the way you read and answer the question. Choose the best answer
from the answer choices provided. After you choose an answer, fill in the circle that matches your
choice for that question on your answer sheet. Do not mark your answers in the test booklet.

Mark only one answer for each question. No points will be given for multiple marks. If you wish to
change your answer, erase the old mark completely before making a new one. Do not make any stray
marks on your answer sheet.

Each question is worth one point. If you do not know the answer to a question, go on to the following
questions and return to the unanswered question later. You should attempt to answer all the
questions, as points are only earned for correct answers.
As you begin to work, it is recommended that you follow these steps:

1. Read the introduction to the passage.

2. Read the questions that go with the passage.
3. Read the passage carefully.
4. Re-read and answer the questions.

If you finish early, you may go back and check your work in this section only. Do not turn the page or
enter the next test sections until instructed. Again, you have 55 minutes to complete the Reading for
Information test. Time starts now.

[Post start and stop time on the board]

[After 50 minutes, say:]

You have 5 minutes remaining in this section.

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 [After 55 minutes, say:]

Stop work and put your pencil down. [pause] The Reading for Information test is complete.
Put your answer sheet on the page in your test book where you stopped working. Close your test book,
and leave it on your desk. Please place your calculator on your desk. I will collect them during the
break. We will now break for 15 minutes. If you brought a snack, you may eat it in ________ (e.g.,
cafeteria). Do not go anywhere other than ______ (e.g., cafeteria or the restrooms located in the
cafeteria). Don’t talk in the hallway or discuss the test questions with anyone. You may not access
your electronic devices during this time. We will start testing again in exactly 15 minutes. Testing will

[Notify the students when the time is up. When the students are ready to take the Locating
Information test, continue to the next section.]

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 RECORD START AND STOP TIME HERE – POST FOR STUDENTS

55 Minutes

Start Time: ___________ Stop Time: ___________

3. General Directions – Locating Information

Test three is Locating Information. This test measures your workplace graphic interpretation
skills. The test will be administered in one testing session. You will have 55 minutes to complete this
test. You must complete the entire test at this time and will not be allowed to finish it in another
session. If necessary, you may skip a question and return to it again within this test session. Do your
best to answer every question.

The test consists of multiple choice questions where you must pick one answer choice.

Read each question carefully. Pay special attention to words such as best, most likely, except and not,
as this may make a difference in the way you read and answer the question. Choose the best answer
from the answer choices provided. After you choose an answer, fill in the circle that matches your
choice for that question on your answer sheet. Do not mark your answers in the test booklet.

Mark only one answer for each question. No points will be given for multiple marks. If you wish to
change your answer, erase the old mark completely before making a new one. Do not make any stray
marks on your answer sheet.

Each question is worth one point. If you do not know the answer to a question, go on to the following
questions and return to the unanswered question later. You should attempt to answer all the
questions, as points are only earned for correct answers.
For each question, be sure to carefully review the graphics (chart, table, etc.) related to that question
before choosing your answer.

If you finish early, you may go back and check your work in this section only. Do not turn the page or
enter the next test sections until instructed. Again, you have 55 minutes to complete the Locating
Information test. Time starts now.

[Post start and stop time on the board]

[After 50 minutes, say:]

You have 5 minutes remaining in this section.

[After 55 minutes, say:]

Stop work and put your pencil down. [pause] The Locating Information test is complete.

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 RECORD START AND STOP TIME HERE – POST FOR STUDENTS

60 Minutes

Start Time: ___________ Stop Time: ___________

4. General Directions – Essential Soft Skills

Test four is Essential Soft Skills. This test measures your skills in solving problems and making
decisions, cooperating with others, conflict resolution and negotiation, observing critically, and taking
responsibility for learning.

The test will be administered in one testing session. You will have 60 minutes to complete this test. You
must complete the entire test at this time and will not be allowed to finish it in another session. If
necessary, you may skip a question and return to it again within this test session. Do your best to
answer every question.

Read each question carefully. Pay special attention to words such as best, most likely, except and not,
as this may make a difference in the way you read and answer the question. After you choose an
answer, fill in the circle that matches your choice for that question on your answer sheet. Do not mark
your answers in the test booklet.
The test consists of multiple choice questions where you must pick ONE BEST and ONE
WORST answer choice for each scenario.

Again, when taking the test, consider your answers from the point of view of an employer. If you
owned your own company, select the answers that would be the best and worst for each scenario.
Remember to choose only one best and one worst answer for each question.

Mark only one answer for the best and one answer for the worst. No points will be given for multiple
marks. If you wish to change your answer, erase the old mark completely before making a new
one. Do not make any stray marks on your answer sheet.

Each question is worth two points, one point for the best answer and one point for the worst an-
swer. If you do not know the answer to a question, go on to the following questions and return to the
unanswered question later. You should attempt to answer all the questions, as points are only earned
for correct answers.

If you finish early, you may go back and check your work in this section only. Do not turn to any of the
previous tests already completed. Again, you have 60 minutes to complete the Essential Soft Skills test.
Time starts now.

[Post start and stop time on the board]

[After 55 minutes, say:]

You have 5 minutes remaining in this section.

[After 60 minutes, say:]

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The South Carolina Career Readiness Assessment is now complete. Please sit quietly while I collect
your answer sheet, test booklet, and scratch paper.
[Collect and account for all materials signed out to you before dismissing students.]
You may now collect your belongings and proceed quietly to the cafeteria for lunch.

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