The PASS science tests for grades 3-8 will assess the 2005 South Carolina Science Academic Standards.
For all grade levels, the PASS science tests will consist of multiple-choice items only. Click on the link below for a test blueprint. Sample items will be posted in the coming weeks.
Science Test Blueprint for Grades 3-8 (pdf) (Note added 11-6-08.)
All students in grades 4 and 7 will take the science test. Students in grades 3, 5, 6, and 8 will take either the science or the social studies test. Approximately half of the students in each of those grades will be tested in science, and the other half will be tested in social studies.
The items on the grade 3 PASS science test will NOT be read aloud to students.
The PASS social studies tests for grades 3-8 will assess the 2005
South Carolina Social Studies Academic Standards.
For all grade levels, the PASS social studies tests will consist of multiple-choice items only. Click on the link below for a test blueprint. Sample items will be posted in the coming weeks.
Social Studies Test Blueprint for Grades 3-8 (pdf) (Note added 11-06-08.)
All students in grades 4 and 7 will take the social studies test. Students in grades 3, 5, 6, and 8 will take either the social studies or science test. Approximately half of the students in each of those grades will be tested in social studies, and the other half will be tested in science.
The items on the grades 3 PASS social studies test will NOT be read aloud to students.
The new writing test for grades 3-8 will be administered in March. For each grade level (3-8), the writing test will consist of multiple-choice items and one extended-response ("Time to Write") item. Students will be able to use a dictionary or thesaurus for the extended-response item, but not for the multiple-choice items. A test blueprint and sample items have been posted.
Writing Test Blueprint for Grades 3-8 (pdf) (Note added 11-06-08.)
Writing Sample Multiple-choice Items (pdf) (updated 10/27/08)
Students' extended responses will be scored in the four domains (content and development, organization, voice, and conventions) that have been used in the past. The extended response rubric for grades 3-8 has been updated to reflect the 2008 English language arts (ELA) academic standards. When students take the writing test in March, they will receive a copy of the rubric along with the writing test booklet. The "Time to Write" directions that students will receive during testing have also been updated. A statewide committee of ELA educators assisted with revising both documents. Click on the links below to view the final version of both the rubric and the "Time to Write" directions.
Extended Response Rubric for Grades 3-8 (updated 10/24/08) pdf
"Time to Write" Directions (updated 10/24/08) pdf