South Carolina PAC Parent Brochure (continued)

Where can I find additional samples of PACT items?

Items used on previous PACT administrations can be found on the SDE’s Web site: go to the PACT program page and click the "PACT Release Items" link.

What types of scores do students receive?

Total scale scores and performance levels are provided for the ELA, mathematics, science, and social studies PACT tests. ELA performance levels are also reported for two of the content areas tested: reading and writing. In addition, scores are reported for each component of the student’s extended-writing response: content and development, organization, voice, and conventions. Further explanation of the ELA scores can be found on the SDE’s Web site: go to the PACT program page and click the "How PACT ELA is Scored" link.

What are performance levels?

The four PACT performance levels are categories that reflect the overall knowledge and skills exhibited by students on the tests:

What happens if a student scores below basic on the PACT?

Schools must develop and implement individual academic plans for students if they score below basic on the PACT. Creating academic plans involves teachers, parents, and students in finding ways to improve the teaching and learning process so that students will have a better academic foundation.

How are students and parents notified about PACT scores?

Students receive an individual student report (ISR) from their school. The ISR shows that student's total scale score and performance level for each subject. The student's score is plotted on a graph that shows the score in relation to the total range of students' scores on the test.

What does my child's PACT report tell me?

PACT results are useful for gauging a student's level of performance in large subject areas such as math or science. The PACT results are only one source of information about a student, however, and should be considered along with other relevant data when decisions about a student's academic progress are being made. A diagnostic test would help to identify a student's strengths and weaknesses with regard to more specific skills and knowledge.

What should I do if my child's grades in school are high but her performance on the PACT is low?

Teachers should be using the curriculum standards to guide their instruction in the classroom. If a student performs well in school but his or her PACT scores are unsatisfactory, the parent should meet with the child's teachers as well as the principal of the school to discuss the student's performance.