Substitute teacher tip: How to administer a test or quiz.

As a substitute teacher, you’ll like have to administer a test or quiz from time to time. Administering a test is an important responsibility because (of course) they hold a bit more weight than a typical assignment.

Quick tips to administer a school test or quiz:

• Review expectations with students – open book, open note, computer or cell phones allowed?
• Make sure they understand length of time allotted
• Don’t allow changes to seating chart
• Walk around the room
• Answer questions, best you can
• Leave a note for teacher

Let’s look more closely at these strategies to give students the best testing environment.

Carefully read over the substitute teacher plans.

Every test is a bit different. Some tests are open book, while others require students only to have a pencil. You may even come across a teacher who allows students to use notes they’ve taken during the class or have a review sheet with terminology or formulas.

To ensure you don’t miss anything, read the teacher’s notes and take note of any materials that the students are allowed or not allowed. For example, can they have their phones or computers out, or should they be put away? Write the test procedures on the board before the students come into the class. This gives them a clear visual of test expectations.

Go over procedures and field any questions.

Once the students enter the room, you can review the testing expectations and answer any procedural questions they might have before they begin. During your discussion, write on the whiteboard any direction that students find confusing, so they can glance up at the board for clarification.

For example, explain what to do after the test or quiz is over to ensure everyone stays quiet. Have them prepare the book or worksheets beforehand, so they won’t move around. Also, if they are supposed to access a specific website after the test, clarify which one.

Discuss timed tests with students.

Timed tests need to be discussed beforehand. Write the start and end times on the whiteboard next to any other important testing information. Consider using a projection of the timer on the whiteboard to make life easier.

Regardless of how you time students, make sure to periodically update them with how much time has gone by and how much they have left, especially as the testing window winds down.

Stick with the seating chart when possible.

Many classroom teachers will provide you with a seating chart. Ensure all students are in their assigned seats. Calling out their names and checking them with the seating chart can ensure everyone is where they are supposed to be. If a seating chart isn’t provided, be sure students are sitting far enough apart to avoid cheating or disruption

Create the right testing environment for students.

A quiet, calm, well-supervised environment helps students focus on the test.

• Begin by clearly stating your expectations for their behavior.
• Once the test has begun, walk around the room while students are working. When students sense you’re actively attuned to them and their behavior, they’re less likely to behave in a way that might distract others.
• If students are losing focus or being disruptive to others, try to make eye contact. Send a non-verbal signal, such as a head shake and frown, or a quietly whispered redirection.

Quickly manage any disruptions.

If you notice that students are disruptive, try moving them to a different location in the room. For example, relocate them to the back table or one near the teacher’s desk to keep a closer eye on them.

Before the test, explain what students should do if they need to leave, use the restroom, or have a question. Being prepared for these situations before testing even begins leads to a better experience for everyone.

Be prepared to answer questions during the test.

Students may also have questions during the test. However, it’s important to refrain from giving hints or answering the content questions for the students. When in doubt, let them know it’s a test, and it’s important for them to show their mastery of the content.

If the test is an open book or open note, suggest they use their notes to find the answer. Additionally, if you notice that several students are asking the same questions, you can leave a note for the classroom teacher.

Ensure the academic integrity of the test.

While making your rounds, watch for students who are looking at other students’ papers or whispering. Some students might have their phones or papers when they should only have their pencils on their desks. In these instances, follow the instructions of the classroom teacher in their notes if addressed. If they didn’t leave instructions for cheating, you might talk to the office and include the incident in your note for the teacher.

Collect all tests at the end of the hour.

Skim through the tests to check for names or class numbers. Some teachers also require students to put the date and hour on them. The students should have all this on the test before they turn it in to you. So, consider collecting them a little before the end of the learning block, so corrections can be made if needed. It’s also helpful to paperclip the tests together and leave them in an easy-to-find area for the teacher when they return.

Leave detailed notes letting the teacher know how the testing process went.

Before heading out, make detailed notes for the teacher about your observations.

• Note any disruptive students or cheating that you might suspect.
• Clarify any areas of the test that multiple students struggled with, so the teacher can address it.
• You can also note observations you made about the overall mood of the students during the test. Did the students seem to struggle? Or was everyone done quickly?

Including your observations helps the teacher get a feel of how well the assessment was received.

Grow your substitute teaching skills with Kelly Education.

For more help in managing the classroom and providing impactful continuity of instruction for students, consider reading:

• Following classroom procedures and routines as a substitute teacher
• How to set expectations for student behavior when substitute teaching
• Substitute teacher strategies: Walking around the classroom

If you are interested in substitute teaching, fill out our brief interest form, and one of our recruiters will contact you to answer your questions. We’ll also share more about opportunities to become a substitute teacher or support staff with one of our school district partners.

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