<p>I proctored AP tests this year. We had kids have to turn off cell phones, put them in their back packs and leave their backpacks at a spot in the room where I can see them. Breaks were short–kids were outside the door under supervision by a proctor. Snacks allowed, but no backpacks, purses or notes allowed to leave the room so that there would be no checking of notes in the restroom (for example). No time to go to a car and use a cell phone.</p>
<p>No way I could check to see if kids had stuffed notes into their panties, but we only had one person use the restroom during the test and she was escorted by someone else. </p>
<p>It’s important to be extra vigilant to protect the integrity of the test. I’ve heard too many stories how kids cheat and how it disgusts those who don’t cheat, but they are too scared of saying anything for fear that everyone’s scores will be canceled. That’s why I think it’s really important to be tight on the rules–to protect those who are taking the test without cheating. </p>
<p>I’m sorry that your S got caught up in the rules. But I can’t believe that kids were allowed to go to their cars during the break or allowed to use cellphones during the break. Lots of room for someone to cheat in circumstances like that.</p>