Benchmarks
Benchmark tests are one component used to determine growth expectations for End-of-Grade and End-of-Course tests and assess the attainment of the goals and objectives in the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. On all tests, students are expected to demonstrate knowledge of important principles and concepts, and relate information to everyday situations.
In order to align each curriculum’s focus on inquiry instruction and higher-order thinking, the benchmarks have an increased focus on processing information, higher-order thinking skills, and understanding the relationship between each curriculum and real-world applications. The competency goals for each curriculum describe the knowledge and skills that are to be taught in all classes in North Carolina and provide the basis for the content of the items on the test. Many of the items on the cumulative benchmarks assess whether a student can move beyond memorization and apply process skills to the investigation of all subjects.
Teachers also use the information garnered from benchmark tests to focus on very specific areas where students may need extra help.
