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Student Testing
Testing Links
Grades K–2
Teachers in kindergarten, first and second grades use a portfolio approach based on curricular goals and objectives to keep track of children’s progress during the year.
Grades 3-8
Students in grades 3-8 take reading comprehension and mathematics tests, referred to as the End-of-Grade tests, at the end of the school year. These multiple-choice tests are important as they can affect student promotion and serve as the basis for the state’s accountability program. The tests gauge how well students have learned the curriculum outlined in the North Carolina Standard Course of Study for the particular grade in reading and in math. Students are scored using four levels of proficiency:
- Level 1 performance means insufficient mastery;
- Level 2 is inconsistent mastery;
- Level 3 is consistent mastery (at grade level); and
- Level 4 is superior mastery.
During the first three weeks of school, third-graders take the North Carolina Grade 3 Pretest. This is used to determine the amount of growth made during third grade, since there is no End-of-Grade test for grade 2.
Students in grades 3 and 5 are required to score at Level 3 in order to be promoted. In these grades, students are allowed to retake the tests if they do not pass on the first administration. If they do not pass on the retest, they must attend School Year Plus, a summer school program focusing on reading and math. At the end of School Year Plus, students take the test a third time. Important: the school principal makes all final decisions regarding promotion and retention of students.
The End-of-Grade test for Grade 8 provides the initial screening for the North Carolina Competency Test. Students who achieve Level 3 on the reading and mathematics tests are considered to have met the Competency Test standard. Students who do not are given help and continue to take the tests until they achieve Level 3.
There are testing accommodations available for some children with disabilities and some students who speak English as a second language. The need for the accommodations must be documented in the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), LEP Plan, or Section 504 Plan.
Writing Assessment
For the North Carolina Writing Assessment, students in grades 4, 7, and 10 write an essay that responds to a state-selected prompt. The test takes approximately one hour. Writing outcomes are scored using four levels of proficiency: Level 1 performance means insufficient mastery; Level 2 is inconsistent mastery; Level 3 is consistent mastery (at grade level); and Level 4 is superior mastery.
Computer Skills Test
Eighth-graders take the Computer Skills Test. This test includes multiple-choice and performance components. Students must pass both parts of the Computer Skills Test in order to graduate from high school.
Competency Test
Students must achieve Level 3 on the North Carolina Competency Test in reading and mathematics. If students do not reach this level at the end of the eighth grade (on the End-of-Grade test), they must do so before receiving a high school diploma.
High School Comprehensive Test
Students in the 10th grade take the NC High School Comprehensive Test. This test is used to measure how much growth students have made in reading and mathematics since their eighth-grade End-of-Grade tests.
End-of-Course Tests
End-of-Course tests are designed to assess the competencies in the curriculum for certain high school-level courses. These tests are administered within the final 10 days (or the equivalent for alternative schedules) of the school term in which the courses are taught. End-of-Course tests are given in 10 subjects: Algebra I, Algebra II, Biology, Chemistry, ELPS (Economic, Legal and Political Systems), English I, Geometry, Physical Science, Physics, and U.S. History.
NOTE: The End-of-Course tests for ELPS and U.S. History are currently being revised and will not be administered during the 2004-05 school year.
SAT
Student’s who plan to attend college also take the SAT. This test is administered by the Educational Testing Service. It is not a state-required test, but many universities require it for admission. To prepare for the SAT, students may take the PSAT at state expense in the 10th grade. Community Education offers low-cost SAT Prep Classes at various locations throughout the year. A limited number of students who plan to attend college also take the ACT, administered by ACT Publishing Company. It is not a state-required test, but some universities require it for admission. Much more information on the SAT is available on the College Board’s Web site.
