WCPS Testing Calendar is available online for parents: 2017-18.
Here are the "big" state-required accountability tests that students have to take:
• End-of-grade tests in grades 3-8 in reading and math (EOG)
• Science tests in grades 5 and 8
• End-of-course tests in Biology, Algebra I and English II (EOC)
• ACT college admissions test for all high school juniors
Students
enrolled in kindergarten through 2nd grade are given reading
assessments every nine weeks. Each assessment takes less than 10 minutes
and involves a student reading directly to a teacher. Students may not
even realize they are being assessed.
Students
in grades 3 through 8 in North Carolina's public schools spend
approximately 10 hours out of 1,025 instructional hours per year taking
state end-of-grade tests.
At
the high school level, students take a final exam for each course they
are taking. So, if a student takes eight courses a year, they would take
eight final exams. Among these end-of-course tests, there are three
required assessments developed at the state level: Biology, Algebra I
(if the student did not take Algebra I in middle school), and English
II. These end-of-course tests are final exams in the course. Typically,
students take these courses at the 9th and 10th grade. The proficiency
rates on these tests are used as a part of the General Assembly's A-F
Accountability System. Also,
the ACT is given to all juniors to help us see how many students are
prepared for college or community college work. Students can use their
scores on admissions applications, by the way, at no charge to them.
Glossary of Tests
End-of-Grade (EOG) Testing
Elementary students begin state testing, or "End-of-Grade" (EOG) in Grade 3. EOG testing continues through all
grade levels of middle school. The EOG test includes a mathematics and
an English/Language Arts (ELA) portion at each grade level. A science
section is included in grades 5 and 8.
Writing Assessment
Students must perform state writing assessments throughout the year in the following grade levels: 4th, 7th and 10th grades.
End-of-Course (EOC) Testing
High
school students take end-of-course (EOC) tests for those courses the
state has designed assessments. EOC tests are currently required in
English II, Algebra I, and Biology.
VOCATS Testing
High school students take VOCATS tests for vocational courses, as designated by the state. For more information, contact the Career Development Coordinator (CDC) at your child's high school.