Although test scores are only one measure of student achievement, they have become increasingly important in assessing student learning. In 2005-2006 North Carolina used the End-of-Grade (EOG) tests to measure students' achievement in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math. The North Carolina Writing Assessments were given to students in grades 4, 7 and 10. End-of-Course (EOC) tests in various academic subjects were used to measure student progress at the high school level. The North Carolina Competency Test is given to high school students who did not score at or above the proficient level on the grade 8 EOG tests. These tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of North Carolina.
Additionally, all students take the North Carolina Test of Computer Skills beginning in grade 8. Students who did not take the English I or Algebra I EOC test by the end of grade 10 must take the High School Comprehensive Test in reading or mathematics.
How are the tests scored?
All of these tests, except the computer skills test and the North Carolina Competency Test, are scored based on four
levels of achievement, with level 1 being the lowest and level 4 the highest. Students scoring at or above level 3 are
considered to be proficient. The North Carolina Test of Computer Skills and the North Carolina Competency Tests are scored
on a pass-fail basis. The goal is for all students to meet state standards on the tests.
Which scores are included on GreatSchools profiles?
Although North Carolina tests cover a variety of subjects, only the EOG scores for reading and math in grades 3 through 8,
the North Carolina Writing Assessments in grades 4 and 7 and the EOC algebra I results are included on GreatSchools
profiles for elementary and middle schools. Results from the EOC tests in algebra I, English I, geometry, algebra II,
biology, physical science, chemistry and physics are displayed for high schools. For each subject, the combined percentage
of students scoring at and above the proficient level is displayed.
GreatSchools also displays subgroup results to show how different groups of students are scoring in comparison to the overall student population in a given grade and subject. These subgroups are identified by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction; if there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, data is not reported for that group.
Why do test scores matter?
North Carolina test scores provide an indication of whether students are making progress toward mastery of state content
standards, and test score performance can be used to determine promotion from one grade to the next. Students in grades 3
and 5 who do not achieve a proficient level (level 3 and above) receive remedial help and are allowed to retake the test.
If they do not pass, they might not be promoted to the next grade. Students who do not score at or above the proficient level
on the EOG tests in grade 8 must pass the North Carolina Competency Test in reading and math in order to graduate.
All students must pass the North Carolina Test of Computer Skills to receive a diploma. Numerous chances are provided
to students to pass these exams.
It is important to be aware of both your child's score on the assessments and the overall score for his school. If your child scores below the standards, contact his teacher to discuss getting additional assistance, and to find out how you can support your child's learning at home.
If the school's overall scores are low, ask what steps the school is taking to raise achievement levels for all students, and what you can do to help. Because North Carolina test scores help determine whether a given school will receive financial rewards or penalties from the state, your child may be eligible to receive federal and/or state money for tutoring or to transfer to another school.
A few parting words
Although test scores can be an indicator of what's happening in the classroom, they don't tell you everything about the
quality of a particular school. Always look at more than one measure when judging school quality and visit in person
before making any final assessment.
Source: NCDPI, 2005-2006