Testing

Currently, three end-of-course exams are required by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. They are English II, Algebra I, and Biology.

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program of Study mandates Proof of Learning in all CTE classes. Students are required to show proof of learning by taking the CTE post assessment, completing a credential approved in the course curriculum, or completing an approved Performance Based Measure (PBM). North Carolina's Department of Public Instruction is the sole source of determining which proof of learning will be applied to a specific course.

To prepare for the ACT, North Carolina 10th graders will be administered the PreACT test each October. PreACT is a diagnostic assessment that indicates strengths and areas of need to provide a roadmap to success for North Carolina high school students. PreACT offers a mid-point assessment of academic progress toward college and career readiness and is the most powerful predictor of performance on the ACT. It can be used for course placement, including community college courses (CCP) and more rigorous courses.

“Credit by demonstrated mastery” (CDM) is the process by which school districts shall, based upon a body-of-evidence, award a student credit in a particular course without requiring the student to complete classroom instruction. “Mastery” is defined as a student’s command of course material at a level that demonstrates a deep understanding of the content standards and application of knowledge. This is a semester long process and requires that students not be enrolled in the course they are wishing to complete by the CDM process.

The ACT assessment will be given free of charge to all North Carolina 11th graders in March. ACT test results are widely accepted by college admissions offices and considered an accurate gauge of classroom achievement. ACT results may be used at the high school level to identify students who need assistance with certain subject areas or academic skills, evaluate effectiveness of instruction, and make adjustments to curriculum to improve instruction. Colleges use the ACT for admissions decisions, course placement, academic advising and loans and scholarships. ACT offers a dedicated website for NC that is specifically related to our administration of the ACT. You can find the NC specific ACT website at http://www.act.org/stateservices/northcarolina/.

The SAT I is a college admissions tests. Students should check with the college or university to determine preferred test dates. Students may get these dates through their counseling office. Students should consult the counseling office to receive information about SAT review opportunities. Information about the SAT is available online at www.collegeboard.com.

Students who complete a Career and Technical Education pathway are administered the WorkKeys examination in the 12th grade. WorkKeys provides a gauge of career readiness and is widely recognized as an industry credential. WorkKeys assessments measure “real world” skills critical to job success. These skills are valuable for any occupation – skilled or professional – at any level of education, and in any industry.

The SAT II is a series of tests that are required by some colleges for admission and/or placement. Students should consult their selected college for specific requirements.