End+of+Course+and+Graduate+(Exit)+Exam+Testing

//**__End of CourseTesting (in South Carolina)__**// This program was developed in response to the educational accountability act of 1998. The exams serve as benchmarks for gateway classes and are named the End of Course Examination Program (EOCEP). The tests count 20% of a student’s final grade and are administered in Algebra I/Math for theTechnologies II, English I, Biology I/Applied Biology II, US History, and Physical Science. All middle/high school students in SC are required to take these tests if enrolled in these courses (public, home school, virtual school, alternative school, and adult education).
 * __Summative Assessment__**


 * __Is the tool computer based or web based?__** The tests are web based and are accessed through the state intranet programs (South Carolina Assessments). Special provisions are made for those students with 504 plans to test in small groups and for those with IEP accommodations to test with traditional paper tests.


 * __What does the tool cost?__** No Information Available (State Department of Education was contacted)


 * __What data does the tool produce__****__?__** This tool produces feedback based on student mastery of concepts in Algebra I/Math for the Technologies II, English I, Biology I/Applied Biology II, US History, and Physical Science. With this said, it must be noted there are a few questions that are not addressed in the state standards and teachers are modifying what they are doing to meet these challenges. There are some students who perform very well on the test, but struggle in the classroom and vice versa.


 * __How can this data be used to drive instruction and to differentiate?__** Teachers use this data to modify their lessons and general assessments from year to year. As time progresses, educators have a better understanding of how they can best meet the needs of all of the gateway students. In some schools, an itinerate teacher has been hired to help students who struggle in a traditional classroom environment.

In the introduction to the purpose of the South Carolina End of Course Testing Program, the purposes and uses of the tests are stated by the following: A. The tests shall promote instruction in the specific academic standards for the courses, encourage student achievement, and document the level of students’ mastery of the curriculum standards. B. The tests shall serve as indicators of program, school, and school district effectiveness in the manner prescribed by the Education Oversight Committee in accordance with the provisions of the Education Accountability Act of 1998 (EAA). C. The tests shall be weighted 20 percent in the determination of students’ final grades in the gateway courses. //From Kim, Schneider, Engec, and Siskind (2006) State Report on EOCEP// This underscores the importance of these tests for students and educators.

//**__High School EXIT(graduate) Exam (in South Carolina)__**// The Exit/Graduate Exam has been a long standing tradition for high school students to complete requirements for a state diploma. With each state being able to mandate their own level of requirements for a diploma instead of a completer's certificate, each state develops their own testing. In South Carolina, the test was reformatted for the 2003-2004 testing cycle. All second year high school students (regardless of grade level) are required to take this test. This is one of the last tests administered on paper.


 * __Is the tool computer based or web based?__** This tool continues to be given as a paper test. The State Department of Education is working towards offering the test online. Teachers have implemented practice exams on paper, in books, and online to offer a diverse understanding of the types of questions from the test. Accommodations are made for those students with 504 plans and IEPs.


 * __What does the tool cost?__** No Information Available (State Department of Education was contacted)


 * __What data does the tool produce?__** This test produces a score that dictates whether or not high school students receive a diploma or a certificate. It assesses them in the areas of mathematics, English Languauage Arts, and writing. The data is used at some schools to track students into lab classes to help increase the performance of lower achieving students.


 * __How can this data be used to drive instruction and to differentiate?__** This data can be used to help meet the needs of struggling students. It is amazing to see the passage rate for first time tenth graders and then the subsequent passage as students mature. Our school has a large impoverished population so we struggle to get 75% first time passage; however,by graduation time (four attempts), the majority of our students do pass this test.