End of Course Examination Program (“EOCEP”)

Why EOCEP exists State Board of Education Regulation states that students scheduled to complete one of the “gateway” or “benchmark” courses for high school credit must take the EOCEP test when they complete the class.

Purposes of EOCEP Promote instruction, encourage student achievement, and document the level of mastery of curriculum standards Serve as indicators of program, school, and school-district effectiveness Be weighted 20% in the determination of students’ final grades in these classes

Characteristics of the tests Standards-based Multiple-choice 50 to 60 items long, depending upon subject Untimed, but about 90 minutes is the estimated administration time Grades expressed on the State Uniform Grading Scale

Uniform Grading Scale A: B: C: D: F: below 69

The courses involved Algebra 1/Math for the Technologies 2 Biology 1/Applied Biology 2 Physical Science English 1 U.S. History and Constitution

Where we are now…

Algebra 1/Math for the Tech 2 Field tested in spring 2002 First operational administration: December 2002 Second operational administration: May 2003 Will be administered during the summer- school sessions Beginning with the December 2003 administration, test scores must be used in calculating the students’ final course grades.

State testing window: May Every district has chosen a 5-day window for spring EOCEP testing. All EOCEP tests (including operational testing, field testing, and make-up testing) must be administered during the district’s window.

Summary of EOCEP spring testing Algebra 1/Math for the Technologies 2 Field tests: Biology 1/Applied Biology 2 Physical Science English 1

Who must take the Algebra 1/Math for the Technologies 2 test in spring of 2003?  All students enrolled in an Algebra 1 or a Mathematics for the Technologies 2 course, leading to Carnegie credit, that ends spring 2003  Includes adult education and home- schooled students

Who must take the field tests? Biology 1/Applied Biology 2, English 1, or Physical Science. Selected schools will administer a field test in one of the following subjects: Within these schools, every student enrolled in the selected course will be tested.

Scoring For the May and summer 2003 testing, scoring and reporting will take 15 business days. The Department is working to deliver 36-hour scoring and reporting.

Reporting in spring 2003 Three sets of roster reports: Classroom School District Statewide results and other reports will be available for the December 2003 administration. Field-test scores will not be reported.

May 2003: Algebra 1/Mathematics for the Technologies 2 scores do not have to be used in calculating students’ final course grades. December 2003: Algebra 1/Mathematics for the Technologies 2 scores must be weighted 20% of students’ final course grades. December 2004: Biology 1/Applied Biology 2, English 1, and Physical Science scores must count 20% of students’ final course grades. How much the tests will count

Calculator use during the test  Students may use appropriate calculators during the Algebra 1/Mathematics for the Technologies 2 test.  The memories of all calculators must be cleared before and after testing.

Calculator guidelines Acceptable calculators include: Four-function calculators Scientific calculators Graphing calculators such as the TI-83 Plus Not acceptable are: Calculators with symbolic logic capabilities Palm Pilots and other handheld organizers Typewriter-style keyboard-based calculators Talking or other calculators that make noise

Calculator news The EOC recommends the use of calculators for the Algebra 1/Mathematics for the Technologies 2 test during the school year. EOC recommends that calculators be required for use on the test beginning in the school year. Grant awards were made to districts to help purchase calculators. The TI-83 Plus is available at a state contract price.

Materials to help teachers The Office of Assessment website has an EOCEP link: The page contains the test blueprint and other information to help teachers, parents, and students. Teacher’s Guide for Algebra 1/ Mathematics for the Technologies 2

Contact Information Lane Peeler in the Office of Assessment (803)