(336) 727-2252
At its October 7, 2010 meeting, the North Carolina State Board of Education (SBE) approved the elimination of the Gateway at grade 8. The State no longer requires schools to use the end-of-grade scores as a factor for determining promotion decisions.
The former state gateway policy required students in grade 8 to achieve proficiency on the NC End-of-Grade (EOG) Tests in Mathematics and Reading Comprehension in order to be promoted. Although this policy has been eliminated, students must continue to meet all local promotion requirements.
At its meeting on February 8, 2011, the WS/FCS Board of Education approved revisions to local policies regarding promotion and retention. The board agreed to use EOG results in middle schools in the same manner as end-of-course results are used in high school. These revisions now require that all middle school EOG tests count 25% of a student’s final grade in each subject tested. This policy applies to all students in grades 6 through 8 taking the regular EOG tests in reading, math and science. Students on alternate assessments are not subject to this policy.
Students taking Algebra I will take the Algebra I End-of Course (EOC) Test. This test also counts 25% of a student’s final grade for the year. These students will also take the EOG for Math 8. For this course only, the 8th grade Math EOG will count as a fourth quarter test grade.
Current state retesting policies have not been changed. Students who do not score proficient (Achievement Levels III or IV) will continue to be retested. The higher of the two scores will be used in the calculation of grades.
Information about summer program opportunities will be distributed once the 2011-12 WS/FCS budget is finalized.
End of Grade Tests will be given during the week of May 23rd with retests scheduled for the week of June 6th. The Algebra I EOC will be given during the week of June 6th with retests scheduled for June 13 and 14.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact our main office at 727-2252 or our guidance office at 727-2622 for more information.
Thank you,
Melita Wise
Principal
