Teaching and Testing

Matching what is taught to what is tested in classrooms across the school district is a daunting effort, one with which we are making great progress.  All teachers have access to the state curriculum outlining what should be taught, known as the Standard Course of Study.  DPS teachers also use the Riverdeep Instructional Organizer (RIO) to share lesson plans that tie in to the state curriculum.  RIO provides a way for teachers to share their best lesson plans with each other.  It also provides parents with course overviews. 

Local Benchmark Testing

DPS administers benchmark tests in certain grades to ensure that students are ready for the state’s tests.  These tests mirror the state tests in content, format, and time limit.  Teachers use the results as a tool to determine students’ strengths and weaknesses.

Grade 2 students participate in benchmark testing two times.  Grades 3-8 students take benchmark test quarterly in reading, math, science and social studies.  High school students will take benchmark tests in end-of-course test subjects at mid-term and before finals. 

State Testing

Grades K-2  
Teachers in kindergarten, first and second grades use a portfolio approach based on curricular goals and objectives, in addition to the K-2 State Assessment, to keep track of children’s progress during the year.  

Grades 3-8
Students in grades 3-8 take reading comprehension and mathematics tests, referred to as the End-of-Grade tests, at the end of the school year. These multiple-choice tests can affect student promotion and serve as the basis for the state’s accountability program. Students are scored using four levels of proficiency:

• Level 1 performance means insufficient mastery;
• Level 2 is inconsistent mastery;
• Level 3 is consistent mastery (at grade level); and
• Level 4 is superior mastery.

Students in grades 3 and 5 are allowed to retake the tests if they do not pass on the first administration. If they do not pass on the retest, they must attend School Year Plus, a summer school program focusing on reading and math. At the end of School Year Plus, students take the test a third time. It’s important for parents to be aware that the school principal makes all final decisions regarding promotion and retention of students.

There are testing accommodations available for some children with disabilities and some students who speak English as a second language. The need for the accommodations must be documented in the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), LEP Plan, or Section 504 Plan.

Writing Assessment

For the North Carolina Writing Assessment, students in grades 4, 7 and 10 write an essay that responds to a state-selected prompt. The test takes approximately one hour. Writing outcomes are scored using four levels of proficiency: Level 1 performance means insufficient mastery; Level 2 is inconsistent mastery; Level 3 is consistent mastery (at grade level); and Level 4 is superior mastery.

Computer Skills Test

Eighth-graders take the Online Computer Skills Test. This test includes multiple-choice and performance components. Students must pass both parts of the Computer Skills Test in order to graduate from high school.

Competency Test

Students must achieve Level 3 on the North Carolina Competency Test in reading and mathematics. If students do not reach this level at the end of the eighth grade (on the End-of-Grade test), they must do so on the Competency Test before receiving a high school diploma.     

End-of-Course Tests

End-of-Course tests are designed to assess the competencies in the curriculum for certain high school-level courses. These tests are administered within the final 10 days (or the equivalent for alternative schedules) of the school term in which the courses are taught. End-of-Course tests are given in 10 subjects: Algebra I, Algebra II, Biology, Chemistry, Civics and Economics, English I, Geometry, Physical Science, Physics and U.S. History.

SAT/ACT

Students who plan to attend college also take the SAT or the ACT. These tests are administered outside of the school day. These are not state-required tests, but many universities require these tests for admission. More information is available from school guidance counselors.