Greenville Leader

The South Carolina Board of Education requires participation in the End-of-Course Examination Program (EOCEP) for students enrolled in gateway courses which are awarded credit in English 2, Algebra 1, Biology 1, and the United States History and the Constitution (USHC). With the exception of USHC, the EOCEP examination scores count 20% in the calculation of the student’s final grade for the course. In addition to the required USHC EOCEP exam, schools will administer a district-created USHC exam which will count 10% in the students’ final grade for the course. 

EOCEP testing will be conducted at brick-and-mortar schools during specified test days in May and early June for identified Greenville County students (in-person and virtual attendance plans) who are enrolled in one of the participating courses. Per the SC Department of Education (SCDE), remote testing is not available.

The following information outlines the testing schedule based on your child’s attendance plan.

In-Person Attendance Plans

Your student’s administrator will communicate specific testing information in the coming weeks. Also, check your school’s websites for a listing of EOCEP test dates and times.

Greenville County Schools Virtual Program Testing Schedule

The schedule below outlines the dates and tests to be administered. Additional information regarding testing will be provided by your child’s school of enrollment in late April.

May 16, 2022	High School English 2 Writing
May 17, 2022	High School U.S. History and the Constitution
May 18, 2022	High School English 2 Reading
May 19, 2022	High School Biology 1
May 20, 2022	High School Algebra 1
May 25, 2022	Middle School Algebra 1

Tests will be administered via the online testing format unless the student has an IEP, 504 Accommodations Plan, or Individualized Language Acquisition Plan specifying the paper format is needed. Students will need to bring their charged, district-issued device to school each day. As students will test online using a device (e.g., Chromebook, computer), students are prohibited from using the testing device to create, store, or transmit by any means any documents or images related to the test. Additionally, the SCDE requires all other devices (such as cell phones or smart watches) be collected prior to the test administration as students may not possess any electronics or other devices that can be used for communication, timing, creating images, or storing images in the test setting. 

EOCEP tests consist of mostly selected-response items but may include some technology-enhanced and scenario based items. The English test contains separate reading and writing sections which are administered on separate testing days. The English writing test includes a Text-Dependent Analysis item and selected-response writing items. 

The EOCEP tests are untimed; however, 2-3 hours is the estimated test administration time for most students to complete the test. Students are expected to complete the test during a single day unless the student has an IEP or 504 Accommodations Plan specifying administration of a single test over multiple days. 

To prepare students for online testing, a public version of the Online Tools Training (OTT) is available for students to interact with the testing software and tools before the “real” administration of the assessment. While the OTT simulates the test experience, correct answers and scores are not provided. A public version of the OTT is available at SC Ready/SCPASS Webpage (use Google Chrome to access this site). This public version includes audio for oral administration (TTS, text-to-speech) and video for sign language.

To learn more about the EOCEP tests, access the SCDE's Student and Parent Resources page. The EOCEP 2021-2022 Parent and Student Assessment Brochure is available in multiple languages and formats.

Testing Tips

Students and parents can work together to make sure they are well prepared by following these suggestions:  

Students should:

• Rest on the nights before these tests.  
• Eat a nourishing breakfast on the morning of each test.
• Be in school and on time, except in cases of illness.
• Listen attentively to the teacher’s directions so he/she will know exactly what to do. 
• Read each test question and each response carefully before marking an answer choice.
• Stay calm if there are questions that seem difficult. 
• Mark his/her best answer.
• Refrain from bringing any electronic device that can be used for communicating, timing, or imaging into the testing location.

Parents should:

• Meet with your child’s teachers as often as necessary to discuss his/her progress.  
• Check or review your child’s homework, projects, or other school work.
• Ask teachers to suggest activities for you and your child to do at home to help prepare for tests and to improve your child’s understanding of schoolwork. 
• Talk with your child about school.
• Provide positive feedback by praising your child for what he/she does well.

Help us help your child perform to the best of his or her ability.  For more information about testing or your child’s progress, please call your child’s school.

Original source can be found here.