End-of-Course Examination Testing Begins May 16
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 1, Algebra 1/Intermediate Algebra, Biology 1, and the United States History and the Constitution. The EOCEP examination scores count 20 percent in the calculation of the student’s final grade.
This spring, the English 1 test will contain separate reading and writing sections which are administered on separate testing days. Identified Greenville County students who are enrolled in English 1 (Reading section), Algebra 1/Intermediate Algebra, Biology 1, and United States History and the Constitution will participate in testing beginning on May 16. Schools will administer the English 1 Writing test on school-selected test days.
Each session is completed with the online testing format unless the student has an IEP, 504, or ESOL accommodation plan specifying the paper format is needed. The EOCEP online tests consist of mostly selected-response items but may include some technology-enhanced and scenario based items. The English 1 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 Accommodation 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 (Use Google Chrome to access this site.) This public version does not include audio for oral administration or video for sign language.
Testing Tips
Parents can be a great help to their child 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.