Preparatory Exam Information for RHS - Jan. 11-15, 2021

RHS Parents and Students,

Last Friday, I shared the following information with you regarding first semester exams:

As we continue to seek avenues to best support students in these unique times, WCPSS will be using the flexibility that the state has given to all districts to amend the grading structure for state exams.  Specifically, for End-of-Course (EOC) and CTE Post Assessments, we will incorporate the following into our scoring plan:

• Minimum Score of 60.  The grading scale for state assessments will include a minimum possible score of “60.”  The goal of this change is to ensure that no student fails the course as a direct result of their score on the exam.
  
  

• Exam Score Only Improves Course Average.  If a student’s score on the state exam is lower than the combined average of Quarter 1 and Quarter 2, the student’s exam score will be curved to equal their course average.  For example, if a student has an “80” average for the course prior to the exam, then their lowest possible exam score is an “80,” but they will keep any score higher than an “80.”  It is important to note that the score is curved for the purpose of calculating the course average.  The original EOC scale score, achievement level, and percentile will be reflected on the student transcript.

Students who do not test and have not submitted a medical exemption will receive an Incomplete (INC) for the course.

All students are strongly encouraged to take their exam and do their best.  The exam is an opportunity to share what students have learned.  Our hope is that the scoring structure described below allows students to do just that!

As we move closer to the winter break, families need to prepare for exams that are still being planned for January 11-15.  You likely have seen in the news that onsite EOC and CTE exams are still required.  We are planning to offer exams in groups of 15 or less.

First of all, the WCPSS Transportation Department is planning to run buses to bring students to campus.  On the days that we give exams, students who ride the bus will be onsite until the end of the regular school day.

As in prior years, we will provide a form for student information and parent signature for those students who will leave campus upon release from exams.

As in prior years, parents may request medical exemptions for EOC and CTE exams.  If you wish to make a request, please use this form for non-COVID-related reasons and this form for COVID-related reasons.  Once you complete either of these forms, your Ram will not be permitted to take the exam and the student’s final grade will be the average of quarters 1 and 2.

Senior exemptions are different this year.  First of all, students who are in an EOC course or in a CTE course must take their exams for those classes.  Seniors who have a C average in a course that has a teacher-made exam will be exempt from that exam.  For this year, absences will not play any role in exam exemptions

If students who are in CTE and EOC classes do not take the required exams, the students will be given an INC (incomplete) for the exam.  We are unable to give a final grade without an exam score.  It is very important that families understand the impact of an INC on a student’s interests.

• An INC for a course could restrict students from participating in athletics
• An INC for a course could prevent students from getting a driver's license 
• An INC for a course could prevent promotion to the next grade level
• An INC for a course could mean the student will be required to take the exam in June.

There are specifications regarding exam scores and inclusion in final grades.  Students who take exams cannot score below 60 on each exam. If the exam score is below the average of quarters 1 and 2, the exam score will be curved to the average of the two quarters.  If the exam score is higher than the average of the quarters, the actual exam score will be averaged as 20% of the semester grade.

We will have additional communication in preparation for exams.  Right now, I just wanted to give you important information to help you frame the upcoming exam experience.

Dhedra Lassiter