Spring 2023 End-of-Course Examination Program (EOCEP) for All Middle and High Schools

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). The EOCEP examination scores count 20% in the calculation of the student’s final grade for the course.

EOCEP testing will be conducted at brick-and-mortar schools during specified test days in May for identified Greenville County students who are enrolled in one of the participating courses. Refer to your student’s school website for a listing of exam dates and times. Students enrolled in the GCS Virtual Program will test on the following dates: English 2 - Writing - May 15, and Reading - May 16; Biology 1 - May 17; USHC - May 18; Algebra 1 - May 19 for high schools and May 24 for middle schools. Each school will share additional scheduling details. Per the SC Department of Education (SCDE), remote testing is not available.

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.

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 2 test contains separate reading and writing sections which are administered on separate testing days. The English 2 writing test includes a Text-Dependent Analysis item and selected-response writing items.

To prepare for online testing, students are encouraged to complete the DRC INSIGHT Online Assessment Tutorial and Online Tools Training (use Google Chrome to access this site; select “DRC INSIGHT ONLINE ASSESSMENT TUTORIAL” and “EOCEP ONLINE TOOLS TRAINING”), which allows students to learn more about the online assessments and interact with the testing software and tools before the “real” test administration. While the Online Tools Training simulates the test experience, correct answers and scores are not provided. The Online Tools Training includes audio for oral administration (TTS) and video for sign language (VSL).

To learn more about the EOCEP tests, access the SCDE's Student and Parent Resources page.

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 they 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 the best answer.
• Refrain from bringing any electronic device that can be used for communicating, timing, or imaging into the testing location. Per the SCDE test administration requirements, students will be directed to turn in their electronic devices (e.g., cell phones) prior to the start of the test session.

Parents should:

• Meet with your child’s teachers as often as necessary to discuss their 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.