Spring 2024 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 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. This spring, students enrolled in English 2 will also be administered a Text-Dependent Writing (TDW) field test. Students and schools will not receive results from the English 2 TDW field test.

EOCEP testing will be conducted at each school’s physical location. Remote testing is unavailable. The English 2 TDW field test will be administered April 18-May 22, whereas the core tests will be administered April 25-May 15 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 (GCSVP) will test at their school of enrollment on the dates identified on the district’s testing calendar. Additional information regarding testing for GCSVP students will be provided by your child’s school of enrollment.

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 expected to refrain from bringing any electronic device that can be used for communicating, timing, or imaging (e.g., cell phone, smart watch) into the testing location. Electronic devices will be collected by the test administrator before testing and returned after each test session is completed. Per the SC Department of Education (SCDE), if a student has a prohibited electronic device accessible and is suspected of using the device for cheating/sharing of content or if there is evidence of cheating/sharing content, possible penalties may include the following: disciplinary action at the school and/or not receiving a test score/test invalidation. Additionally, the SCDE could pursue criminal investigation and possible criminal charges or civil or legal sanctions.

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.