End-of-Course Examination Program (EOCEP) for All High Schools

Overview

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 score counts for 20 percent of the student’s final grade.

When and Where

EOCEP testing will be conducted at schools in December for 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 - December 2, English 2 Reading - December 4, Biology 1 - December 10, USHC - December 11. Each school will share additional scheduling details. Per the SC Department of Education (SCDE), remote testing is not available. Please ensure your student arrives on time and avoid early dismissals or appointments on test days.

Test Details

The EOCEP tests are untimed, but most students finish in 2-3 hours. 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.

EOCEP tests consist of different item types, including selected-response, technology-enhanced, technology-enhanced constructed response, and stimulus sets. 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 Writing item and selected-response writing items. 

To learn more about the EOCEP tests, access the SCDE's Parent Resources page. The EOCEP Assessment Brochure, among other resources, is available on this site in multiple languages and formats.

What to Bring on Test Day

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 (e.g., Chromebook) to school each day. Students may not use their testing device for any purpose other than testing, even after they have finished the test. Additionally, students are expected to follow the district’s personal electronic devices policy and must refrain from bringing any electronic device that can be used as an advantage or for communicating, timing, or imaging (e.g., cell phone, smartwatch) into the testing location. If students have electronic devices, they must turn them off and put them in their backpacks. Students may not access their devices until after the test session is complete. In accordance with the SCDE Test Administration Manual, GCS Board Policy JCDA, GCS Administrative Rule JCDA, and GCS Administrative Rule EFE, if a student is in possession of and/or uses a personal electronic device during an active test session or utilizes their district-issued testing device for any purpose other than testing, penalties may include the following: disciplinary action up to and including expulsion 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. Students will be provided with scratch paper, so they should not bring in any papers or notes to use during the test. 

Practice Tools

To prepare students for online testing, a public version of the Online Tools Training (OTT) is available so students can 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. The OTT includes audio for oral administration/Text-to-Speech (TTS) and video for sign language (ASL). For best results, use Google Chrome to access the OTT.

Testing Tips

Students and parents/guardians 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. If students have electronic devices, they must follow the teacher’s directions to turn them off and put them in their backpacks. 
• Check their Chromebook to ensure there are no papers or other information in the cover or on the device.

Parents/Guardians should:

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

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