New S-C End of Course Testing Is Announced

Sedalia, MO – The state of Missouri is replacing standardized MAP testing in grades 10 and 11 at the high school level with the new End of Course Tests for Algebra I, English II, and Biology I this year. The new End of Course tests will be given after the successful completion of the course, regardless of the grade level of the student.

Smith-Cotton High School will soon be giving these End of Course Tests for Algebra I, English II, and Biology I. For the class of 2013 and those following, the state will require all students to take these three tests, plus five others throughout high school. Smith-Cotton will use the grades earned on the End of Course tests as part of the semester final grade. Grades from these tests will be worth 10% of the final grade in Algebra I, English II, and Biology I.

All students who are enrolled in Algebra I, English II, or Biology I, are required to participate in the state assessments this year.

Smith-Cotton will also be giving state End of Course field tests in the following areas: English I, English II, Geometry, Algebra II, American History and American Government. Field tests are used by the state to examine the validity and reliability of the test. Students are not given grades on these tests, but it is very important to put forth their best effort. Field testing will begin April 27 and run through May 14.

Testing dates for the End of Course exams are the following:

Algebra I—April 27 to April 30

English II—May 4 to May 7

Biology I—May 7 to May 12.

The guidance office is asking families to encourage their students to get a good night’s sleep the night before testing and to provide the student with a healthy breakfast. Please encourage students to put forth his or her best effort as this test will be reflected in the student’s second semester grade.

Attendance is vitally important. We are asking that every effort be made to keep children in school during the upcoming weeks of testing.

If there are any questions, please call the student’s Smith-Cotton counselor at 829-6331.