Testing and assessments

Students take different types of assessments each school year. These assessments are required by federal, state, or local policies. They help educators:

• Measure student progress toward curriculum standards.

• Monitor programs that impact learning.

• Identify students who need more academic support.
  
  

You can find details about required state assessments.

Below is a list of assessments by grade level. To learn more about each assessment, visit the assessment glossary. If you have questions, please contact your school.

Elementary school assessments

Grades K–2

• NC Early Learning Inventory (Kindergarten only)

• mCLASS
  

• Number Knowledge Test
  

• NCDPI End-of-Year Math Assessment
  
  

Grades 3–5

• mCLASS (Grade 3)

• STAR Math
  

• NCDPI Math and Reading Check-Ins
  

• NCDPI Science Check-Ins (Grade 5)

• NCDPI Beginning-of-Grade 3 Reading Test
  

• NCDPI End-of-Grade Reading, Math, and Science Tests
  
  

Middle School assessments

Grades 6-8

• STAR Math
  

• STAR Reading
  

• NCDPI Math and Reading Check-Ins
  

• NCDPI Science Check-Ins (Grade 8)

• NCDPI End-of-Grade Reading, Math, and Science Tests
  
  

Students taking high school Math I in grades 6–7 take both the Math I and End-of-Grade Math Tests. In grade 8, Math I students take only the Math I test.

High School assessments

These assessments are given at the end of certain courses:

• NCDPI Check-Ins (Math 1, Math 3, Biology, English II)

• NCDPI End-of-Course Tests (same subjects)

• Career and Technical Education Tests
  

• Advanced Placement (AP) Tests (optional)

• International Baccalaureate (IB) Tests
  
  

Additional grade-level tests

10th Grade

• Pre-ACT
  
  

11th Grade

• ACT in spring (required)

• PSAT (optional)
  
  

12th Grade

• ACT WorkKeys in spring (for students in CTE Concentration)
  
  

Testing calendars

Find testing calendars for all grade levels on the district’s calendar page.