Transylvania County Schools seeks to assure that student achievement is
meaningful and promotion and course credit accurately reflect each student's
ability to handle material. Criteria for promotion and course credit
incorporate performance on classroom assignments and tests as well as
achievement on North Carolina standardized assessments/tests.
The state of North Carolina has established the ABC's of Education. Under this
plan schools are accountable for the achievement of at least one year of
academic growth for every year a student is in school. Standardized end-of-grade
and end-of-course tests have been carefully constructed to measure students'
progress and assess their ability to handle the next level of material.
Each student in grades 3-8 is tested in reading and math. On elementary and
middle school end-of-grade tests, a score below Level III indicates a student's mastery
of material is inadequate to successfully handle the challenges of the next grade.
High school scores on end-of course tests reflect a student's mastery
of course objectives.
Writing assessments in grades 4, 7, and 10 determine if a student is able to
produce a clear, logical, written statement appropriate for his grade level.
To be eligible for promotion:
Meet attendance requirements
Kindergarten through grade 2
- Make appropriate progress in reading and math to reach grade level proficiency by the end of second grade
Grades 3 - 5
- Earn a minimum grade average of 70 in reading, language arts and mathematics
- Achieve at least a Level III on North Carolina end-of-grade tests in reading and mathematics
- Achieve a minimum score of Level III on the North Carolina Writing Assessment given in grade 4
Middle School
- Earn a minimum grade average of 70 in three of the four major subjects (language arts, mathematics, social studies, science)
- Achieve at least a Level III on North Carolina end-of-grade tests in reading and mathematics
- Achieve a minimum score of Level III on the North Carolina Writing Assessment given in grade 7
- Meet attendance requirements
- Maintain a grade average of 70 in the course
- Earn a passing score on the end-of-course test in subjects for which the state has established such a test. Test score is 25% of a student's final average in the course.
The state will revoke the driver's license of a student who does not earn credit
in at least three out of four courses a semester.
Teachers at every school will strive to keep parents and students informed about each student's progress throughout the year. Schools will have an intervention program to help students during the school year.
If a student's test score does not meet accountability standards, options include:
• Retake a NC standardized test
• Participate in school remediation
• Repeat the grade or course
• Participate in after-school tutoring
• Pursue other remedial options
• Secure a Personal Education Plan
Transylvania County Schools does not charge a fee to any student recommended
for remediation programs because of failure to meet end-of-grade or end-of-course
test score requirements.
• Successfully complete all requirements for one NC Course of Study curriculum.
• Successfully complete a senior project.
• Earn a passing score on the NC 10th grade writing assessment (class of 2009).
Diploma tracks through any course of study are open to all students. An
Individualized Education Plan must be completed to qualify for an Occupational
course of study.
- believes all students can learn
- expects demonstrated achievement in classwork and on state tests
- includes classroom performance and state test scores in the criteria for elementary promotion and secondary course credit
- views accountability as a responsibility shared by students, parents and schools
Graduates of Transylvania County Schools in 2006 will receive one of the following:
• Diploma
Students with a passing score on the state Computer Skills Test and state Competency Tests who satisfy all graduation requirements for a state course of study
• Merit Diploma
Students with a passing score on the state Computer Skills Test and state Competency Tests who satisfy all graduation requirements for a state course of study and all local requirements including local Board of Education end-of-course test standards
• Certificate of Achievement
Students who satisfy all state and local graduation requirements but who fail to pass the state Competency Test
• Graduation Certificate
Certain exceptional students as identified by G.S. 15C-109 who do not meet the requirements for a high school diploma