END of GRADE &

1. END of GRADE & North Carolina Final Exam Information for Parents WAKE FOREST MIDDLE SCHOOL 2014

2. TESTING SCHEDULE FRIDAY, MAY 30TH Grade 6: EOG Math Grade 7: EOG ELA/READING Grade 8: EOG Science MONDAY, JUNE 2ND Grade 6: EOG ELA/READING Grade 7: EOG Math Grade 8: EOG ELA/READING TUESDAY, JUNE 3RD Grade 6 & 7: NCFE Science Grade 8: EOG Math WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4TH Grades 6-8: NCFE Social Studies

3. TESTING SCHEDULE Thursday, June 5 EOC Math I NCFE Math II *Testing on Thursday only applies to the students that are enrolled in these classes!

4. Testing Times • Testing begins at 7:50 am each day • Please have your child at school by 7:00 am and not later than 7:25 am. • No one can enter the testing rooms after the tests have begun. • Late students will have to an assigned room until testing is finished. Late students will test on a make-up day.

5. Testing Times • Students get “Stretch Breaks” every 60 minutes (more often if they have an IEP plan that specifies more frequent breaks). • Students will test for 3 hours each morning of testing. • After the “expected end time” students will get a lunch break.

6. Changes for Testing Days • No interruptions are allowed in any testing rooms. • NO CELL PHONES or any other electronic devices are allowed in testing rooms! If your child has one, they may leave it at home or place in their locker on testing days. • ALL students can have FREE breakfast on both Friday and Monday of testing. The Cafeteria doors will open for those students at 7:00 am.

7. Absences • Please do not send your child to school on a testing day if he/she does not feel well. • If a child is absent on testing day, they will take the missed test on June 6, 9, or 10 as needed.

8. Test Security • School personnel and volunteer proctors are not allowed to disclose or discuss contents of EOG tests…period.

9. EOG ELA-Reading Test • 56 Multiple Choice Questions with • 4 answer choices • Reading Texts: • Literature - stories and poems • Informational - scientific, historical, economic, technical • Passages of various length

10. EOG Math Test • 60 Questions with 4 answer choices • Calculator Inactive portion is the first portion • Some of the questions are “gridded response” questions – open- ended, not multiple choice • Calculator Active portion is the last portion

11. Grade 8 EOG Science Test • 75 Multiple Choice Questions with 4 answer choices • Unifying Concepts: • Forces and Motion • Matter, Properties, and Change • Energy: Conservation and Transfer • Earth Systems, Structures, and Processes • Ecosystems • Genetics • Structures & Functions of Living Organisms

12. EOG Extend 2 Versions • Only for those students who have EXTEND 2 in their IEPs • Same Grade Level Content • Same format • 3 answer choices instead of 4

13. North Carolina Final Exams NCFE

14. NCFE Tests • NCFE 6th & 7th Grades Science • NCFE 6th-8th Grades Social Studies • NCFE Math II • The North Carolina Final Exams (NCFE) have replaced the MSLs (Measures of Student Learning) that were administered during the 2012-2013 School Year.

15. NCFE Test Format • Multiple Choice Assessments with 4 answer choices provided • There is not an Extend 2 form of the NCFEs • 8th Grade NCFE Social Studies includes a “Constructed Response” which requires the student to write a short essay about a given social studies related topic • Assessments will last for approximately 130 minutes

16. Where can I find moreinformation? • http://www.dpi.state.nc.us/accountability/testing/releasedforms • You will find general information and newreleased test items for math and reading • Click on grade level and subject undereach type of test

17. Student Scores • Achievement Level Scores (Level I-V) approved by the State Board of Education will be sent home at the end of the year. • An explanation of the new levels will be sent along with the scores. • Parent Reports provided by the State will not be ready before the end of the year • Results will be mailed home during the summer

18. Recognizing Stress in Children • Children may display stress very differently than an adult does. • Often children’s stress is internalized and is most noticeable in physical symptoms, such as frequent flu-like symptoms including headache, stomach ache, and even nausea, or behavioral symptoms, like listlessness or acting out.

19. Help Your Child Manage Stress Children primarily learn by example • Eat healthy • Vigorous exercise • Clear and consistent rules and discipline • Be a good listener • Realistic expectations

20. Stress-Relieving Games • Internet Flash Games – search “free flash games” at reputable sites • Computer Games: arcade games, action games, puzzle games, strategy games

21. Stress-Relieving Exercises • Get up and stretch • Take a brisk walk • Squeeze a rubber ball • Progressive relaxation • Dance

22. Prepare Your Child for Testing! 7 Tips

23. TIP #1 • Make sure your child gets the appropriate amount of sleep before the test. • Some children require more rest than others do, so it may be best to try to maintain a regular schedule for your child.

24. TIP #2 • The morning of a test day should be calm for your child. • Make sure that you and your child are not rushed and that your child has time to prepare for the day.

25. TIP #3 • Take time to talk with your child about your confidence in him or her. • Encourage your child to take the test seriously, but don't cause your child to be anxious about the test. • Let your child know that you believe in him or her and emphasize the importance of simply doing their best. • Talk to your child about how much they have learned this year. Be specific!

26. TIP #4 Remind your child to answer all questions and not to leave any question blank.

27. TIP #5 Make sure your child arrives at school on time on testing days.

28. TIP #6 Make a backup plan to get your child to school in case they miss their bus

29. TIP #7 Give your child a hug!

30. Contact Information BRENDA M. STEVENS Testing Coordinator bstevens@wcpss.net