At high school, students must achieve a passing score on the new exit exam of essential skills and pass the computer skills test in order to receive a diploma. The new standards provide special exemptions for students with disabilities or who have limited English proficiency which prevents them from participating in the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. Eventually, limited English proficient students must meet the same requirements as other high school students in order to receive a diploma. Beginning with the Graduating Class of 2003, students must achieve a passing score on an exit exam of essential skills which will be administered to students in their 11th grade year. Competencies measured will include communication, problem solving, using numbers and data, and processing information.
Students have up to five times to take the test before graduation.
Be sure to attend parent-teacher conferences and review your child's homework, tests and report cards when they are sent home from school. Parent involvement plays a critical role in student achievement. Keep in touch with your child's teacher about accuracy, completeness and timeliness. Communicate with your child's school - Check your child's bookbag for school newsletters and notes from the teacher. Attend parent-teacher conferences.