Proficiency on the “high stakes” End of Course (EOC) tests (Algebra, Biology, and Geometry) is used as a qualifier for the Arkansas Challenge Scholarship in place of a 19 on the ACT for students who graduate in 2014 or before. A 2.5 GPA and proficiency on the EOC's is worth $5000 at a 4-year college and $2500 at a 2-year college. These EOC's are a one-time-deal. There is only one chance to score proficient on each test.

Proficiency on any of these tests means your child will NOT have to undergo remediation instruction the next year. The state has tied receiving credit for Algebra I to passing the EOC beginning with this year's ninth grade class. Geometry credit will be tied to passing the EOC next year, and Literacy the following year.

Suggestions for Testing Success:

•  PLEASE make plans for your son or daughter to be present and on time for any of the tests they will be taking. If it is necessary to make a medical appointment, please schedule it for the afternoons during testing periods. This will make it possible for your child to have the best environment for testing without having to miss additional class time for make- up testing (which is required.)

•  Make sure your son or daughter gets plenty of rest the night before any test. Staying up late to read the end of that really exciting book, texting everyone in the address book about what to wear, or getting to the next level on that game can wait for the weekend!

•  Breakfast every day is important, and especially during testing. This is “hard work” for the brain and the body needs fuel. (It doesn't have to be a “Denny's Grand Slam Breakfast”, maybe a cereal bar or a pop-tart, some juice or milk, fruit, something !)