High School-Level Assessment

High School-Level Assessment

Why does it matter?

  • States, schools and districts benefit when they know how well students can read and write (and how well they know their history, science, etc.)...
  • Students and higher education institutions benefit when students learn, while still in high school, whether they are prepared for postsecondary education.
  • States need to know whether students have met grade-level standards.
  • States need to use assessments that are meaningful for students but that also meet the testing requirements of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act.
  • Students benefit when states provide a means of ensuring students' unmet needs are identified early enough to be addressed.
  • Students benefit when they have alternatives to standardized tests to demonstrate they have met learning objectives.
  • Students and higher education institutions benefit when high school assessments are aligned with college entrance expectations. Additionally, students who previously did not have college expectations benefit when they are encouraged to pursue postsecondary education based on the results of statewide mandatory college admission assessments.
  • States benefit when students take assessments more seriously because the tests hold potential personal consequences or personal recognition.

This database includes information on:

State-level high school assessments: Subjects and grades tested: These data points indicate all the subjects in which state assessments are administered, and the grade levels in which those tests are given. For summary information on the subject areas assessed in the states, click here.

State assessments that include college-ready measures: Identifies one or more of four state activities:

  • State requires all students to take ACT or assessments leading up to ACT (EXPLORE in grade 8 or 9, PLAN in grade 10), SAT or PSAT;
  • State provides funding for schools and districts to offer all students the PSAT, EXPLORE and/or PLAN at no cost to the student;
  • State offers a stand-alone (voluntary or mandatory) assessment aligned with state college placement tests or admission requirements; or
  • State has embedded questions (optional or mandatory) from state college placement tests in mandated statewide high school assessments.

College-ready measures included in this data set do not include state policies that offer to cover the test fees of individual students who elect to take the ACT, SAT, PLAN or PSAT.

States with end-of-course exams: Fourteen states currently administer one or more end-of-course assessments. An additional 11 states and the District of Columbia have plans to implement end-of-course exams during the 2007-2008 school year or later.

States where an end-of-course and/or exit exam is used for NCLB: Under the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, states must assess at least once in English language arts (or reading) and math at the high school level; effective with the 2007-2008 school year, states will additionally be required to administer science assessments at least once during grades 10-12. Of the 27 states that currently have an exit exam and/or end-of-course assessments, all but three—Alaska, New Mexico and Texas—use these assessments as the high school assessments required by NCLB.

States where all students are required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students): Diagnostic assessments, while commonly required for all students at the elementary grades, are often either optional or nonexistent in secondary grades. Policies included in this indicator demonstrate that the state is making a clear, deliberate attempt to take diagnostic measurement of all students, either through a stand-alone diagnostic test or an effort to use state assessment scores for diagnostic purposes. Currently seven states use assessments administered to all students for diagnostic purposes.

States that allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs: Policies included in this indicator suggest that a state assesses high school students using portfolios and/or other performance-based or nontraditional assessments. Currently two states—Kentucky and Rhode Island—include a portfolio or other performance-based component in its statewide assessment program.

States that require ACT or SAT for all students: Four states currently require all grade 11 students to take the ACT. A fifth state—Wyoming—requires all students to take either the ACT or WorkKeys assessment. One state—Maine—requires all grade 11 students to take the SAT.

And finally, for what Purposes of high school-level exams are used:

  • Course credit/grade
  • Level of diploma
  • School accountability
  • High school graduation (exit exam)
  • Student non-monetary awards/recognition
  • Student financial awards or scholarships
  • Student promotion/retention
  • Certificate of mastery
  • Remediation required

A 50-state table summarizing state purposes of high school-level exams is available through this link.

Last updated: April 11, 2007

Please contact Jennifer Dounay at 303.299.3689 or jdounay@ecs.org with questions or comments about this database.


Alabama
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Reading
Writing
Language
Math
Science
Social Studies
Grade level(s) tested 10: Writing (Alabama Direct Assessment of Writing)
11: Reading, Language, Math, Science, Social Studies (Alabama High School Graduation Exam)
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) No
Include end-of-course exams No
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB Yes—Alabama High School Graduation Exam (exit exam, grade 11)
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • School accountability
  • High school graduation (exit exam)
Sources Subjects and grades tested: ALA. CODE § 16-6B-1(b); ALA. ADMIN. CODE r. 290-4-2-.02(1)(d); Alabama State Department of Education; Dorothy DeMars, Alabama State Department of Education
EOC/exit exam for NCLB: Alabama Consolidated State Application Accountability Workbook
Purposes of test: ALA. ADMIN. CODE r. 290-3-1-.02, 290-4-1-.01; ALA. CODE § 16-6B-3

Alaska
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Reading
Writing
Math
Science (beginning 2007-2008 school year)
Grade level(s) tested 9: Reading, Writing, Math (Standards Based Assessment)
10: Reading, Writing, Math (Dual purpose Standards Based Assessment/High School Graduation Qualifying Exam); Science (beginning 2007-2008)
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) No
Include end-of-course exams No
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB No—items for the grade 10 Standards Based Assessment and High School Graduation Qualifying Examination (HSGQE) are scored separately. Results from the standards based grade 10 exam are used to determine adequate yearly progress—items from the HSGQE are not.
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • School accountability
  • High school graduation (exit exam)
Sources Subjects and grades tested: ALASKA STAT. § 14.07.020(b)(1); ALASKA ADMIN. CODE tit. 4 §§ 06.737, 06.755; Alaska Department of Education and Early Development Web site
EOC/exit exam for NCLB: Alaska Consolidated State Application Accountability Workbook; Guide to Test Interpretation for the Grade 10 Standards Based Assessments For Parents and Students Spring 2006; Cathy Anderegg, Assessment Administrator, Alaska Department of Education and Early Development
Purposes of test: ALASKA STAT. §§ 14.03.075(a), 14.03.123(f)(2)(A); ALASKA ADMIN. CODE tit. 4 § 06.755

American Samoa

Arizona
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Reading
Writing
English Language Arts
Math
Science (to be field-tested in 2006-2007 and implemented in 2007-2008)
Grade level(s) tested 9: Reading, English Language Arts, Math (TerraNova)
10: Reading, Writing, Math (Arizona's Instrument to Measure Standards, or AIMS) (Science to be field-tested in 2006-2007 and implemented in 2007-2008)
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) No
Include end-of-course exams No
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB Yes—Arizona's Instrument to Measure Standards, or AIMS (exit exam, grade 10)
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • School accountability
    Notes/Citation: AIMS but not TerraNova used for school accountability
  • High school graduation (exit exam)
    Notes/Citation: AIMS but not TerraNova used as state exit exam
  • Student financial awards or scholarships
    Notes/Citation: To meet the assessment-related eligibility criteria for an Arizona Board of Regents High Honors Tuition Waiver Scholarship, a student must either (1) exceed standards on all 3 AIMS tests or (2) exceed standards on 2 AIMS tests and meet standards on the third AIMS test, plus achieve either a "3" on two Advanced Placement exams or a "4" on two International Baccalaureate exams.
Sources Subjects and grades tested: ARIZ. REV. STAT. §§ 15-701.01, 15-741; Arizona Department of Education AIMS Information Center
EOC/exit exam for NCLB: Consolidated State Application Accountability Workbook
Purposes of test: ARIZ. REV. STAT. §§ 15-241(E)(1), 15-701.01; ARIZ. ADMIN. CODE R7-2-302; Arizona Board of Regents High Honors Tuition Waiver Scholarship Web site; Irene Hunting, Director of State Test Administration, Arizona Department of Education

Arkansas
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Reading
Literacy
Writing
Math (General)
Algebra I (End of Course)
Algebra II (End of Course, to be implemented May 2008)
Geometry (End of Course)
Biology I (End of Course) (beginning 2007-2008 school year)
Grade level(s) tested 9: Reading, Math (Iowa Test of Educational Development)
11: Grade 11 Literacy (Grade 11 Writing being field-tested in 2006-2007 school year)
End of Course: Grade level varies, although beginning with the 2009-2010 school year, a student must take all initial end-of-course assessments by the end of grade 10.
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) Yes. The Department of Education offers EXPLORE and PLAN to districts at no charge. All students in participating districts must take EXPLORE in grade 8 and PLAN in grade 10.

In addition, as part of its National Governors Association Phase I Honor State grant, "Arkansas will propose assessments to measure if high school students achieve the benchmarks set by the college and work ready standards" via modifications to existing end-of-course assessments.
Include end-of-course exams Yes, Algebra I and Geometry. Biology I beginning 2007-2008 school year.

In addition, the state is a member of the American Diploma Project (ADP) consortium of nine states developing a common Algebra II end-of-course assessment. The test will be administered each academic year in late spring and late fall/early winter, beginning in May 2008.
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB Yes—end-of-course assessments in Algebra I and geometry (combined), literacy (and biology starting spring 2008)
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) Yes. State uses state-mandated criterion-referenced tests to identify and develop individual academic improvement plans for students who fail to demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing and math.
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • Course credit/grade
    Notes/Citation: Through Class of 2009, student must take end-of-course assessment and receive any necessary remediation to receive credit for the course related to the end-of-course assessment. (A student is not required to pass an end-of-course assessment to receive credit for a course.) Effective with the Class of 2010, a student may not receive credit for a course related to an end-of-course assessment until the student passes the assessment or "is identified as having, by the end of grade 12, finished an appropriate Alternative exit course" and has passed an alternative assessment directly related to the alternative exit course.
  • School accountability
  • High school graduation (exit exam)
    Notes/Citation: Effective with the Class of 2010, a student must pass an end-of-course assessment or alternative assessment tied to an alternative exit course to receive a high school diploma.
  • Remediation required
    Notes/Citation: Any student required to take an end-of-course assessment but not passing an assessment must "participate in his or her remediation activities as required in his or her individualized academic improvement plan ... in order to receive credit ... for the course related to the end-of-course assessment." Beginning with the 2009-10, a student who does not pass an end-of-course exam must participate in an individualized academic improvement plan but must also pass the end-of-course assessment or an alternative end-of-course assessment tied to an alternative course to graduate from high school.
Sources Subjects and grades tested: ARK. CODE ANN. §§ 6-15-406, 6-15-407, 6-15-419(f); Ark. Reg. 005-19-006-2.0, 005-19-006-6.03, 005-19-006-6.04.01; Arkansas Department of Education Web site
College-ready measures: Arkansas Department of Education Web site; NGA Web site
End-of-course: ARK. CODE ANN. § 6-15-2009, Ark. Reg. 005-19-006-6.03; American Diploma Project press release
EOC/exit exam for NCLB: Consolidated State Application Accountability Plan
Diagnostic exams: ARK. CODE ANN. § 6-15-420(d), (e)
Purposes of test: ARK. CODE ANN. §§ 6-15-404(i)(2)(A)(i), 6-15-420, 6-15-2009; Ark. Reg. 005-19-006-7.04, 005-19-006-7.05, 005-19-006-9

California
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested English Language Arts
Math
Science
Social Studies
History
Physical Fitness
Grade level(s) tested 9: English Language Arts, Math, Science (California Standards Test); Physical Fitness
10: English Language Arts, Math, Science, History-Social Studies (California Standards Test); English Language Arts, Math (California High School Exit Examination, or CHSEE)
11: English Language Arts, Math, Science, History-Social Studies (California Standards Test)
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) Yes. The voluntary Early Assessment Program (EAP) gives 11th graders the opportunity to take augmented versions of the mandatory California Standards Tests in English Language Arts, Algebra II, and Summative High School Math. The EAPs are aligned with California State University's placement tests, and indicate whether a student is ready for college-level coursework or should seek remediation or additional coursework in grade 12.

In addition, the California Mathematics Diagnostic Testing Program offers assessment materials and diagnostic services to secondary level math teachers upon request. A number of tests are available through the program.
Include end-of-course exams No
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB Yes—California High School Exit Examination (exit exam, math and English language arts, grade 10)
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No. However, the California Mathematics Diagnostic Testing Program offers assessment materials and diagnostic services to secondary level math teachers upon request. A number of tests are available through the program.
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • Level of diploma
    Notes/Citation: A Golden State Seal Merit Diploma is awarded a student who demonstrates mastery of the curriculum in any six subject areas, four of which must be English, math, science and U.S. history. For subjects included in the Golden State Examination, that exam must be the means by which the student shows mastery of the curriculum.
  • School accountability
  • High school graduation (exit exam)
  • Student financial awards or scholarships
    Notes/Citation: A student who earned qualifying scores on all authorized exams before December 31, 2002 is eligible for a Governor's Scholars Award or Governor's Math and Science Award. "Awards must be claimed by the five-year anniversary of the June 30th following the date of the qualifying exam." (All awards must be claimed by December 31, 2007.)
  • Remediation required
Sources Subjects and grades tested: CAL. EDUC. CODE §§ 60603, 60605(b)(1), 60640(b), 60642.5, 60800, 60850, 60851(b); CAL. CODE REGS. tit. 5 § 1041; California Department of Education 2006-2007 assessment table
College-ready measures: CAL. EDUC. CODE § 60640(k); California Department of Education Early Assessment Program Web site; Mathematics Diagnostic Testing Project Web site
EOC/exit exam for NCLB: California Consolidated State Application Accountability Workbook
Diagnostic exams: CAL. EDUC. CODE §§ 37254, 89070.10 - 89070.30; Mathematics Diagnostic Testing Project Web site 
Portfolios/performance-based: CAL. EDUC. CODE § 60856
Purposes of test: CAL. EDUC. CODE §§ 51450 through 51452, 52051 to 52055.605, 60851(a) and (f); CAL. CODE REGS. tit. 5, §§ 876; Governor's Scholarship Programs Web page

Colorado
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Reading
Writing
Math
Science
Grade level(s) tested 9: Reading, Writing, Math (Colorado Student Assessment Program, or CSAP)
10: Reading, Writing, Math, Science (CSAP)
11: ACT
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) Yes. ACT required for 11th graders.
Include end-of-course exams No
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB No—state does not have end-of-course assessments or an exit exam.
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) Yes. Although the CSAP is not a diagnostic exam, the state uses longitudinal tracking of results to provide diagnostic academic growth information for students. Implementation of this program is in the early stages.
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

Yes-ACT

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • School accountability
Sources Subjects and grades tested: COLO. REV. STAT. §§ 22-7-405(2), 22-7-406(3), 22-7-409
College-ready measures: COLO. REV. STAT. § 22-7-409(1.5)(a)
Diagnostic exams: COLO. REV. STAT. §§ 22-7-409(1.2)(a)(I.5), 22-7-604.3
ACT/SAT: COLO. REV. STAT. § 22-7-409(1.5)(a)
Purposes of test: COLO. REV. STAT. §§ 22-7-604, 22-7-605(7), 22-7-609, 22-7-610

Connecticut
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Reading
Writing
Math
Science
Grade level(s) tested 10: Reading, Writing, Math, Science (Connecticut Academic Performance Test, or CAPT)
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) No
Include end-of-course exams No
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB No—state does not have end-of-course assessments or an exit exam.
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • School accountability
  • Certificate of mastery
    Notes/Citation: A student who meets or exceeds the statewide mastery goal level on any portion of the grade 10 mastery exam is issued a certificate of mastery for that component.
  • Remediation required
Sources Subjects and grades tested: CONN. GEN. STAT. § 10-14n; Jeff Greig, CAPT Program Manager, Connecticut State Department of Education
Purposes of test: CONN. GEN. STAT. § 10-223a(b)

Delaware
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Reading
Writing
Math
Science
Social Studies
Grade level(s) tested 9: Reading, Writing, Math (Delaware Student Testing Program, or DSTP)
10: Reading, Writing, Math (DSTP)
11: Science, Social Studies (DSTP)
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) No, although the state plans to pilot a college and work readiness exam within the scope of its Phase I Honor State grant from the National Governors Association.
Include end-of-course exams No
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB No—state does not have end-of-course assessments or an exit exam.
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • Level of diploma
    Notes: The Class of 2007 is the last class for which scores on the Delaware Student Testing Program will be used to award the State of Delaware Distinguished Achievement Diploma.
  • School accountability
  • Student financial awards or scholarships
    Notes/Citation: Each year, up to 300 10th grade students who demonstrate outstanding performance on the Delaware Student Testing Program (DSTP) in reading, writing, and math will are awarded $1,000 scholarships, known as the Michael C. Ferguson Achievement Award. Awards are made to students with the 150 highest scores on the DSTP generally, and to the 150 highest scores on the DSTP who are eligible for free/reduced lunch.
  • Remediation required
    Notes/Citation: Appears in practice in grade 9 although policy no longer includes grade 9.
Sources Subjects and grades tested: DEL. CODE ANN. tit. 14, § 151(b), (c), (h); DEL. REGS. tit. 14, § 100.101.1
College-ready measures: NGA Web site
Portfolios/performance-based: DEL. CODE ANN. tit. 14, § 153(e)(1); DEL. REGS. tit. 14, § 100.101.3
Purposes of test: DEL. CODE ANN. tit. 14, §§ 152, 153(c), 154; DEL. REGS. §§ 100.101.6, 100.103; Delaware Department of Education Frequently Asked Questions; Lisa Alexander, Education Specialist, Data Manager, Assessments and Analysis, Delaware Department of Education

District of Columbia
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Reading/English Language Arts (General)
English 9 (End of Course)
English 10 (End of Course)
Writing Composition
Math (General)
Algebra I (End of Course)
Geometry (End of Course)
Science (General) (beginning 2007-2008 school year)
Biology (End of Course)
Physics or Chemistry (End of Course)
Grade level(s) tested 9: Writing Composition (D.C. Comprehensive Assessment System); Stanford-9
10: Reading/English Language Arts, Math (D.C. Comprehensive Assessment System); Stanford-9
11: Stanford-9
End of Course: Grade level varies
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) No
Include end-of-course exams Yes

Notes/Citation: District is developing end-of-course exams in Algebra I, geometry, English 9, English 10, biology and physics (or chemistry)

End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB No—district has end-of-course assessments but accountability workbook does not mention that these are used for NCLB accountability.
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • School accountability
Sources Subjects and grades tested and end-of-course: District of Columbia Public Schools Master Education Plan, February 2006; D.C. MUN. REGS. tit. 5, sec. 2202
EOC/exit exam for NCLB: District of Columbia Consolidated State Application Accountability Workbook
Purposes of test: D.C. CODE ANN. § 38-2806

Florida
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Reading
Writing
Math
Science
Grade level(s) tested 9: Reading, Math (Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, or FCAT)
10: Reading, Writing, Math (FCAT)
11: Science (FCAT)
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) Yes. The state offers every public high school the opportunity to administer the PSAT or PLAN to all 10th graders. "Public school districts must choose either the PSAT/NMSQT or PLAN for districtwide administration." Parents may exempt their students from taking the PSAT or PLAN.

State policy also authorizes 10th graders to take the common placement tests used by public postsecondary institutions in the state.
Include end-of-course exams No. However, 2006 H.B. 7087 directs the state to "Study the cost and student achievement impact of secondary end-of-course assessments, including web-based and performance formats, and report to the legislature prior to implementation."
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB Yes—Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, or FCAT (exit exam, reading, math, grades 9 and 10 [grade 9 assessment not used as exit exam]; writing, grade 10)
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No. While the PSAT and PLAN are to "provide diagnostic feedback on skills and relate student scores to the probability of success on AP or other advanced course examinations," all 10th graders are not mandated to take these exams. (According to a department report, "Florida currently gives all public schools in the state the opportunity to administer the PSAT (a product of the College Board) or PLAN (a product of ACT, Inc.) to all of their 10th graders, with the cost of the exam covered by state funds.")
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • School accountability
  • High school graduation (exit exam)
  • Remediation required
Sources Subjects and grades tested: FLA. STAT. ch. 1008.22(3)(c); FLA. ADMIN. CODE ANN. r. 6A-1.09422; Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test Web site
College-ready measures: FLA. STAT. chs. 1007.21, 1007.35, 1008.30; Florida College Entry-Level Placement Test Web site
End-of-course: FLA. STAT. ch. 1008.22
Diagnostic exams: FLA. STAT. ch. § 1007.35; Summary: 10th Grade PSAT and PLAN Test Takers, Florida Public Schools
EOC/exit exam for NCLB: Florida Consolidated State Application Accountability Workbook; Sharon Koon, Policy, Research, & Accountability Coordinator, Assessment and School Performance Office, Florida Department of Education
Diagnostic exams: FLA. STAT. ch. 1008.25(4)(a); FLA. ADMIN. CODE ANN. r. 6A-1.09422; Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test Frequently Asked Questions brochure
Purposes of test: FLA. STAT. chs. 1008.22(3)(c)(5), 1008.25(4)(b), (c); FLA. ADMIN. CODE. ANN. rs. 6A-1.09422(6), (7), 6A-109981

Georgia
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested English Language Arts (General)
Writing (General)
9th Grade Literature and Composition (End of Course)
American Literature and Composition (End of Course)
Math (General)
Algebra I (End of Course)
Geometry (End of Course)
Science (General)
Biology (End of Course)
Physical Science (End of Course)
Social Studies (General)
U.S. History (End of Course)
Economics/Business/Free Enterprise (End of Course)
Grade level(s) tested 9: 9th Grade Literature and Composition
11: English Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies (Enhanced Georgia High School Graduation Test); Writing (Georgia High School Writing Test)
End of Course: Grade level varies
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) No
Include end-of-course exams Yes

Notes/Citation: 9th Grade Literature and Composition, American Literature and Composition, Algebra I, Geometry, Biology, Physical Science, U.S. History, Economics/Business/Free Enterprise

End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB Yes—Enhanced High School Graduation Tests (E-GHSGT) in English/Language Arts and Math (exit exam, grade 11).
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • Course credit/grade
    Notes/Citation: Scores on end-of-course exams count for 15% of the student’s final numeric grade in the course.
  • School accountability
  • High school graduation (exit exam)
Sources Subjects and grades tested: GA. CODE ANN. § 20-2-281(a), (f), (h); GA. COMP. R. & REGS. r. 160-3-1-.07
College-ready measures: GA. CODE ANN. § 20-2-146; Georgia Department of Education PSAT Web site
End-of-course: GA. CODE ANN. § 20-2-281(f), (h); GA. COMP. R. & REGS. r. 160-3-1-.07
EOC/exit exam for NCLB: Georgia Consolidated State Application Accountability Workbook
Purposes of test: GA. CODE ANN. §§ 20-2-281(c), 20-2-281(j)(1), 20-14-30 to 20-14-41; GA. COMP. R. & REGS. rr. 160-3-1-.07, 160-7-1-.01 to 160-7-1-.04, 160-4-2-.13

Guam

Hawaii
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Reading
Writing
Math
Science (beginning 2007-2008 school year)
Grade level(s) tested 9: Writing (Hawaii State Assessment)
10: Reading, Math (Hawaii State Assessment)
11: Writing, Science (Hawaii State Assessment, science beginning 2007-2008 school year)
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) No
Include end-of-course exams No
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB No—state does not have end-of-course assessments or an exit exam.
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • School accountability
Sources Subjects and grades tested: HAW. REV. STAT. § 302A-201; Hawaii Department of Education Introduction to Assessment Web site; Addendum to Hawaii's Consolidated Plan - No Child Left Behind
Purposes of test: HAW. REV. STAT. § 302A-201, 302A-1004

Idaho
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Reading
Writing
English Language Arts
Math
Science
Grade level(s) tested 9: English Language Arts, Reading, Math (Idaho Standards Achievement Test, or ISAT); Writing (Idaho Direct Writing Assessment)
10: English Language Arts, Reading, Math, Science (ISAT)
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) Yes. Effective with the Class of 2012, all grade 11 students will take the COMPASS, ACT or SAT.
Include end-of-course exams No
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB Yes—Idaho Standards Achievement Tests (exit exam, reading and math, grade 10)
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

Yes-ACT, COMPASS or SAT (effective 2010-2011)

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • School accountability
  • High school graduation (exit exam)
Sources Subjects and grades tested: IDAHO ADMIN. CODE r. 08.02.03.111(06)(j), (k); Idaho Department of Education Assessment & Accountability Web site
College-ready measures: IDAHO ADMIN. CODE r. 08.02.03.107
EOC/exit exam for NCLB: Idaho Consolidated State Application Accountability Workbook
ACT/SAT: IDAHO ADMIN. CODE r. 08.02.03.107
Purposes of test: IDAHO ADMIN. CODE rr. 08.02.03.107, 08.02.03.001 to 08.02.03.114

Illinois
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Reading
Writing
Math
Science
Grade level(s) tested 11: Reading, Writing, Math, Science (Prairie State Achievement Examination)
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) Yes. ACT required as part of the Prairie State Achievement Examination.

In addition, beginning in 2007-2008, the state is providing districts the opportunity to administer the EXPLORE to all 9th graders and the PLAN to all 10th graders at no cost to the district.
Include end-of-course exams No
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB No—state does not have end-of-course assessments or an exit exam.
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No. However, 2003 legislation directs that, subject to available federal funds, the state was to "provide additional tests and assessment resources that may be used by school districts for local diagnostic purposes. These tests and resources shall include without limitation additional high school writing, physical development and health, and fine arts assessments."
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

Yes-ACT

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • School accountability
  • Student non-monetary awards/recognition
    Notes/Citation: Students who score at the "Exceeds Standards" level on the Prairie State Achievement Examination earn a Prairie State Achievement Award in that subject area. Receipt of an award is also recorded on the student transcript.
  • Student financial awards or scholarships
    Notes/Citation: The Merit Recognition Scholarship (MRS) Program offers a one-time, $1,000 scholarship to students whose GPAs place them in the top 5% of their high school class OR scored among the top 5% of scores in the state on the ACT, SAT or Prairie State Achievement Exam during the 3rd or 4th semester prior to graduation.
Sources Subjects and grades tested: 105 ILL. COMP. STAT. 5/2-3.64(c)
College-ready measures: Illinois State Board of Education Prairie State Achievement Examination Web site; January 15, 2008 press release; Illinois State Board of Education EXPLORE/PLAN Procedures and Protocol 
Diagnostic exams: 105 ILL. COMP. STAT. 5/2-3.64(e)
ACT/SAT: Illinois State Board of Education Prairie State Achievement Examination Web site
Purposes of test: 105 ILL. COMP. STAT. 5/2-3.25a to 5/2-3.25d, 5/2-3.64(c), 110 ILL. COMP. STAT. 947/31; ILL. ADMIN. CODE. tit. 23 §§ 1.80 to 1.90., 2761.10 to 2761.40; Illinois Student Assistance Commission Web site

Indiana
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested English Language Arts (General)
English 11 (Core 40 End of Course)
Math (General)
Algebra I (Core 40 End of Course)
Algebra II (Core 40 End of Course)
Biology I (Core 40 End of Course)

Notes/Citation: U.S. History (Core 40 End of Course) is being piloted in the 2006-2007 school year, and is anticipated to be fully operational by the 2007-2008 school year. 2006 H.B. 1240 directs the department and state board to develop a long-term plan for the state assessment system that "assesses student proficiency in written communication."
Grade level(s) tested 9: English Language Arts, Math (ISTEP+)
10: English Language Arts, Math (ISTEP+ - Graduation Qualifying Exam)
11: English 11 (End of Course)
End of Course: Algebra I, Algebra II, Biology I, U.S. History (Grade level varies)
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) No, although the assessment plan released by the state board in November 2006 calls for 11th and 12th graders to take an assessment aligned to requirements for college and work. The press release on the department Web site as of November 2006 states, "The Board will now send the adopted plan to the legislature for consideration during the upcoming budget session while immediately beginning work to develop a Request for Proposal (RFP) that will provide additional details regarding cost and other aspects of the plan."
Include end-of-course exams Yes, English 11, Algebra I, Algebra II and Biology I are operational. U.S. History is currently being piloted, and is expected to be operational during the 2007-2008 school year. A student in a Core 40 class should take the related end-of-course assessment. The Core 40 curriculum will become Indiana's default high school curriculum effective with the Class of 2011 (entering freshmen in fall 2007).

In addition, the state is a member of the American Diploma Project (ADP) consortium of nine states developing a common Algebra II end-of-course assessment. The test will be administered each academic year in late spring and late fall/early winter, beginning in May 2008.
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB Yes—Graduation Qualifying Exam (GQE) (exit exam, English language arts and math, grade 10)
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No, although the department must "make available to schools optional student diagnostic tools such as actual assessment instruments or computer banks containing appropriate essential skills items to assist schools in implementing the diagnostic assessments."
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No, although "After a governing body holds a public hearing on a proposed portfolio program, the governing body may establish a portfolio program to maintain a portfolio of a student's work at grade levels designated by the governing body." However, such portfolio programs appear to be the exception rather than the norm.
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • School accountability
  • High school graduation (exit exam)
  • Remediation required
Sources Subjects and grades tested: IND. CODE. § 20-32-5-2, 20-18-2; IND. ADMIN. CODE tit. 511 r. 5-2-1; Indiana Department of Education Web site; Trish Wlodarczyk, Indiana Department of Education
College-ready measures: A Long-Term Assessment Plan for Indiana: Driving Student Learning, Indiana State Board of Education, November 1, 2006
End-of-course: IND. CODE § 20-32-5-21(b); Indiana Department of Education Core 40 Web site; Trish Wlodarczyk, Indiana Department of Education; American Diploma Project (ADP) press release
EOC/exit exam for NCLB: Indiana Consolidated State Application Accountability Workbook; Indiana Department of Education ISTEP+ Web page
Diagnostic exams: IND. CODE ANN. § 20-32-7-2, -3
Portfolios/performance-based IND. CODE ANN. § 20-32-7-4
Purposes of test: IND. CODE §§ 20-32-4-1, 20-32-5-10, 20-31-8 to 20-31-11

Iowa
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Reading
Math
Science
Grade level(s) tested 11: Reading, Math, Science (test determined by district; almost all participate in the Iowa Test of Educational Development)

Notes/Citation: Iowa statutes call for districts to develop or select assessment programs, but require that grade 11 reading, math and science be tested at a minimum.

Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) No
Include end-of-course exams No
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB No—state does not have end-of-course assessments or an exit exam.
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • School accountability
Sources Subjects and grades tested: IOWA CODE § 256.7(21)(c); IOWA ADMIN. CODE r. 281-12.8(1)(f); Iowa Test of Educational Development Web site
Purposes of test: IOWA ADMIN. CODE r. 281-12.8(4)

Kansas
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Reading
Writing
Math
Science (beginning 2007-2008 school year)
History & Government; Economics & Geography (beginning 2007-2008 school year)
Grade level(s) tested 10: Math
11: Reading, Writing, Science: at the end of the opportunity to learn or no later than the end of grade 11
12: History/Government: at the end of the opportunity to learn or no later than the end of grade 12
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) No
Include end-of-course exams No
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB No—state does not have end-of-course assessments or an exit exam.
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • School accountability
Sources Subjects and grades tested: KAN. STAT. ANN. § 72-6439(b), (c); KAN. ADMIN. REGS. 91-31-31; Kansas State Assessment Schedule
Purposes of test: KAN. ADMIN. REGS. 91-31-31, 91-31-32, 91-31-39, 91-31-40

Kentucky
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Reading
Writing
English
Math
Algebra I (end-of-course, to be piloted by the end of 2007-2008)
Geometry (end-of-course, to be piloted by the end of 2007-2008)
Algebra II (end-of-course, to be implemented 2007-2008)
Science
Social Studies
Arts & Humanities
Practical Living/Vocational Studies
Grade level(s) tested 10: Reading, Practical Living/Vocational Studies (Kentucky Core Content Test, or KCCT); English, Reading, Math, Science (PLAN) (by 2007-2008); WorkKeys (by 2007-2008, optional)
11: Math, Science, Social Studies, Arts and Humanities (KCCT); ACT (English, Reading, Math, Science) (by 2007-2008); WorkKeys (by 2007-2008, optional)
12: Writing (KCCT and Portfolio); WorkKeys (by 2007-2008, optional)
End of course (once implemented): Grade level varies
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) Yes. The voluntary Early Mathematics Testing Program offers public and private school students the opportunity to take online tests "to determine the level of mathematics knowledge of high school students in relation to the standards of placement tests given at the community and technical colleges and undergraduate public universities." Students may choose to receive the following information for up to three postsecondary institutions in the state:
"1. The student's test score;
2. A list of mathematics courses required for the student's intended major at a postsecondary education institution;
3. A list of any remedial courses the student might be required to take based on the student's current level of mathematics knowledge as demonstrated on the test;
4. The estimated cost of the remedial courses the student might be required to take; and
5. The high school courses and the specific mathematical concepts or functions a student should consider studying in order to address any deficiencies[.]"

In addition, by the 2007-2008 school year, all students will be required to take EXPLORE in grade 8, PLAN in grade 10 and the ACT in grade 11. EXPLORE, PLAN and the ACT are collectively referred to as the "Kentucky Work and College Readiness Examination" or "Readiness Examination."
Include end-of-course exams Yes. 2006 H.B. 197 directs the department to coordinate the development of end-of-course exams in Algebra I, Algebra II and geometry, to be piloted no later than the 2007-2008 school year.

In addition, the state is a member of the American Diploma Project (ADP) consortium of nine states developing a common Algebra II end-of-course assessment. The test will be administered each academic year in late spring and late fall/early winter, beginning in May 2008.

End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB No—state does not have end-of-course assessments or an exit exam at this time.
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No. However, the Voluntary Early Mathematics Testing Program provides all public and private 10th and 11th graders in the state with the opportunity to take online "a variety of diagnostic mathematics tests to identify knowledge and skills needed for postsecondary education courses." The assessments help students determine weaknesses in math skills so that additional math coursework may be taken in high school, with the goal of reducing the need for students to take remedial math upon entry to postsecondary education.
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs Yes. The grade 12 writing assessment is conducted through the development of a four-piece writing portfolio.
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

Yes-ACT (effective 2007-2008)

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • Course credit/grade
    Notes/Citation: A score on an end-of-course exam (once implemented) must be used in calculating a student's final grade. End-of-course exams must be piloted by the 2007-2008 school year, but a final implementation date is not known.
  • School accountability
  • Student non-monetary awards/recognition
    Notes/Citation: A student meeting the WorkKeys threshold set by the Cabinet for Workforce Development must be issued the appropriate Kentucky employability certificate. The WorkKeys must be offered to students in grades 10-12 by the 2007-2008 school year.
  • Remediation required
    Notes/Citation: Effective with the 2007-2008 school year, a student whose score on the EXPLORE, PLAN or WorkKeys "indicate[s] that additional assistance is required in English, reading or" math must "have intervention strategies for acelerated learning incorporated into his or her learning plan." Also, a student whose ACT score in English, reading or math would require placement at the postsecondary level "in a remedial course or an entry-level course with supplementary academic support" must have "the opportunity to participate in accelerated learning designed to address his or her identified academic deficiencies prior to high school graduation."
Sources Subjects and grades tested: KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 158.6453, 158.860; 703 KY. ADMIN. REGS. 5:010 sec. 1(1), 703 KY. ADMIN. REGS. 5:020 sec. 1(1), (2); Lisa Gross, Kentucky Department of Education 
College-ready measures: KY. REV. STAT. ANN. §§ 158.801 to 158.803, 158.6453; Kentucky Early Mathematics Testing Program Web site
End-of-course: KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 158.860; American Diploma Project (ADP) press release
Diagnostic exams: KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 158.803
Portfolios/performance-based: 703 ADMIN. REGS. 5:010
ACT/SAT: KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 158.6453
Purposes of test: KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 158.6453, 158.6455, 158.860; 703 KY. ADMIN. REGS. 5:020

Louisiana
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested English Language Arts
Math
Science
Social Studies
Algebra I (end of course) (to be piloted spring 2007, implemented 2007-2008)
All the following are to be phased in over a period of six years, 2007-2013: English I and English II (end of course)
Geometry (end of course)
Biology (end of course)
American History (end of course)
Free Enterprise (end of course)
Civics (end of course)
Grade level(s) tested 9: English Language Arts, Math (Integrated Louisiana Educational Assessment Program, or iLEAP)
10: English Language Arts, Math (Graduation Exit Examination, or GEE)
11: Science, Social Studies (GEE)
End of course (once implemented): Grade level varies
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) Yes. The Louisiana Board of Regents offers EXPLORE and PLAN to schools at no charge. All students in participating schools must take EXPLORE in grade 8 and PLAN in grade 10. Virtually all schools participate.

In addition, as part of its National Governors Association Honor State efforts, the state plans to develop a college readiness measure using assessment data and coursework completion.
Include end-of-course exams Yes. Tests are currently under development. The Algebra I end-of-course assessment is scheduled to be piloted in spring 2007 and implemented during the 2007-2008 school year. End-of-course exams in English I, English II, Geometry, Biology, American History, Free Enterprise and Civics are to be developed and phased in over a six-year period starting in 2007.
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB Yes—Graduation Exit Exam for the 21st Century (exit exam, English and math, grade 10, science, grade 11)
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • Level of diploma
    Notes/Citation: To earn an academic endorsement to the standard diploma, students must pass all portions of the GEE with a score of basic or above, or one of two specified combinations of scores with the English language arts score at basic or above.
  • School accountability
  • High school graduation (exit exam)
  • Remediation required
    Notes: Students and parents may refuse remediation with written documentation.
Sources Subjects and grades tested: LA. REV. STAT. ANN. §§ 12:24.4(F), 17.391.3 to 17.391.7; LA. ADMIN. CODE tit. 28:CXI, §§ 107, 701, 1701 and LA. ADMIN. CODE title 28, Part CXI. Bulletin 118, Chapter 18, §1801; Scott Norton, Director Standards, Assessments, and Accountability, Louisiana Department of Education
College-ready measures: Louisiana Board of Regents EPAS Web site; ACT Louisiana Case Study; NGA Web site
End-of-course: LA. ADMIN. CODE title 28, Part CXI. Bulletin 118, Chapter 18, §1801; Scott Norton, Director Standards, Assessments, and Accountability, Louisiana Department of Education
EOC/exit exam for NCLB: Louisiana Consolidated State Application Accountability Workbook
Purposes of test: LA. REV. STAT. ANN. §§ 17:10 to 17:10.7, 17:24.4(G)(4), 17.395; LA. ADMIN. CODE. tit. 28:XXXIX, §§ 911(C), 913; LA. ADMIN. CODE. tit. 28:CXI, § 107; LA. ADMIN. CODE. tit. 28:CXV, § 2319(G)

Maine
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Reading
Writing
Math
Science (beginning 2007-2008 school year)
Grade level(s) tested 11: Reading, Writing, Math (Scholastic Aptitude Test); Science (beginning 2007-2008 school year)
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) Yes. SAT required for 11th graders.
Include end-of-course exams No
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB No—state does not have end-of-course assessments or an exit exam.
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

Yes-SAT

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • School accountability
  • Student non-monetary awards/recognition
Sources Subjects and grades tested: ME. REV. STAT. ANN. tit. 20 §§ 6202, 6202A; CODE ME. R. § 05-071-127; Maine Department of Education Informational Letter No. 39: Transition from the MEA to the College Board SAT for Grade 11 Students
College-ready measures: Maine Department of Education Informational Letter No. 39: Transition from the MEA to the College Board SAT for Grade 11 Students
ACT/SAT: Maine Department of Education Informational Letter No. 39: Transition from the MEA to the College Board SAT for Grade 11 Students
Purposes of test: ME. REV. STAT. ANN. tit. 20 § 6202A, 6210

Maryland
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested English 2 (High School Assessment, end of course)
Algebra/Data Analysis (High School Assessment, end of course)
Algebra II (End of Course, to be implemented May 2008)
Biology (High School Assessment, end of course)
Government (High School Assessment, end of course)
Grade level(s) tested 10: English 2 (High School Assessment)
Other End of Course: Grade level varies
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) No
Include end-of-course exams Yes, English II, Algebra/Data Analysis, Biology, Government

In addition, the state is a member of the American Diploma Project (ADP) consortium of nine states developing a common Algebra II end-of-course assessment. The test will be administered each academic year in late spring and late fall/early winter, beginning in May 2008.
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB Yes—High School Assessment (end-of-course, English 2 and algebra/data analysis. These will also be exit exams effective with the Class of 2009.)
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • School accountability
  • High school graduation (exit exam)
    Notes/Citation: Beginning with the Class of 2009, students will need to pass the Maryland High School Assessments (HSA) to graduate from high school.
  • Remediation required
Sources Subjects and grades tested and End-of-course: MD. REGS. CODE tit. 13A § 01.04.04; Maryland High School Assessment Fact Sheet 1; Maryland School Assessment Factsheet; Achievement Matters Most: A Parent's Guide; American Diploma Project (ADP) press release 
EOC/exit exam for NCLB: Maryland Consolidated State Application Accountability Workbook
Purposes of test: MD. CODE. ANN., EDUC, § 7-203; MD. REGS. CODE tit. 13A §§01.04.01 to 01.04.09, 03.02.07 through 03.02.09

Massachusetts
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested English Language Arts
Math
Algebra II (end of course, to be implemented May 2008)
Biology (end of course)
Chemistry (end of course)
Introductory Physics (end of course)
Technology/Engineering (end of course)
U.S. History (end of course)
Grade level(s) tested 10: English Language Arts, Math (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System, or MCAS)
End of Course: Grade level varies
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) No
Include end-of-course exams Yes, Biology, Chemistry, Introductory Physics, Technology/Engineering, U.S. History.

In addition, the state is a member of a the American Diploma Project consortium of nine states developing a common Algebra II end-of-course assessment. The test will be administered each academic year in late spring and late fall/early winter, beginning in May 2008.
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB Yes—Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System, or MCAS (exit exam, English language arts and math, grade 10)
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) Yes. Comprehensive diagnostic assessments are required to be administered in grade 10. "Said diagnostic assessments shall identify academic achievement levels of all students in order to inform teachers, parents, administrators and the students themselves, as to individual academic performance. The [state board of education] shall develop procedures for updating, improving or refining the assessment system."
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • School accountability
  • High school graduation (exit exam)
    Notes/Citation: State currently requires students to pass English and math MCAS. Effective with the Class of 2010, a student will also need to pass one of the science end-of-course assessments (biology, chemistry, introductory physics or technology/engineering) to receive a high school diploma.
  • Student financial awards or scholarships
    Notes: State offers two financial aid opportunties based on MCAS scores: Stanley Z. Koplik Certificate of Mastery Tuition Waiver awards and the John and Abagail Adams Scholarship.
  • Certificate of mastery
    Notes/Citation: State awards the Certificate of Mastery and the Certificate of Mastery with Distinction. To earn the Certificate of Mastery, a student must score "Advanced" on at least one grade 10 MCAS subject and score either "Advanced" or "Proficient" on the other subjects in the grade 10 MCAS. New requirements have been approved for the Class of 2009. To qualify for the Certificate of Mastery with Distinction, a student must achieve state-set AP and/or SAT II and/or other achievements in science, writing, and artistic or literary achievement.
Sources Subjects and grades tested and End-of-course: MASS. GEN. LAWS. ch. 69, § 1I; MASS. REGS. CODE tit. 603, § 30.03; Massachusetts Department of Education MCAS Web site; National Governors Association Web site; American Diploma Project press release
EOC/exit exam for NCLB: Massachusetts Consolidated State Application Accountability Workbook
Diagnostic exams: MASS. GEN. LAWS ch 69, § 1I
Purposes of test: MASS. GEN. LAWS ch 69, §§ 1I, 1J; MASS. REGS. CODE tit. 603, §§ 30.03, 2.01 to 2.05 and §§ 31.01 to 31.06; Massachusetts Board of Higher Education web site; Department Web site

Michigan
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Reading
Writing
Math
Science
Social Studies
All the following are to be developed by spring 2009:
Grade 9 English (end-of-course)
Grade 10 English end-of-course)
Grade 11 English (end-of-course)
Grade 12 English (end-of-course)
Algebra I (end-of-course)
Geometry (end-of-course)
Algebra II (end-of-course)
Pre-Calculus (end-of-course)
Data and Statistics (end-of-course)
Earth Science (end-of-course)
Biology (end-of-course)
Chemistry (end-of-course)
Physics (end-of-course)
World History (end-of-course)
U.S. History (end-of-course)
Economics (end-of-course)
Civics (end-of-course)
Grade level(s) tested 9: English 9 (by spring 2009)
10: English 10 (by spring 2009)
11: English 11, ACT Plus Writing, WorkKeys, Michigan Math, Science, Social Studies (separate from ACT assessment)
12: English 12 (by spring 2009)
Other end-of-course: Grade level varies
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) Yes. ACT required for 11th graders as part of the Michigan Merit Exam.
Include end-of-course exams Yes. 2006 legislation requires end-of-course exams to be developed as part of recently adopted high school graduation requirements. By the 2008-2009 school year, exams are to be developed in Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, Data and Statistics, Earth Science, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Grade 9 English, Grade 10 English, Grade 11 English, Grade 12 English, World History, U.S. History, Economics, and Civics.

An April 2007 department memo notes that, on or around May 1, 2007, prototypes of the Algebra I and geometry end-of-course assessments will be made available to districts on request "to verify the rigor of their classes or, in some cases, to use for purposes of student assessment."
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB No—state does not currently have end-of-course assessments or an exit exam.
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No. However, the "the Michigan virtual high school [must] provide online test preparation resources for all Michigan high school pupils using web-based tools that align with the Michigan merit exam requirements, including the ACT and the revised MEAP exam." The resources must include diagnostic tools.
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

Yes-ACT

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • Course credit/grade
    Notes/Citation: Once the state end-of-course assessments are developed (spring 2009 at the latest), districts must base course credit determinations at least partially on a student's performance on the end-of-course assessment.
  • School accountability
  • Student non-monetary awards/recognition
  • Student financial awards or scholarships
Sources Subjects and grades tested and End-of-course: MICH. COMP. LAWS § 380.1279, 380.1279g, 380.1278a, 380.1278b; Ed Roeber and Jan Ellis, Michigan Department of Education; Michigan Department of Education April 5, 2007 memo
College-ready measures: MICH. COMP. LAWS § 380.1279g; Michigan Merit Exam Web site
ACT/SAT: Michigan Merit Exam Web site
Diagnostic exams: MICH. COMP. LAWS § 388.1698
Purposes of test: MICH. COMP. LAWS §§ 380.1280, 390.1451 to 390.1459, 390.1621 to 390.1638, 380.1278a(4)(b)

Minnesota
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Reading
Writing
Math
Life Sciences (end of course, beginning 2008)
Grade level(s) tested 9: Writing (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment, Series II/GRAD)
10: Reading (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment, Series II/GRAD)
11: Math (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment, Series II/GRAD)
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) Yes. The Department of Education offers EXPLORE and PLAN to districts at no charge. Students in participating districts may take EXPLORE in grade 8 and PLAN in grade 10.
Include end-of-course exams Yes

Notes/Citation: Life Sciences, beginning 2008

End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB Yes—MCA-II (Reading grade 10, Math grade 11)
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No. The MCA-II is not a diagnostic exam, although the state uses a growth model to provide longitudinal academic growth information for students.
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • School accountability
  • High school graduation (exit exam)
    Notes/Citation: Beginning with the Class of 2010, state will replace the basic skills tests (grade 8 in reading and math, grade 10 in writing) with the GRAD assessments.
  • Remediation required
Sources Subjects and grades tested: MINN. STAT. § 120B.30; MINN. R. 3501.0040, 3501.0230; Minnesota Department of Education testing Web site
College-ready measures: MINN. STAT. § 120B.128
End-of-course: MINN. STAT. § 120B.30(1a)(2); Minnesota Department of Education testing Web site
EOC/exit exam for NCLB: Minnesota Consolidated State Application Accountability Workbook
Diagnostic exams: MINN. STAT. §§ 120B.30(1a)(c)(2), 120B.362(a)
Purposes of test: MINN. STAT. §§ 120B.30, 120B.31, 120B.35; MINN. R. 3501.0110, 3501.0040, 3501.0230 to 0250

Mississippi
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested English II (end of course)
Algebra I (end of course)
Biology (end of course)
U.S. History (end of course)
Grade level(s) tested 9: Algebra I, Biology (Subject Area Testing Program, or SATP)
10: English II (SATP)
11: U.S. History (SATP)
Note: Grade levels may vary
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) Yes. Subject to appropriation, all grade 10 students must be offered the PSAT or ACT PLAN. However, according to a January 2007 document, the department currently does not have funds to offer students these assessments.
Include end-of-course exams Yes

Notes/Citation: Algebra I, Biology I, English II and U.S. History

End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB Yes—Subject Area Testing Program (end-of-course and exit exams, English II, Algebra I, grade levels may vary)
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • School accountability
  • High school graduation (exit exam)
Sources Subjects and grades tested: MISS. CODE. ANN. §§ 37-16-1 to 37-16-11; Mississippi Department of Education Subject Area and FLE Graduation Requirements schedule
College-ready measures: CMSR 36-000-113 (Mississipi State Board Policy Manual, Code 2903); Mississippi Department of Education Questions and Answers regarding the Access to a Substantive and Rigorous Curriculum Policy
End-of-course: Mississippi Department of Education Subject Area and FLE Graduation Requirements schedule
EOC/exit exam for NCLB: Mississippi Consolidated State Application Accountability Workbook; Mississippi Department of Education Web site
Purposes of test: MISS. CODE ANN. §§ 37-16-3(c), 37-16-7(1)(a), 17-17-6, 37-18-1 to 37-18-5; State Board of Education Policy IHF-1

Missouri
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Communication Arts
Math
Science
Social Studies
The following are to be implemented by 2008-2009:
English II (end-of-course)
Algebra I (end-of-course)
Biology (end-of-course)
The following are most likely to be implemented by 2009-2010:
Communication Arts I (English I) (end-of-course)
Geometry (end-of-course)
Algebra II end-of-course)
Integrated Mathematics II (end-of-course)
Integrated Mathematics III (end-of-course)
Physical Science(end-of-course)
Chemistry (end-of-course)
American History (end-of-course)
Government (end-of-course)
Grade level(s) tested 10: Math, Science (Missouri Assessment Program)
11: Communication Arts, Social Studies (Missouri Assessment Program)
End-of-course (once implemented): Grade level varies
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) No
Include end-of-course exams Yes. A February 2007 state board decision requires end-of-course exams to be developed in Algebra I, English II and Biology. These exams are to be piloted the 2007-2008 school year and implemented in 2008-2009. The state also plans to develop end-of-course assessments in English I, Algebra II, Geometry, Integrated Mathematics II and III, Physical Science, Chemistry, Government and American History by 2010.
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB No—state does not have end-of-course assessments or an exit exam at this time.
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • Course credit/grade
    Notes/Citation: End-of-course exams, to be implemented in 2008-2009, are likely to be factored into student grades; however, a final determination by the state board of education has not been made.
  • School accountability
Sources Subjects and grades tested: MO. REV. STAT. § 160.518; MO. CODE REGS. ANN. tit. 5, § 50-280.010; Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Update 2004; Stan Johnson, assistant commissioner for school improvement, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
End-of-course: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education press release; Stan Johnson, assistant commissioner for school improvement, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Purposes of test: MO. REV. STAT. §§ 160.518, 160.570; MO. CODE REGS. ANN. tit. 5, §§ 50-34.150, 50-345.010 to 50-345.300; Stan Johnson, assistant commissioner for school improvement, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Montana
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested English Language Arts
Reading
Math
Science
Social Studies
Grade level(s) tested 10: Reading and Math (Montana Comprehensive Assessment System (MontCAS) Phase 2: CRT. Science will begin in the 2007-08 school year.
11: Language Arts, Reading, Math, Social Studies and Science (Montana Comprehensive Assessment System (MontCAS), Phase 1: NRT (Iowa Tests)
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) No
Include end-of-course exams No
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB No—state does not have end-of-course assessments or an exit exam.
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • School accountability
Sources Subjects and grades tested: MONT. CODE ANN. § 20-2-121(11); MONT. ADMIN. R. 10.55.603, 10.56.101; Judy Snow, State Assessment Director, Montana Office of Public Instruction
Purposes of test: MONT. CODE. ANN. § 20-1-101; MONT. ADMIN. R. 10.55.601

Nebraska
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Writing

Notes/Citation: Statutes require local districts to administer additional assessments in Reading, Math, Science and Social Studies.

Grade level(s) tested 11: Writing (Nebraska Statewide Writing Assessment)
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) No
Include end-of-course exams No
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB No—state does not have end-of-course assessments or an exit exam.
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • School accountability
    Notes: Results from local assessments are used for school accountability purposes.
Sources Subjects and grades tested: NEB. REV. STAT. § 79-760; NEB. ADMIN. CODE. tit. 92, 10-005
Purposes of test: NEB. REV. STAT. § 79-760; NEB. ADMIN. CODE. tit. 92, 10-005

Nevada
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Reading
Writing
English Language Arts
Math
Science
Grade level(s) tested 10: Reading, Math, Science (Nevada High School Proficiency Exam); English Language Arts, Reading, Math, Science (Iowa Test of Educational Development, or ITED)
11: Writing (Nevada High School Proficiency Exam Holistic Writing Assessment)
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) No
Include end-of-course exams No
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB Yes—High School Proficiency Exams (exit exam, reading and math, grade 10)
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • School accountability
  • High school graduation (exit exam)
  • Remediation required
Sources Subjects and grades tested: NEV. REV. STAT. §§ 389.015, 389.055; NEV. ADMIN. CODE ch. 389, §§ 048, 061; Nevada Department of Education Web site
EOC/exit exam for NCLB: Nevada Consolidated State Application Accountability Workbook
Purposes of test: NEV. REV. STAT. §§ 385.3455 to 385.391, 389.015; NEV. ADMIN. CODE ch. 389, §§ 057, 655, 661

New Hampshire
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Reading
Writing
Math
Science (pilot spring 2007, to be implemented spring 2008)
Grade level(s) tested 11: Reading, Writing, Math, Science (New England Comprehensive Assessment Program, or NECAP; pilot in 2006-2007, full implementation in 2007-2008)
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) No
Include end-of-course exams No
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB No—state does not have end-of-course assessments or an exit exam.
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • School accountability
Sources Subjects and grades tested: N.H. REV. STAT. ANN. §§ 193-C:5, 193-C:6; 2006 NHEIAP Grade 10 Test Administration Workshop Power Point; New Hampshire Department of Education New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) Web page
Purposes of test: N.H. REV. STAT. ANN. §§ 193-H:1 to H:4

New Jersey
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Reading
Writing
Math
Algebra II (end of course, to be implemented 2008)
Science
Biology (end of course, to be implemented 2008)
Grade level(s) tested 11: Reading, Writing, Math, Science (New Jersey High School Proficiency Assessment, or HSPA)
End of course (once implemented): Grade level varies
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) No
Include end-of-course exams Yes. An end-of-course biology assessment will first be administered in spring 2008.

In addition, the state is a member of the American Diploma Project (ADP) consortium of nine states developing a common Algebra II end-of-course assessment. The test will be administered each academic year in late spring and late fall/early winter, beginning in May 2008.
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB Yes—High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA) (exit exam, grade 11)
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • School accountability
  • High school graduation (exit exam)
  • Remediation required
Sources Subjects and grades tested and End-of-course: N.J. STAT. ANN. §§ 18A:7C-1, 18A:7C-6; N.J. ADMIN. CODE tit. 6A, § 6A:8-4.1; January 8, 2007 department memo; January 2007 department FAQ; American Diploma Project (ADP) press release
EOC/exit exam for NCLB: New Jersey Consolidated State Application Accountability Workbook
Purposes of test: N.J. STAT. ANN. §§ 18A:7C-2, 18A:7C-3, 18A:7F-29; N.J. ADMIN. CODE tit. 6A, §§ 6A:8-4.4, 6A:8-5.2

New Mexico
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Reading
Writing
English Language Arts
Math
Science
Social Studies
Grade level(s) tested 9: Reading, Writing, Math, Science (New Mexico Standards-Based Assessment)
10: English Language Arts, Reading, Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies (New Mexico High School Competency Exam)
11: Reading, Math, Science (New Mexico High School Standards Assessment; science portion begins in 2007-2008 school year)
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) Yes. 2007 S.B. 561 directs the department to establish a readiness assessment system by the 2008-2009 school year. The system must be "aligned with state academic content and performance standards, college placement tests and entry-level career skill requirements" and must include:
  • a high school-readiness test in English, reading, math and science in grade 9
  • a college readiness assessment in English, reading and math in grade 10
  • a workplace readiness assessment to test applied skills in reading, math and locating information in grade 11.

    • All students at the specified grade level must participate in the assessment.

    In addition, earlier legislation directs end-of-course exams to be aligned with college placement exams, but these exams have not yet been developed, as the definition of "aligned to college entrance" has not been definitively determined. Once this definition has been clarified, the department will begin development of these exams.

Include end-of-course exams No. Statute directs end-of-course exams to be aligned with college placement exams, but these exams have not yet been developed, as the definition of "aligned to college entrance" has not been definitively determined. Once this definition has been clarified, the department will begin development of these exams.
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB No—rather than using the exit exam, the New Mexico High School Competency Exam, the state uses grades 9 and 11 New Mexico Standards-Based Assessment.
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • School accountability
  • High school graduation (exit exam)
Sources Subjects and grades tested: N. M. STAT. ANN. §§ 22-2C-4, 22-13-1.1
College-ready measures and End-of-course:
: N. M. STAT. ANN. §§ 22-2-8.11, 22-13-1.2; 2007 S.B. 561, Section 4; Don Watson, Assistant Secretary/Assessment and Accountability, New Mexico Public Education Department
EOC/exit exam for NCLB: New Mexico Consolidated State Application Accountability Workbook
Purposes of test: N. M. STAT. ANN. §§ 22-2C-4 to 10, 22-13-1.1; N.M. ADMIN. CODE tit. 6, §§ 6.19.1.7 to 6.19.1.10

New York
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Comprehensive English (end of course)
Mathematics A (end of course)
Mathematics B (end of course)
Chemistry (end of course)
Physics (end of course)
Earth Science (end of course)
Living Environment (end of course)
U.S. History and Government (end of course)
Global History and Geography (end of course)
French (end of course)
German (end of course)
Hebrew (end of course)
Italian (end of course)
Latin (end of course)
Spanish (end of course)
Grade level(s) tested End of Course: Grade level varies
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) No
Include end-of-course exams Yes

Notes/Citation: Comprehensive English, Mathematics A, Mathematics B, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, Living Environment, U.S. History and Government, Global History and Geography, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Latin, Spanish

End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB Yes—Regents comprehensive examination in English or a Regents mathematics examination (examinations are end-of-course and also exit examinations).
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • Course credit/grade
  • Level of diploma
    Notes/Citation: To earn a Regents diploma with honors, a student must score an average of at least 90% on all Regents examinations. To earn a Regents diploma with an advanced designation, a student must complete additional Regents examinations in mathematics; an additonal Regents examination in science; and one of the following: two additional units in a language other than English for a total of three units and the Regents comprehensive assessment in that language, OR a five-credit sequence in the Arts, OR a five-credit sequence in Career and Technical Education.
  • School accountability
  • High school graduation (exit exam)
  • Student financial awards or scholarships
    Notes/Citation: Each high school in the state is allocated one $1,500 Scholarship for Academic Excellence, and smaller $500 scholarships are also available. A high school must select one of three state-approved methods of determining a scholarship winner. One method is by weighing Regents examination scores.
Sources Subjects and grades tested and End of course N. Y. COMP. CODES R. & R.EGS. tit. 8, § 100.5 (5), New York State Education Department Regents Examination Web site
EOC/exit exam for NCLB: New York Accountability Peer Review (NCLB accountability workbook)
Purposes of test: N. Y. COMP. CODES R. & REGS. tit. 8, §§ 3.45, 100.1(b), 100.2, 100.5, New York State Education Department Scholarships for Academic Excellence Web site

North Carolina
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Reading (general)
Writing (general)
English I (end of course)
Math (general)
Algebra I (end of course)
Algebra II (end of course)
Geometry (end of course)
Biology (end of course)
Chemistry (end of course)
Physics (end of course)
Physical Science (end of course)
U.S. History (end of course)
Civics & Economics (end of course)
Grade level(s) tested 9: Reading, Math (North Carolina Competency Test, only required for students who do not attain Achievement Level III on 8th grade exams)
10: Writing (North Carolina Writing Assessment); Math (High School Comprehensive Test—only offered to students who do not have Algebra I by grade 10)
End of Course: Grade level varies
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) Yes. Every student in grades 8-10 who has completed Algebra I or who is in the last month of Algebra I must be given the opportunity to take the PSAT once at state expense. (Algebra I is a required course for the career preparation and college/university preparation courses of study. The college technical preparation course of study requires either Algebra I or integrated mathematics I. Algebra I is not a requirement for the occupational course of study.)

In addition, the North Carolina Early Mathematics Placement Testing (NC EMPT) Program, supported by the University of North Carolina General Administration, is an optional assessment that provides students the opportunity to take an assessment similar to an actual college mathematics placement test, allowing them to seek further preparation in math (if needed) while still in high school. Tests are provided at no cost to the participating school. According to materials posted to the program Web site, North Carolina public and private high school students who are enrolled in and close to completing Algebra II are the target audience for the program. "Students who have already completed Algebra II and are enrolled in Advanced Functions and Modeling, Integrated Math 3, Precalculus, Discrete Math, Statistics, or a higher-level mathematics course are also strongly encouraged to test."
Include end-of-course exams Yes

Notes/Citation: English I, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physical Science, U.S. History, Civics & Economics

End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB Yes—state uses "combination of the English I End-of-Course test and the Grade 10 Writing Assessment, and the Algebra I End-of-Course test in grade 10." Students whose course of study does not require them to take the Algebra I End-of-Course tests take the NC High School Comprehensive Test of Mathematics.
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • Course credit/grade
    Notes/Citation: Districts must "use results from all operational end-of-course assessments as at least 25% of the student's final grade for each respective course." Each district must "adopt policies regarding the use of end-of-course assessment results in assigning final grades."
  • School accountability
  • High school graduation (exit exam)
  • Remediation required
Sources Subjects and grades tested: N.C. GEN. STAT. § 115C-174.11; N.C. ADMIN. CODE tit. 16, r. 6D.0503; North Carolina Writing Assessment Brief; North Carolina End-of-Course Assessment Brief; North Carolina Competency Test Assessment Brief; Sarah McManus, Chief, Testing Policy and Operations, Accountability Services Division, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
College-ready measures: N.C. GEN. STAT. § 115C-174.18; North Carolina Early Mathematics Placement Testing Program Web site
End-of-course: N.C. GEN. STAT. § 115C-174.11; N.C. ADMIN. CODE tit. 16, r. 6D.0305, r. 6D.0503, 6D.0505; North Carolina End-of-Course Assessment Brief
EOC/exit exam for NCLB: North Carolina Consolidated State Application Accountability Workbook; Sarah McManus, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
Purposes of test: N.C. GEN. STAT. §§ 115C-105.35 to 105.37A, 115C-174.11; N.C. ADMIN. CODE tit. 16, §§ 6D.0301(b), 6D.0503, 6D.0505, 6G.0305 to 6G.0312

North Dakota
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested English Language Arts
Math
Science
Grade level(s) tested 11: English Language Arts, Math, and Science (North Dakota State Assessment)
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) No
Include end-of-course exams No
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB No—state does not have end-of-course assessments or an exit exam.
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • School accountability
Sources Subjects and grades tested: N.D. CENT. CODE. § 15.1-21-08; Jean Newborg, Assistant Director, Standards and Achievement, North Dakota Department of Public Instruction
Purposes of exam: North Dakota Consolidated State Application Accountability Workbook

Ohio
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Reading
Writing
Math
Algebra II (end of course, to be implemented May 2008)
Science
Social Studies
Grade level(s) tested 10: Reading, Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies (Ohio Graduation Test)
End of course (once implemented): Grade level varies
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) Yes. The Ohio Early Mathematics Placement Testing (EMPT) Program, administered by the Ohio Board of Regents, makes available paper and online assessments to determine high school students' readiness for postsecondary-level mathematics. One assessment is geared toward sophomores; the Ohio EMPT test (also known as the algebra test) is aimed at students (typically juniors) enrolled in Algebra II, trigonometry and precalculus; the Calculus Readiness Test is geared toward students (usually juniors and seniors) enrolled in precalculus and calculus courses. Tests are offered at no cost to students or their high schools.

In addition, 2006 S.B. 311 requires the state's P-16 council, "The partnership for continued learning, in collaboration with the Ohio board of regents and the state board of education, [to] recommend a means of assessing high school students' college and work readiness, especially in English and mathematics." The assessment(s) recommended by the partnership must:
"(A) Measure students' skills against identified college and work-ready expectations in English and mathematics and serve as an indicator of students' readiness to successfully complete introductory level coursework at an institution of higher education and to avoid remedial coursework;
(B) Promote consistency in high school academic course content, quality, and expectations;
(C) Provide individual students with information to assist in planning the remaining high school learning experience;
(D) Serve as one indicator for college admission or placement; [and]
(E) Assist institutions of higher education in aligning remedial coursework with the college and work-ready expectations measured by the assessments."
The partnership must consider existing state and commercial assessments, including the Ohio graduation tests.

In addition, the state board of education, by July 2012, must "select one or more methods of measuring high school graduates' preparedness for higher education and the workforce. The measures may include, but need not be limited to, student performance on the assessments recommended" by the partnership.
Include end-of-course exams Yes. Ohio is a member of the American Diploma Project (ADP) consortium of nine states developing a common Algebra II end-of-course assessment. The test will be administered each academic year in late spring and late fall/early winter, beginning in May 2008.
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB Yes—Ohio Graduation Test (exit exam, reading and math, grade 10)
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • School accountability
  • High school graduation (exit exam)
Sources Subjects and grades tested: OHIO REV. CODE ANN. § 3301.0710(B); OHIO. ADMIN. CODE § 3301-13-02
College-ready measures: Ohio Early Mathematics Placement Testing Program Web site; OHIO. REV. CODE ANN. § 3301.43, 3302.032 (2006 S.B. 311)
End-of-course: American Diploma Project (ADP) press release
EOC/exit exam for NCLB: Ohio Consolidated Application Accountability Workbook
Purposes of test: OHIO REV. CODE ANN. §§ 3301.0710(B), 3301.0711(E), 3302.01 to 3302.05, 3313.61; OHIO. ADMIN. CODE § 3301-13-02

Oklahoma
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested English II (end of course)
Algebra I (end of course)
Biology I (end of course)
U.S. History (end of course)
English III, Algebra II and Geometry (end of course, scheduled to be developed and field-tested in 2006-2007 and implemented in 2007-2008)
Grade level(s) tested End-of-course: Grade level varies
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) Yes. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education offers EXPLORE and PLAN to districts at no charge. All students in participating districts must take EXPLORE in grade 8 and PLAN in grade 10.

In addition, the state makes available the Oklahoma Early Mathematics Testing Program (OKTEMTP), a voluntary online assessment that allows students to determine their readiness for entry-level postsecondary mathematics coursework. Students logging in to the OKEMTP site automatically go to the Kentucky Early Mathematics Testing Program (KEMTP) Web site. However, the state currently does not have any means to monitor OKEMTP usage and does not receive this information from KEMTP. At this time, it is not known if the product is widely used in Oklahoma.
Include end-of-course exams Yes

Notes/Citation: English II, Algebra I, Biology I, U.S. History. Additonal end-of-instruction tests in English III, Algebra II and Geometry are to be developed and field-tested in 2006-2007 and implemented in 2007-2008.

End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB Yes—English II and Algebra I end-of-instruction assessments (end-of-course, grade level varies. These end-of-course exams will also become exit exams effective with the Class of 2012.)
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) Yes. Although the end-of-instruction tests are not solely diagnostic exams, the test results must be "reported to districts in a manner that yields detailed, diagnostic information for the purpose of guiding instruction and student remediation." The state currently requires students in English II, Algebra I, Biology I, U.S. History to complete the related end-of-instruction assessments. Additonal end-of-instruction tests in English III, Algebra II and Geometry are to be developed and field-tested in 2006-2007 and implemented in 2007-2008.
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • School accountability
  • High school graduation (exit exam)
    Notes/Citation: Effective with the Class of 2012, students must pass end-of-instruction tests in Algebra I, English II and two additional subject areas (selected from Algebra II, Biology I, English III, Geometry and U.S. History) to earn a high school diploma.
  • Student non-monetary awards/recognition
    Notes/Citation: A district may develop and issue a certificate of distinction. A student must meet several criteria to earn the certificate, including a satisfactory score on all end-of-instruction assessments as they are implemented.
  • Remediation required
    Notes/Citation: Students who do not earn at least a satisfactory score on an end-of-instruction test must be provided remediation.
Sources Subjects and grades tested: OKLA. STAT. tit. 70, § 1210.508(6), § 1210.523
College-ready measures: Oklahoma State Regents EPAS Web site; Oklahoma Early Mathematics Testing Program (OKEMTP) Web site; Kelly R. Damhousse, Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Oklahoma (OKEMTP)
End-of-course: OKLA. STAT. tit. 70, § 1210.508(7), 1210.523
EOC/exit exam for NCLB: Oklahoma Consolidated State Application Accountability Workbook
Diagnostic exams: OKLA. STAT. ANN. tit. 70, § 1210.508
Purposes of test: OKLA. STAT. tit. 70, §§ 3-150 to 3-152.1, 11-103.6d, 1210.508, 1210.523; OKLA. ADMIN. CODE §§ 210:10-13-18, 210:10-13-20

Oregon
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Reading
Writing
Math
Science

Notes/Citation: School districts may also administer state-developed assessments in history, geography, economics and civics.

Grade level(s) tested 10: Reading, Writing, Math, Science (Oregon Statewide Assessment)
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) No
Include end-of-course exams No
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB No—state does not have end-of-course assessments or an exit exam.
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • School accountability
  • Student financial awards or scholarships
  • Certificate of mastery
  • Remediation required
Sources Subjects and grades tested: OR. REV. STAT. § 329.485
Purposes of test: OR. REV. STAT. §§ 329.105, 329.447, 329.465, 329.485, 348.183, 348.186; OR. ADMIN. R. 581-022-1110

Pennsylvania
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Reading
Writing
Math
Algebra II (end of course, beginning 2007-2008 school year)
Science (beginning 2007-2008 school year)
Grade level(s) tested 11: Reading, Writing, Math (Science beginning 2007-2008) (Pennsylvania System of School Assessment, or PSSA)
End of course (once implemented): Grade level varies
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) No
Include end-of-course exams Yes. Pennsylvania is a member of the American Diploma Project (ADP) consortium of nine states developing a common Algebra II end-of-course assessment. The test will be administered each academic year in late spring and late fall/early winter, beginning in May 2008.
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB No—state does not have end-of-course assessments or an exit exam.
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) Yes. Although the PSSA is not a diagnostic exam, the state uses value-added longitudinal tracking of results to provide diagnostic academic growth information for students. Implementation of this program is in progress.
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • School accountability
  • Student non-monetary awards/recognition
    Notes/Citation: Any student who scores at the proficient level in a state assessed discipline receives a Pennsylvania Certificate of Proficiency for that discipline; a student scoring at the advanced level on any state assessed discipline receives a Pennsylvania Certificate of Distinction.
Sources Subjects and grades tested: 22 PA. CODE § 403.3, 4.51; Ross Bowman, Pennsylvania Department of Education
End-of-course: American Diploma Project (ADP) press release
Diagnostic exams: 22 PA. CODE § 403.3(d)(iii); Pennsylvania Department of Education Value-Added Assessment System Web site
Purposes of test: 24 PA. CONS. STAT. §§ 1-1-2, 17-1702B to 17-1710B; 22 PA. CODE §§ 4.24, 4.61, 403.3

Puerto Rico
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Reading (Spanish language)
Math
Science (piloted spring 2006)
Grade level(s) tested 11: Reading (in Spanish) and Math (Pruebas Puertorriqueñas de Aprovechamiento Académico (PPAA))
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) No
Include end-of-course exams No evidence
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB Unclear as to whether the Pruebas Puertorriqueñas de Aprovechamiento Académico (PPAA) are end-of-course and/or exit exams.
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • School accountability
Sources Subjects and grades tested: Puerto Rico Consolidated State Application Accountability Workbook
EOC/exit exam for NCLB: Puerto Rico Consolidated State Application Accountability Workbook

Rhode Island
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Reading
Writing (pilot 2006-2007, to be implemented 2007-2008)
Math
Algebra II (end of course, to be implemented May 2008)
Science (pilot 2006-2007, to be implemented 2007-2008)
Grade level(s) tested 11: Reading, Math (New Standards Reference Exam, or NSRE). New England Comprehensive Assessment Program (NECAP), being piloted in these subjects and science in 2006-2007, will replace this assessment in fall 2007. NECAP will include Reading, Writing, Math, Science
End of course (once implemented): Grade level varies
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) No
Include end-of-course exams No statewide end-of-course exams administered at this time. However, by May 2004, districts were required to identify at least two proficiency-based measures that students would be required to meet in addition to Carnegie units for local graduation requirements. End-of-course exams are among the options districts could choose from. (Other options include common tasks, portfolios, exhibitions and capstone/senior projects.)

However, the state is a member of the American Diploma Project (ADP) consortium of nine states developing a common Algebra II end-of-course assessment. The test will be administered each academic year in late spring and late fall/early winter, beginning in May 2008.
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB No—state does not have statewide end-of-course assessments or an exit exam.
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs Yes. Effective with the Class of 2008, students must demonstrate subject area proficiency through at least two means selected by the district. Methods by which students may demonstrate proficiency are "portfolios, extended capstone projects, public exhibitions, a Certificate of Initial Mastery, or departmental end-of-course exams—which may include industry-certification exams."
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • School accountability
Sources Subjects and grades tested: R.I. GEN. LAWS §§ 16-7.1-2, 16-7.1-13, 16-22-9; Rhode Island Department of Education High School Assessment Web site, February 4, 2004
End-of-course: R.I. CODE. R. 08 010 011 (5.2); Initial Guidance for the Graduation by Proficiency Component, February 4, 2004; American Diploma Project (ADP) press release
Portfolios/performance-based: R.I. CODE. R. 08 010 011 (5.2); Initial Guidance for the Graduation by Proficiency Component
Purposes of test: R.I. GEN. LAWS §16-7.1-5; R.I. CODE. R. 08 010 011 (5.2), (5.3); Rhode Island Department of Education School Improvement and Accountability Web site

South Carolina
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested English Language Arts (general)
English I (end of course)
Math (general)
Algebra I/Math for the Technologies 2 (end of course)
Physical Science (end of course)
U.S. History and Constitution (end of course)
Grade level(s) tested 10: English Language Arts, Math (High School Assessment Program)
End of Course: Grade level varies
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) Yes. All grade 10 students must be offered the PSAT or PLAN. In addition, the state secured grant funding to be able to administer the EXPLORE to students in grades 8 or 9 in 2005-2006 and 2006-2007. The state department of education in the FY08 budget requested full funding for the EPAS assessments statewide, providing for the administration of EXPLORE to all grade 8 students, PLAN to all grade 10 students and ACT to all grade 11 students who have completed the ACT-recommended curriculum. The request also asks for continued funding for the PSAT in grade 10, to help students determine if they should take the ACT or SAT in grade 11. A determination on this budget request will be made in May or June 2007.
Include end-of-course exams Yes
Notes/Citation: English I, Algebra I/Math for the Technologies 2, Physical Science, U.S. History and Constitution. Pending department support from the General Assembly, a revised biology end-of-course assessment will be piloted in spring 2008 and implemented in spring 2009.
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB Yes—High School Assessment Program (HSAP) (exit exam, grade 10)
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) Yes. Schools are to use the PSAT or PLAN administered to to 10th graders "as diagnostic tools to provide academic assistance to students whose scores reflect the need for such assistance."

In addition, the South Carolina Education and Economic Development Act (2005 H.B. 3155) requires the state board, by July 2007, to outline criteria for districts to use in identifying students at risk of dropping out or not being adequately prepared for the next grade level. The language likewise requires the criteria to include diagnostic assessments. However, it is not clear at this time whether all students will be required to take diagnostic assessments, or just those identified as being at risk.
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • Course credit/grade
  • School accountability
  • High school graduation (exit exam)
    Notes/Citation: Effective with the Class of 2010, students will additionally be required to pass a high school credit course in science and a course in United States history in which end-of-course examinations are administered to receive the state high-school diploma.
Sources Subjects and grades tested and End-of-course: S.C. CODE ANN. § 59-18-310, S.C. CODE ANN. REGS. §§ 43-262, 43-262.4; Theresa Siskind, Director, Office of Assessment, Division of Curriculum Services and Assessment, South Carolina State Department of Education
College-ready measures: S.C. CODE ANN. § 59-18-350; Suzette Lee, Director, Office of High School Redesign, South Carolina Department of Education
EOC/exit exam for NCLB: South Carolina Accountability Workbook
Diagnostic exams: S.C. CODE ANN. § 59-18-350, 59-59-150
Purposes of test: S.C. CODE ANN. §§ 59-18-310, 59-18-710, 59-18-900 to 59-18-1595; S.C. CODE. ANN. REGS. §§ 43-259, 43-262.4(I)(C)

South Dakota
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Reading
Writing
Math
Science
Grade level(s) tested 9: Writing (Stanford Writing Assessment)
11: Reading, Math, Science (Dakota State Test of Education Progress or Dakota STEP, an augmented version of Stanford 10 AB)
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) No
Include end-of-course exams No
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB No—state does not have end-of-course assessments or an exit exam.
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • School accountability
Sources Subjects and grades tested: S.D. CODIFIED LAWS § 13-3-55; Overview of the South Dakota Assessment System
Diagnostic exams: Overview of the South Dakota Assessment System
Purposes of test: S.D. CODIFIED LAWS §§ 13-3-62 to 13-3-69; S.D. ADMIN. R. 24:42:01:01 to 24:42:11:07

Tennessee
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Writing (general)
English I (end of course)
English II (end of course)
Algebra I (end of course)
Algebra II (end of course, pilot beginning 2006-2007)
Math Foundations II (end of course)
Geometry (end of course, pilot beginning 2006-2007)
Biology I (end of course)
Chemistry (end of course, pilot beginning 2006-2007)
Physical Science (end of course)
U.S. History (end of course)
Grade level(s) tested 11: Writing (Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program)
End of Course: Grade level varies
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) No
Include end-of-course exams Yes

Notes/Citation: English I, English II, Algebra I, Algebra II (pilot in 2006-2007), Math Foundations II, Geometry (pilot in 2006-2007), Biology I, Chemistry (pilot in 2006-2007), Physical Science, U.S. History

End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB Yes—Gateway English II and Algebra I (end-of-course and exit exams).
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • Course credit/grade
  • School accountability
  • High school graduation (exit exam)
  • Remediation required
Sources Subjects and grades tested: and End-of-course: TENN. CODE ANN. §§ 49-1-608, 49-6-6003; Tennessee Department of Education TCAP Secondary Assessments Web site
EOC/exit exam for NCLB: Tennessee Consolidated State Application Accountability Workbook
Purposes of test: TENN. CODE ANN. §§ 49-1-601, 49-1-602, 49-6-6001(a)(1); TENN. COMP. R. & REGS. R. 0520-1-3-.06(2); Tennesse Department of Education TCAP Secondary Assessments Web site

Texas
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Reading
English Language Arts
Math
Science
Social Studies
Algebra I (end of course)
Geometry (end of course) (to be field-tested in 2006-2007 and implemented in 2007-2008)
Biology (end of course) (to be field-tested in 2006-2007 and implemented in 2007-2008)
Chemistry (end of course) (to be field-tested in 2007-2008 and implemented in 2008-2009)
Physics (end of course) (to be field-tested in 2007-2008 and implemented in 2008-2009)
U.S. History (end of course) (to be field-tested in 2007-2008 and implemented in 2008-2009)
Grade level(s) tested 9: Reading, Math (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills, or TAKS)
10: English Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies (TAKS)
11: English Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies (TAKS)
End-of-course: Grade level varies
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) Yes. Since spring 2004, performance on the TAKS exit level English language arts and mathematics tests has been used to assess not only a student's level of academic preparation for graduation from a Texas public high school but also the student's readiness to enroll in an institution of higher education. This performance standard, called the Higher Education Readiness Component (HERC), is separate from the TAKS performance standards and was established by the Higher Education Coordinating Board. A student who meets this standard in English language arts and/or mathematics is not required to participate in state-mandated college readiness assessments in the relevant subject area prior to undergraduate enrollment.

In addition, statute directs that any end-of-course assessment that may be developed must be able "to determine the appropriate placement of a student in a course of the same subject matter at an institution of higher education."
Include end-of-course exams Yes

Notes/Citation: Algebra I; Geometry and Biology (field-tested in 2006-2007 and to be implemented in 2007-2008); U.S. History, Physics, Chemistry (to be field-tested in 2007-2008 and implemented in 2008-2009)

End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB No—rather than using the grade 11 exit exam, the state uses the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS, grade 10).
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) Statute directs the state commissioner of education, "in coordination with appropriate representatives of institutions of higher education and school districts," to develop "a diagnostic and assistance program for each subject" tested in the high school exit exams—math, English language arts, social studies and science. Current status of this project is unknown.
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • School accountability
  • High school graduation (exit exam)
Sources Subjects and grades tested: TEX. EDUC. CODE ANN. § 39.023; Texas Education Agency Web site
College-ready measures: TEX. EDUC. CODE ANN. §§ 39.023(c), 39.0232, 51.3062; 19 TEX. ADMIN. CODE §§ 4.51 to 4.55; Victoria Young, Director TAKS Reading, Writing and Social Studies, Texas Education Agency 
End-of-course: Texas Education Agency 2006-2007 Assessment Calendar; Texas Education Agency end-of-course exams Web page
EOC/exit exam for NCLB: Texas Consolidated State Application Accountability Workbook
Diagnostic exams: TEX. EDUC. CODE ANN. § 29.910
Purposes of test: TEX. EDUC. CODE ANN. §§ 39.025, 39.051 to 39.138; 19 TEX. ADMIN. CODE § 101.7(a)

Utah
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Reading
Writing
English Language Arts (end of course)
Math (general)
Pre-Algebra (end of course)
Elementary Algebra (end of course)
Intermediate Algebra (end of course, to be developed)
Geometry (end of course)
Applied Math I (end of course)
Applied Math II (end of course)
Science (general)
Biology (end of course)
Chemistry (end of course)
Physics (end of course)
Earth Science (end of course)
Grade level(s) tested 9: Writing (Utah Direct Writing Assessment)
10: Reading, Writing, Math (Utah Basic Skills Competency Test)
11: English Language Arts, Reading, Math, Science (Iowa Test of Education Development)
End of Course: Grade level varies
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) No
Include end-of-course exams Yes

Notes/Citation: English Language Arts, Pre-Algebra, Elementary Algebra, Geometry, Applied Math I & II, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science. 2007 H.B. 155 directs an end-of-course exam in Intermediate Algebra to be developed.

End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB Yes—end-of-course exams (English Language Arts, Algebra and Geometry, grades 10-12, whenever student takes course). State technically does not have an exit exam since students who have not passed all subtests by the end of their senior year may still receive a diploma.
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • School accountability
  • Remediation required
Sources Subjects and grades tested and End-of-course: UTAH CODE ANN. § 53A-1-602, 53A-1-603, 53A-1-611; UTAH ADMIN. CODE 277-705-6; Utah State Office of Education Assessment Web site; Sandy Johnson, Utah State Office of Education
EOC/exit exam for NCLB: Workbook; UTAH ADMIN. CODE R 277-7-5-6; Sandy Johnson, Utah State Office of Education
Diagnostic exams: Utah State Office of Education UTIPS Web site
Purposes of test: UTAH CODE ANN. §§ 53A-1-605, 53A-1-606, 53A-1-611(b); UTAH ADMIN. CODE 277-410-3, 277-413-3, 277-413-5, 277-705-6

Vermont
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Reading
Writing
Math
Science (beginning spring 2008)
Grade level(s) tested 11: Reading, Writing, Math; Science (beginning spring 2008)
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) No. However, section 20 (g) of 2006 H.B. 867 directs the state commissioner of education to "consult with high school principals and other appropriate people to consider whether" the ACT and/or SAT "should be used to assess student academic progress in the high school grades." The commissioner is required to report back to the house and senate education committees by the end of January 2007 with his recommendations.
Include end-of-course exams No
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB No—state does not have end-of-course assessments or an exit exam.
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Notes/Citation: However, section 20 (g) of 2006 H.B. 867 directs the state commissioner of education to consult with high school principals about this and report back to the house and senate ed cmtes by the end of January 2007 with his recommendations.

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • School accountability
Sources Subjects and grades tested: VT. STAT. ANN. tit. 16, § 164(9); VT. CODE R. 2120.2; Vermont Department of Education Assessment Web site
College-ready measures: 2006 H.B. 867
ACT/SAT: 2006 H.B. 867
Purposes of test: VT. STAT. ANN. tit. 16, § 165

Virginia
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Reading (end of course)
Writing (end of course)
Algebra I (end of course)
Algebra II (end of course)
Geometry (end of course)
Earth Science (end of course)
Biology (end of course)
Chemistry (end of course)
U.S. History to 1877 (end of course)
U.S. History 1877 to the Present (end of course)
Virginia and U.S. History (end of course)
World History I (end of course)
World History II (end of course)
World Geography (end of course)
Civics and Economics (end of course)
Grade level(s) tested End of course: Grade level varies (Standards of Learning, or SOL)
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) No, although all 10th graders in NGA Honor State Schools take the PSAT at no cost to the student.
Include end-of-course exams Yes

Notes/Citation: English, Writing, Algebra I & II, Geometry, Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, U.S. History, Virginia and U.S. History, World History, World Geography, Civics & Economics

End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB Yes—Standards of Learning (SOL, exit exam/end-of-course, grade levels vary)
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • Course credit/grade
    Notes/Citation: Schools may consider the student's end-of-course test score in determining the student's final course grade.
  • Level of diploma
    Notes: Students who entered 9th grade in 2002-03 must pass end-of-course tests in English and writing, and any other four end-of-course tests to earn a Standard Diploma. Students entering 9th grade in 2003-04 and after must pass the two end-of-course English tests, one test each in mathematics, history, and science, and one test of their own choosing to earn a standard diploma. To earn advanced diplomas students must pass additional end-of-course tests.
  • School accountability
  • High school graduation (exit exam)
  • Remediation required
    Notes/Citation: A student who fails an end-of-course exam required for the award of a verified unit of credit (end-of-course exam that is part of the exit exam) must participate in a remediation program.
Sources Subjects and grades tested and End-of-course: VA. CODE ANN. § 22.1-253.13:3(C); Virginia Department of Education Assessment Web site
College-ready measures: Virginia Department of Education Web site; National Governors Association Web site
EOC/exit exam for NCLB: Virginia Consolidated State Application Amended Accountability Workbook
Purposes of test: VA. CODE ANN. § 22.1-253-13:3, 22.1-253.13:1; 8 VA. ADMIN. CODE §§ 20-131-30(E), 20-131-50, 20-131-120(B), 20-131-280, 20-131-300, 20-131-310, 20-131-325; Virginia Department of Education Project Graduation Web site

Virgin Islands

Washington
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Reading
Writing
Math
Science
Grade level(s) tested 10: Reading, Writing, Math, Science (Washington Assessment of Student Learning, or WASL)
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) Yes. The Transition Mathematics Project (TMP) has developed college readiness math standards that define the attributes, knowledge and skills students entering postsecondary-level mathematics courses should possess. "Phase II of the Transition Math Project includes a math placement testing initiative designed to improve the existing math placement testing process for students making the transition from high school to college, starting with aligning the tests used with the new College Readiness Standards. This work also includes developing a pilot diagnostic assessment tool, linked to the TMP College Readiness Standards, that would be available to students across the state." Phase II is slated for completion by summer 2009.
Include end-of-course exams No
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB Yes—Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL, exit exam, grade 10)
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) Yes. While the state does not have explicit diagnostic assessments, "The assessment system shall be designed so that the results under the assessment system are used by educators as tools to evaluate instructional practices, and to initiate appropriate educational support for students who have not mastered the essential academic learning requirements at the appropriate periods in the student's educational development."

In addition, the Web site for the office of the superintendent of public instruction must include a guide of diagnostic assessments for voluntary use by districts. By September 2007, the office of the superintendent of public instruction must make "diagnostic assessments that help improve student learning" available to districts. "To the greatest extent possible, the assessments [must] be:
(a) Aligned to the state's grade level expectations;
(b) Individualized to each student's performance level;
(c) Administered efficiently to provide results either immediately or within two weeks;
(d) Capable of measuring individual student growth over time and allowing student progress to be compared to other students across the country;
(e) Readily available to parents; and
(f) Cost-effective.
Districts must be reimbursed by the state for diagnostic assessments administered "in grade nine for the purpose of identifying academic weaknesses, enhancing student planning and guidance, and developing targeted instructional strategies to assist students before the high school Washington assessment of student learning."
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • School accountability
  • High school graduation (exit exam)
    Notes/Citation: Effective with the Class of 2008, students will be required to pass the reading, writing and math portions of the WASL to earn a high school diploma. Effective with the Class of 2010, students will additionally be required to pass the science portion of the WASL to graduate from high school.
  • Student non-monetary awards/recognition
    Notes/Citation: The Class of 2007 is the last in which a student may receive a "scholar designation" on the high school transcript for having achieved a level four on the WASL on the first attempt.
  • Certificate of mastery
    Notes/Citation: The Certificate of Mastery was replaced in 2004 by the Certificate of Academic Achievement, which will first be available to students in the Class of 2008. Any "student who meets the state standards on the reading, writing, and mathematics content areas of the high school Washington assessment of student learning" (WASL) must be awarded a Certificate of Academic Achievement. Effective with the Class of 2010, a student will also be required to pass the science portion of the WASL to earn the Certificate of Academic Achievement.
  • Remediation required
Sources Subjects and grades tested: WASH. REV. CODE ANN. § 28A.655.061; WASH. ADMIN. CODE § 180-105-020; Overview of assessment program on Office of of Superintendent of Public Instruction Web site
College-ready measures: Transition Mathematics Project Web site
EOC/exit exam for NCLB: Washington Consolidated State Application Accountability Workbook
Diagnostic exams: WASH. REV. CODE ANN. § 28A.655.070, 28A.655.200
Purposes of test: WASH. REV. CODE ANN. §§ 28A.165.015, 28A.655.061; Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Bulletin No. 032-06

West Virginia
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Reading/Language Arts
Writing
Math
Algebra I (end-of-course, beginning 2008-2009)
Science
Grade level(s) tested 10: Reading/Language Arts, Math, Science (West Virginia Educational Standards Test, or WESTEST); Writing (West Virginia Writing Assessment)

However, "It is the intent of the Legislature that in the future a grade eleven uniform statewide assessment be administered in lieu of the grade ten uniform statewide assessment." The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) will implement the grade 11 testing beginning in the 2008-2009 school year. In addition, 2007 S.B. 657 directs the state board to develop a state assessment system that extends to grade 12, and authorizes the state board to move the writing assessment to grade 11.
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) Yes. All students must take EXPLORE in grade 8 and PLAN in grade 10, except for those students who meet the criteria for the Alternative Performance Task Assessment (APTA). In addition, effective with the 2008-2009 school year, all grade 11 students will be required to take the ACT.

In addition, the state will offer three curriculum pathways, effective with the Class of 2009. Students in the "professional pathway" (college-bound pathway) and college-bound students in the "skilled pathway" who do not meet the state assessment college readiness benchmark in English and/or mathematics on the ACT during their junior year will be required to take a college transition English or mathematics course during their senior year. 
Include end-of-course exams Yes. Algebra I, beginning in 2008-2009.
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB No—state does have end-of-course assessments or an exit exam at this time.
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

Yes-ACT (effective 2008-2009)

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • School accountability
Sources Subjects and grades tested and End-of-course: W. VA. CODE. § 18-2E-5; W. VA. CODE ST. R. § 126-13-4.3.2, 126-13-6.5.3 and 6.5.4; Jan Barth, Office of Student Services, West Virginia Department of Education; 2007 S.B. 657
College-ready measures: W. VA. CODE ST. R. § 126-42-10, 126-42-5.6.1 (pages 17-18 of this document); Jan Barth, Office of Student Services, West Virginia Department of Education
ACT/SAT: Jan Barth, Office of Student Services, West Virginia Department of Education
Purposes of test: W. VA. CODE. § 18-2E-5; W. VA. CODE ST. R. § 126-13-4

Wisconsin
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Reading
Writing
Language Arts
Math
Science
Social Studies
Grade level(s) tested 10: Reading, Writing, Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies (Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examinations— Criterion-Referenced Test, or WKCE-CRT)
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) No
Include end-of-course exams No
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB No—state does not have end-of-course assessments or an exit exam.
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

No

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • School accountability
Sources Subjects and grades tested: WIS. STAT. § 118.30; Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Web site
Purposes of test: WIS. STAT. § 115.38(1)

Wyoming
High School-Level Exams
Subjects tested Reading
Writing
Math
Science (beginning 2007-2008 school year)
Grade level(s) tested 11: Reading, Writing, Math (and Science, beginning 2007-2008 school year) (Proficiency Assessments for Wyoming Students, or PAWS), ACT or WorkKeys
Include college-ready measures (i.e., ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, aligned with college placement tests, etc.) Yes. ACT or WorkKeys required for 11th graders.
Include end-of-course exams No
End-of-course and/or exit exam used for NCLB No—state does not have end-of-course assessments or an exit exam.
All students required to take diagnostic exams (not just special education or other subgroup of students) No
Allow for portfolios/performance-based assessment for students who do not have IEPs No
State requires ACT or SAT for all students

Yes-ACT

Notes/Citation: Homeschool and private school students must have the opportunity to take the ACT or WorkKeys at no cost on the same day they are administered to public school students.

Purpose(s) of high school-level exam
  • School accountability
  • Student non-monetary awards/recognition
    Notes/Citation: Each high school transcript must include one of three endorsements based on the student's performance on the common core of knowledge and skills. An advanced endorsement indicates a student has demonstrated advanced performance in a majority of the areas of the common core of knowledge and skills, and proficient performance on the remaining knowledge and skills.
  • Student financial awards or scholarships
    Notes/Citation: Eligibility criteria for a Hathaway Scholarship include either an ACT score of 17 or higher, or WorkKeys score of 12 or higher. All grade 11 students take the ACT or WorkKeys.
Sources Subjects and grades tested: WYO. STAT. ANN. § 21-2-304, 21-2-202; WCWR 005-000-006, section 8; Lacy Krakow, Wyoming Department of Education
College-ready measures: WYO. STAT. ANN. § 21-2-202, 21-3-110
ACT/SAT: WYO. STAT. ANN. § 21-3-110, 21-2-202; Lacy Krakow, Wyoming Department of Education
Purposes of test: WYO. STAT. ANN. § 21-2-304, 21-16-1304

Federal Law

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