1. Credit By Demonstrated Mastery Policy Overview 2014-2015

2. What is Credit by Demonstrated Mastery (CDM)? NC State Board of Education Policy GCS-M-001.13 Approved in December 2012 Revised in December 2013 Implementation required in the 2014-15 school year

3. What does the policy state? According to SBE Policy: Credit by Demonstrated Mastery is the process by which LEAs shall, based upon a body-of- evidence, award a student credit in a particular course without requiring the student to complete classroom instruction for a certain amount of seat time

4. What does the policy mean ? The CDM policy: Recognizes that any student may have a learning path with unique, individual circumstances that has allowed him/her to gain a deep understanding of content of a particular course or subject area without the traditional school setting Offers NC students the opportunity to personalize and accelerate their learning by earning course credit through a demonstration of mastery of course material without sitting through the course Allows students to show mastery through assessments, products, demonstrations, performances, and presentations

5. How is mastery defined? Mastery is defined as a student’s command of course material at a level that demonstrates a deep understanding of the content standards and application of knowledge Mastery is demonstrated through a multi-phase assessment process

6. Who may attempt CDM? All NC students in grades 9-12 may attempt CDM for eligible high school courses Students in eighth grade may attempt CDM for eligible high school courses Students in grades 6-8 may attempt CDM for those high school courses that are taught in middle school (Math I, Spanish I and II, and French I and II in I-SS) I-SS students may only attempt CDM for eligible high school courses taught in I-SS

7. When might CDM be appropriate? Examples: A student who has owned a horse for many years, has been responsible for its care, has participated in equestrian events, and has read and researched topics related to equines might be able to receive credit for Equine Science I through CDM and take Equine Science II instead A native speaker of French who has strong grammar, writing, and conversational skills might be able to demonstrate mastery of entry level French courses

8. What high school courses are eligible for the CDM process? Students may attempt CDM for Courses which have an EOC test (Math I, Biology, and English II) Standard level high school courses (unless specifically excluded) Sequential courses (next course in sequence)

9. What high school courses are not eligible for CDM? Courses that are excluded from the CDM process include: Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses CTE Advanced Studies courses and those that are work-based, have a clinical setting, etc. ELL courses Healthful Living required courses; CPR

10. What is included in the multi-phase assessment process? Phase I assessments include: End-of-Course (EOC) tests for Math I, Biology, and English II CTE Post-Assessments NC Final Exams (NCFEs) Locally developed final assessments

11. What is the time frame for Phase I assessments? NCDPI determines the testing window for Phase I assessments February 16-27, 2015 is the Spring testing window to determine course registration for Fall 2015 Phase I assessment results will be shared with students/families by March 4, 2015

12. What are the required scores on Phase I assessments? Students must obtain a minimum score of: 94th percentile (Level 5) on EOC tests o Math I – 264 scale score o Biology – 261 scale score o English II – 165 scale score 93 on CTE Post-Assessments 94 on NC Final Exams 94 on locally developed final assessments

13. What comes next in the multi-phase assessment process? If the student does not obtain the minimum required score on the Phase I assessment: Students/families are notified The CDM process ends; Phase I results may not be appealed There is no effect on the student’s GPA The attempt is not recorded on the student’s transcript The student may register for the attempted course and complete the required seat time for credit

14. What are next steps if the student is successful on the Phase I assessment? If the student does obtain the minimum required score on the Phase I assessment, he/she: Receives the Phase II assignment and scoring rubric Completes the components of the Phase II assessment Submits the Phase II artifact(s) by March 20, 2015 for review by the School Review Team

15. What are the components of the Phase II assessment? Phase II assessments are dependent upon the nature and content of the course, but components may include: Research Synthesis and analysis of text Written essay or paper Oral presentation Demonstration

16. What happens after the School Review Team evaluates the Phase II assessment? Students/families are notified of the Phase II results o If the student does pass Phase II, student/family meets with school counselor to discuss registration and other course options; CDM is earned for the course o If the student does not pass Phase II, the student may appeal the Phase II decision within ten days

17. What is the Appeals Process? Phase I results may not be appealed Phase II decisions may be appealed: o Student/family submits written appeal to School Review Team within 10 days of receipt of Phase II results o Appeals Team reviews and finalizes appeal decision within 10 days o Appeals Team reports decision to student/family o Decisions of the Appeals Team are final

18. What are important points to consider about the CDM Process? Courses that carry quality points are not eligible for CDM; therefore, no quality points may be earned through the CDM process The student’s GPA is not affected by CDM There is no transcript record of failed attempts Credit earned through CDM will be accepted by the NCCCS and UNC systems Acceptance of CDM earned credits may vary with colleges and universities outside of NC

19. What are important points to consider about the CDM Process? Collegiate athletic eligibility may be affected o NCAA Division I and Division II colleges and universities do not recognize test-out credits in terms of meeting college entrance requirements o CDM is discouraged for potential collegiate athletes At this time, students who request credit through CDM without completing the course will not be eligible for articulated credit

20. How does one start the process? Students/families who are interested in attempting CDM should: o Seek advice from content area teacher and school counselor o Discuss with counselor all possible ramifications of the CDM process o Complete and submit application to school counselor by specified deadline

21. What is the timeline for the 2014-2015 CDM Process in I-SS? Principals share CDM information with faculty/staff CDM information for staff, students, and families is posted and updated on district’s and schools’ websites Schools counsel individual students/families who are interested in applying for CDM Students submit completed CDM applications to school counselors by January 9, 2015

22. What additional CDM resources are available? Available resources include: Frequently Asked Questions Long Term Considerations NCDPI CDM wiki - http://cdm.ncdpi.wikispaces.net/Home http://cdm.ncdpi.wikispaces.net/Home Additional resources will be posted at: http://iss.schoolwires.com/Page/679