1. Credit by Demonstrated Mastery (CDM)
Wilkes County Schools

2. What is CDM?
Credit by Demonstrated Mastery offers NC students the opportunity to earn course credit through a demonstration of mastery of course material without the seat time

3. Criteria Open to all students taking high school level courses
Only standard-level courses
Phase 1: A standard exam (EOC or final exam)
Phase 2: An artifact which requires the student to apply knowledge and skills relevant to the content standards
Phase 3: An interview with the review panel to discuss the artifact

4. Course Exclusions
CTE work-based learning courses (co-op, internships, apprenticeship)
CTE courses that have a clinical setting as a requirement of the course, such as ProStart Early Childhood Education I/II and Nursing Fundamentals
CTE Advanced Studies courses
English Language Learners courses
Healthful Living required courses
AP courses
CDM can be offered for any classes taught in the five high schools

5. Considerations for CDM
CDM courses will not earn grades or quality points towards GPA
Students may complete high school graduation requirements early
Maintaining eligibility in high school athletics
Honors classes cannot be considered for CDM
CDM classes would not be used in the initial- eligibility process for NCAA athletics

6. Examination Procedures
Only students who have submitted applications by the deadline will be scheduled for testing. Late applications will not be accepted.
Exams will be administered during the normal school day with the exception of summer testing, when offered
Modifications based on IEP/504 will be addressed
Re-testing is not permitted

7. Phase 1 Scores EOC Courses Math 1 >264 Biology > 261
English II >165
CTE Courses
Scale score of 90 or higher
Non-EOC courses

8. Awarding Credit
Receive credit for the course toward graduation requirements
Credit is given on the transcript as a “pass”
No number or letter grade for the course is given and does not calculate toward a GPA

9. Unsuccessful Attempts
Enroll in and complete the course
Receive a passing grade and re-take the EOC, NC Final, CTE exam, or any other exam that is required for exiting the course
No record of the unsuccessful attempt will be reported on the transcripts

10. Testing Dates Application Deadline for Fall and Spring Testing
September 6 and February 8
Fall and Spring Testing Dates:
September 12 and February 15
Students who achieve the necessary scores in Phase 1 will have 10 calendar days to create the artifact needed for Phase 2
Appeals: 10 days from the time the parent receives results

11. Guidelines for the Appeals Process
Students and their parents should submit appeals within ten days of receiving notification that an attempt for CDM was not successful
Appeals should be in writing addressed to the school principal. The appeal should include reasoning for appeal and the date of submission
The District CDM Review Panel will review the appeal within ten days of receipt and will collect any additional data requested and provide final recommendations within ten days of their review
The decisions of the appeals panel are final

12. Contact Information
If you have any questions, feel free to call or Angie Lamb or Donna Cotton at or or or