STUDENT TESTING
The federal government under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires states to administer certain types of tests. Our state requires additional tests under laws passed by the state legislature. Our school district, Greenville County Schools, chooses to administer other assessments. Specific dates for tests may be found at Greenville County Schools.
In addition to the tests listed below, in every grade, Kindergarten through 12th, an English language proficiency assessment (ACCESS for ELLs®) is administered to English language learners in the spring. Learn more at the South Carolina Department of Education.
- Pre-K
- K
- 1st
- 2nd
- 3rd
- 4th
- 5th
- 6th
- 7th
- 8th
- 9th
- 10th
- 11th
- 12th
Federal & state tests shown in blue.
Local tests shown in red.
Pre-K

Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening (PALS)
1st Test (September)
The state requires that a pre-K readiness assessment be administered in the first 45 days and last 45 days of a publicly-funded 4K program. Greenville County Schools has chosen to use Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening (PALS), a formative assessment individually administered by teachers to 4K students. It measures preschoolers’ developing knowledge of important fundamentals in literacy skills: name-writing ability, upper-case and lower-case alphabet recognition, letter sound and beginning sound production, print and word awareness, rhyme awareness, and nursery rhyme awareness. The assessment reflects skills that are predictive of future reading success and offers guidance to teachers for tailoring instruction to children’s specific needs. The assessment is administered three times a year. For more information, visit the South Carolina Department of Education and the PALS Resource Center.
Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening (PALS)
2nd Test (January)
Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening (PALS)
3rd Test (May)
Federal & state tests shown in blue.
Local tests shown in red.
Kindergarten

FastBridge
1st Test (August – September)
FastBridge is used throughout the district as a universal screening and progress monitoring tool in reading for all students in kindergarten and 1st grade. FastBridge measures alphabetic principle (naming letters and producing letter sounds when presented with a page of letters), phonemic awareness (student provides the sounds they hear in various words provided), phonics (decodable, consonant-vowel-consonant, made-up words), sight words, and concepts of print. Read more about FastBridge.
Kindergarten Readiness Assessment
(August – October)
A statewide assessment initiated in the fall of 2017, the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA) is administered during the first part of the school year to all students enrolled in publicly funded kindergartens. The KRA measures a child’s school readiness across four domains: Social Foundations, Language/Literacy, Mathematics, and Physical Well-Being. It provides a snapshot of students’ abilities at the beginning of the school year. For more information, visit the South Carolina Department of Education.
Fountas & Pinnell Reading Assessment
1st Test (September – December)
The Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment System identifies the instructional and independent reading levels of students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The assessment is administered one-on-one twice a year and provides information regarding students’ reading accuracy, fluency, and comprehension. Find out more about the Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient.
FastBridge
2nd Test (December – January)
FastBridge
3rd Test (April – May)
Fountas & Pinnell Reading Assessment
2nd Test (April – May)
Federal & state tests shown in blue.
Local tests shown in red.
1st Grade

FastBridge
1st Test (August – September)
FastBridge is used throughout the district as a universal screening and progress monitoring tool in reading for all students in kindergarten and 1st grade. FastBridge measures alphabetic principle (naming letters and producing letter sounds when presented with a page of letters), phonemic awareness (student provides the sounds they hear in various words provided), phonics (decodable, consonant-vowel-consonant, made-up words), sight words, and concepts of print. In first grade and above, it also involves students reading aloud a portion of three different first-grade-level passages for one minute per passage while the administrator notes errors and number of words read correct. Above first grade the assessment is administered to students who are reading significantly below grade level to help identify deficits. Read more about FastBridge.
Fountas & Pinnell Reading Assessment
1st Test (November – December)
The Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment System identifies the instructional and independent reading levels of students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The assessment is administered one-on-one twice a year and provides information regarding students’ reading accuracy, fluency, and comprehension. Find out more about the Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient.
FastBridge
2nd Test (December – January)
FastBridge
3rd Test (April – May)
Fountas & Pinnell Reading Assessment
2nd Test (April – May)
Federal & state tests shown in blue.
Local tests shown in red.
2nd Grade

Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)
(October)
The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) measures learned reasoning and problem-solving skills in three different areas: verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal. Teachers use CogAT scores to help students learn more effectively and to help identify academically gifted students. CogAT is one of three statewide grade 2 assessments used to evaluate each student for the purpose of placement into a district gifted and talented program. Students must meet the criteria on two of the three assessments to qualify for the program. Read more at the South Carolina Department of Education
Iowa Assessment
(October)
The Iowa Assessments are nationally standardized tests which measure students’ performance in reading and mathematics. They are the second set of student assessments for determining placement in the district’s gifted and talented program. Read more at the South Carolina Department of Education
Fountas & Pinnell Reading Assessment
1st Test (November – December)
The Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment System identifies the instructional and independent reading levels of students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The assessment is administered one-on-one twice a year and provides information regarding students’ reading accuracy, fluency, and comprehension. Find out more about the Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient.
MAP Growth
(December)
MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) is a computer adaptive assessment selected by the school district for use in elementary and middle schools. As students progress through the test, it adjusts automatically to the performance level of each student: correct answers trigger a more challenging item to be presented next; if a student misses a question, the follow-up item is easier. MAP is unlimited in terms of how far up or down it adapts to determine an individual student’s level. This ability helps teachers pinpoint each student’s learning level on core concepts and provides the information they need to differentiate instruction to the precise level of each student including those most at risk. MAP covers mathematics, reading, and language usage. Read more about Measures of Academic Progress.
SC Performance Task Assessments*
*Identified students only.
(February – March)
The South Carolina Performance Task Assessments are administered to students in 2nd through 5th grade who have met the gifted and talented program criteria in one, but not both, of the CogAT and the Iowa Assessments given in the second grade. This set of tests contains verbal and nonverbal components and assesses a student’s degree of interest in, and commitment to, academic and/or intellectual pursuits. It also assesses intellectual characteristics such as curiosity/inquiry, reflection, persistence/tenacity in the face of challenge and creative productive thinking. Read more at the South Carolina Department of Education.
MasteryConnect/TE21 Assessments
(March – April)
MasteryConnect/TE21 is an online resource that helps Greenville County Schools (GCS) teachers identify and track student mastery of South Carolina College and Career Readiness (SCCCR) Standards to inform teaching practice. The MasteryConnect platform allows teachers to develop, administer, and score assessments easily. From this platform, schools administer TE21 benchmark assessments. The first are given at the end of second grade. In grades three through eight, TE21 assessments are given two to three times a year on subjects for which students will be administered a SC READY or SC PASS test. It is also administered multiple times in high school for students in Algebra 1 and English 1 courses, which have a state, end-of-course exam (EOCEP). Learn more at Greenville County Schools.
Fountas & Pinnell Reading Assessment
2nd Test (April – May)
Federal & state tests shown in blue.
Local tests shown in red.
3rd Grade

MasteryConnect/TE21 Assessments
1st Set of Tests (October – November)
MasteryConnect/TE21 is an online resource that helps Greenville County Schools (GCS) teachers identify and track student mastery of South Carolina College and Career Readiness (SCCCR) Standards to inform teaching practice. The MasteryConnect platform allows teachers to develop, administer, and score assessments easily. From this platform, schools administer TE21 benchmark assessments. The first are given at the end of second grade. In grades three through eight, TE21 assessments are given two to three times a year on subjects for which students will be administered a SC READY or SC PASS test. It is also administered multiple times in high school for students in Algebra 1 and English 1 courses, which have a state, end-of-course exam (EOCEP). Learn more at Greenville County Schools.
Fountas & Pinnell Reading Assessment
1st Test (November – December)
The Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment System identifies the instructional and independent reading levels of students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The assessment is administered one-on-one twice a year and provides information regarding students’ reading accuracy, fluency, and comprehension. Find out more about the Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient.
MAP Growth*
*Identified students only.
(December)
MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) is a computer adaptive assessment selected by the school district for use in elementary and middle schools. As students progress through the test, it adjusts automatically to the performance level of each student: correct answers trigger a more challenging item to be presented next; if a student misses a question, the follow-up item is easier. MAP is unlimited in terms of how far up or down it adapts to determine an individual student’s level. This ability helps teachers pinpoint each student’s learning level on core concepts and provides the information they need to differentiate instruction to the precise level of each student including those most at risk. MAP covers mathematics, reading, and language usage. Read more about Measures of Academic Progress.
MasteryConnect/TE21 Assessments
2nd Set of Tests (January)
SC Performance Task Assessments*
*Identified students only.
(February – March)
The South Carolina Performance Task Assessments are administered to students in 2nd through 5th grade who have met the gifted and talented program criteria in one, but not both, of the CogAT and the Iowa Assessments given in the second grade. This set of tests contains verbal and nonverbal components and assesses a student’s degree of interest in, and commitment to, academic and/or intellectual pursuits. It also assesses intellectual characteristics such as curiosity/inquiry, reflection, persistence/tenacity in the face of challenge and creative productive thinking. Read more at the South Carolina Department of Education.
MasteryConnect/TE21 Assessments
3rd Set of Tests (March – April)
Fountas & Pinnell Reading Assessment
2nd Test (April – May)
MAP Growth*
*Identified students only.
2nd Test (May)
SC READY – ELA & Math
(May – June)
The South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Assessments (SC READY) are statewide assessments in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics for grades 3 through 8 that meet state and federal requirements. SC READY Assessment items measure student performance on the South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Standards. All students in these grades are required to take the SC READY except those students with significant cognitive disabilities who qualify for the South Carolina Alternate Assessment (SC-Alt). Find out more information about SC READY.
Federal & state tests shown in blue.
Local tests shown in red.
4th Grade

MasteryConnect/TE21 Assessments
1st Set of Tests (October – November)
MasteryConnect/TE21 is an online resource that helps Greenville County Schools (GCS) teachers identify and track student mastery of South Carolina College and Career Readiness (SCCCR) Standards to inform teaching practice. The MasteryConnect platform allows teachers to develop, administer, and score assessments easily. From this platform, schools administer TE21 benchmark assessments. The first are given at the end of second grade. In grades three through eight, TE21 assessments are given two to three times a year on subjects for which students will be administered a SC READY or SC PASS test. It is also administered multiple times in high school for students in Algebra 1 and English 1 courses, which have a state, end-of-course exam (EOCEP). Learn more at Greenville County Schools.
Fountas & Pinnell Reading Assessment
1st Test (November – December)
The Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment System identifies the instructional and independent reading levels of students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The assessment is administered one-on-one twice a year and provides information regarding students’ reading accuracy, fluency, and comprehension. Find out more about the Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient.
MAP Growth*
*Identified students only.
(December)
MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) is a computer adaptive assessment selected by the school district for use in elementary and middle schools. As students progress through the test, it adjusts automatically to the performance level of each student: correct answers trigger a more challenging item to be presented next; if a student misses a question, the follow-up item is easier. MAP is unlimited in terms of how far up or down it adapts to determine an individual student’s level. This ability helps teachers pinpoint each student’s learning level on core concepts and provides the information they need to differentiate instruction to the precise level of each student including those most at risk. MAP covers mathematics, reading, and language usage. Read more about Measures of Academic Progress.
MasteryConnect/TE21 Assessments
2nd Set of Tests (January)
NAEP*
*Identified schools only.
(January – March)
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is a federally-required assessment of what our nation’s students know and can do in subjects such as mathematics, reading, science, and writing. The main NAEP assessments are administered to a sample of students in each state in grades four, eight and twelve. The grades four and eight math and reading assessments are administered every two years at schools selected to be representative of schools statewide. Scores are only reported at the national and state level (and for a few large school districts outside of South Carolina). Results are not reported for individual students or schools. NAEP results provide the only true state-to-state comparison of student achievement. Learn more at the South Carolina Department of Education.
SC Performance Task Assessments*
*Identified students only.
(February – March)
The South Carolina Performance Task Assessments are administered to students in 2nd through 5th grade who have met the gifted and talented program criteria in one, but not both, of the CogAT and the Iowa Assessments given in the second grade. This set of tests contains verbal and nonverbal components and assesses a student’s degree of interest in, and commitment to, academic and/or intellectual pursuits. It also assesses intellectual characteristics such as curiosity/inquiry, reflection, persistence/tenacity in the face of challenge and creative productive thinking. Read more at the South Carolina Department of Education.
MasteryConnect/TE21 Assessments
3rd Set of Tests (March – April)
Fountas & Pinnell Reading Assessment
2nd Test (April – May)
SC READY – ELA & Math
(May – June)
The South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Assessments (SC READY) are statewide assessments in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics for grades 3 through 8 that meet state and federal requirements. SC READY Assessment items measure student performance on the South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Standards. All students in these grades are required to take the SC READY except those students with significant cognitive disabilities who qualify for the South Carolina Alternate Assessment (SC-Alt). Find out more information about SC READY.
SCPASS – Science
(May – June)
The South Carolina Palmetto Assessment of State Standards (SCPASS) for science is a statewide assessment administered to students in grades four and six. It measures student performance on the South Carolina Academic Standards for this subject. (Standards outline what schools are expected to teach and what students are expected to learn.) All students in these grade levels are required to take the SCPASS except those who qualify for the South Carolina Alternate Assessment (SC-Alt). Find out more information about SCPASS.
Federal & state tests shown in blue.
Local tests shown in red.
5th Grade

MasteryConnect/TE21 Assessments
1st Set of Tests (October – November)
MasteryConnect/TE21 is an online resource that helps Greenville County Schools (GCS) teachers identify and track student mastery of South Carolina College and Career Readiness (SCCCR) Standards to inform teaching practice. The MasteryConnect platform allows teachers to develop, administer, and score assessments easily. From this platform, schools administer TE21 benchmark assessments. The first are given at the end of second grade. In grades three through eight, TE21 assessments are given two to three times a year on subjects for which students will be administered a SC READY or SC PASS test. It is also administered multiple times in high school for students in Algebra 1 and English 1 courses, which have a state, end-of-course exam (EOCEP). Learn more at Greenville County Schools.
Fountas & Pinnell Reading Assessment
1st Test (November – December)
The Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment System identifies the instructional and independent reading levels of students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The assessment is administered one-on-one twice a year and provides information regarding students’ reading accuracy, fluency, and comprehension. Find out more about the Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient.
MAP Growth
(December)
MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) is a computer adaptive assessment selected by the school district for use in elementary and middle schools. As students progress through the test, it adjusts automatically to the performance level of each student: correct answers trigger a more challenging item to be presented next; if a student misses a question, the follow-up item is easier. MAP is unlimited in terms of how far up or down it adapts to determine an individual student’s level. This ability helps teachers pinpoint each student’s learning level on core concepts and provides the information they need to differentiate instruction to the precise level of each student including those most at risk. MAP covers mathematics, reading, and language usage. Read more about Measures of Academic Progress.
MasteryConnect/TE21 Assessments
2nd Set of Tests (January)
SC Performance Task Assessments*
*Identified students only.
(February – March)
The South Carolina Performance Task Assessments are administered to students in 2nd through 5th grade who have met the gifted and talented program criteria in one, but not both, of the CogAT and the Iowa Assessments given in the second grade. This set of tests contains verbal and nonverbal components and assesses a student’s degree of interest in, and commitment to, academic and/or intellectual pursuits. It also assesses intellectual characteristics such as curiosity/inquiry, reflection, persistence/tenacity in the face of challenge and creative productive thinking. Read more at the South Carolina Department of Education.
MasteryConnect/TE21 Assessments
3rd Set of Tests (March – April)
Fountas & Pinnell Reading Assessment
2nd Test (April – May)
SC READY – ELA & Math
(May – June)
The South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Assessments (SC READY) are statewide assessments in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics for grades 3 through 8 that meet state and federal requirements. SC READY Assessment items measure student performance on the South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Standards. All students in these grades are required to take the SC READY except those students with significant cognitive disabilities who qualify for the South Carolina Alternate Assessment (SC-Alt). Find out more information about SC READY.
Federal & state tests shown in blue.
Local tests shown in red.
6th Grade

MasteryConnect/TE21 Assessments
1st Set of Tests (October – November)
MasteryConnect/TE21 is an online resource that helps Greenville County Schools (GCS) teachers identify and track student mastery of South Carolina College and Career Readiness (SCCCR) Standards to inform teaching practice. The MasteryConnect platform allows teachers to develop, administer, and score assessments easily. From this platform, schools administer TE21 benchmark assessments. The first are given at the end of second grade. In grades three through eight, TE21 assessments are given two to three times a year on subjects for which students will be administered a SC READY or SC PASS test. It is also administered multiple times in high school for students in Algebra 1 and English 1 courses, which have a state, end-of-course exam (EOCEP). Learn more at Greenville County Schools.
MAP Growth*
*Identified students only.
(December)
MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) is a computer adaptive assessment selected by the school district for use in elementary and middle schools. As students progress through the test, it adjusts automatically to the performance level of each student: correct answers trigger a more challenging item to be presented next; if a student misses a question, the follow-up item is easier. MAP is unlimited in terms of how far up or down it adapts to determine an individual student’s level. This ability helps teachers pinpoint each student’s learning level on core concepts and provides the information they need to differentiate instruction to the precise level of each student including those most at risk. MAP covers mathematics, reading, and language usage. Read more about Measures of Academic Progress.
Semester Exams
1st Semester (January)
MasteryConnect/TE21 Assessments
2nd Set of Tests (January)
MasteryConnect/TE21 Assessments
3rd Set of Tests (March – April)
SC READY – ELA & Math
(May – June)
The South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Assessments (SC READY) are statewide assessments in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics for grades 3 through 8 that meet state and federal requirements. SC READY Assessment items measure student performance on the South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Standards. All students in these grades are required to take the SC READY except those students with significant cognitive disabilities who qualify for the South Carolina Alternate Assessment (SC-Alt). Find out more information about SC READY.
SCPASS – Science
(May – June)
The South Carolina Palmetto Assessment of State Standards (SCPASS) for science is a statewide assessment administered to students in grades four and six. It measures student performance on the South Carolina Academic Standards for this subject. (Standards outline what schools are expected to teach and what students are expected to learn.) All students in these grade levels are required to take the SCPASS except those who qualify for the South Carolina Alternate Assessment (SC-Alt). Find out more information about SCPASS.
Semester Exams
2nd Semester (May – June)
Federal & state tests shown in blue.
Local tests shown in red.
7th Grade

MasteryConnect/TE21 Assessments
1st Set of Tests (October – November)
MasteryConnect/TE21 is an online resource that helps Greenville County Schools (GCS) teachers identify and track student mastery of South Carolina College and Career Readiness (SCCCR) Standards to inform teaching practice. The MasteryConnect platform allows teachers to develop, administer, and score assessments easily. From this platform, schools administer TE21 benchmark assessments. The first are given at the end of second grade. In grades three through eight, TE21 assessments are given two to three times a year on subjects for which students will be administered a SC READY or SC PASS test. It is also administered multiple times in high school for students in Algebra 1 and English 1 courses, which have a state, end-of-course exam (EOCEP). Learn more at Greenville County Schools.
MAP Growth*
*Identified students only.
(December)
MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) is a computer adaptive assessment selected by the school district for use in elementary and middle schools. As students progress through the test, it adjusts automatically to the performance level of each student: correct answers trigger a more challenging item to be presented next; if a student misses a question, the follow-up item is easier. MAP is unlimited in terms of how far up or down it adapts to determine an individual student’s level. This ability helps teachers pinpoint each student’s learning level on core concepts and provides the information they need to differentiate instruction to the precise level of each student including those most at risk. MAP covers mathematics, reading, and language usage. Read more about Measures of Academic Progress.
Semester Exams
1st Semester (January)
MasteryConnect/TE21 Assessments
2nd Set of Tests (January)
MasteryConnect/TE21 Assessments
3rd Set of Tests (March – April)
SC READY – ELA & Math
(May – June)
The South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Assessments (SC READY) are statewide assessments in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics for grades 3 through 8 that meet state and federal requirements. SC READY Assessment items measure student performance on the South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Standards. All students in these grades are required to take the SC READY except those students with significant cognitive disabilities who qualify for the South Carolina Alternate Assessment (SC-Alt). Find out more information about SC READY.
End-of-Course Examination Program (EOCEP)
(May – June)
The End of Course Examination Program (EOCEP) is a statewide assessment program of end-of-course tests in high school core courses (some of which can be taken in middle school). In seventh grade an EOCEP test is administered in Algebra 1. The EOCEP test result accounts for 20% of a student’s final grade. Learn more at the South Carolina Department of Education.
Semester Exams
2nd Semester (May – June)
Federal & state tests shown in blue.
Local tests shown in red.
8th Grade

PSAT/NMSQT*
*Identified students only.
(October)
Taken in the 10th grade (and also in 8th grade for those scoring at or above the 93rd percentile), the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a state-required standardized test assessing skills in reading, writing and language, and math. It is administered by the College Board and cosponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The 10th-grade scores from the PSAT/NMSQT are used to determine eligibility and qualification for the National Merit Scholarship Program. For more information on the PSAT, visit the College Board. Find out more about the National Merit Scholarship.
MasteryConnect/TE21 Assessments
1st Set of Tests (October – November)
MasteryConnect/TE21 is an online resource that helps Greenville County Schools (GCS) teachers identify and track student mastery of South Carolina College and Career Readiness (SCCCR) Standards to inform teaching practice. The MasteryConnect platform allows teachers to develop, administer, and score assessments easily. From this platform, schools administer TE21 benchmark assessments. The first are given at the end of second grade. In grades three through eight, TE21 assessments are given two to three times a year on subjects for which students will be administered a SC READY or SC PASS test. It is also administered multiple times in high school for students in Algebra 1 and English 1 courses, which have a state, end-of-course exam (EOCEP). Learn more at Greenville County Schools.
MAP Growth
(December)
MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) is a computer adaptive assessment selected by the school district for use in elementary and middle schools. As students progress through the test, it adjusts automatically to the performance level of each student: correct answers trigger a more challenging item to be presented next; if a student misses a question, the follow-up item is easier. MAP is unlimited in terms of how far up or down it adapts to determine an individual student’s level. This ability helps teachers pinpoint each student’s learning level on core concepts and provides the information they need to differentiate instruction to the precise level of each student including those most at risk. MAP covers mathematics, reading, and language usage. Read more about Measures of Academic Progress.
Semester Exams
1st Semester (January)
MasteryConnect/TE21 Assessments
2nd Set of Tests (January)
NAEP*
*Identified schools only.
(January – March)
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is a federally-required assessment of what our nation’s students know and can do in subjects such as mathematics, reading, science, and writing. The main NAEP assessments are administered to a sample of students in each state in grades four, eight and twelve. The grades four and eight math and reading assessments are administered every two years at schools selected to be representative of schools statewide. Scores are only reported at the national and state level (and for a few large school districts outside of South Carolina). Results are not reported for individual students or schools. NAEP results provide the only true state-to-state comparison of student achievement. Learn more at the South Carolina Department of Education.
MasteryConnect/TE21 Assessments
3rd Set of Tests (March – April)
SC READY – ELA & Math
(May – June)
The South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Assessments (SC READY) are statewide assessments in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics for grades 3 through 8 that meet state and federal requirements. SC READY Assessment items measure student performance on the South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Standards. All students in these grades are required to take the SC READY except those students with significant cognitive disabilities who qualify for the South Carolina Alternate Assessment (SC-Alt). Find out more information about SC READY.
End-of-Course Examination Program (EOCEP)
(May – June)
The End of Course Examination Program (EOCEP) is a statewide assessment program of end-of-course tests in high school core courses (some of which can be taken in middle school). In eighth grade EOCEP tests are administered in Algebra 1 and English 1. EOCEP test results account for 20% of a student’s final grade in that subject. The English 1 assessment is divided into two parts, writing and reading, with each test administered on a separate day. Learn more at the South Carolina Department of Education.
Semester Exams
2nd Semester (May – June)
Federal & state tests shown in blue.
Local tests shown in red.
9th Grade

End-of-Course Examination Program (EOCEP)
1st Semester Block Classes (December – January)
The End of Course Examination Program (EOCEP) is a statewide assessment program of end-of-course tests in high school core courses (some of which can be taken in middle school). The EOCEP tests in four subject areas: Algebra 1 / Math for the Technologies 2; English 1; Biology 1 / Applied Biology 2; and US History and the Constitution. EOCEP test results account for 20% of a student’s final grade in that subject. The English 1 assessment is divided into two parts, writing and reading, with each test administered on a separate day. Learn more at the South Carolina Department of Education.
Semester Exams
1st Semester (January)
End-of-Course Examination Program (EOCEP)
2nd Semester Block & Full Year Classes (May – June)
Semester Exams
2nd Semester (May – June)
Federal & state tests shown in blue.
Local tests shown in red.
10th Grade

PSAT/NMSQT
(October)
Taken in the 10th grade (and also in 8th grade for those scoring at or above the 93rd percentile), the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a state-required standardized test assessing skills in reading, writing and language, and math. It is administered by the College Board and cosponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The 10th-grade scores from the PSAT/NMSQT are used to determine eligibility and qualification for the National Merit Scholarship Program. For more information on the PSAT, visit the College Board. Find out more about the National Merit Scholarship.
End-of-Course Examination Program (EOCEP)
1st Semester Block Classes (December – January)
The End of Course Examination Program (EOCEP) is a statewide assessment program of end-of-course tests in high school core courses (some of which can be taken in middle school). The EOCEP tests in four subject areas: Algebra 1 / Math for the Technologies 2; English 1; Biology 1 / Applied Biology 2; and US History and the Constitution. EOCEP test results account for 20% of a student’s final grade in that subject. The English 1 assessment is divided into two parts, writing and reading, with each test administered on a separate day. Learn more at the South Carolina Department of Education.
Civics Test
1st Semester Block Classes (January)
As part of their U.S. Government and Economics course, students are required by the state to take the civics test that is published annually by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
- Students will be asked to answer 10 of the 100 questions from the published civics test. Questions are selected by the teacher and may be administered in oral or written format.
- Answering 6 of the 10 questions correctly comprises a passing grade. However, passing the test is not a requirement, nor is there a minimum score.
- The percentage of students required to take the test who scored at or above the passing score will be stated on school and district report cards.
For more information, see the South Carolina Department of Education announcement.
Semester Exams
1st Semester (January)
End-of-Course Examination Program (EOCEP)
2nd Semester Block & Full Year Classes (May – June)
Civics Test
2nd Semester Block and Full Year Classes (May – June)
Semester Exams
2nd Semester (May – June)
Federal & state tests shown in blue.
Local tests shown in red.
11th Grade

End-of-Course Examination Program (EOCEP)
1st Semester Block Classes (December – January)
The End of Course Examination Program (EOCEP) is a statewide assessment program of end-of-course tests in high school core courses (some of which can be taken in middle school). The EOCEP tests in four subject areas: Algebra 1 / Math for the Technologies 2; English 1; Biology 1 / Applied Biology 2; and US History and the Constitution. EOCEP test results account for 20% of a student’s final grade in that subject. The English 1 assessment is divided into two parts, writing and reading, with each test administered on a separate day. Learn more at the South Carolina Department of Education.
Semester Exams
1st Semester (January)
ACT*
*Optional
(February)
Students have the option of taking the ACT or the SAT at state expense. The ACT is a standardized test used by many colleges and universities in their admissions decisions. It is a multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper test administered by ACT, Inc. Knowledge and skills are assessed in four areas: English, math, reading and science with each scored on a scale of 1–36. A composite score (the average of the four sections) is also provided. Additionally, the ACT has established a benchmark score for each subject-area test that represents the level of achievement required for students to have at least a 50% chance of obtaining a B or higher and about a 75% chance of obtaining a C or higher in a corresponding credit-bearing, first-year college course. How important ACT scores are in the college application process varies from school to school. Students make take the ACT additional times at their own expense. Find out more about the ACT.
SAT*
*Optional
(March)
Students have the option of taking the SAT or the ACT at state expense. The SAT is a standardized test used by many colleges and universities in their admissions decisions. It is a multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper test administered by the College Board. It has two sections, Math and Evidence-based Reading and Writing, that are each scored on a scale of 200 to 800. The total score is the sum of the two section scores. Additionally, the SAT has established a benchmark score for both sections that represents the level of achievement required for students to have a 75% chance of obtaining a C or higher in a corresponding credit-bearing, first-year college course. How important SAT scores are in the college application process varies from school to school. Students may take the SAT additional times at their own expense. For more information, visit the College Board. A redesigned test was initiated in March 2016. Results of the new SAT are not comparable to previous years.
WIN Ready to Work Assessment
(April)
The WIN Ready to Work Assessment is a statewide workforce education and development tool comprised of three assessments—Applied Mathematics, Reading for Information, and Locating Information—leading to a work-ready credential. Assessments are scored on a scale from 3 to 7. Certificates are awarded at four skill levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Bronze indicates readiness for 35% of jobs in the workforce; Silver for 65%, Gold for 90% and Platinum for 99%. It replaces the ACT WorkKeys assessment. Learn more at WIN Learning or at Greenville County Schools. For Greenville County Schools students eligible for an alternate assessment, the Life Skills Inventory/Individual Living Skills Assessment Tool is administered instead of the WIN Ready to Work assessment.
WIN Essential Soft Skills Assessment
(April)
The WIN Essential Soft Skills Assessment is composed of questions measuring entry-level work tasks and behaviors, including cooperate with others, resolve conflict and negotiate, solve problems and make decisions, observe critically, and take responsibility for learning. The assessment items require the learner to choose two answers for each question, the “best” and “worst” answers for handling each situation. Success on this assessment, scoring 70% or higher, earns the learner the WIN Essential Soft Skills™ credential. Learn more at WIN Learning. For Greenville County Schools students eligible for an alternate assessment, the Life Skills Inventory/Individual Living Skills Assessment Tool is administered instead of the WIN Essential Soft Skills assessment.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Assessments
(May)
International Baccalaureate (IB) tests are given to students in high school IB programs. Currently IB Diploma Programs exist at four high schools in Greenville County Schools: Greer, Southside, Travelers Rest and Woodmont. For more information on the IB program visit Greenville County Schools. Find out more about the IB Diploma Program in grades 11 and 12 and its assessments.
Advanced Placement (AP) Assessments
(May)
Advanced Placement (AP®) tests are college-level exams on specific subjects and are administered in May upon the completion of an AP course. Each school district in South Carolina is required to provide Advanced Placement courses in all secondary schools that include grades eleven or twelve. Greenville County Schools currently offers 31 AP courses. AP tests are scored on a scale of 1–5. At many colleges and universities, a high enough score on an AP exam will earn the student college credit. For more information, visit the College Board or South Carolina Department of Education.
End-of-Course Examination Program (EOCEP)
2nd Semester Block & Full Year Classes (May – June)
Semester Exams
2nd Semester (May – June)
Federal & state tests shown in blue.
Local tests shown in red.
12th Grade

End-of-Course Examination Program (EOCEP)
1st Semester Block Classes (December – January)
The End of Course Examination Program (EOCEP) is a statewide assessment program of end-of-course tests in high school core courses (some of which can be taken in middle school). The EOCEP tests in four subject areas: Algebra 1 / Math for the Technologies 2; English 1; Biology 1 / Applied Biology 2; and US History and the Constitution. EOCEP test results account for 20% of a student’s final grade in that subject. The English 1 assessment is divided into two parts, writing and reading, with each test administered on a separate day. Learn more at the South Carolina Department of Education.
Semester Exams
1st Semester (January)
NAEP*
*Identified schools only.
(January – March)
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is a federally-required assessment of what our nation’s students know and can do in subjects such as mathematics, reading, science, and writing. The main NAEP assessments are administered to a sample of students in each state in grades four, eight and twelve. Scores are only reported at the national and state level (and for a few large school districts outside of South Carolina). Results are not reported for individual students or schools. NAEP results provide the only true state-to-state comparison of student achievement. Learn more at the South Carolina Department of Education.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Assessments
(May)
International Baccalaureate (IB) tests are given to students in high school IB programs. Currently IB Diploma Programs exist at four high schools in Greenville County Schools: Greer, Southside, Travelers Rest and Woodmont. For more information on the IB program visit Greenville County Schools. Find out more about the IB Diploma Program in grades 11 and 12 and its assessments.
Advanced Placement (AP) Assessments
(May)
Advanced Placement (AP®) tests are college-level exams on specific subjects and are administered in May upon the completion of an AP course. Each school district in South Carolina is required to provide Advanced Placement courses in all secondary schools that include grades eleven or twelve. Greenville County Schools currently offers 31 AP courses. AP tests are scored on a scale of 1–5. At many colleges and universities, a high enough score on an AP exam will earn the student college credit. For more information, visit the College Board or South Carolina Department of Education.
End-of-Course Examination Program (EOCEP)
2nd Semester Block & Full Year Classes (May – June)
Semester Exams