PORTFOLIO SYSTEM

Students attending the Arts Based School will be assessed using a portfolio system in place of the traditional report card. The portfolio is designed to illustrate a student’s academic growth and successes as well as guide the teacher in planning appropriate instruction. In grades K-5, teachers at ABS do not issue letter grades. Teachers use observation, interviews, analysis of student work, and performance tasks to assess student understanding. Examples of student work, as well as other objective standards of assessments, are incorporated into the student’s portfolio to give an enhanced portrait of the student’s progress. These portfolios will be discussed and presented to parents during the Student-Teacher-Parent conferences scheduled in November, March, and June. (See School Calendar for dates).

GRADING SCALE FOR GRADES 6th-8th

The Arts Based School will use a 10 point grading scale as follows:

• A 90-100
• B 80-89
• C 70-79
• D 60-69

F 59 and below

This is consistent with state public school policy and will provide an easier transition into public high school after 8th grade.

STANDARDIZED TESTS 

NC State Testing Calendar 2024-25

BEGINNING OF GRADE TEST (BOG)

The State Board of Education requires all third graders in North Carolina to take the Beginning of Grade (BOG) test in reading. A student’s BOG score will be used as baseline data to measure growth as well as a screening tool to identify those students who will need remediation to pass the End of Grade test. Testing accommodations will be provided for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEP). Make-up tests will be required for any student that is absent from the regular administration of the test.

END OF GRADE TEST (EOG)

The North Carolina End-of-Grade Tests are designed to measure student performance on the goals, objectives, and grade-level competencies specified in the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. The End-of-Grade tests in reading comprehension and mathematics are administered to students in grades 3-8 as part of the statewide assessment program. End-of-grade tests in science are administered in grades 5 and 8. Students enrolled in Math I are required to take the Math I End of Course test.

Parents, please help your child(ren) do their best on standardized tests by following these guidelines:

• Help your child get 9 hours sleep throughout the weekend and each night before the test.
• Make sure your child eats a healthy breakfast, including more proteins and fewer carbohydrates. 
• BE ON TIME to school. Rushing around creates anxiety. Latecomers must take a make-up test.
• Help them arrive at school with a positive attitude.
• Exercise. No couch potatoes, video games, or on-line junkies the week before. Go outside and run and play. You will rest better, think better, and feel better
  

MAP TESTING

ABS uses Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) to assess each student’s academic growth. We will give students in grades 3-8 MAP tests to determine each child’s instructional level and to measure academic growth throughout the school year, and from year to year in the areas of math and reading. Your child will take the tests on a computer. MAP tests are unique in that they adapt to be appropriate for your child’s level of learning. As a result, each student has the same opportunity to succeed and maintain a positive attitude toward testing. And with MAP tests, we can administer shorter tests and use less class time while still receiving detailed, accurate information about your child’s growth. 

MCLASS/DIBELS TESTING

Read to Achieve Legislation requires three benchmark assessments be given to all K-3 students. The reading assessment will be administered in September, January, and May.

RETENTION/PROMOTION

Each child has individual strengths and challenges, therefore retention/promotion decisions will be made on an individual basis. Teachers and parents will work together to decide the most beneficial placement for each child, taking into consideration academic, social and emotional needs, as well as attendance. The Principal will make the final decision based on information provided by the teacher and parents.