Board Policy 3400 was recently updated regarding students who earn exemption for their final exam. EOC and CTE post assessments, NAF projects and Proof Of Learning will still be required.

The board wishes to reward high academic achievement by exempting qualifying students in grades nine through twelve from taking final assessment/examination according to the following criteria:

1. Students may be exempted from taking the final assessment/examination in each class for which the following conditions are met:

a. The student (a) earns at least an “A” average (90) in a particular course, (b) maintains three or fewer absences for the semester, (c) maintains three or fewer tardies for the semester, and (d) receives no suspensions during the semester.

b. The student (a) earns at least a “B” average (80) in a particular course, (b) maintains two or fewer absences for the semester, (c) maintains three or fewer tardies for the semester, and (d) receives no suspensions during the semester.

c. The student (a) earns at least a “C” average (70) in a particular course, (b) maintains one or no absences for the semester, (c) maintains three or fewer tardies for the semester, and (d) receives no suspensions during the semester.

2. No students may be exempt from any final assessment or examination that is required by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), which include but are not limited to End-of-Course (EOC) tests and Career Technical Education (CTE) tests.

3. Exemption is optional.  If a qualifying student wishes to take a final assessment/examination from which he/she is exempt, the student may do so.  The final assessment/examination grade for a student qualifying for exemption will be used only if it improves the student’s grade in the course.

4. The final grade of a student opting not to take the final assessment/examination will be computed based on the tests and course work completed during that term.

5. At least two days before the final assessment/examination period, teachers must notify students who qualify for an exam exemption.  A qualifying student must notify the teacher of whether they intend to take the final assessment/examination at least one day prior to the examination.

6. Students who qualify for final assessment/examination exemptions are expected to continue to attend classes and complete all assignments.

This update was on January 2, 2024.