Testing and State Accountability
What tests will my student be required to take?
- Grades K–3: DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills)
- Grades 3–8: PASS (Palmetto Assessment of State Standards)
- End-of-course exams for Algebra I, English I, Physical Science, and U.S. History and Constitution
- ACCESS for English language proficiency, if eligible
- Math and literacy benchmark testing via the NWEA MAP Diagnostic Assessment
- K12 lesson and unit assessments
- Other assessments deemed necessary to assess student learning and progress include interim assessments, formative assessments, reading diagnostic assessments, etc.
Will my child have to participate in state testing (PASS or End-of-Course exams)?
Yes. As public school students, all students enrolled in Carolus Online Academy are required to participate in all state-mandated testing, which will require your student to travel to in-person locations. This is a mandatory requirement.
Testing Dates
Testing at Carolus:
The state of South Carolina mandates that public school students participate in standardized testing. As a public school in SC, these tests are mandatory for our students. Please ensure that you review the Parent & Student Handbook’s guidelines (found on the Resources Page) on Testing and have signed the school’s Testing Contract for your student.
Testing Contract: https://forms.office.com/r/DQqSBnyTPv
Testing Nirvana:
All testing assignments will be emailed to you at least one month prior to testing. All families will need to confirm their testing assignment on our testing platform, Testing Nirvana. To access this site, you can use the following steps:
- Go to www.testingnirvana.com
- Click on Family Login
- Choose “Carolus Online Academy” as your school
- Type in the Learning Coach’s email address
- Type in the student’s last name
- Click on the testing assignment to get all details and confirm testing assignment
Upcoming Testing:
| Assessment | Testing Window |
| EL Access Testing | Feb 2nd – Feb 16th |
| ALT Testing | March 10th – 17th |
| High School ACT Testing | March 10th -20th |
| College & Career Readiness Assessment (WIN Testing) | March 23rd – April 17th |
| SC Ready Testing (In person) | April 27th – May 21st |
From pixels to pencils!
At COA, we witness the transition as online students come together for in-person testing sessions, blending virtual learning with real-world assessment experiences.
Kelsey Linares
Testing Coordinator
Carolus Online Academy (COA)
E-mail: klinares@carolusonlineacademy.org
Phone: 803.881.4262 Ext. 1000