CREDIT BY
DEMONSTRATED MASTERY
2013-2014 Pilot Program

Beginning with 2014-2015, students may be given the opportunity
to receive high school course credit when they demonstrate
mastery of the subject matter successfully.

May be given – because the original directive was for the
implementation of the program completely. After much
consideration, the date for complete implementation was
moved to the following year 2015-2016.
CREDIT BY DEMONSTRATED MASTERY
The original directive had these guidelines:

All students in grades 6-12 would be given the opportunity to
obtain credit by demonstrated mastery for all college
preparatory level courses (NO HONORS), with the exception of
some courses (for ex. Early Childhood, Marketing Co-op, specific
courses with hands-on skills, etc.)

CDM grades would be reported as P/F only and would not have
any effect on the Grade Point Average (GPA).

The CDM process begins with a student-parent application, a
Phase I testing component, and if the test score is high enough, a
Phase II artifact, product, portfolio, etc. component.
ORIGINAL GUIDELINES

Many decisions were to be made in a very short period of time.
The first testing window as designated by the state was in
February. Another would be in July, and both would have an
effect on the master schedule for 14-15. Phase I for EOC’s would
be the EOC – but Phase I for other courses was not certain but it
could not be the NC Final exam.

There were no specifics on Phase II – but an LEA decision was
necessary for whether there would be a school committee, a
district committee, or both, and where the appeal process would
go.
ORIGINAL GUIDELINES

In February 2014, CDM for only EOCs – English II, Biology, and
Math I + one CTE course – yet to be determined

Only present 8th grade and 9th grade students.

Phase I will be the EOC or the CTE (IMS) exam. If a student is
successful on Phase I, (Level IV) then he/she will proceed to
Phase II. The specifics of Phase II are yet to be determined –
more discussion with DPI.

If the student does not score a Level IV at the appropriate scale
score cut-off, the test score is discarded and the student must
take the course. There can be only one attempt. The student
may not begin a course and then decide to attempt CDM.
PLANS FOR UCPS PILOT
Application process results will determine if we need a school
committee or just a district committee. Presently the district
committee will be Dr. Jones, Dr. Little, Dr. Healy, Carolyn White,
Robert Filter, and at least one middle and one high school
principal.
PLANS FOR UCPS PILOT

Advanced Courses through Grade 12

Discuss current options available for advanced curriculum and
instruction. Discuss CDM as well as other possible pathways for
advanced learning through grade 12. Review how programs
such as high school courses in middle school, AP/IB/Honors
courses, CCP opportunities, and whole-grade acceleration may
also support a student’s needs. If a child does indeed subject
accelerate with CDM or through other means, create a longterm plan to ensure the student, family and school are all working
together and are aware of future opportunities.
LONG TERM IMPLICATIONS


Athletic/Extra-Curricular Activities

Discuss the implications for CDM on athletic and other extracurricular activities. Please see the CDM Guidance Document to
learn more about information from various athletic associations
regarding CDM. Discuss with the students/families how earning
CDM may impact a student’s participation in these school
activities.
LONG TERM IMPLICATIONS

GPA and Quality Points

Share and discuss how CDM courses will not earn grades or
quality points towards GPA. Credit for CDM courses will be
granted to meet high school graduation requirements. This may
be a concern for some students and families; however, CDM
should be pursued when a student truly wants to benefit from a
more challenging learning experience and move towards more
advanced coursework. Students may earn CDM for all standardlevel high school courses in grades 9-12 and those high school
courses offered in middle school. Credit earned through CMD
will be recorded as on the transcript in Poweschool.
LONG TERM IMPLICATIONS

High School Diploma Endorsements

Discuss the criteria for High School Diploma Endorsements (SBE,
GCS-L-007), Career, College and Academic Scholars. Walk
through the CDM implications for interested Diploma
Endorsements to ensure appropriate coursework is completed.
For example: If a student desires to work towards the NC
Academic Scholars Endorsement and achieves CDM for a
standard-level course instead of enrolling in an honors-level
course, develop a plan to meet the criteria of the honors-level or
above course criteria needed to attain the NC Academic
Scholars Endorsement.
LONG TERM IMPLICATIONS