Raleigh, NC — The North Carolina State Board of Education announced plans to request a federal waiver for accountability requirements on end-of-course (EOC) exams for schools in western North Carolina that have experienced substantial instructional loss due to Hurricane Helene.
The request aims to provide relief for students and educators impacted by the hurricane, which disrupted significant amounts of classroom time this fall semester. The proposed waiver would alleviate the requirement for schools to administer federally mandated assessments, allowing affected schools to focus on regaining lost instructional time without the added pressure of standardized testing.
“This relief measure will help schools prioritize the recovery and learning needs of students over immediate test performance,” a State Board representative stated. The Board’s action underscores a commitment to supporting students, teachers, and administrators in areas most affected by the storm.
The waiver request, if approved, would apply to fall semester EOC exams, with details about the spring semester pending further assessment of ongoing recovery efforts. This action aligns with state efforts to ensure that federal accountability requirements remain fair and adaptable to local needs amid unexpected challenges.
