How will I know what exams my child will take?
The district sent a letter on January 31, 2023 to parents that lists what exams their child will take this year. Students currently enrolled in the following classes will be impacted: IGCSE Biology, IGCSE Coordinated Math 2, IGCSE American History, AICE US History and all 10th graders in IGCSE First Language English.
Why did we announce and change in the middle of the school year?
The Mississippi Department of Education requested permission on Corinth’s behalf for this change in the 2021-22 school year but was denied. The US Department of Education required Corinth/Cambridge/MDE to complete a peer review process. Information for the peer review process was submitted on September 30, 2022. The district received notification of approval on November 30, 2022 for the 2022-23 school year. Additional requirements will be submitted for peer review based on the 2023 administration and results.
Why are students in AICE courses also being required to take IGCSE courses?
Initially, some students will need to double test. However, in many cases the IGCSE and AICE courses have parallel curriculums as well as relationships to previously taught Cambridge curriculum. Additionally, the students covered material through preparation for MAAP. The district will reconfigure subject pathways and testing for the 2023-24 school year to avoid this scenario.
What supports will be available to ensure all students are successful on these assessments?
Additional supports include tutoring during/after school, targeted tutoring to include remediation and enrichment during intersession, comprehensive review resources, and practice materials.
Will transportation be provided for students who need it for the June 8 testing?
The district will provide transportation to and from school for students who need it.
What if I am going to be out of town on June 8?
The district will attempt to make arrangements for your child to take the test at a local Cambridge school where you are located.
What accommodations are allowed on the assessments?
Teachers are reviewing and updating IEPs and 504 plans for students to ensure they will receive all of the accommodations available on the assessments. Training will be conducted for teachers to ensure they fully understand these accommodations and implement them during the assessment time.
How and when will I know if my child earned a passing score on the exam?
A Standards Validation Study will be conducted in August to determine cut scores for each proficiency level (Advanced, Proficient, Passing, Basic and Minimal). In addition, a cut score for graduation purposes will also be established. Parents and students will receive a score report with this information once the Mississippi State Board of Education sets the cut scores.
Are the Cambridge exams taken online?
No, all Cambridge exams are paper/pencil/pen.
Is IGCSE Coordinated Math and IGCSE Mathematics the same?
Yes, IGCSE Mathematics is divided into two courses, IGCSE Math I and II. The assessment will be taken at the end of IGCSE Math II.
What is the difference between IGCSE Core and Extended?
To take account of differing abilities, there is a choice between Core and Extended papers in some IGCSE subjects. This allows teachers to decide on the most appropriate level of papers for their students. The Core curriculum in each subject is within the ability range of a large majority of students. The Extended curriculum, made up of the Core curriculum and the Supplement, has been designed for the more academically able and leads naturally into higher education or professional training.
What are Corinth students taking the Extended exam?
Core covers grades C to G and Extended covers grades A* to E. If a student is securely in the “middle” of the range, only the Extended tier will offer the grades the student may be capable of achieving. Students are not able to achieve above a C for their syllabus grade if they are entered for the Core curriculum.
What are papers and what do the numbers mean?
A paper is an assessment. Most Cambridge assessments consist of two or three papers, each taken on a separate day. Each Cambridge syllabus has a unique identifying number.
