“The new testing model is totally different from the old testing model.  The goal now is make sure students are successful after high school graduation whereas in the past, achievement levels were more focused on what students needed to be successful at the next grade level,” said Sawyer.  

Based on NC Department of Public Instruction analyses, schools and parents will see drops as high as 30 to 40 percentage points in terms of the percentage of students scoring proficient or above. 

For students, these scores will not affect their grades or their current placement. The 2012-13 school year is considered a transition or baseline year for these new assessments and the state's new accountability model.

"North Carolina students didn't lose ground in their learning last year, but they are being measured against a higher standard with more rigorous expectations for applying knowledge and skills to real-world problems," said State Superintendent June Atkinson. "In order for our students to be competitive upon graduation, we have an obligation to expect more from them."

State Board of Education Chairman Bill Cobey noted that it is important for North Carolinians to have assessments that give everyone a clear picture of how well students are prepared for today's jobs and careers. "It is important for us to stand behind our students and teachers," he said. "We know that, with our support, they will rise to meet these new expectations."