Burke County Schools proposes in-term retest plan so retest scores count for 2025–26

Dr. Abernathy presented a district retest plan for 2025–26 that would remediate eligible students and administer retests within state testing windows so both proficiency and growth can be counted in district accountability.

The district proposes fall remediation and retest during the last five school days for high-school courses and the final 10 days for EOGs, with a sample fall window listed as Dec. 17–19 for remediation and retest. For spring EOGs and EOCs the district proposes using the last week in May for remediation and retesting. Dr. Abernathy said English II retest scheduling requires an adjusted timeline because English II scores take five to seven days to return and the district must complete retest work within a four‑day window after receiving results.

Participation would be optional and limited to students with non‑proficient EOG or EOC results; Dr. Abernathy said the retest is intended to give students a second opportunity and to ensure placement and transcript accuracy. “This is a magnificent opportunity for any district to take advantage of,” Dr. Abernathy said, noting past retest sessions have helped some schools improve proficiency rates.

Board members pressed on outreach and participation: suggested measures included district and school‑level communications (ClassDojo, social media), direct outreach to families, coordination with coaches for student‑athletes, and investigating incentives for participation. Dr. Abernathy noted that, because the testing would occur during the school year, transportation barriers should be reduced and the district could plan bus service accordingly.

The board voted to add the retest plan to the Nov. 3 agenda for formal consideration so families would have roughly 60 days’ notice (if approved at the Nov. 3 meeting) to decide about spring enrollment and participation.