Credit by Demonstrated Mastery (CDM)

What is CDM?

CDM offers North Carolina students the opportunity to personalize and accelerate their learning by earning course credit through a demonstration of mastery of course material.

The State Board of Education defines "mastery" as a student's command of course material at a level that demonstrates a deep understanding of the content standards and the ability to apply his or her knowledge of the material.

If a student demonstrates mastery for a certain course's content, he or she will receive credit without having to be seated in the classroom.

How does CDM work?

Students shall demonstrate mastery through a multi-phase assessment:

Phase 1: A standard examination, which shall be the EOC when applicable, or a final exam developed locally

Phase 2: An artifact which requires the student to apply knowledge and skills relevant to the content standards

The district may include an additional requirement, such as a performance task.

Phase I Requirements

For EOC Courses (Math I, Biology, and English II), students must achieve a Level IV to proceed to Phase II of CDM.

For eligible CTE courses, students must achieve a scale score of 93 on the state CTE Post-Assessment to proceed to Phase II of CDM.

For locally developed exams, students must achieve a 94 or higher to proceed to Phase II of CDM.

Courses NOT eligible for CDM

Work-based CTE courses (i.e. Internship)

CTE courses that have a clinical requirement (i.e. Nursing Fundamentals)

CTE Advanced Studies courses

English Language Learner (ELL) courses

Healthful Living (i.e. Required Health/PE)

AP courses

CDM TimelineMt. Airy High School will begin offering CDM for courses beginning in the

2015-2016 school year.

3 testing windows to allow students to earn CDM:Last 2 weeks of FebruaryLast 2 weeks of JulyLast 2 weeks of September

Students MUST apply for CDM for Fall 2015 classes by January 20th, 2015.

If applicable, Phase II will take place in March.

CDM decisions will be made in mid-April.

Appeal Process

Students/Parents can appeal a decision in writing within 10 days of receiving notification that an attempt for CDM was unsuccessful.

EOC scores cannot be appealed.

A review panel will conduct an appeals review within 10 days of recieving an appeal request.

Implications for CDM Students who successfully demonstrate mastery for a course will receive credit,

which will count toward graduation requirements.

Students will not recieve a letter or number grade for CDM credit, and therefore, it will not affect his or her GPA or class rank.

Students are not penalized for an unsuccessful attempt, but may not attempt to get CDM for any given course more than once.

Students may not receive CDM credit for Honors-level courses.

According to the NCHSAA, students must be enrolled in at least 3 courses in order to participate in high school athletics.

CDM courses will not be used in the NCAA's initial eligibility process.

Students who gain CDM for CTE courses will not be eligible for articulated credit at the community college.

As long as minimum admission requirements are satisfied, CDM does not affect a student's enrollment in a UNC system university.