RALEIGH, N.C. — In about six and a half weeks, students across North Carolina who are in the third grade and up will take the state's End of Grade tests.

And because these tests can often determine who passes and fails, they can cause stress for students and parents. That's why, on Saturday, some of the students' parents were in class.

The Coalition of Concerned Citizens for African American Children held a workshop in Raleigh on Saturday to help guardians prepare their children for the End of Grade tests (EOGs).

The tests are "a big indicator as to how the children are doing and how they will perform throughout the year," Saraha Robertson, a parent attending the workshop told WRAL-TV's Valonda Calloway. "So it's something you really want to put a lot of energy and effort into."

James Cole, a grandparent, said the workshop helped guardians "learn more about the education system, more about testing and what is required of parents."

Presenters explained why the test was important, offered test preparation suggestions and provided sample test questions.

Susan Parry, chair of the Wake County Board of Education, said the workshop was exactly what the community needed.

"The testing coordinator who presented information to parents about how they can be more involved in their children's education was really beneficial," Parry said.

Robertson added: "It was an opportunity to get more information on how I can help both my sons to succeed in elementary school, and get some keys and principals I can apply at home."

For testing tips and additional resources about the End of Grade test, please visit the

N.C. Department of Public Instruction

web site.