Finals In Hinsdale D86? Here To Stay, Official Says

HINSDALE, IL – A Hinsdale High School District 86 board member said last week he would oppose doing away with final exams.

Meanwhile, a top official said the administration has presented no such option.

At Thursday's school board meeting, officials said final exams have no impact on students' grades more than 90 percent of the time.

Member Jeff Waters spoke about what he saw as the benefits of finals.

"Final exams reinforce comprehension, and they are motivators," he said. "There are risks in final exams, but they provide more repetition for comprehension."

He continued, "I'm not sure what kind of narrative the district is looking to take, but I, for one, would fully oppose any pathway that would include eliminating finals."

Some audience members applauded.

In response, Chris Covino, assistant superintendent of academics, said no such narrative has been presented nor was he making such a suggestion in his presentation.

"Is there a plan to eliminate them? The answer is flat-out no," Covino said.