FINAL Thoughts

For those of us with children in the 6^th grade and up, the recent topic of discussion seems to be final exams.  I’m sure we all remember the days when we crammed for hours, and pulled all-nighters for the last tests of the year.  Now we sit back and watch our children do the same thing.  Many students have already taken final tests including the NJDOE Algebra I and Biology required assessments and for those students enrolled in Advanced Placement classes, the required AP exams.  So why is there a need for another test? 

I only recently learned that seniors who have an A average in a class are excused from the final exam.  Finally, that is something that makes sense.  Then I thought, well why can’t that apply to all the students in 6^th through 12^th grades?  In MHS, the final exam along with the midterm together have the same weight in determining the transcript grade as an entire marking period.  (The midterm and final are 10% each and each of the 4 marking periods are weighed at 20%).  I personally never agreed that one test should have such an impact on our students.  Although I understand that it is all about preparing them for college, where in most cases there are only 2 tests each semester, I still feel that the emphasis placed on these exams causes too much stress. 

 I don’t know if any analysis has been done regarding the exam scores and the impact on the final grades, but I really do wonder if these results from a 1.5-hour test have had a significant impact.  If not, then why not allow those students who have an A average in a subject to benefit from their year of hard work and dedication and skip the final exams?  It could be a great motivator for students.  Not only would an “A” average save the student from cramming, it actually could result in their summer beginning a week early.  (For those who are not familiar with the final exam schedule in the high school, the last week is all half days and students only need to report to class when they have an exam scheduled.)   

 Whether or not you have a student currently in the high school, all parents will be there sooner or later.  For those of you who have strong feelings, one way or another, I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts.  Do you think all students with an A average should be exempt from finals?  Why or why not?