There have been many discussions over whether or not to change the grading format of BHS’s finals. Nevertheless, these conversations did lead to a change in the setup of finals this year.
As a result of these changes, the final for most math and science classes, is only worth four percent of the students final grade. While most history and english classes are making the final a quarter four grade. Previously, the final was worth ten percent for all classes no matter the subject or the teacher's objections. However, despite these new critiques, it is inevitably up to the department heads and teachers to decide the value of their own final.
I had the opportunity to interview the head of the English department, Mrs. Janovitz, and she helped further explain the format of the final exams,
“Now, there is no official section on aspen for your exam grade. So now, it just counts for your fourth quarter grade. But teachers can do what they want,” said BHS English Department head and English teacher Mrs. Janovitz.
The new format has angered some, but also made others happier about the new format. Mrs. Janovitz said she really likes the new grading system but also understands why other teachers are frustrated with the modifications,
“In general, I am just not a fan of high stake testing. So I like that they don’t put the grade in ASPEN, but do acknowledge why some teachers are frustrated,” said Mrs. Janovitz.
This is many people’s thought process as the new adjustments put less pressure on the students while still teaching students how to take high stakes tests. Many people believe taking these types of exams are an important skill to learn. Also, some teachers believe high stake tests like the previous final, is too much for some students. In addition to interviewing Mrs. Janovitz, I sat down for a talk with science department head and teacher Mrs. Potters, to discuss her thoughts on the new system.
“I like that it’s not as impactful. I still think it's important for kids to practice taking finals and tests because you have to take tests throughout your life. Us not giving tests is doing students a massive disservice,” said BHS science teacher and department head Mrs. Potters.
The desire for students to retain practice in taking high stake tests has been very common amongst teachers. Like Mrs. Potters explained, it is very important to learn strategies needed for these types of assessments and gain experience in this pressure filled position. No matter what your major is or what job you have, the experience the final provides students is vital to their success. The balance of the new finals grading at BHS is something Mrs. Potters has liked it as she said she is very content with the new changes.
“I’m happy to use the new lower percentages and I think it’s a good balance of holding kids accountable for making sure they are working towards learning and retaining the content, but I’m glad it’s not weighed so heavily that it creates too much pressure,” said Mrs. Potters.
Previously, the finals put massive amounts of pressure on students that most believe is not healthy for anyone to experience. Taking these factors into consideration, modifications were made, resulting in the same tests, but at less of a cost. Currently, the finals allow students to experience taking a final while reducing the stress of students taking the exam.
Overall, teachers seem to be on board with the new setup. Although there have been complaints, it seems most teachers like that the final is worth less, therefore putting less pressure on the students. However, do students feel the same way about the critiques? I interviewed BHS freshman Andrew Tedesco on his thoughts about finals.
“I feel like you could just have one test or project for all classes at the end of the year,” said BHS freshman Andrew Tedesco.
The desire for one project or final for all classes seems to be a common denominator when talking to students. Andrew backed up his reasoning on having one exam for all classes by saying it would be a better reflection on what students have learned over the entire year. In addition, in his opinion, it would put less pressure on students and teachers. However, this finals format does not seem realistic, as it would require such drastic adjustments to a final exam format BHS has held for centuries. Acknowledging his idea was most likely out of reach, Andrew commented on his overall thoughts about finals,
“As a whole, I think finals are fine and they don't bother me. I do like the change in the grading system as now our final grades in most classes go towards our fourth quarter grade,” said Andrew Tedesco.
To sum things up, after a two year long hiatus from finals here at BHS, finals are back up and running. But this time, there are some revisions to the grading format such as a reduced value of the final and now, the students final exam grade goes either toward their fourth quarter grade or it is four percent of their final grade. In the end, the decision has been given to the teachers. So students, if you want change, talk to your teachers.