Recently, Montgomery County Public Schools created a new policy removing final exams for every class. We should applaud them for this step away from test-based learning. By eliminating finals, our schools will be able to create a more interactive learning environment rather than forcing us to memorize and regurgitate information simply for the sake of exams.
In today’s society, we are constantly bombarded with tests and quizzes. Whether, AP, IB, SAT, ACT, HSA PARCC, or class assessments, our school schedules are loaded with these long, exhausting, and stressful exams. Students are frequently forced to compromise their extracurriculars, as well as their sleep schedules, to study for tests and exams. By removing these anxiety-producing finals, students will have fewer tests to worry about and more time to focus on the learning itself.
Another benefit of removing exams is that teachers will have more time to instruct and assign interactive projects. These projects and activities are far more useful in the real world than tests, as they promote teamwork and encourage students to explore further than the classroom setting. Unlike final exams that cover an entire semester worth of material, projects allow us to dig deeper and find topics that interest us within each course.
To replace the final exams, teachers will give short, quarterly assessments. These more frequent quizzes and projects will allow teachers to have a better idea of the class’s understanding of each unit. Thus, teachers can adjust their material and methods of teaching to accommodate the needs of each class.
Because there are no final exams, the grading system has also changed. In classes that previously had semester and final exams, quarterly assessments will count for 10% of the marking period grade. Semester grades are calculated by averaging the two quarterly letter grades. For example, an A in one quarter and a B in another quarter will result in an A for the semester grade. The new grading system makes it easier for students to get the grade they deserve.
Opponents of the policy claim that removing final exams makes students less prepared for college exams. However, students are already exposed to a plethora of exams due to state requirements. Throughout high school, we take a combination of HSA’s, PARCC tests, AP exams, SAT, PSAT, and other standardized tests. By removing final exams, students have more time to learn the material in class and to participate in extracurriculars such as sports or drama.
The positives of removing final exams undoubtedly outweigh the consequences of eliminating them. With less testing and more hands-on learning, we should all thank Montgomery County Public Schools for eliminating final exams.
