by Katelin Johnson
Every year students at Marshwood High School dread mid-terms and finals, but what are those tests actually used for? Many students believe that the tests show the teachers how much the students have learned. Although this is true, there are many other important reasons we take these tests.
Principal Paul Melhorn stated, “mid-term exams are used to provide information back to students to show what they have learned and their ability to apply their knowledge.” As well as showing the students what they have learned it is also important “feedback” for teachers, said Mr. Melhorn.
For the past five years seniors have had the privilege to opt out of second semester elective finals if they had an A average in the course and the instructor’s approval. “This is a bonus to seniors” said Crime and Justice teacher Mr. Micheal Zamarchi.
The structure of mid-terms is closed campus, meaning students are not allowed to leave school after their exams. The reason for closed campus is to “keep focus,” said Mr. Melhorn. Because mid-terms are closed campus, seniors taking electives, if able to opt out because of their high grade, would not have anything to do for that period. This may cause students to lose focus during the exam day.
Students question the equity of administration’s reasoning. If the reason for seniors taking midterm electives is because they need to stay focused, then the rule should be the same for seniors to stay focused during the final exam week too.
Marshwood senior Stephanie Goodwin said “if you get an A in the class you’ve already shown you know the material.” While this is true, Mr. Zamarchi said that “if a student is getting an A in the class, then the mid-term should be easy for them. It shouldn’t be a big deal.”
Mid-terms are coming up fast for Marshwood students including seniors. But seniors have bigger issues, such as college planning, to worrying about. So look at mid-terms with optimism seniors; it’s half way to graduation!
Every year students at Marshwood High School dread mid-terms and finals, but what are those tests actually used for? Many students believe that the tests show the teachers how much the students have learned. Although this is true, there are many other important reasons we take these tests.
Principal Paul Melhorn stated, “mid-term exams are used to provide information back to students to show what they have learned and their ability to apply their knowledge.” As well as showing the students what they have learned it is also important “feedback” for teachers, said Mr. Melhorn.
For the past five years seniors have had the privilege to opt out of second semester elective finals if they had an A average in the course and the instructor’s approval. “This is a bonus to seniors” said Crime and Justice teacher Mr. Micheal Zamarchi.
The structure of mid-terms is closed campus, meaning students are not allowed to leave school after their exams. The reason for closed campus is to “keep focus,” said Mr. Melhorn. Because mid-terms are closed campus, seniors taking electives, if able to opt out because of their high grade, would not have anything to do for that period. This may cause students to lose focus during the exam day.
Students question the equity of administration’s reasoning. If the reason for seniors taking midterm electives is because they need to stay focused, then the rule should be the same for seniors to stay focused during the final exam week too.
Marshwood senior Stephanie Goodwin said “if you get an A in the class you’ve already shown you know the material.” While this is true, Mr. Zamarchi said that “if a student is getting an A in the class, then the mid-term should be easy for them. It shouldn’t be a big deal.”
Mid-terms are coming up fast for Marshwood students including seniors. But seniors have bigger issues, such as college planning, to worrying about. So look at mid-terms with optimism seniors; it’s half way to graduation!
