With the 4th quarter approaching, many are stressed about the upcoming state-required EOC exams, and with the recent long snow break, teachers are scrambling to get lessons in.
Recently, everything has been a bit chaotic for Collierville High School, especially regarding exams and the final extra exams for the elective classes.
Students who have been absent for more than 4 days and have anything less than an ‘A’ are required to take additional exams for elective classes. Many students have differing views about this topic, some varying from completely abolishing these rules, to thinking they are totally fair.
Lots of students complain about the strictness of these rules. One of these said students, Destini Fitzpatrick, a 14-year-old freshman, has chosen to express her opinions about these rules.
When asked about if these extra exams are equally as important as state mandated EOC exams, Destini says, “Absolutely not. They just barely boost final grades for elective classes, but they really aren’t. It’s just extra days taken away from a break.”
Though, 15-year-old freshman, Maria ‘Allie’ Beccara-Fuentez, agrees to disagree, humbly explaining how “They are. These exams are a great way to boost final grades in a class that you’re struggling in.”
She adds, “Taking exams just makes us smarter. Due to the pressure, we try and study harder and eventually get a good grade. The more exams and review, the more chances to get better understanding of the material.”
However, most students complain over the relatively strict conditions and requirements for taking/avoiding the exams. These rules are heavily debated among the student body, especially those who are absent frequently due to personal reasons.
The number of days that the rules say you can miss is only up to four days, which many find very hard because of illnesses and/or family matters outside of school.
Destini explains. “I was sick with the stomach flu for 5 days, and they still made me take the exam, even when it was out of my control.”
On the other hand, Allie claims, “Someone who has been here every day is someone determined, while someone with a higher absence gives off a sense of not caring for their schoolwork.”
She argues that most of the time those who must take the extra exams due to absences aren’t prioritizing schoolwork as much as they need to be.
“Especially in high school, it’s important to focus on your future opportunities and not miss important days of school,” Allie says. “Though, I can understand being sick.”
When asked about what they would change about the current rules if they could do so, Destini answers, “It shouldn’t be about your absences, just how your grades are in the class. It should only be about what grade you have in the class. I also feel that they should lower the necessary grades. After all, a B is still passing.”
Allie offers her answer, “Well, I would be slightly more lenient with the days of absences since there’s a lot of situations where a student’s choice of attending school can be taken from them. Meanwhile, regarding the grades, I believe they are perfect the way they are.”
“The harder the challenge the better, these academic obstacles just make a student better at the end of the day,” Allie says.
Each side of the debate presents convincing claims and arguments for and against extra testing. In the end, the topic of extra exams has multiple views and is ultimately the decision of the school district.
While, the students have every right to express their opinions, the school district strictly believes in “empowering all students to achieve success through a comprehensive educational journey that prepares them for college, careers, and life.”
