Finals week is a staple of the high school experience. Where some students only need a 70% to get an A, others find themselves in need of a 215% to pass. The finals schedule has remained the same for many years, but this semester a new schedule has been approved, and it might just be for the better.
The original finals schedule was blocked in a similar fashion to the regular class schedule of CGHS. Students arrived at school at 7:30 for an hour-long study hall, then had a two-hour block to take their final. This process was then repeated over the course of four days.
Some students liked the previous schedule because it gave them time to study and relax between tests. Others, who didn’t plan to study, disliked having to be at school when they weren’t testing.
After a finals week with many student absences in December, the district surveyed students for feedback. As a result, the administration approved a new half-day finals schedule. Under this plan, students will take two back-to-back finals and be permitted to leave by noon. While it eliminates in-school study time, finals week still spans four days.
“The new finals schedule is intended to decrease the stress of testing for students while increasing their ability to study for and demonstrate their knowledge of a particular subject,” Assistant Principal Jennifer Perkins said.
To keep this half-day schedule next year, students must attend all their finals. Teachers are required to give a final, which can range from a short quiz to a 100-question exam.
Regardless, students must be present in class if they wish for the schedule to continue.
I encourage all students to comply with this request, as this change, while it may be controversial, will ultimately create a better environment and schedule for students. Students who only have one final now have the ability to study at home prior to their test, and others with only one late morning test can now prioritize sleep. Allowing students to get rest all throughout the week will allow their brains to recharge and be fully aware when it matters.
In addition, the half day schedule gives students more leisure time, meaning they have the opportunity to get in some physical activity, spend more quality time with their friends and family, or even just study at home, which many students find more productive than studying at school.
Giving this time back to students will allow them to not only have the energy needed for a week of testing, but it also encourages better studying strategies, the prioritization of sleep, and the implementation of more energizing tasks.
In conclusion, the new finals schedule will ultimately have a positive impact on the students of CGHS and should work for years to come…with the compliance of the student body.
