Students surveyed for ideas on exams

Whitefish High School requires that all of its students participate in semester exams at the culmination of each semester.

All students must take these finals regardless of grade level, attendance or grades, with the exception of seniors during second semester.

The grade a student receives on a semester final is worth either 10 or 20 percent of the student’s grade in the specific class.

Semester testing has always sparked much debate among students. Specifically, students have compared Whitefish’s semester test policy with that of Glacier and Flathead high schools, both of which exempt students from semester testing based on GPA and attendance.

A recent survey assessed Whitefish students’ opinions on the issue of semester exams. Of 173 surveyed students, an overwhelming 128 students agreed the policy should be changed, 27 said the policy should continue, and 18 were unsure.

A frequent argument for opponents of the semester final policy is that it should be in accordance with those of other high schools in the valley.

“The rationale behind semester tests is to prepare students for college, but many other school policies do not reflect this philosophy,” one student said. “This school should change with current changes in the area by holding its students to the same standards as nearby schools.”

Opponents also argued against the idea of college preparation.

“Sure, you might think the tests get us ready for college,” another student said, “but what about the students who do not plan on attending college?”

Students also pointed out that the heavy weight placed by semester tests on a student’s final grade can bring about negative consequences.

“I find the tests can negate a whole semester of hard work,” a student said. “I had an A in a class and the final brought it to a B.”

“The semester test should only help your grade, not make it worse,” another said. “Some people test badly, and if you work hard all semester, it shouldn’t be the reason why you do not make the grade.”

Proponents of the policy also held some strong arguments. Many noted the preparatory benefits of semester testing.

“Final tests are standard fare in universities and are an accurate measurement of how well you have done,” a student said. “I would like to be as prepared for college as I can even, though I have mostly A’s.”

“The finals better prepare us for SATs and other college exams,” another student said. “They’re very realistic. There are no exemptions in college.”

Students also pointed out learning benefits.

“The tests still help us learn more, and students who do not pay attention can learn to listen in class,” one student said. “Some students might have cheated their way through the class, and the tests are a way of seeing if you are leaving the class with some knowledge.”

“Students should be held accountable for the knowledge they have gained, and it seems fair to test this knowledge to see if they deserve credit in the class,” another said.

Many students suggested a compromise to the situation.

“Students who have an A in the class and have good attendance already know the material because they’re here almost everyday. These students should be exempted from the exams,” a student said. “Plus, students that do this will do fine in college.”

“Kids with perfect attendance and high GPA should be excused from exams, as well as seniors during second semester” another said.

Some students also suggested quarter finals rather than semester finals so students would not have to remember quite so much information. Another compromise was to test only in core classes or leave the decision up to the students themselves.

“Students should have the option,” a student said. “If it best benefits the student to practice for college, it’s his or her decision.”

Katie McGunagle is a senior at Whitefish High School.