Last minute exam changes

Photo+provided+by+Troy+Colvard

Photo provided by Troy Colvard

Mercer Sullivan, Editor-in-Chief

First semester is almost complete and students are still enrolled in Zoom High School. The typical semester schedule runs through mid-January with exams occurring the last week of the semester. This year however, the semester will still end mid-January but a large amount of exams will be taken December 14-18 before Winter Break. 

“This year for the first time in a while, there are no NC Final Exams…” Assistant Principal of Instruction Karen Morris said. “Because of this change at the state level, there is more flexibility in how and when students are assessed in classes other than EOC and CTE courses. Our district asked principals and teachers for their input on how best to assess students during this year of remote learning. The schools asked that teacher-made exams be held before the winter holidays. The belief is that students will be able to demonstrate their knowledge better without waiting several weeks between class and exam.”

These changes will allow for students to be more prepared for their final exams and not have to wait three weeks before having to regurgitate all of their hard work from the first semester. Many students and teachers are welcoming these changes. 

EOC and CTE courses will still take their exams January 13-20 and they will be held in person. If students are not comfortable taking in person exams, they can defer their test until the spring but they will receive an incomplete until their exam is taken. Students cannot pass these courses without taking the exams. 

For students that will be on campus for exams in January, the typical services will be provided including breakfast, lunch and buses. The school will be taking precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“We will run the testing as safely as possible…” Morris said. “Students will test in small groups of no more than 10 people. Students will be screened before they enter the building and will remain in one testing room in a small group for the duration of the test. Students will use a computer that has been charged and disinfected prior to use. They will be spaced more than 6 feet apart from other students and all people will wear masks.”