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Niles West News

The Student News Site of Niles West High School

Niles West News

The Student News Site of Niles West High School

Niles West News

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Final Exam Schedule Altered

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Niles West has used the period schedule for the finals for many years, but for six months now, the assistant principal Kendall Griffin along with the assistant principal of Niles North have been looking into finals testing by subject.

Visiting high schools like Lake Forest and New Trier that follow this schedule, it was agreed that the pros outweigh the cons. Testing by periods allows students to share information about the tests, but when everyone takes the same subject at the same time, the information on the test is consumed by the end of the day and does not need to be repeated. Also, since teachers won’t be supervising their own classes, they can briefly check in on their students to answer any questions that might come up.

“[This] allows teachers to help their students if there is a problem, but without giving out answers to the test,” says Griffin.

A model has been sent to the staff council and board for approval, and it is planned to be ready for the first semester finals. Although the model is not yet finalized, it consists of four subjects for each of the three days, times ranging from 8:10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m..

“Even though there are four subjects each day, students will have to worry about only three per day,” says Griffin.

No matter how many good reasons are provided, some seniors of the class 2013 don’t see this change as beneficial.

“Changing the schedule for me at this point is pointless,” says senior Selina Montero. “I’m too used to testing by periods and having study hall and lunch free to study more for my tests.”

However, a few sophomores disagree.

“If they’re saying it’s going to be better, then it must be,” says sophomore Yiannis Papasotiriou. “Plus, it means I don’t have to come to school for no reason during my free periods.

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  • M

    Ms. ChandaranaSep 14, 2012 at 9:13 AM

    I am offended that the integrity of myself and my colleagues has been questioned. What has happened to warrant an accusation of “giving out answers” on a final exam?

    Reply
    • M

      Ms. ChandaranaSep 14, 2012 at 11:58 AM

      I am replying to my own reply, because thankfully, my own thinking has been corrected. The statement has been explained to me as giving teachers an opportunity to freely answer students questions without worry that their assistance will lead to a leak of information that could be used on final exams later in the week. I’m grateful for a perspective that provides me a feeling of relief, and I continue to be humbled and awed at the power of the words we choose. Thank you for that Friday lesson!

      Reply
  • S

    seniorSep 13, 2012 at 6:50 PM

    I don’t mind the change, except that your teacher won’t be there when you take the test. Because finals are usually multiple choice, help from a teacher can make a big difference. Especially when math teachers always say, “it’s not about the answer, it’s about the process”. Well then, if we’re not getting credit for our thought process, we should at least get the extra help.

    Reply
  • R

    Rebecca YunSep 11, 2012 at 9:24 PM

    I agree that the system would be better since everyone will be taking the test at the same time, but do we really need to change the whole schedule? Us seniors have been using the same schedule for almost four years now, and I think it’s safe to say that we are okay with it. Sure, it stinks to have to stay for all periods even when they’re all study halls, but at least we could have used the time to study.

    I also have to agree with ‘college guy’ on this because not everything that we alter ends up being the best.

    Reply
  • A

    Anon.Sep 10, 2012 at 5:39 PM

    I honestly feel like we should go back to our normal schedule; just keep it the way it is. NOT the new version, the version that has been going on for years.

    Reply
  • J

    jackSep 10, 2012 at 4:06 PM

    final exams at 2:00 am?!??! what is this madness

    Reply
    • I

      Ivana KosirSep 10, 2012 at 7:08 PM

      Thanks for catching that, Jack.

      Reply
  • F

    Former Student*Sep 10, 2012 at 2:45 PM

    I really like this model. I wished that this was the model when I went to West. This reduces the “sharing of test questions/answers” between students. Also, there is no point in coming to the free periods; I think one-time, I spent 3 hrs doing nothing waiting for the last test of the day.

    Reply
  • C

    college guySep 10, 2012 at 11:19 AM

    I can not believe some said “if they say it’s going to be better then it must be”…..While D219 may always have our best intention at heart, they do not always pick or change things for the better. For instance, open office was a terrible move. Also I am with the seniors. The current model is fine. I used my breaks to study.

    Reply