Should students be allowed to opt out of semester tests?

A debate that is brought up within schools, among friends, and in general conversations is the curiosity and questioning behind whether or not semester testing is beneficial and whether students should be required to take them or not. There are several reasons why some people find it not only necessary but beneficial. On the other hand, some argue that students already take enough tests throughout the school year about the topics, so why should they be forced to take a big one about everything? I think that semester tests should not be required. I think that students have already had tests on the same subjects and their grades should not be jeopardized by such a heavy-weighing test. 

Those who believe that they are necessary to take the tests feel that they show the progress of the student. It shows how well a student or individual can retain information that they are taught throughout the school year. Another pro that they consider is the fact that these tests are also measuring the ability of the teacher. If the teacher fails to teach, most of the time you will see that through the results of the students. The last pro I will mention is the idea that they encourage students to study year-round; preparing them for future jobs and colleges. 

On the other hand, some people do not agree. Some people feel as if the tests are weighed too much. Another con is that a test really can not prove the comprehension ability and the value of a student. It is hard to base someone's educational value on such a stress-filled test. That leads me to my final con of requiring students to take semester tests. These tests are some of the most important and stressful tests for a student. This soon leads to poor scores due to students freaking out and panicking. So overall, I think that these tests are sort of good for students and educational purposes, but in reality, I think that students should be able to opt-out and choose not to take them.

 

Do you think we should be allowed to opt out of semester tests if we are already passing with a good grade?

Do you think semester tests should have less of an impact on our grades?

 

 

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Replies

  • Good topic and well done summary Drew! The issue is you posted it last night, four days late.

  • I think that as along as you have an A than there should not be a problem letting students opt out of the test. These should kept the same amount of a persons grade because if people are failing and they study they can potentially bring their grade up but if they don't study their grade can drop rapidly.

  • I personally do believe that if you have maintained a good grade, B's to A's, you should be able to not take the semester test for that class. You have already shown that you know the material very well. I do also think that semester tests should not be worth such a high percent of your grade. 

  • I think that you should be able to if you have a good grade in the class because it shows we can do what is being taught. But it could also show if you really do remember it. I think that the test should be worth 5-10% of your grade. 

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