Students Opt Out of Semester Tests

Students in some classes may skip semester finals if A-criteria is met

History teacher Terry Hinzmann expresses his feelings about semester tests nonverbally.

History teacher Terry Hinzmann expresses his feelings about semester tests nonverbally.

Madeline Nelson

This semester Atlantic High School  is giving students the opportunity to opt-out of their semester tests.  If students have a A in the course, no more than three unexcused absences or tardies, and no office referrals, they are eligible to opt-out.  

According toAHS Principal Heather McKay, the Building Leadership Team has been discussing the topic for around a year now.  They decided to do it because the school has been having trouble with student motivation. “What’s another way to give students that motivation to do their best?” McKay said.

It is up to individual teachers to determine if they will offer students the opt-out incentive. Some teachers want students to take the semester exams regardless of the grade they’re earning.

McKay said, “I think it’s going to go well.”  She also said that she has noticed that there are less discipline referrals this year because she thinks students are trying to obtain the opportunity to opt- out.    

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