Credit to Cherry Ann Clark

For many students, the most stressful time of the year sits right between early December and the end of January. With the holiday season approaching, the end of the semester looms ahead meaning only one thing. Finals.

Background
Within the last five years, the Francis Howell School District’s semester final system has changed over and over again, a repetitive cycle that all began after COVID-19 moved things online. For years, it was that all finals were worth 20%, then with the stress and volatility that came with Covid, finals were abolished for two short years. Since the fall semester of 2021, finals grades have all been worth 10% for all classes.

However, this school year brought back the debate as to whether FHSD should go back to the way it was, having all finals be worth 20% of the final semester grade for students. The Board of Education took a very cautious approach to this as to figure out what was best for the student body, teachers and parents in the district. They assembled a focus group of teachers and administrators from all over the district to evaluate what was best for the schools.

They had three meetings before coming to a final pitch for the board, going over various sets of data regarding the efficacy of different final weight percentages, reviewing survey results regarding the thoughts and opinions of parents and students in the district, and finally coming to a conclusion on what they thought would be the best system for all parties involved.

If the board approves this decision starting at the beginning of next year, teachers will have the option to weigh finals anywhere from 10% to 20%. This percentage will be decided for that course for the whole district, meaning every English I class within the district will have the same final weight percentage.

This will be brought to the policy committee on Jan. 27. This would then go for BOE first read in February and a final read and vote in March.

Our Take
With the stress finals already presents, having the weight of finals be 10% makes the brutal reality just a little bit easier to swallow. The perfect weight to make finals important, but not make or break your grade. Keeping the final grade weight at or around 10% helps represent all students in an equitable manner and relieve stress, all while still preparing students for life after high school. With the new system in place for the upcoming school year teachers must begin thinking about what the best weight for their class will be. Year-long classes like English and Algebra already test students throughout both semesters in unit tests and would be best fit keeping grades at 10%, as it’s less of a benchmark for those classes. However, for semester classes bringing the weight up to 15% or 20% makes a little bit more sense.

Equity
High schoolers are at a stage of brain development where the prefrontal cortex, the area responsible for decision-making, stress regulation and executive functioning, is still maturing. High-stakes testing disproportionately increases stress and anxiety in younger students, impairing their ability to perform to their fullest potential. When exams account for a larger percentage of their grades, students often experience test anxiety, which can negatively affect memory retrieval and problem-solving skills. By keeping finals at 10%, schools can ensure a more fair representation of students’ knowledge without disproportionately penalizing those who struggle under pressure.

Along with concerns for less-skilled test takers, higher percentage weights affect students from underprivileged backgrounds or those with learning disabilities. According to the Intercultural Development Research Association, these high-stakes assessments can increase dropout rates among minority populations and students from low-income backgrounds. This system penalizes students who face external stressors, such as economic insecurity or family responsibilities. Raising finals to 20% could intensify these inequities, as students who lack resources for private tutoring or test preparation would face an even steeper disadvantage. Maintaining a 10% to 15% weight range ensures that finals complement, rather than overshadow other forms of assessment like performance tasks that provide a fuller picture of a student’s abilities.

Post High School Preparation
A lower weight for finals encourages students to focus consistently throughout the semester rather than relying on one high-pressure test to “save” their grade. Research by Harvard Graduate School of Education highlights that when final exams carry less weight, students are more likely to study in increments throughout the semester instead of cramming. This approach fosters better study habits, intrinsic motivation and academic engagement, all of which are critical for long-term success. Which assists students in building healthy habits for whatever they plan to do after graduation.

In most professional and real-world settings, success is evaluated through ongoing project-based outcomes rather than singular high-stakes assessments. Preparing students for the real world means emphasizing a balanced approach to evaluation that aligns with real-life expectations. Keeping finals at 10% follows this philosophy, as it values consistent effort and reduces the impact of a single day’s performance.

Stress Reduction
One of the most significant benefits of keeping final exam weights at 10% is the reduction in stress levels for students, creating a healthier academic environment. High school students already juggle multiple responsibilities, including extracurricular activities, part-time jobs and family obligations. Adding the pressure of heavily-weighted finals can be overwhelming, which leads to burnout, anxiety and declines in mental health.

According to the “American Psychological Association”, nearly 45% of teenagers report feeling stressed “all the time” during the school year, with academic pressure being a top contributor. High-stakes exams that carry a large portion of a student’s final grade exacerbate this stress, and often negatively impact their performance and well-being. By maintaining a lower weight, schools can strike a balance. Finals remain important enough to motivate students to study, but not so impactful that they feel debilitating pressure.

Ultimately, a less stressful final test experience allows students to focus on building their knowledge and skills without the added burden of overwhelming anxiety. It ensures that education remains a positive and equitable journey, rather than a source of unnecessary hardship. By prioritizing student bodies’ best interests, the district can continue to foster a culture of balanced achievement and lifelong learning.