Wicomico County to explore possibility of getting rid of final exams

November 21, 2015

Julian Sadur,

There’s no debate that testing is needed in schools, but the question is how much is really needed? So far, Wicomico County Public schools says the public opinion is split.

“It is one versus the other, are we testing too much versus we don’t want to take assessments away that are gonna be important in preparing our students for what they’re going to face after graduation,” said Micah Stauffer, director of secondary education for Wicomico County Schools.

Montgomery County Maryland has already made the move to get rid of final exams in favor of quarterly assessments in the form of essays, projects and smaller tests.

Officials reviewed the testing process from Kindergarten through 12th grade over a six month period.

That research showed students needed additional class time to improve success rates on both State and local assessments.

By eliminating final exams they say it gives them two extra weeks for instruction every year.

Here in Wicomico County, officials aren’t ready to jump right in, but they are open to change.

Stauffer said a committee of teachers, students and school officials will discuss making a similar move over the next six months.

Stauffer said final exams are important for assessing what information students are retaining, but agrees extra instructional time would be valuable.

“At the same time the mindset is if they’re already being assessed by a state test at the end of that course or in an advanced placement course, they’re already taking that AP test at the end of the course, can that not substitute for a final exam and do we really need to do both,” Stauffer said.

Ultimately the educational advisory committee will look at all assessments Wicomico County students are taking and discuss what options would be possible before submitting their recommendations to the board of education at the end of the school year.

In Dorchester and Somerset county, officials say moving away from final exams is not something on either counties immediate radar.