It is finally that time of the year. The time we have all been dreading since the first day, the week of midterms. Midterms are creeping up on us and with only a few days left, you probably have some questions. This is a new addition to our academic journey, one we were not expecting. Many people have been asking things like how long is each test, how much will it impact you, or what midterm tests even look like. We are here to answer all questions with the assistance of our princeple— Mr Brack. We will answer the top 10 asked questions about midterms in hopes to help you prepare for the inevitable.
First question on the list: How long is each test? The first day of midterms is January 22nd and the first exam is from 8:20- 10:10, this will be 1st period. After your first exam you will be given a 10 minute break until your next exam, which will take place in your 2nd period class. This exam will be from 10:20- 12:10. After your second exam is over you will have a student study hall from 12:10-12:55. Finally, from 1:00-2:50, there will be extra time for the exams and make-ups. This is the schedule you will be on for the entirety of the midterms week. The midterm dates are the 22nd, 23rd, 26th, and the 27th of January.
The second question is: What percentage of our grades does the midterm count for? This is a little complicated since the four main classes have a set test but the other classes like language or art don’t. The main four classes, which are science, math, english, and history will count for 10% of your overall grade. Other classes without a set test will have a project that will count for a normal test grade.
Our third question was: What do kids do in freshman seminar and gym during midterms? Students will have project based assessments that will be determined by the teacher.
The fourth question is: How will the tests look? Will they be on paper? It changes based on the class some midterms may be on paper others may be on Chromebook it’s up to your teachers
Our fifth question was: How early do you suggest kids start studying? It is suggested to students about 2-3 weeks before the midterms. Being consistent and starting off light then gradually shifting focus as the midterms start to roll in is suggested. This is so students can ensure their success and help them excel in the upcoming midterms.
The sixth question we asked was: What happened for you and your colleagues to reinstate midterms and finals? Many people after returning to Kearny high were asked what they were least prepared for in college. The overwhelming response was exams, they have decided to reinstate these to help us in the future.
The seventh question was: How much do you think this will help people for college? The purpose of the midterms is to help prepare students for college life as exams are part of a student’s college journey. However, it’s also meant to enhance learning, appropriately assess skill building, and avoid academic burnout. A midterm assessment gives teachers an early measure of student progress. It gives them a foundation to adjust instruction and identify areas where skills are lacking and assist the student in improving these skills.
Number eight on our list is: Is there a concern that the midterms could end up hurting seniors’ grades since they haven’t done this before? Yes, high school midterm exams will impact a student’s grade. However, they could also help students’ grades. A strong midterm can raise a borderline grade, since teachers use midterms to replace or balance weaker test scores, and they can prepare students for AP exams and college testing formats. Overall, the midterm does have the power to either hurt or improve your grade. However, it’s rarely the sole reason for your grade to majorly drop and with good preparation, your final grade won’t decrease that much.
The ninth question is: Do you think 10 minutes is enough time for kids to have a break? The administrators don’t quite know, we were told that 15 minutes would have been preferred but that this was the only time they had left. If it turns out to not be enough they will go over it again and do their best to fix it.
Our final question was: What’s being done to help kids with stress and anxiety? The school has devised reasonable exam schedules. The school has avoided stacking multiple major exams in one day which prevents students from burnout. They have also allowed breaks in between exams when possible so students can get the break they need. Clear communication, including sharing exam formats, content, and study guides is helping students prepare for the exams. Supportive policies which include allowing retakes, corrections, or grade replacement where appropriate. Finally, schools are going to provide a calm testing environment in quiet rooms free of disturbances and distractions. Teachers are also working to help kids by normalizing the testing anxiety and stress students may be feeling. They are also helping reduce surprise by aligning the exams with taught material, and encouraging that students have a growth mindset and take these exams as a learning experience.
We hope this answered any questions or concerns students may have, but we highly encourage talking to a counselor if you need clarification. This is the first midterm in many years, the administration is doing their best to make testing beneficial and calm. We wish you luck this testing season and all that may come.