Final exams are coming up, which can be stressful for students, but there are multiple ways Freeport High School students can reduce that stress level and skip out on multiple finals.
At the end of each semester, students are required to take a final exam for each of their eight classes, but there is a chance to reduce that number to only four.
Freshmen and Sophomores have to take a MAP test in their math and English classes. They have the chance to skip both of these finals if they succeed in each of the following:
- Students have no more than a 10% Rapid Guessing on either MAP test
- Students have a C or higher in their math or English classes
- Students meet their growth goal or are at ACT proficiency
“I think that the underclassmen deserve this opportunity; however, the upperclassmen should get this opportunity as well because they tend to have harder classes,” said sophomore Myles Moore.
Another way students can earn a final exemption ticket is to get Highly Professional on their Professionalism Rubric.
The Professionalism Rubric is done twice a semester and is awarded to students who are rated a 4.0 average overall, or Highly Professional by each of their teachers. To earn Highly Professional, you must succeed in each of the following categories:
- Personal Responsibility (on time, attendance, time management, class preparation, and electronics usage)
- Collaboration & Respect (courtesy, social skills, attitude, and contribution)
- Self-Advocacy (communication, motivation, and taking initiative)
- Quality & Commitment (Quality work, effort, and evaluation of self)
Students must have an A in the class that they would like to be exempt from, but can NOT be exempted from any Advanced Placement (AP) classes.
“I like that we get the chance to earn Highly Professional and skip a final because it takes off stress and helps my mental state during the week of finals,” said junior Grace Muench.
“I think that it is a cool incentive to make sure that students are doing what they are supposed to be doing in class and staying professional,” said English Teacher Haley Kurtz. “As long as it is being done accurately, I think it is a great reward for those who are doing the right thing.”
Students have one week after Winter Break to study and prepare for finals.
The next Professionalism Rubric is on Dec. 16 and 17.
Finals will take place on Jan. 13, 14, and 15.
