[CCHS] Semester exams

[Art Dulong]

Good afternoon,

	I am writing to tell you about an pilot plan we will be implementing for
the end of first semester exams. As you know the School Advisory Council
has recommended that we examine the policies and practices at CCHS that
might contribute to student stress. The department chairs, with that in
mind, have devised an exam schedule that they think may help some students
deal with some of the stress of semester exams. In particular they are
hoping to relieve some of the time crunch that so many students feel if
they cannot finish the exam in the allotted time. 

	Here is what we will be trying on a pilot basis.

Monday, January 22 – a full day of school in which all 8 blocks meet. (C2
Block inserted after G1 Block) The purpose of this day is for final review
prior to exams. 

Tuesday through Friday (1/23-1/26)

	The days schedule would be: 	First Block 7:35am – 10:15am
		Lunch 10:20am – 11:20am 
		Second Block 11:25am – 2:05pm
The blocks would be as follows:
						Tuesday 	A Block first, B Block last
						Wednesday C Block first, D Block last
						Thursday E Block first, F Block last
						Friday G Block first, H Block last

	2 classes per day, each class is scheduled for 2hr 40min. However, the
actual test design is for a 1hr 40minute exam. The 1hr and 40min is the
same exam time we have always used. At the conclusion of the 1hr 40min
test time, students who have completed the exam have the option to leave
the classroom. Students who have not completed the exam or students who
would like to sit quietly in the room studying for their next test may
remain.

	Why the change? We have a significant number of students who are allowed
extra time by virtue of an IEP or a 504 Plan. For those students the
previous exam schedule could be a nightmare. One exam followed by the
second, neither of which was actually finished with the extra time coming
at the end of the day. Thus some of these students began testing at 7:35am
and finished at 4:00pm or later. All, or at least almost all, of these
students should be able to complete the full exam within the extended
block. Also, many of the teachers regularly give any student extra time
whether or not they are on a plan that requires it because they are
interested in grading a complete exam. These teachers should be able to
satisfy those students within the extended block. 

	For sure, there are certain classes which administer an exam that is
strictly timed. While they must still honor the extra time requirements
specified by a plan they may adhere strictly to the test limit (1hr
40min). In these cases the departrment will determine which courses will
administer strictly timed tests. For example, perhaps the science
department will determine that the Honors Chemistry test is a timed exam.
That means that all Honors Chemistry classes will be taking the exam under
the timed condition. Teachers will announce well ahead of time if the
course they teach is one in which a strictly timed test will be given. But
I want to repeat, if there are students in these classes whose IEP or 504
Plan allow extra time, they will be given extra time as provided in their
IEP or 504 Plan. 	

	A few more clarifying points for your information. 

	During exam periods students are not required to be at school when they
are not scheduled for an exam. Students who are at school can be in the
library (until it fills to capacity) or in the cafeteria, or in the upper
gym. So, a few examples to help explain. Assume a student has both an A
Block and B Block exam. On Tuesday that student must be in school all day
until the second exam is completed. That student should not be leaving
school for lunch or other activities, unless they have Off Campus
privilege or unless you give specific dismissal permission via a note or
phone call. Assume the same student completes the second exam at 1:15,
that student is welcome to stay at school in the areas mentioned, but also
may leave because their exams are completed. Another example, assume a
student has no A block exam. That student is welcome to arrive early, but
only needs to arrive before 11:25am, the beginning of the second exam. One
last example, assume a student has no B Block exam. That student is free
to leave school at the conclusion of the A Block exam.  

	Without doubt there could be many scenarios. Essentially, be at school
when their are exams and between exams if one does not have Off Campus
privilege or specific permission from you. 

	I hope all of the above is clear, but if not please be in touch. I am
hopeful that this will be a positive and manageable change for the
semester exam schedule. But...remember this is a pilot. If it does not
work well we would not do it again.


Arthur Dulong
Principal, CCHS
(978) 341-2490 x7110