So I heard the weather forecast is calling for some snow this week—a statement that has been used so frequently this winter (and spring) that snow and school cancelings at this point are part of MCPS’ standard routine. The end of the quarter is to remain Thurs. March 27, and students will have to take quarter exams although they may be unprepared due the forced condensing of material.

Even though students have become accustomed to the four day, sometimes three day, school week it has been tough to remain up to date with the curriculum. Ten days in one year is a lot to miss, and it is extremely hard for teachers to condense all the important lessons into the days we have left.

Quarter exams are a great way to ensure students comprehend and understand all of the material taught over the span of nine weeks. However, teachers should take into consideration all the snow days we have had and alter the tests to guarantee that all of the topics being tested have been taught.

Typically, these exam grades go on the third marking period report cards, and I believe that this year will be no different. With the lack of teaching days came a shortage of testing days so, depending on the class, there are minimal grades on students existing third quarter Edline pages. Since there are so few graded entries these exams will have a big impact on students’ overall grades.

Teachers need to alter quarter exams or not give any at all to make certain that students grades are not in danger.