Waiving Exams
In Jenison High School, our seniors are allowed only two absences to waive exams. Should this be enough for them, or should they have more? To begin, let’s say you are sick and out for 2 or more days. Your chance of waiving these exams is no longer available. It doesn’t matter if you have excused absences, school-sponsored events, etc. Things need to be changed quickly, and here is why.
To begin, Jenison High School and our neighboring schools have a two absence rule. In the second semester, our seniors can waive certain exams, only if they have no more than two absences. Where this can be beneficial to some, it can also be unbeneficial to others. This can be due to sickness, vacations, and sports.
Senioritis to Success
Senioritis is real. Sometimes it can start Freshman year and lead up to Senior year. Students with senoritis tend to not try as hard. This is due to the excitement of being a senior and getting close to leaving high school. “I hope it will help with senoritis and they would feel more motivated,” said Mr Morley. A Jenison High School English Teacher.
Furthermore, Mr Morley is stating that accepting more allowed absences will motivate students to try hard in school, and not miss as many days. While some teachers do state those opinions, we have high school students who believe the opposite.
“I think they wouldn’t try as hard in class if allowed more absences,” said Zavier Radle. A Byron Center High School senior.
To summarize, Zavier Radle believes that students wouldn’t be trying as hard with their school work if they were allowed more absences, due to more days off for them. This means that if they were to be falling behind, they wouldn’t care because they know that if they don’t have to be present, that will lead to not turning assignments in on time.
Absences affect on learning
On average, our teachers miss days typically for their sick children, whereas students miss days for mental health days. “It all just depends on how sick my children are,” stated Mr Morley.
Along with missing school, the students are prone to having more work at home. This causes our students to make up work, and that can be very difficult for some students. Genevieve Stratton-Tice, a Jenison High School Junior, stated “I have to do my homework around my mom so she knows I am doing it, or else I will get yelled at.”
As Mr. Morley States, “They are allowed to waive an exam, but it is a privilege and they should earn it.”
To summarize, Seniors waiving an exam is a well-earned privilege. You should always be trying your best in school, although schools should consider more than 2 absences, especially for seniors. Our High School Seniors deserve it, and it should be a change added immediately.
Seniors deserve a chance. They have taken exams since freshman year, leading up to now. Allow them more absences!?
