At the end of a first semester of a school year like no other, how do teachers measure the success of their students? For a Gonzaga Prep, a college prep school, the answer—even in pandemi—is to assess and honor the work of students with the rigor that will prepare them for the college environment, said Derek Duchesne, vice principal for academics.

 

Students completed midterm finals on Thursday, Jan. 28 after a full semester of hybrid synchronous in-person instruction. They’ll have a 3-day weekend before embarking on a second semester that introduces full days of class in an “Enhanced Hybrid 50” learning model.

 

Duchesne explained school administration developed a final exam plan with the aim of ensuring a level playing field for both in-person and at-home students. Academic integrity was paramount, but with the wellness of students carefully considered. They looked to colleges for examples of what worked at that level and drew on the creativity teachers have shown all semester long. 

Some teachers split the finals into parts that might include essays, projects, speaking and reading, as well as the timed component during the scheduled days and times set aside for finals. The hope is to get a truly authentic picture of students’ progress. For the timed portion, teachers were present via Google Meet to answer any questions students had during and after the exams. As with spring 2020 semester finals, teachers practiced grace with student assessments in what continue to be challenging times.

 

To set students up for success, Prep offered finals week tips for parents and students, and promoted the use of the Academic Success Center.

 

Looking ahead, Duchesne said, the hope is to return to the traditional finals week when students are all in-building, but faculty and administration will be evaluating useful lessons that can be carried forward after the pandemic subsides.