Semester tests. Students can spend hours on end studying for them, unless they are exempt. Students can only miss two days of school, and have two fewer tardies or have about a 94% percent in the class to be exempt from taking the semester test. Students and teachers have suggestions for improving the system.

“I think the percent should be lowered to 92%, so it’s an A,” said student Abbie Huber.

Some students like the system as it is, but others think it could be changed. Trevor Tomoson suggests that the tests could be a little easier. He says there should be only a test a year, more days to miss, and the exemption percent should be lowered.

Semester tests are overall 15% of a student’s grade in a class. Most students would change the system but many teachers approve.

“I like the idea of only one test each semester,” said teacher Staci Haag.

Haag believes that during the first semester the test gives guidance to what a teacher needs to go over next semester and that the second semester test is taken by those students who need the test.