This year, John Jay has gotten rid of the midterm week that has previously been in place. So this is cause for celebration, right? However, because the the school removed midterm week does not mean that midterms were removed all together. The school has instead just revised the midterm schedule creating both positive and negative effects.

The new schedule will only require students to take tests in certain classes. Social Studies, Math, Computer Science, and some Science classes received midterms. Before this year, tests were given in almost every class. By lowering the amount of midterms, students will be able to prepare more for the tests. In addition to this, the midterms will take place over the course of two days during two forty minute periods instead of one hour and a half sitting. Two part tests will make it easier on students by allowing them more time to study and provide them with a mental break. One last positive is that classes will be assigned to days, not periods. For example, one test day could be for all science and math classes, whereas in the past that day might have been set aside for periods one through three. This could potentially allow for similar classes to be on the same day so that studying could be centered around similar ideas and not having to try and switch between two completely different topics.

With the advantages of the new system there are also disadvantages. The week that was set aside completely to be focused on testing last year has become a regular school week with few testing accommodations made. During days where there are tests, teachers will not be allowed to give homework or any sort of demanding assignment in class. While this helps lower the stress of the week, it is no comparison to only having to come to school for periods when you have a test. Also, this lowers the value of the classes where students do not have tests as many teachers will probably do a low stress lesson, such as a video. “In rigorous classes without a midterm, both teachers and students were distracted and were not able to work efficiently”, says an anonymous Junior student. Another significant difference is the arrangement of tests and ability to make up missed exams. Because the format is to have days based on type of class, depending on a student’s schedule, they could be faced with up to three tests in a row and have only the four minute break between classes as a rest. The day that was set aside for just make ups is also gone, and since the test week is a regular week of school students and teachers have to work harder to find a common free time for a make up. This is an imposition on students and teachers as both will be busy either taking other tests or grading them.

It will be interesting to see how smoothly the new schedule will come into effect and if it is a permanent change or something just put into place for this year.