Final Exams?????

This evening, the subject of final exams was discussed by a group of people that were curious why we give them. There are any number of reasons for giving and not giving final exams at the high school level. There are those who feel that they prepare you for college. There are those who feel that finals are the true indicator of what you learned from a course. On the other hand, there are those who feel that the only purpose they serve is to lower grades at the end of the year. Other schools do not mandate finals. Why do we? Why can't seniors be excused? The list of questions and opinions that were shared tonight goes on and on. In February, we will create a small team of students, teachers, and administrators to discuss the topic of final exams at Athens High School. Until then, I would like to hear your feelings regarding final exams. Why should we continue mandating them or why should we modify or discontinue them? BTW - Good luck on your finals this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.