EOC’s

In the past 3 weeks, students at Rouse took required End-of-Course exams or as most of us know them, EOC’s. Although some teachers do not count them towards their student’s grade they are still very important. EOC’s are also a way to obtain extra exemptions. This year students took an EOC in Algebra I, Geometry, Biology, Chemistry, and World Geography. It all depended on what courses you took.

“EOC’s are a waste of time because we have finals,” Rachel Sloan said. Some students here at Rouse find EOC’s a hassle because they have to take 3 sets of tests; TAKS, EOC’s, and finals.

The EOC’s are going to phase out TAKS test and all other state tests. The class of 2015 or our current seventh graders will have to take the EOC instead of TAKS. The state is enforcing EOC’s to “go green” and to establish a way to test more students all at once. Eventually, students will have to take the EOC’s in all core subjects and they will become the finals at the end of every year. The class of 2015 and beyond will have to take these exams all through their junior year or until they take all the required courses.

Students alternated between two and one hour classes during the weeks of EOC’s. The reason for the two hour class periods was to give students enough time to complete their exams.

TAKS week at RHS

April twenty-sixth through thirtieth was TAKS, or Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills, week at RHS. There were mixed opinions from people around campus about the test. Some thought it was easy, others felt as though it was more difficult. Many people believed that the time length allowed to the test takers was long enough, however, some felt differently. “Some people aren’t good test takers, so the TAKS is not a good way to determine if they advance.” said student Toni Schmidt.
The TAKS test decides whether or not a student can move on to the next grade. This is considered fair by some; student David Carley believes that “It is a good way to tell, because TAKS is the basics of school learning. If you don’t pass it, you are definitely not ready for the next grade.” Others, however, feel otherwise. “It’s not fair, because you could have a bad testing day, but still be a straight A student.” argues Rayna D’Andrea.
So how is TAKS different from finals? For one thing, TAKS is over fewer subjects. Sophomores at RHS took a Math, Science, and World History TAKS while the freshmen class took a practice Science, real Math, and then a practice Social Studies. Finals are also often times longer and harder, and there is one in every subject.
The TAKS test is considered fair by some, however, some students, such as Jorge Mena say that “I don’t think a test should tell what you know. It’s not really fair.” Lauren Hammond agrees, “I think if you pass all of your classes you shouldn’t have to take TAKS.”
However, others disagree. Leslie Tate’s opinion is that “It’s the state’s responsibility to make us take TAKS.”
Louis Bonilla agrees, “TAKS is a great way to measure your abilities.”