Recent LZHS Communications Detail

Lake Zurich High School Families and Students,

 

We hope this communication finds you well! As we prepare for the upcoming year, we would like to provide you with important information regarding the schedule and format of final examinations for the 2023-2024 school year.

 

Finals are a significant part of the educational journey, allowing students to showcase their knowledge and understanding of the subjects they have studied throughout the year. The decision regarding the cumulative experience format will be made by each respective teacher team, considering the unique nature of their subject and the most effective assessment method.

 

Final exam experiences may include multiple choice, short answer, essay, problem-based learning, performance-based assessment, portfolio-based assessment, project-based assessment, student choice, a presentation, or a combination of these.

 

The finals for the 2023-2024 academic year will be held over a three-day period, at the end of semester one and the end of semester two. The schedule is as follows:

 

Semester 1 Finals:

Day 1: 12/18/23 from 8:40 AM to 1:15 PM

Day 2: 12/19/23 from 8:40 AM to 1:15 PM

Day 3: 12/20/23 from 8:40 AM to 1:43 PM

 

Semester 2 Finals:

Day 1: 5/20/24 from 8:40 AM to 1:15 PM

Day 2: 5/21/24 from 8:40 AM to 1:15 PM

Day 3: 5/22/24 from 8:40 AM to 1:15 PM

 

All students enrolled in AP courses, who elect to take AP exams, will be exempt from spring finals.  If students choose not to take the AP exam that corresponds to their AP course, students will have to take a final exam.  That final exam will follow the same grading practices as all other exams, which can be seen below.  

 

Dual Credit
Dual Credit courses will follow the requirements expected by the university.

 

Seniors will be exempt from their spring semester finals.  Seniors may take finals if they wish.  They must come into the building after graduation on the above dates.

 

 

At Lake Zurich District 95, we believe in a comprehensive assessment approach that considers both the formative and summative aspects of learning. To ensure a fair and accurate representation of student performance, our courses are weighted using an 80/20 model. This means that 80% of the final grade is based on summative evaluations, while 20% is derived from formative evaluations.

 

Let's take a closer look at how these components contribute to the overall grading:

 

Summative Evaluations (80%):

The majority of the final grade, 70%, is determined by summative evaluations. These assessments include exams, projects, research papers, and other culminating tasks that evaluate the student's knowledge, skills, and understanding of the course material. Summative evaluations are designed to provide a comprehensive measure of the student's overall achievement in the subject.

The final exam will contribute 10% towards the overall grade calculation. This allows for a fair and meaningful assessment of students' understanding and retention of course content at the end of the term. 

Formative Evaluations (20%):

Formative evaluations make up the remaining 20% of the final grade. These ongoing assessments aim to provide feedback, track progress, and identify areas of improvement throughout the course. Examples of formative evaluations may include quizzes, class participation, homework assignments, and in-class activities. They allow students to engage actively in the learning process and adjust as needed.

 

We believe that this grading structure encourages students to demonstrate mastery of the subject matter throughout the course while also recognizing the importance of ongoing learning and growth. It provides a balanced and comprehensive view of their progress and achievement. Students will be notified of the format of the final exam in specific courses on their first day of class, and will be fully outlined in the syllabus. 

 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the grading policy or the weighting of final exams, please do not hesitate to reach out to John Walsh at john.walsh@lz95.org/847-540-4109 or Zach Gimm at zach.gimm@lz95.org/847-540-4629. We are here to support you and provide any necessary clarification.

 

Thank you for your continued partnership in your child's education. Together, we can foster a positive and enriching learning environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive.

 

Sincerely,

 

John Walsh

Interim Principal

 

Zach Gimm

Assistant Principal of Academics, Assessment, and Innovation