Math Semester Exam Work Group
Meeting Summaries
Meeting # 8―December 2, 2013
Participants reviewed and provided feedback on draft surveys for principals and students to be
administered following the math Semester 1 exams in January 2013. Additionally, the work group
members reviewed state regulations and MCPS policy and regulations regarding the purpose and weight
of final exams. Factors generated by the work group to be considered when thinking about the weight
and purpose of final exams should include calculating numeric versus alpha grades, semester versus
year-long courses, exam grades as a percentage of marking period or percentage of semester grade, and
use of cumulative projects as alternative to final exams, where appropriate.
The work group will reconvene at the end of January to review results of surveys, determine findings,
and consider these finding, along with other collected over course of work group’s tenure. The work
group also will review any additional data, as appropriate, and recommendation will be generated and a
final report drafted.