Raising The Grade: End Of Instruction Exam Incentives

Three out of four Oklahoma students didn't pass the algebra one end of instruction exam last year. <br><br>Some say the scores are so low because students don't take the tests seriously. One

Thursday, April 22nd 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Three out of four Oklahoma students didn't pass the algebra one end of instruction exam last year.

Some say the scores are so low because students don't take the tests seriously. One Oklahoma school district is trying to do something to change that perception. They're going to reward students who Raise The Grade.

News on 6 anchor Terry Hood says when you're in high school having wheels is a big deal. At Jenks High School, parking space is limited, so having a parking pass is an even bigger deal.

Sophomore Kimberley Johnson: "You really want it because the sophomores start driving and you can't get a spot." While students are concerned with parking spots, teachers are more worried about end of instruction exams and what it will take to get students to fill them correctly.

When it comes to end of instruction exams, teachers suspect students aren't really trying. Biology teacher Susan McClarty: "There were ten students who I doubt did their best on the test they scored below satisfactory and they were some of my top students and I really think they just filled in bubbles."

Students aren't graded on end of instruction exams and nothing happens to them if they fail. So Jenks is trying to use something students want, premium parking, to get what they want, good test scores. Susan McClarty: "the school board has decided if you've passed all four of the EOI tests you have free parking your senior year." Students say it's a reward worth having. Kimberley Johnson: "I mean you have to have that pass to get a spot I mean you might as well ride the bus but I don't want to be riding the bus senior year so."

But not all students are convinced the incentive will work. Sophomore Sam McDonald: "some of em it will some don't know about it so it wont make a difference for them. Kimberley Johnson: "its gonna make a difference to some degree some people will be like free parking I better do good on this but some people donâ€™t care anyways and theyâ€™re not going to change."

The Jenks school board discussed penalizing students instead of rewarding them. They talked about requiring students to pass end of instruction exams to graduate, but decided against it.

This is the first year Jenks is offering free parking as an incentive. So, we won't know until next year if end of instruction scores accelerate or stay parked. If they don't pass all four of EOIâ€™s, you can still get a free parking permit if you take a remedial course.