SJSD students perform well after end-of-course exams, according to administrators

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The St. Joseph School District Board of Education provided updates regarding academics at its special meeting Tuesday.

Stacia Studer, the assistant superintendent of academics, explained how St. Joseph School District is currently leading in four key subject areas: government, Algebra I and II, English II and Biology I. 

She noted how at the end of each of those courses, students take an end-of-course exam to show what they’ve learned and how well they’ve mastered the material.  

“Right now our policy says superintendent can designate a percent of that grade for end of course exam. We currently don’t lead any practices around student agencies or ownership in the end of course exam,” Studer said.  

However, she pointed out that the district hasn’t really built in opportunities for student voice or ownership when it comes to those exams. 

That’s something that could change.

Studer said feedback from both teachers and students shows they want more student involvement in the process, along with recognition tied to performance. 

To figure out next steps, the district met with teacher groups, department chairs, students and its academic committee to talk through how much weight the end-of-course exam should carry.  

“The committee recommended a full five percent with the second semester end of course grade. In collaboration with other school districts, many of them in the Kansas City area include this in not only in the course but also in the transcripts,” Studer said. 

That way, she explained, colleges and universities can clearly see how students performed in those courses. 

Studer also highlighted ongoing student involvement in district decisions. She said Superintendent Ashley McGinnis has been leading a student advisory group to help guide the district through its transition.  

“They had some thinking around Lafayette in their cup awards and those are given in those particular domains of english, government, algebra and biology. And the students said lets set this up in alignment with the end of course exam,” Studer said.  

Students suggested aligning those awards with end-of-course exam results—giving platinum awards to top performers, gold for advanced scores, and silver for proficient scores.  

The next meeting is scheduled for 5:30 pm on Monday, April 13  at the Troester Media Center, located at 3401 Renick St.