Blue Springs High School - Campus Cadence Yearbook (Blue Springs, MO)

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Mental dexterity is exhibited by students engaged in taking the National Math Exam. Effects of photosynthesis on plants aominates Mark Negus ' thoughts on a Biology II exam. Test batteries by the Air Force create concentration and even- tual headaches from the test par- ticipants in the caf eteria. 10— Tests Essay

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■ 0SV svo iCv c yC ves V . . ' More students, teachers, buildings, and parking facilities were on hand for the official opening of school last fall. Being stepped on and wedged-in became a part of the Blue Springs Cam- pus High School ' s way of life as expansion in all its forms hit home. Finding chairs for every student this year was a paramount problem that was finally solved. Building buildings fast enough to accommodate the ever-increasing influx of students to the com- munity was a major problem. An increase of 30 per cent more students since the campus opened in 1971 raised overall enrollment figures to an approximate 930 students this year. With only 260 seniors and an anticipated sophomore class of near 400 next year, the increase is ever-continuing. The problems of finding an adequate supply of chairs this year was com- pounded by the fact that 230 classes were offered students this academic term as compared with only 217 possible teaching stations. As a result, use was made of the open com- mons areas to schedule classes. The addition of two new gymnasiums this year helped ease the load in the Liberal Arts Building. FJental of the Assembly of God Church Gym- nasium provided added facilities for the girls ' physical education classes. The opening of the Herschel Neil Gymnasium in November provided the boys with their own facilities. Construction on the campus is an ongoing XCV process. As the year progressed students view- ed construction of the new Blue Springs Civic Center, west of the Liberal Arts Building. In spring, plans were announced for the new Montgomery Practical Arts Building construction to begin this summer. Classes were crowded prior to the opening of the new campus buildings and although the new buildings helped ease the dilemma, the problem of overcrow- ding was still in existence. The largest faculty in Blue Springs High School ' s history, and Erobably the youngest, attled the crowded con- ditions with understanding and a smile. Growing, yes. Expan- ding, certainly. Problems, definitely. But BSHS con- tinued to function within its own physical limitations. Expansion Essay — 9

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Tests tecluVte sta Vt a Many of today ' s youth have become accustomed to the barrage of tests ad- ministered to them throughout their school years. Since many of these evaluations can prove greatly beneficial as well as detrimental to one ' s educational success, the amount of student concern involving testing is often extreme. True, many academic tests taken during high school do not insure ease and success in job applications, figuring one ' s income tax, and obtaining college scholarships. Yet, the information gained from the classroom is retained to a great extent because of tests. Fear may be a prime fac- tor in tests inducing stu- dent study habits. The car may be taken away, allowances cut, or curfews shortened — threats that few students want carried out. Junior Myrna Koch states, Tests are un- necessary because you cram for them and tend to forget the subject matter the next week. Along the same line, junior John Anthius believes, It ' s a farce because tests are just for points. Kids study and cram for a test and forget the next day. The desire to succeed is another reason why tests promote academic enthusiasm. Unfortunate- ly, tests do not always ac- curately evaluate one ' s knowledge in academic areas. Often students may score poorly on a quiz and yet apply the same knowledge to daily situations or other school subjects. I don ' t think tests should be counting so much on your grade as they do. It ' s not the test, but what you learn, quotes Rusty Mellor, senior. The inverse is also true; one can successfully cram for a test, score highly and yet fail to grasp an un- derstanding of the subject matter. Yet tests are the only widely accepted means of evaluating stu- dent understanding, con- cerning schoolwork. Other means of testing do exist. When asked of the need of tests, Dr. Larry Clark, principal, said, Absolutely, we use tests as a method of achieving mental discipline if nothing else. For in- stance, standardized tests are often given so that local students may view how they rank with students across the nation. Accoring to counselor Larry Moehle, Standar- dized tests should be more accurate than classroom tests. They often evaluate students ' aptitude and fields of interest, claimed Mrs. Linda White. I would like to see as few standardized tests as possible for the majority of students. With the excep- tion of those going on to college, I would like to see students take more stan- dardized tests. ACT, SAT, and PSAT are the major tests ad- ministered which often determine college students ' entrance in ma- jor colleges today. Seemingly meaningless dates, figures and facts required to pass high school courses, often come up on these tests, often making the difference between the acceptance and rejection of college applications. Tests do not always come in the standardized written form. They can come in the form of inter- views, applications, verbal and physical tests. Inter- views, for example, play a big part in one ' s life. I believe interviewing an in- dividual brings out their true identity and per- sonality on a job situation. Yes, interviews are a big part of life, states Mr. Bill Webb, drama director. Some interviews are of the question and answer method. Some job inter- views take place on loca- tion, rather than in an ex- ecutive ' s air-conditioned office. During these inter- views, one is not actually tested , but rather the in- terviewer or the prospec- tive boss tests one ' s prac- tical knowledge in the field. Upon completion of an interview many prospec- tive employers want the interviewee ' s opinions and feelings concerning the job. Although interviews are not standardized tests they serve the same func- tion as tests in that they evaluate one ' s knowledge in a given area. Specific courses such as mathematics, algebra, history, English, and science have their respec- tive tests, both oral and written, standardized and non-standardized forms. Business courses have a different method of testing. For example in typing and shorthand, tests revolve around how many words per minute one types or transcribes, rather than questions con- cerning the history or mechanics of business. Art classes also alter testing to meet the needs of evaluating aesthetic ap- preciation of art and creative ability and skill. Student ability is surveyed in areas involving work with pastels, oils, and pen- cil sketches; little memorization of facts is stressed in testing though. Students ' feelings and reactions to tests have been an invaluable aid to teaching, said Mr. Roy Stephenson. Many students feel that tests are unneeded and serve no function. Many BSHS students have expressed the notion that tests are not necessary to the teaching process; discus- sion is enough. Senior Gary Goodwin casts his feelings on the subject, They are okay, but they are boring after awhile. Many faculty ad- visors also express the same sentiment as the students, Tests are fine if they are administered thoughtfully and for the right reason. Despite its low validity, testing has a big impact on today ' s youth. For satisfactory results in evaluations provide a significant amount of proof of one ' s competency and prediction of success. Tests are administered for numerous reasons and in an endless number of ways. One ' s future employment, scholastic record, and consequent happiness often hinge upon these examinations. Evaluation is an ongoing process; one is tested men- tally, physically, emotionally and socially through oral, written or silent scrutiny by faculty, family, peers, employers and society in general. Tests Essay — 11