Miami-Dade Schools Axe Midterm, Final Exams

MIAMI – Many students in Miami-Dade County won't have to study for final exams. Or midterms.

School district officials decided in October to make midterm and final exams optional for students in grades 6 through 12. The reason? They say it's an attempt to ease the burden on students.

The Miami Herald reports that students aren't completely off the hook. They still have to take state, federal and local assessment tests. And teachers can give midterms and finals if they choose.

An assistant superintendent for Miami Dade schools told the newspaper the testing schedule gets crowded, especially at the end of the year. It will get even worse as Florida moves to end-of-course exams. Last year, students began taking Algebra I. In 2012 students will begin taking geometry and biology exams.