By McRae Walker, Staff Writer

The amount of testing for students has become a big problem today. Over-testing has become so bad that recently, steps were taken toward its prevention by North Carolina’s government.

In September, Senate Bill 621, or the Testing Reduction Act of 2019, was ratified. This bill not only prevented senior projects from being required, but also planned to “eliminate” the infamous North Carolina final exam.

Since the final exam is such a fundamental part of the current school system, it’s no  wonder that an alternative will be set in place. This alternative has yet to be specified at this time, but it will be implemented next school year.

Although the senior project is no longer required,  schools are still allowed to utilize them — provided if said schools fund it  — and that’s where our school’s opinion fits into this.

This bill intends to help students with overtesting, but it is far from a universally beloved decision. Many students are divided on the issue.

“It’s going to make graduation a lot easier for a lot more seniors,” senior Milroy Yahert said.

However, some believe that the effort pays off.

“Former students were really dismayed, they saw it as a worth-while experience,” said co-chair Hunter Will of the English Department.

Some members of First Flight’s staff, including Will, intend to keep the senior project alive. The project’s determined purpose is to prepare students for college research assignments.

“I’ll probably cut it in half so they still get the research experience,” Will said.

Though senior projects may no longer be a graduation requirement, they will most likely still be utilized by our school. The same could be said with an alternative for NC final exams.

Despite the intentions and general success with the passing of Senate Bill 621, its effect on our school could turn out to be minimal in the end.

Junior McRae Walker can be reached at 21walkermc92@daretolearn.org.