Stress is a problem. Teenagers hold the title of being the most stressed age group, and stress at such an early age can have dire effects on someone’s mental and physical health. One of the largest causes of stress for the student body is test taking. There are days where every core class has a test planned for the same day. The hours on end spent staying up and studying cancel out chances for students to do well on any of the tests. Trying to cram that amount of information into the brain makes each individual test nearly impossible.

However, a solution could be in sight. Mr. Palmore has asked teachers to consider regulating what days tests can be taken. The proposal is in the information gathering stages. In its current form, it states that odd days will be used for social studies, math, languages and CTE. Even days will be English, science, PE and fine arts tests.

This proposal is a needed change. If it is implemented it will result in higher test scores. Instead of having five tests on the same day and having to study a little bit for each of them, there would be only a maximum of four. More time could be spent reviewing and mentally preparing for a single test. Since test grades are worth more of the overall grade, this would bring up students’ averages and help raise GPAs.

30 percent of teens experience depression due to an overwhelming amount of school work. Also, teenagers have a 5.8 average stress level on a 10 point scale with the healthy level being a 3.9. With tests spread out, students will finally be able to reduce their daily stress level and allow more extra curricular activities into their schedule.

Less stress leads to a healthier and more successful student body.

Students and teachers who agree with Palmore’s proposal need to let him know. He is asking for feedback, so now is the time.

The even/odd test schedule proposal should be implemented. The sooner, the better.