York High's Homework, Final Exam Policies Explained

The following piece is by Shahe Bagdasarian, York High School's former principal:

With Board elections approaching and the Elmhurst community seeking the best candidates to govern their children’s education, it’s important to be mindful that opinions, perspectives, and sometimes even misinformation/disinformation can be used to instill doubt about Elmhurst District 205 and polarize the community. While I am not here to endorse, criticize, or discuss any specific school board candidates, I simply want to provide a more well-rounded and accurate view of the Elmhurst District 205 school system from several different perspectives. It sounds like Elmhurst is in a great position with a variety of candidates who can bring a wide range of ideas and approaches to help the district flourish.

As a former parent, teacher, and administrator in Elmhurst School District 205, I can confidently say that Elmhurst 205 offers an exceptional education for its students. I most recently served as the Principal at York High School from 2020-2023, during one of the most challenging and volatile times in education. During that period, administrators and teachers navigated complex COVID protocols, political divisions, were under constant scrutiny, and most importantly, ensured that students had the best possible educational experience so that they could thrive.

The needs of students changed significantly due to remote learning and non-traditional schedules and remote instruction. As a result, it became crucial to adopt innovative approaches to meet the various student needs. We couldn’t operate with a “business as usual” mindset, as it would have been detrimental to student development. The York administration and faculty always remained committed to educating students despite the challenges of the pandemic. While the method of instruction changed, academic standards remained high, and our expectations for students didn’t waiver.

To remain positive and optimistic with all stakeholders in the face of adversity, we made every attempt to celebrate student successes and accomplishments. One of those accomplishments was our passing rates which were aligned to our building goals/metrics. First, it's important to understand that passing rates, especially for freshmen, are a crucial indicator of overall high school success and graduation rates. This data was shared with York families to highlight and celebrate the hard work, resilience, and determination demonstrated by both our students and staff during an incredibly challenging time. Taken from my January 2022 Principal Newsletter at York, I shared that “The improvement in student success and passing rates can be attributed to several factors, including more consistent grading practices, personalized support for students, the elimination of traditional final exams, programs like Saturday and Winter Academy, and a focus on social-emotional learning. Additionally, the resilience and determination shown by both our teachers and students were crucial in achieving high levels of success.” In response to the challenges students faced during the pandemic, many traditional final exams were eliminated. This decision was made to better support student learning and address the unique needs brought on by remote learning. While final exams are important, they are just one form of assessment, not the only form of assessment. In addition, students continued to demonstrate their knowledge through regular summative assessments (i.e. unit tests) throughout the semester, which still require time management, study habits, and strong test-taking strategies. Here is an article written in the Independent from 2022 in response to some of the criticism.

York High School has never had a "No-Homework" policy. While homework remains an important part of the learning process, many school districts have reduced its weight in overall final grades, though still required. Homework serves as practice, much like how student-athletes practice daily to prepare for the big game. Success in academics — like in sports—depends on the effort and preparation put in over time, not just the outcome of a single exam.

The School District’s excellent reputation is one of the reasons that so many families choose to move to Elmhurst. York High School continues to excel in the extracurriculars, students are graduating with both athletic and academic scholarships, and many students are attending some of the most prestigious universities in the world. I can speak from my own experience — both of my children attended York High School during my tenure as Principal. They are now excelling in college, doing exceptionally well academically, and benefitting from the education they received in District 205.

As a current Superintendent in a south suburban school district, I can attest that the work of educational leaders is never complete. There is always room for improvement in any industry. The needs of students continue to change and evolve. Leaders must always strive to improve academic outcomes and adjust to the ever-changing needs of students. Leading Elmhurst 205 is no small task. Dr. Keisha Campbell’s vision, deep investment in the community, and student-centered approach set her apart as the right leader for District 205.

Families are certainly fortunate for the academic and extracurricular opportunities that are provided by Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205. It is a community where families desire to live.