The continued influence of the COVID-19 virus has changed the way that end of the year exams can be taken this year. The Florida Standards Assessments, Advanced Placement exams, as well as end of course exams will all be taken by students this year normally, with no further cancellations or alterations due to COVID-19 likely.

As the second semester has begun, more curriculum has become more oriented towards preparing for all the upcoming testing. Although the FSA’s and EOC’s will be taken like a normal year, with students coming into school on all the required testing dates to complete the test on Chromebooks (or paper, in some cases,) the AP exams, however will have some differences from previous years.

Last year, the AP exams were shortened and taken completely online from home, and College Board has continued to take the COVID-19 virus, and how it affects students, into consideration when planning for exams this year. “The new 2021 AP Exam schedule provides three testing dates for each subject between early May and mid-June, “ said the College Board.

With three different testing formats ranging from completely online to completely on paper, as well as the option to be able to take it from home, students have become more hopeful of passing this year’s exams. “Changes to the AP exams make me hopeful because there is a an easier test than we can possibly take, but there is also a concern because they haven’t given us the exact type, so the teachers and students don’t know what to study so we’re ready for the test in time,” said Cape Coral High School Sophomore Chase Qurollo, who’s taking AP World History and AP English Language and Composition. 

Although Cape High has yet to choose which form of the test students will be taking, teachers are still preparing students for completely paper tests at the beginning of April. “I think they should let us know as soon as possible the test we’re taking so we can prepare the students for the day they’re taking it. Without knowing what form they’re taking, it’s best to prepare them for the earliest paper test so that they have all the information they need,” said AP World History teacher Daniel Gross.

The first exams at the beginning of May are completely pencil and paper based, and need to be taken at the school the student is enrolled in. The next test, towards the end of May, is half on paper and half online, and still must be taken at the enrolled school. With half the test being online, it is hypothesized that the writing portions will be typed instead of written.

The final exam option is the completely online test, taken either at home or on school premises so that those in Lee Home Connect do not have to come to school and possibly risk their health. “Most subjects are full-length digital exams only, administered in school or taken at home due to coronavirus precautions,” said the College Board.