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Four benefits of Ursuline's reimagined midyear assessments

Four benefits of Ursuline's reimagined midyear assessments

by Shannon Dufresne
 

At The Ursuline School, assessment is designed to support learning, not interrupt it. Now in its second year, Ursuline's reimagined midyear assessments reflect an intentional and effective approach.

Following the introduction of the new academic schedule in fall 2024, faculty reviewed assessment practices with a focus on equity and instructional time. The school moved away from a traditional, high-pressure exam week, allowing departments to assess learning in discipline-appropriate ways while maintaining instructional momentum. The model has continued because it preserves instructional time and supports learning goals. Here are four key benefits of Ursuline's approach.

1. More instructional time, less disruption

Traditional midterm exam weeks require pausing instruction across all subjects at once. Ursuline's model eliminates that disruption. Midyear assessments take place during regular class periods to align best with each course's content and objectives.

By keeping assessments within the flow of learning, valuable instructional time remains intact, and students continue to build skills even as they demonstrate mastery.

2. A balanced and equitable assessment

Midyear assessments carry the same weight as other major assessments during the semester. There is no separate midterm category on report cards and no single exam that disproportionately affects a student's overall performance.

This structure reinforces steady progress and sustained effort, supporting equity while reducing the pressure associated with a single, high-stakes testing period.

3. Discipline-appropriate ways to demonstrate learning

Because learning looks different across subjects, assessment should reflect that. Depending on the course, midyear assessments may include exams, projects, presentations, written work, or other demonstrations of understanding.

This flexibility enables teachers to evaluate learning in ways that are most meaningful to their discipline while giving students multiple opportunities to show what they know and can do.

4. Strong preparation for college-level expectations

College coursework rarely hinges on one exam week. Instead, students are expected to manage deadlines, balance multiple forms of assessment, and demonstrate learning over time.

Ursuline's approach mirrors those demands. By emphasizing time management, sustained engagement, and confidence in their learning, students develop habits that translate well beyond high school. College outcomes for the Class of 2026 affirm that this model challenges students appropriately while preparing them for success in higher education.

As Ms. Robyn Summa, principal, noted in a recent Koala Bulletin article, the shift has returned valuable instructional time to classrooms without reducing rigor, ensuring that assessments occur when they most effectively support learning.

Ursuline's reimagined midyear assessments continue to deliver on their promise, keeping learning moving forward, and students remain at the center of the academic experience.

Share your voice

Ursuline's approach to midyear assessments is designed to support learning and balance. This quick poll is a chance to share how the experience has felt and what's made a difference. Thanks for helping us learn and grow together. 

Take our brief poll HERE to contribute your perspective. 

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