Having our school’s EMPAs crammed into the final weeks of school can really make things tough for both students and teachers.

Think about it: by the time May or June rolls around, everyone is already feeling pretty tired from a long year of classes, homework, and projects. Then, on top of all that, you have these big, important tests looming right over your head, just as you’re trying to finish up everything else. This intense pressure can cause a lot of stress and anxiety for students, making it hard to truly focus and learn. Instead of understanding the material deeply, it often feels like we’re just trying to memorize enough to get through the test, and then we might forget it all the next day. It also means we miss out on those fun, reflective activities that usually make the end of the school year so memorable.

Teachers also feel the squeeze when EMPAs are scheduled so late. They’re constantly rushing to cover all the necessary topics before the test date, which can mean they don’t have enough time to dive deep into certain subjects or explore them in more creative ways. It’s like they’re in a race against the clock, trying to get through the curriculum rather than truly teaching it. Once the tests are over, they’re faced with a huge pile of grading and paperwork, all while trying to keep students engaged for those last few days of school. This makes it really hard for them to enjoy the end of the year or even plan for next year, because they’re swamped with finishing up the current one.

This timing can also change the whole vibe of the end of the school year. Instead of it being a time to celebrate all the learning and growth that’s happened, it often turns into a frantic sprint to the finish line. Students are stressed, teachers are overwhelmed, and the focus shifts entirely to test scores rather than the joy of discovery or finishing strong. It leaves little room for those important end-of-year projects, class discussions, or even just fun review games that can help solidify what we’ve learned in a less stressful way. When the main goal becomes “pass the test,” it can actually make learning feel like a chore instead of an exciting new topic.

Moving these big tests earlier at the end of the school year could make a huge difference. It would give students more time to reflect and absorb what they’ve learned, without the added pressure of the school year ending right around the corner. Teachers would also have more breathing room to teach thoroughly and provide meaningful feedback, and then have time for engaging activities once the tests are done. Ultimately, rethinking when we have EMPAs could lead to a much calmer end of the school year.