IB Topics removes EK tests for second semester

Starting second semester, all seniors in the IB World Topics classes will no longer take Essential Knowledge (EK) tests.
The department decided to remove EKs to address the seniors’ poor essay scores, allowing them to focus on preparing for those exams instead. Social studies teacher Matthew Axelrod said seniors will now engage in cognitive skills development, typical for the IB exam.
“We want students to be successful on the IB exam and shift their focus to essays,” Axelrod said.
The aim of EKs is to determine the students’ understanding of the material they learn each unit. Axelrod said the decision to end EKs would lead to higher essay proficiency.
“We want kids to recognize that the [IB exam] is a challenge and give them the skills to be able to get there,” Axelrod said.
Senior Isaac Feldman said he is looking forward to the new change and how it develops.
“I think not testing on EKs is welcomed and it’s more of a wait-and-see thing for now,” Feldman said.