Beginning with the 2025–2026 school year, Round Rock ISD high schools will no longer be required to administer cumulative final exams, implement finals week schedules, or offer final exam exemptions based on attendance.
The shift is designed to maximize instruction time, reduce stress, and support authentic learning.
Under the new approach:
Cumulative final exams will no longer be required, though teachers may still choose to assign them at their discretion.
Final exam exemptions will be eliminated, meaning all students will participate in end-of-semester learning activities.
Finals week bell schedules will be discontinued, allowing schools to maintain their regular instructional schedules through the last day of the semester.
“This change aligns with our commitment to student-centered learning and gives teachers the flexibility to assess students in ways that are more aligned to their course objectives,” said Superintendent Hafedh Azaiez.
Instead of traditional finals, students may complete projects, presentations, performance tasks, or quarterly exams—many of which build cumulatively toward semester goals. Written assessments may also be given before the last week of the semester to allow time for grading.
Semester grades will be calculated as an average of the two quarter grades:
Q1 + Q2 = Semester 1 grade
Q3 + Q4 = Semester 2 grade
The change does not affect State of Texas End-of-Course (EOC) exams, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or dual-credit college courses, which will continue to follow their respective assessment schedules.
The changes are reflected in updates to the Student Handbook and campus-level procedures.