Dodson Middle School

Dear Parents/Guardians,

May is a critical month for the entire Dodson community. It is the time when students demonstrate all of the knowledge they have learned over the course of a year by participating in the California Standards Test (CST). At the holistic level, this summative assessment is used to judge the academic achievement of Dodson Middle School and is the way in which we earn our Academic Performance Indicator score. At the individual level, the CST is used to determine students' mastery of the content standards and placement in courses and or programs for the following school year.

Dodson Middle School is being held accountable by the federal and state governments for raising the academic achievement of all students. More importantly, students must understand their test scores are used to determine the classes they will be placed in next year. Test scores are a factor in determining whether students are placed in intervention, honors, or advanced courses. More specifically, test scores in mathematics determine whether students are placed in Algebra Readiness, Algebra 1, or Algebra 2. In addition, there are several programs such as Honors, gifted, School for Advanced Studies (SAS), and private schools that use test scores for eligibility and admission. Based upon this evidence, we can conclude that high-test scores are vital to both our students and the entire Dodson Middle School community.

Students are tested in the following areas:

Grade 6: English/Language Arts and Mathematics

Grade 7: English/Language Arts and Mathematics

Grade 8: English/Langauge Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science.

The faculty and staff have worked diligently throughout the school year to prepare and improve the academic achievement of all students. Together, we have consistently maintained a high level of expectations both inside and outside of the classroom. Our goal is to ensure every student improves in his or her academics and citizenship.

To support your son or daughter, pleas ensure they are at school every day and on time daily. From May 11 through May 23, please do not schedule any appointments. Students should only be absent due to an illness or emergency. In addition, please ensure your son or daughter gets a good night's rest between 8 and 10 hours and has a hearty and nutritious breakfast. With your continuted support, we are confident that your child's scores will increase.

Thank you again for all of your continued support. Good luck to your students on the California Standards Test.

John Vladovic