CST scores improve API

Dinorah Acuna, Writer

October 12, 2011

Successful with their CST scores, Downey High’s Academic Performance Index score (API) increased by 21 points after months of hard work by the students of the 2010-2011 school year.

Every year, students all over California are required to take the CST in order to see what they have learned; however, there always seems to be a large number of students who did not take the tests seriously and did not even bother trying their best. This constantly affects the school’s API score and prevents it from improving.

“I believe every student should take the CST seriously even though we’re not graded on it because it’s still an exam,” Karla Torrecillas, 11, said. “You should get a good score on it for yourself, because it’s going to benefit you and no one else.”

This all changed as of last year when Mr. Houts decided to encourage teachers to offer grade changes to students who scored in the advanced range or improved from their previous scores.

“This benefit really motivated a lot of our students to give their best effort,” senior Rebekah Jin, said.

This advantage indeed motivated the students tremendously so that the school was able to increase its API score by 21 points, which surpassed the school’s goal of 5 points. With these results, the students were finally able to realize just how important these tests are even though they are not a requirement for graduation.

“I think the CSTs are important to the school because it helps the teachers see what the students learned throughout the year and what they can improve on,” Berenice Gonzalez, 12, said.

With these improvements on the STAR tests, the school hopes that these positive outcomes will continue throughout the years as the students continue to be more motivated about doing well on the tests. However, grade bumps are not the only benefits students can get from getting exceptional scores on the state tests. Students can also be eligible for the Golden State Seal Merit Diploma if they earn a scaled score of 370 or higher on six different CSTs. Hope that these benefits will further motivate the students on putting more effort in their school work as well as in their STAR tests stays with the staff.

About the Contributor

Dinorah Acuna, Writer

Senior Dinorah Acuña is a first year writer for The Downey Legend, and is also an aspiring student inspired by the fact that she will be the first person in her family to go to college. From the many subjects in school, her interests remain in math, science, and literature. Originally from Arizona, Acuña believes that hard work, responsibility, and respect are essential to a person. She is active in her community with the Normaneers club on campus and likes to do things that involve the outdoors. In addition to her participation in school, the Downey Legend writer has great social skills and does not tolerate violence or selfishness. Acuña joined The Downey Legend because she wants to continue her involvement at Downey High. With a voice in the newspaper, she hopes to share her writing and to make students feel a connection with their school. “I believe nothing is impossible,” Acuña says. She is confident that her positivity can significantly contribute to The Downey Legend. The amiable writer hopes to become a successful part of a working environment. Her goal is to make the newspaper better and to get people interested in being a part of Downey’s Viking pride.