Standards of Excellence

The Dieringer School District Board of Directors adopted the Standards of Excellence in August 2000 as a policy designed to improve the academic performance of students. The Standards of Excellence also ensures that students graduating for Dieringer schools will have the skills and knowledge required for successful performance in high school. This brochure has been created to explain the Standards of Excellence to parents and to give examples of ways parents can help their children achieve success in school.

Dieringer's Standards of Excellence plan links to Washington State's School Improvement Strategy by providing:

• Clear and challenging standards developed by teachers and parents.

• New state tests measuring how well our students are meeting these standards.

• School and district accountability to ensure students are meeting state and local standards.

Dieringer's Standards of Excellence plan links to Dieringer School District's Strategic Plan by creating:

• Clear performance standards for students at each grade level, K-8.

• Effective academic interventions for all students.

• Clear communication to parents and the community about the Standards of Excellence plan.

Dieringer's Standards of Excellence plan provides clear standards for student performance, including:

• Report cards.

• Project-based learning opportunities.

• Grade level exit exams for grades five and eight.

Dieringer's Standards of Excellence plan provides a strong support structure of interventions, including:

• Tutoring.

• Parent conferences and workshops.

• Summer school.

Dieringer's Standards of Excellence plan provides fair and consistent consequences for those who exceed, meet, or fail to meet Dieringer's standards, including:

• Special commendation at graduation.

• Promotion with diploma.

• Promotion without diploma.

• Retention.

What can parents do to help their child meet higher standards?
Create a good learning environment at home by:

• Making a habit of talking positively about the importance of school and a good education.

• Providing a quiet time and place for homework and study.

• Regulating TV and computer game time.

Ensure your child comes to school ready to learn by:

• Monitoring your child's diet and sleep patterns.

• Seeing that your child arrives at school every day and on time.

• Creating a checklist of items your child will need to take to school every day.

Monitor your child's progress by:

• Checking assignment sheets and/or progress reports.

• Attending parent-teacher conferences.

• Suggesting homework club as an option if your child falls behind.

Take action if grades reflect poor academic progress by:

• Phoning or scheduling a conference with your child's teacher(s).

• Attending PTSA-sponsored parent education workshops.

• Requesting a tutor for your child.

• Considering summer school as an option for your child.

Questions about Dieringer's Standards of Excellence

Q. Why were standards for each grade level created?

A. Our community, teachers and parents know that in order for students to be successful in the 21st century they will need to work their hardest in school to learn the skills that are being taught. High school students in our state will soon be expected to obtain a "Certificate of Mastery" as a requirement for graduation. Our standards were also established to prepare students to meet this new requirement.

Q. What are the standards students will have to meet?

A. Report card scores, two special projects at each grade level and exit exams for grades five and eight will be used as a measure to determine if students are learning the skills they will need to be successful.

Q. How will report card grades and special projects be scored?

A. The first and second semester grade point averages (based on a 4.0 scale) will be tripled and averaged. This number will be used as the report card score. Scores for the two special projects

(0 to 4 points each) will be added to the report card score to determine total points each year.

Q. How difficult will it be to be successful?

A. The goal is not to prevent students from moving ahead but to ensure that they are ready to be successful at the next level. Strengths may be used to students' advantage. For example, higher scores on the projects and visa versa may offset slightly lower scores on report cards.

Q. How will the exit exam work?

A. This year's fifth and eighth grade students will pilot an exit exam that will include the most important things teachers have taught over the year. Beginning in the 2001-2002 school year, results on this test will also be made a part of the Standards of Excellence.

Q. How will students know if they are falling behind or if they are doing well?

A. If a student is falling behind, the student and parents will be notified throughout the year. This will be done using progress reports, report cards, conferences and letters from teachers, the counselor and principal.

Q. Will these scores determine if students graduate from NTMS or if they are retained or promoted?

A. To participate in graduation exercises or to be promoted at the end of fifth or eighth grade, students must show that they have met the requirements of the Standards of Excellence.

Q. What will happen if students do more than what is expected?

A. If a student's report card scores and project scores are exceptional, that student will be eligible to receive a special diploma upon graduation from the Dieringer School District. This diploma will explain that through hard work they have received commendation for outstanding performance.

Q. How many points are possible for sixth, seventh and eighth grade?

A. Look at the chart below to find out how many points are required at each of the grade levels.

Q. How many points must be earned to meet the standard?

A. The chart below shows how many points must be earned to meet the standard.

Additional questions regarding the Dieringer School District Standards of Excellence Plan may be directed to our Superintendent, Dr. Judy Neumeier-Martinson at 862-2537.