Volume 62, Issue 8
April p 2013
Arcadia High School 180 Campus Drive, Arcadia, CA
sdfgsadfasdfasdf As you may know, the CST s are coming up next week. You might ask, why should I care about such a dumb test that doesn t mean anything for my grades or college apps? Though it may not affect you immediately, doing well in the CST’s is very important. First and foremost, CST’s help our schools understand the performance levels of their students. These as-
The CST’s: Not Your Standard Test By KHANH TRAN
sessments are
then verted into the often talked about API (Academic A Performance In-
Staff Writercon-
dex)
As you may know, the CST’s are coming up next week. You might ask, why should I care about some test that doesn’t directly affect me? It doesn’t count for a grade, nor is it an asset or detriment on my college application. But it might count for more than you think. Though it may not affect you immediately, doing well on the CST’s is very important. First and foremost, CST’s help California schools understand the performance levels of their students. These assessments are then converted into the often talked about API (Academic Performance Index) scores. These API scores have far-reaching effects. The California state government then distributes money to the schools based on the improvement of these scores. Even property values take into account API numbers, as parents look to find the best schools for their children. Therefore, home values are often proportional to school districts’ API score. So even if you’re not looking to sell your home, it’s an aspect that’ll affect every Arcadian’s future. All of Arcadia depends on you! In recent years, AUSD’s API score has seen nothing but improvement. As of 2012, our school district has broken 900 with a score of 929, far surpassing the state’s target of 800. Additionally, our school has been awarded a statewide 10/10 rank based on our API score, with 10 being the best. Nearby, Temple City High School met the goal at 879, with Monrovia High School trailing not far behind at 802. However, the CST has taken a lot of flak in the recent years for being a simplistic multiple-choice test. In response to these criticisms, California has begun to phase out the exam in favor of a new set of exams. They are speculated to be much more personal in nature, with essays and student career paths to be taken into account and will test a set of revised standards. The new test may also seem more like the SAT or ACT. California is expected to determine college readiness by the newly updated math and English sections. What does this mean for future test takers? Unfortunately for the students, it seems like a load of more work. However, future CST’s may actually mean something more than a number and a range. While the CST’s may seem irrelevant, remember that the three mornings you spend testing next week are going to heavily impact Arcadia as a whole. So, it is important to keep up the strong tradition of excellence that AHS has sustained throughout the years. And though it might not warrant heavy studying, as it’s supposed to measure what you know (rather than what you can cram), it’s imperative that you’re on your A-game during testing. Our scores have steadily improved over the past decade, and if we keep up the good work, the score will only go upward. Whether it be for your parents, our staff, the state of California, it is important to succeed in the upcoming test. Remember to get a good night’s sleep and eat a hearty breakfast before the test. Good luck! ktran@apachepowwow.com Graphic by CHRISTINA LIANG
scores. These API scores have far ranging effects. The California state government then distributes money to the schools based on these scores. Even property values take into account API numbers, as parents look to find the best schools for their children. So even though your parents might care about your scores more than you do, do your best! All of Arcadia depends on you!
Inside this Issue
Minds Moving to the Beat: Defeating the misconception that music is distracting, studies have shown that listening to tunes can actually improve brain function. IN STUDENT LIFE (PG. 8) Graphic courtesy of BLOGSPOT.COM
Suspense of Nuclear Proportions: Kim Jong-un, Kim Jong-il’s successor and Supreme Leader of North Korea, rattled nerves with his mention of a potential nuclear war. NEWS (PG. ) ININFEATURES (PG.3 8) Photo courtesty of NYTIMES.COM