FIAB Results: Dartmouth 8th Grade

FIAB (Formative Instructional Assessment Block) Results

• 305 8th graders at Dartmouth took the FIAB about three weeks prior
• Individual scores will be reviewed by English teachers with students
• Dartmouth's overall performance on the FIAB surpassed the district average
• 50 students scored above the standard
• 151 students scored at the standard
• 104 students scored below the standard
• The FIAB contained 11 questions
• Questions 1-3 were of medium difficulty
• Question 4, although intended to be the most difficult, was handled well by Dartmouth students
• 46% of Dartmouth 8th graders answered question 4 correctly, while only 37% of district 8th graders answered the question correctly
• Dartmouth students generally outperformed the district average on most questions
• On the easiest question, Dartmouth's performance matched the district average

AP Human Geography (AP HUG)

• Mr. Walsh teaches the course
• Mr. Walsh also teaches AP Art History and AP Computer Science
• AP Human Geography (HUG) is a good choice for a freshman AP class
• AP stands for Advanced Placement
• AP classes are a way to challenge yourself
• Focuses on knowledge and awareness of worldwide problems
• Political, ethical, and racial issues are discussed
• Games, competitions and learning activities make it fun
• AP classes are a good way to meet people and make friends
• AP classes can raise your GPA above 4.0, potentially up to 5.0
• College Credit can be earned

Geography of the United States

• The East Coast has more lights due to higher population density
• The West Coast, specifically California, also demonstrates significant lighting
• The middle of the US, with very few lights, corresponds to mountainous terrain
• Los Angeles County has a higher population than the combined population of Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Idaho

Regional Cultural Differences

• Most of the United States calls a patty in the middle with two buns on top a hamburger or cheeseburger
• In one county in New York, it is called a "steamed ham," even though it is not ham

Language Variations

• A map shows areas where people say "dang."
• Soda, pop, and Coke identify what people call soft drinks in different regions of the US.
• In most of California, people call it soda
• In the northern states, people call it pop
• In parts of Texas and Louisiana, they call it Coke

Mr. Walsh's Philosophy

• Education should be challenging
• Failure is acceptable, and recovery is possible
• A healthy balance between fun and challenging activities is important

High School Registration and Requirements

• Counselors will help register for classes
• Choose top 2 electives and 3 backups

Graduation Requirements

• Need 220 credits to graduate

A through G Requirements for College

• History: 2 years
• English: 4 years (required)
• Math: 3 years (recommend 4 for college)
• Lab Science: 2 years (recommend 3 for college)
• Biology and Chemistry are lab sciences
• Foreign Language: 2 years (recommend 3 for college)
• Spanish and French are foreign languages
• Visual and Performing Arts: 1 year
• AP Art History, band, jazz band are visual and performing arts
• College Prep Elective: 1 year
• Other CT classes can fill requirements
• AVID isn't the only college prep elective

Passing Grades

• High School Graduation: D or higher (65% is passing)
• Anything below that, like 64.8%, requires retaking the class
• College Admission: C or higher

Importance of Grades

• 8th-grade grades and test scores determine placement in high school courses
• Math, English, science are high school courses
• Placement in ELD or READ 180 classes is determined by grades, ELPAC, and SRI test scores
• Poot perfomrance on the English or Math sections in the CASP Test may result in mandatory Read 180, removing an elective choice
• Read 180 is a basic introduction into the alphabet
• Eligibility for fall sports requires a 2.0 GPA or higher
• Grades from 9-12 affect graduation, sports, clubs, off-campus lunch, work, and college admissions

Sample 9th Grade Schedule

• English class
• Math class
• Science class
• 9th Grade PE (can be waived for students playing sports for more than one year)
• Two electives

Weight Training and Elective Class Selection

• You can consult with a counselor individually to gain access to weight training
• To participate in weight training, express interest in incorporating weight training into your schedule, possibly as a zero-period option

Elective Class Guidelines

• Students choose two elective classes.
• Electives are year-long commitments and cannot be changed once selected
• Students should choose electives based on their interests, not solely on friends' preferences
• Many CTE (Career and Technical Education) classes are two-year pathways, which requires a two-year commitment upon enrollment

Elective Class Descriptions

• There are approximately 15 elective classes available.
• College accept electives with a grade of C or higher
• Students are advised to select their top choices and have backup options
• There are electives with auditions or prerequisites
• Electives include Band, AP Computer Science Principles, Spanish & French, and AP Human Geography

Visual and Performing Arts Electives

• Ag Floriculture: An art class focused on working with plants and flowers to create arrangements
• Digital Media: A computer class involving animation and various computer-based
• Concert Choir: Open to all students, regardless of experience
• Acting: N/A
• Technical Theater: Focuses on behind-the-scenes aspects such as stage design, set building, and costumes
• Music Theory: Learning how to read music and understand musical concepts
• History of Rock and Roll: Explores the history and evolution of rock and roll music.
• CTE Theater Dance: Features major dances like Ballet Folklorico. Ballet Folklorico involves wearing big dresses.
• Intro to Band: An introductory class for students interested in learning to play an instrument, regardless of prior experience.
• Art Class: N/A

Agriculture Classes

• Food and Plant Sci: Learning about food origins, growth, processing, and preparation for stores and restaurants
• Ag Mechanics: Learning how to weld, measure, build projects, and acquire construction techniques

Other Electives

• AVID: A college preparatory class focused on study skills, team building, and preparing students for success in high school and college
• Auto Technology: Working on cars, with a required computer work component before hands-on shop experience. CTE auto technology requires a two-year commitment if started as a freshman.
• Sports Medicine: Learning how to be a sports trainer, focusing on the body, injury prevention, and treatment
• CTE First Resp: Learning about different emergency services and their roles at accident scenes
• ROTC (Air Force): Leadership, hands-on activities, team building, and learning about Air Force history
• Business & Logistics: Introduction to the business industry, including job skills, resume building, and company analysis
• Computer App: Learning various computer applications, video creation, and computer-based projects
• ASB: Not a course to sign up for; it is an elected position with freshman elections occurring in the first weeks of school. Requires an interview for selection