BravesNewsOnline

Standardized testing has been a hot topic lately. With President Bush’s No Child Left Behind Act, tests have suddenly become more important. Schools are measured by there test scores; in Oregon they are called CIM assessments. School districts want the highest number of students to exceed the CIM benchmark set by the state. This fall all sophomores took the math and reading CIM assessment, as well as a science assessment. According to Reedsport Jr./Sr. High School Principal Pam Vander Kley and Superintendent Duane Yecha, the district learned that the state

would accept the highest score recorded anytime during the school year. This resulted in a decision to have the students retest in the math and reading subjects this spring. The decision was made by the district assessment team and administrators and was not, as many have speculated, affected by the students’ performance on the test. Superintendent Yecha said, “The decision to retest is based on making good informed decisions about instruction and diagnosing student improvement needs.”
    A few students and parents have been concerned that the extra testing takes away from already reduced class time. Superintendent Yecha says otherwise. “Most individuals would say that the time spent preparing to pass the drivers test is a good use of their time. I believe that the same is true about the CIM tests. Tests, projects, assignments and work samples are the methods we have to show that learning has taken place and are therefore valid uses of time.”
     The second round of testing is also a tool to measure a student's progress. Mrs. Vander Kley said, "If a student records a higher score during the second testing-it shows growth and improvement for that individual student. Also, teachers can better analyze how the student moved toward improvement or declined. After analyzing the data, recommendations can then be put into motion for improvement. "
    Retesting has taken place in the Reedsport School District before, but it has not been consistent from year to year. Superintendent Yecha believes that testing "is the best method to link instructional practice to student learning and target, during the same school year, specific areas on the tests that need improvement." Juniors and seniors will not have the opportunity to take the test again to improve their scores; they will retest only if they have not passed.   Science CIM tests will not be taken again this school year as there will not be enough time in the school year.

Senior Tea
by Heather Leach

What is the senior tea? It's a way for the senior students to say thanks to their

parents for parents for raising them. This year's theme was an outdoor picnic. There were four student speakers, Jeff Witt, Evan Wicks, David Villa, and Crystal Lane as well as two adult speakers which were Mrs. Prater and Mrs. Tisler; their assignment, to talk about fond memories they have of high school and funny things that they remember from the year. When Mrs. Tisler was asked what she thought about the senior tea she remarked, "We had lovely refreshments and lovely tables." Then she added, "I love this class, they've made me laugh a million times, I'll really miss them."
What did the senior think about all of it? Lindsey Anderson said, "Before Senior Tea I had forgotten some of our unique qualities our class holds, both good and bad. What I'll miss the most about our close knit group is how we've always been able to bring humor to our daily routines especially when we've been enticed by new teacher or substitutes." And Evan Wicks, who was regarded as one of the best speakers said, "Throughout the years, I've heard, seen, and experienced first hand many interesting things involving our class. If there's one thing each and every one of us has, it's character. We have a diverse array of personalities, especially for such a small town. But despite our huge diversity, we are able to come together and get along."

Mr. RHS
by Kati Dickson

Twelve senior boys volunteered themselves to take part in the Mr. RHS pageant. The boys

raised money for the Children's Miracle Network that goes to the NICU at Sacred Heart Medical Center. the boys, including Chris Wheeler, Chris Lechuga, David Villa, Daniel Dickson, Jeremy Camphouse, Jeff Witt, Tyler Hill, Scott Tisler, Evan Wicks, Leo Castaneda, Will Johnsen, and Tom Dailey.

All of these seniors participated in weekly dance practices and fundraisers, such as tip-a-waiter, which led up to the pageant. In the pageant, the contestants danced, performed a "talent", modeled sports and formal wear. There was also a tribute to their mothers and a "dash-for-cash" where the contestants ran up and down the auditorium aisles, collecting donations. Steve Miller served as the master of ceremonies.
The pageant's goal was to raise $2,500. In the end, they raised over $4,200. Leo Castaneda and Scott Tisler tied for Mr. Congeniality, decided by the pageant participants, advisors and coordinators. Jeff Witt was crowned Mr. RHS, as chosen by the judges of the night, who rated the boys on all of their performances.