Our students' scores from the 2008 Georgia Grade 8 Writing Assessment have been received by the district.  (Individual scores were mailed to students' homes with the most recent report card.)  The results below include scores for all students in eighth grade at Dalton Middle School.  Georgia's overall results improved this year as well with 77% of all students meeting or exceeding the assessed writing standards. For overall state results, or scores from other school districts, click here.

Summary Data for DMS Grade 8 Writing

Year	Does Not Meet Standard	Meets Standard	Exceeds Standard
07-08	18%	74%	8%
06-07	27%	68%	5%
05-06	16%	70%	14%
04-05	14%	69%	17%

In the latest issue of U.S.News & World Report  to hit the stands (December 10), the magazine features a "best public high schools" list. The ranking formula includes several indicators such as college readiness of students and academic performance of disadvantaged students. Of the 18,000+ U.S. high schools included in the analysis, Dalton High scored in the top three percent of high schools with a ranking of 486 in the overall list, earning a "silver" award designation.

"At DHS, we have high expectations for all of our students," said Principal Debbie Freeman. "Our DHS family, employees and students, are working so very hard and it is exciting to have those efforts recognized in this way. In addition, I believe it is not just recognition of the work going on at our school but the work of the entire school district. We have improved what we are doing at all levels and it is nice to see the results beginning to materialize."

For more info, visit www.usnews.com.