Academics

An education from DCIS at Montbello
begins with the end in mind: the DCIS
at Montbello graduate.

All of our courses, special programs and extra-curricular activities are designed to grow graduates who
are ready for college and prepared to make a positive difference in their community – wherever they
want that community to be.

See here for what a DCIS at Montbello graduate looks like

Assessment at DCISM...is Innovative, New, and Exciting!

How Does It Work?

  • Our teachers have identified what students should know and be able to do by the end of the first semester.
  • Teachers have presented these standards in kid-friendly language called “I Can…” statements.
  • Students are expected to produce great work (or, “evidence”) that shows they know or are able to do each “I can” standard at least twice. Proficiency at DCISM means that students are able to produce multiple pieces of evidence at grade level or above.
  • Work only counts as 'evidence' if it is rated a “3” (at grade level) or “4” (above grade level). 
  • Students organize evidence into their class portfolios every Thursday (or second to last day of the week) and fill out their current progress report for each class. They bring the progress report home to show parents that night.
  • Parents must sign the progress report for the student to return with it signed the next day for Advisory.
  • Students meet with their Advisors on Friday to hand in their signed progress reports, set goals, and make plans for the following week.
  • At each quarter, students present their portfolios in each class in order to determine if they have enough evidence to earn either an A, B, or C. 
  • Each quarter parents are invited to student-led conferences where their student will show them their portfolios.

How Is It Different?

Traditional Grades

DCISM Portfolios

Teachers hold the information and track the learning

Students track and manage their learning with the teachers’ support

All work counts whether it’s good or bad (on grade-level or not)

Only grade-level or above work counts as evidence (3s and 4s)

Parents receive report cards in the mail with letter grades

Parents meet quarterly with their student and Advisor to review each portfolio with the student

How Can I Stay Involved and Support My Student?  

  • Please look for a progress report from your student every Thursday (apart from weeks when students are not in school on Friday, in which case they will receive reports on Wednesday)
  • Please sit with your child and ask them to go over the progress report with you. After you have done this and have looked at your students’ progress, please sign the progress report and make sure the student brings it back to school with them the next day. They will need this for their advisory class.
  • Visit the DPS Parent Portal to see your student’s progress at any time. If you do not already have access to Parent Portal, please complete this form (English/Spanish) and return it to our main office. Students will also need to complete this form. You will then receive a GUID number that you’ll use to access the system. (Note: DCISM is currently working with DPS to build out the portfolio grade-book in Parent Portal.  Expected completion date is 9/21)
  • Participate in Student-Led Portfolio Reviews each quarter (Oct. 8-10, Dec. 10-12, Apr. 8-10, May 20-22).
  • Join us for the celebrations of learning nights on 10/11, 12/13, 4/11 and 5/23.

  If My Student Is Off-Track, What Can I Do?

  • Encourage your student to stay for free after-school tutoring in Dragon Club (sponsored by City Year). This tutoring program is available Monday-Thursday, 3:50-4:50 in Room 145.
  • Ensure your student is staying for re-teach as needed.
  • Make sure your student gets to On-Track Saturday school on time (if invited).
  • Spend time with your student going over their progress reports weekly.
  • Attend student-led parent conferences.

My Student Is Off-Track, What Are YOU (DCISM) Going To Do?

  • In-class support from teachers (daily)
  • Free after-school tutoring (Mon-Thurs)
  • Progress monitoring every week (weekly)
  • Re-teach classes every week (weekly)
  • Dragon Days - individualized support for catch-up or advancement (16 times a year)
  • Saturday On-Track school for students who are off-track (quarterly)
  • Student-led parent conferences (quarterly)

How Can I Learn More?

  • Attend an informational session on September 25th from 6-7pm. A light dinner and translation will be provided. Please sign up here.
  • If morning is more convenient for you, attend a 'Sharp Parent Breakfast' on Friday, October 5th from 7:30-8:30am. Space is limited so please sign up here. The topic will be 'Assessment: The DCISM Way'. Breakfast and translation provided.
  • Bring your questions to student-led conferences the week of October 8th. This is a great opportunity to talk with your student's teachers about our grading system.
  • Feel free to call us with questions any time at 720 423 5900.