Our 9th Grade National Exam scholars (2022)

Each year, since 2009, our 9th grade students’ performance in the 9th grade national exam has ranked us at the top of the 23 middle school in our district and one of the top 10 middle schools in the country. Our overall average of students passing is over 97% with over 96% of enrolled students taking the exam. For the last five years, 100% have passed with over 30% achieving A grade, the highest grade for the test. Before 2009, only 2% achieved the highest grade.

If students do not pass this test, they cannot matriculate to 10th grade.

That is why we implemented our performance award recognition program for students and all teachers at the Doris Dillon School. This program motivates students to work hard preparing for the test and encourages teachers to work with these students in the subject areas that will be on the test.

Students receive $25 for an A grade, $15 for a B grade, and $10 for a C (or passing) grade. Teachers receive $100-200 each based on a 95% or better pass rate with over 95% of students taking the exam. (Note: the $25 reward for achieving an A grade is about two weeks of basic work, e.g., working in a neighbor’s rice field or tending their cows—work that students who were forced to drop out often do to help their families.)

Teachers have been severely underpaid and many are forced to take a second job, leading to absenteeism problems in many schools. This bonus is equivalent to one-two month’s salary and helps teachers choose to continue working at our village school instead of leaving to work in a bigger city with more amenities (e.g., actual stores and restaurants!).