One thing was on the minds of parents, students and staff in Culver City Unified District this week—the State and District Mandated Testing Program. While the API (Academic Performance Indicator) is important, is it the most important thing on which to focus? In a letter sent home to parents by Principal Amy Anderson, she states, "The highest on the list of educational outcomes is that students have the love for learning and try their hardest on all they attempt to do."

We caught up with some seasoned test takers from the Middle School and High School to get their opinion on State Testing.

What do you think? Voice your opinion on our online polls at www.CulverCityNews.org

“My sisters are way more nervous then I am. Its my fifth year doing state testing. It the same every year.”— Mason Cogan, sixth grade Culver City Middle School.

"The teachers and school make a really big deal about testing, our motivation is to beat Beverly Hills High." — Helena Rockwell, Culver City High School.

" I am way more relaxed this year, it was only this year I figured out it didn't affect my grade." — Brisa Mahoney, Culver City High School.

" The staff is enforcing the no cell phone policy, kids from other districts were posting photos of the tests on Facebook, it became a huge deal."— Graciela Galvan, Culver City High School.

Lap - little brother Ryder 

Right little sister Rylee 

Center Kobi Fletcher CCHS 

"The teachers are really pressured right now, they want us to learn, it looks bad for them if our schools API does not improve."— Kobi Fletcher, Culver City High School, with siblings, from left Ryder and Rylee.