Student Learning

Two main types of standardized tests were given to students at my last school. The first type was an entrance exam administered to all applicants. The second type was a test given every other year to collect comparative data on students. The data gathered from this test also allowed administrators to find gaps within the curriculum.

All applicants to the school are required to take the ISEE test. This standardized test provided admissions officers with data about each applicant. From these tests, as well as other important information such as report cards and references, admissions officers then handpicked which students would fit into the student body. This test is used in a similar way as the SAT. Data collected allows admissions officers to compare data. In this way, the admissions department hopes to enroll students who will succeed at the school.

Students enrolled at this school also take the ERB test. This standardized test is administered every other year at the school. Data collected provides the Head of School and division heads comparative data amongst students. This data also goes into student files. However, results are not given to parents or teachers. Instead, division heads conduct division level meetings with teachers to discuss the results generally. Division heads also talk with teachers about areas of the curriculum needing improvement. If there are big discrepancies within certain departments, then horizontal alignment meetings are held where teachers and division heads discuss how to improve the curriculum.

In the future, I hope this school develops other ways to collect data on its students in order to improve student learning. Tools such as digital porfolios of student work would give teachers and administrators a better of idea of how students in their school perform.