Standardized Testing

Standardized testing begins next week, February 1 through 5 for grades three through seven. At Montgomery, the students take the CTP IV, which stands for the Comprehensive Testing Program, fourth edition. The test is created by ERB, or the Educational Records Bureau, the same organization who also provides the ISEE (the independent school entrance exam), which many independent secondary schools require as part of their application process. Independent schools throughout the country use the CTP IV. In addition some of the local public school districts, such as Tredyffrin Easttown and Radnor also take the CTP IV.

We are not a school who “teaches to the test.” The CTP IV does follow many aspects of our curriculum nicely, naturally. We want our students to have an exposure to taking standardized tests. It also gives us an opportunity as a school to see areas where our students perform well and could alert us to areas that we may need to strengthen within our curriculum.

This week our students have had practice tests in grades 3-5. The test is scheduled over five days next week with about two tests per day. Students still participate in their specials during the week as we try to keep things as normal as possible.

I'm often asked by parents how to best prepare their child for the week of testing. It's hard as parents to not become stressed about children taking any kind of test. Of course, children do tend to figure out when mommy or daddy seem "nervous" about something! If you take a calm approach to testing, chances are, your child will follow your lead. The best thing you can do next week is to ensure your child has plenty of sleep, eats a good breakfast and celebrate a week of no homework as a family! (Did I mention the testing week is a no homework week? Hooray!)

Scores for testing usually arrive in early March. National norms are not provided in grade three. ERB urges parents to look at the scores for the first year on an individual basis –the focus is on the student rather than the norm comparisons. This is something I ask parents to do each year! See how your child performs first, and then look at the comparison norms. I am happy to meet with families individually to look at the scores. Scores do not suggest a “pattern” until at least three years of results. These early years serve as a baseline. We’re very careful about drawing conclusions until we have three years of data. In third grade, parents receive a narrative report with the report explaining areas that meet expectations and exceed expectations as well as areas “developing.” It also shows the number of correct answers (for ex. 13 of 14 questions correct). Grades 4+ will show how your child performs nationally, within the suburban schools (public and independent locally), and within the independent schools.

Keep in mind that this test is a PIECE of information about your child. It is a measure of your child on a moment in a day. It does not completely define who your child is as a student.

Gold Awards for January 6-26

Thank you to the following students!

Kindergarten:
Kat R. - 2
Ashley H.
Sydnie B.
Chris C.
Zoe Y.

First Grade:
Tyler N.
Grace G.
Bella L.
Tyler R. - 2

Second Grade:
Rahdir H.
Cole Y.
Becky R.
Bryce E.
Billy G.
Ethan R.
Cooper C.
Aiden M.

Fourth Grade:
Keefer R.
Haley S.

Fifth Grade:
Drew C.
Grace C.
Tommy W.
Jadon D.
Reilly P.
Grace C.
Jacob L.

Challenges

I was delighted to start my week yesterday with some third grade visitors. Georgia D. and Sean M. were sent to my office to share their wonderful poetry assignment called a "diamante" with me. Yes, students are often sent to see me for positive chats too!!

Fire
HOT, RED
Killing, Dying, Hurting
Blazing, Large, Burn, Strong
Chilling, Freezing, Thrilling
Fun, Cold
Ice

Georgia and Sean's powerful word choices hit me hard, and I couldn't help but think of fifth grade teacher Betsy Barker and the horrible house fire her family experienced in December. The poem starts with a tragic word and ends with something that is quite the opposite. That really sums up the courage and optimism I have had the pleasure of observing in Betsy through this challenging time. Many, including myself, might find fear, discouragement and sadness during a difficult moment, such as a house fire. Betsy finds a bright light at every turn. She has turned fire to ice through her brave spirit. She inspires me to be a better person.

Gold Awards for December 7-January 5

Kindergarten:
Karina D.
Ashley H.
Helen F.
Alex S.

First Grade:
Preston H.

Second Grade:
Cole C.

Fourth Grade:
Gene K.

Fifth Grade:
Jack C.