Assessment
Individualized Education Plan
Villa Maria creates an IEP for all students. Teachers identify specific skills that individual students need to master. Objectives are identified for reading, language, math and social skills. Students are graded on these IEPs twice a year. Teachers write narrative reports midyear and at the end of the year. These include details about areas covered, the student’s level of achievement, and areas recommended for further study.
Standardized Testing
Students are also given standardized testing, specifically the Stanford 10 Achievement Tests. They are given the Complete Basic Battery, which includes subtests for reading, mathematics, language, spelling, listening, science, environment and social science. The test assesses basic skills in each area and provides information about the achievement of the Villa students relative to students in the state and nation. It also provides an objective measure of their progress from levels achieved in previous years. These tests measure achievement, and also provide a basis for planning remedial instruction in the areas in which specific weaknesses exist. However, we realize that a standardized test is not a measure of a student’s total achievement as it only assesses basic skills and only covers a portion of the student’s educational program. The tests are administered by the teachers or by a trained specialist. Test results are generally included in the comprehensive reports and shared with parents during conferences.
Report Cards
Junior high students, seventh, eighth and ninth graders receive a report card with letter grades. Report cards are sent home quarterly, in addition to the narrative reports and IEPs that are sent home twice a year.
Student Products for Assessment
Examples of student work are collected in a portfolio as evidence of growth in knowledge, skills and applications. Tests, quizzes, class work, homework, and projects may be included.