Setting Us Apart

Each year, I watch the 8^th graders blossom and transform…from middle school students to high schoolers! There are many things they take with them – confidence, character, the ability to clearly communicate, written expression, mathematical abilities, the understanding of our past and present, the ability to hypothesize, and so much more. I know Oakhill provides a solid foundation for what is to come.

When I watched the 8^th grade perform at last month's Holiday Concert, I watched their unique personalities come out on stage. In many middle schools, there are a select few who choose to participate in drama and music…maybe they choose this as an elective and maybe they don’t! Maybe they are chosen by the music and drama teacher, and maybe they aren't! At Oakhill all of our 8^th graders have the opportunity to shine on stage…to share their talent in front of family and friends…to let their confidence grow even more. Those moments are important to me as an administrator…we are producing students who believe in themselves and know who they are!

Of course, hard evidence is just as important. As parents, I know you are always looking for evidence of value…and, you should be!

I want to take this opportunity to share with you some remarkable statistics. On Wednesday, November 7^th the eighth grade students took the EXPLORE test, which is part of the ACT family.  It is written for the 8^th or 9^th grade level with a goal of getting a head start on ACT testing and making sure students are on track for high school.  Via an inventory, it also suggests careers and course direction that match the student’s interest.  The test consists of a section in English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science with a high score of 25.  The English section has two components, usage/mechanics and rhetorical skills with a high score of 12.  Each student also received a composite score with 25 being the highest.  The charts below show how our students at Oakhill compared to the national norm group. Quite impressive AND expected!

Some interesting points: (For each of the following the high composite score is 25.)

In English our students average composite score was 21.6 compared to a national average of 14.7.

In Mathematics our students average composite score was 20.8 compared to a national average of 15.5.

In Reading our students average composite score was 21.1 compared to a national average of 14.6.

In Science our students average composite score was 20.8 compared to a national average of 16.6.

Overall composite:  our students averaged 21.2 compared to a national average of 15.5!  100% of our students scored ABOVE the national average!

We are excited to share our results with the entire community.  We understand that Oakhill is an investment.  The performance of our 8^th grade students on the EXPLORE is just one of many way we can show you the dividends.

Suzanne

ITBS Testing…What is it? Who takes it? What is it for? Is my child ready?

If you have looked at the calendar, you are aware of the ITBS testing begins next week at Oakhill Day School…April 16-20.

What is the ITBS?

ITBS stands for Iowa Test of Basic Skills. This is a standardized test that has been around for many, many years. Students will be tested on the following sections: Reading (vocabulary and comprehension); Word Analysis; Listening; Language (spelling, capitalization, punctuation, usage & expression); Mathematics (concept/estimation, problem solving and data, computation); Social Studies; Science; and Sources of Information (maps & diagrams, reference material).

Who takes the ITBS?

We test students in grades 1st through 8th at Oakhill Day School. Each student will complete the entire test for his or her grade level within four to five days. The majority of the test is given during the morning hours when the children are most alert. 

Are these tests important?

The ITBS tests provide meaningful data to determine student growth year over year. It is important for the children to do their very best, as they should with any assessment.

Do we prepare for the ITBS?

Unlike our public school counterparts, we do not teach to the test. Teachers receive the testing booklet the week prior to the tests being administered; therefore, they are unaware of actual questions on the test. We take the test “cold turkey” so to speak. We do not simply cover content, but truly teach concepts throughout the year; therefore, our students have a wonderfully broad range of in- depth knowledge versus rote memorization of facts in which they are expected to regurgitate the information.

What are these tests used for?

You will receive the results of the test in early June. I encourage you to compare testing results year over year to look for growth and strengths, as well as areas in which more attention should be given. The ITBS is a mere snapshot into one week in the life of your student. Realize grade cards and daily assessment of your child’s growth and progress paint a much truer picture of your child’s ability and performance.

As an administrator, I use the results to chart year over year growth in each academic area, as well as trends. I look for grade level strengths according to the testing results, as well as areas of focus for the coming year. I am able to see grade level equivalent growth year over year, for both class and individual student, as well. By no means are the results directly related to the effectiveness of a given teacher or to the capacity of a given student.

How can I help my child perform to the best of his or her ability next week?

• Make sure your child gets a good night's sleep before testing, and make sure your child eats a proper diet the day of a test.

• Ensure that your child is present during testing (children generally perform better when taking tests in their groups rather than at a make-up time).

• Get your child to school on time the day of the test.

• Wish your child good luck each morning of the test. Tell your child to put forth his or her best effort.

• If your child is too ill to attend, please call the school office.

• Remind your child to listen carefully to the instructions from the teacher and to read the directions and questions carefully.

• Explain to your child the importance of using time wisely. If your child gets stuck on a question, encourage him or her to make the best guess and move on.

• Tell your child to attempt to answer all of the questions and not to leave any blank.

• Encourage your child to stay focused on the test, even if other students finish early.

• If your child is disappointed after taking a test, reassure him or her that there will be plenty of opportunities to improve and succeed.

 

If you have questions, please do not hesitate to call, email, or stop by... I love to talk test taking!