Assessment for Life-Long Learning
Assessment is an ongoing process of gathering, analyzing, reflecting, and acting on evidence of learning. At Morganton Day School, assessment happens daily. In addition to informal assessment opportunities, gathering work samples, and unit tests, administering a standardized assessment can provide valuable information. Standardized testing provides insight into student progress, guides curricular decision-making, pinpoints areas for improvement, and provides data demonstrating how our students compare with other students across the nation.
Because we are an independent school, we are required to give a nationally normed assessment instead of a standardized test that is exclusive to our state. This assessment is the CTP-Online. The CTP-Online Standardized Assessment is one of the many ways students demonstrate their knowledge. It is divided into seven specified areas: verbal reasoning, vocabulary, reading comprehension, writing mechanics, writing concepts, quantitative reasoning, and mathematics.
Over the next few weeks, students in third through eighth grade will take the CTP-Online Achievement Test through the Educational Records Bureau. Students have been learning the skills needed for these tests throughout the year; however, we also realize the importance of knowing how to take the test. Because we are driven by evidencing learning and mastery of knowledge, we recognize that we must take some time to learn test-taking strategies. Teachers work on this with students so they can confidently enter this task during the week of testing. The third graders successfully completed their testing before spring break. Fourth Grade will test next week, and Middle School students will test May 12-15.
Assessment at MDS is authentic, aligns with real-world scenarios and expectations, and promotes student engagement. Because of this, students demonstrate agency in their learning. Success criteria are based on grade-level standards and are communicated through weekly work. Even at very early ages, students reflect, set goals, and work to meet goals. While standardized testing is important, growth is also demonstrated through portfolios, detailed checklists, and student-led conferences. In middle school, academic reports are sent home at regular intervals. This includes grade sheets, progress reports, and trimester report cards. Third trimester conferences are right around the corner and will be held on May 15-16. We look forward to welcoming families as we celebrate student success and discover ways to work through challenges.
MDS is committed to the learning process, ongoing assessment, and regular feedback. Students reflect, set goals, and rise to new challenges. This allows each unique individual to excel in their academic endeavors and sets them up for a lifetime of learning!
Treesie Cape
Curriculum Coordinator