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Standardized
Testing - Terra Nova Test
St. Joseph
School students in first through seventh grades take the
Terra Nova Standardized Test each year. Eighth graders take high
school entrance tests. The Terra Nova Test is a nationally recognized
test used by both public and parochial schools. The main purpose
of using a standardized testing program is to provide our school
with information which will strengthen programs to help our students
learn. The Terra Nova results indication student performance and
mastery of specific content objectives as compared to students
of their own age and grade level across the nation. Although a
standardized test is generally a good indicator of how each student
performs, it is not the only means used to assess performance.
Each child must be viewed as a total student within any learning
situation. To protect confidentiality, parents are mailed a copy
of their child's test scores along with an interpretation of the
results. The Terra Nova Test allows you to compare how your child
is performing within the school and against the national average.
The testing period
is determined by the CTB (the test publishers) and the Office of
Catholic Education and generally occurs during the month of March.
Parents are urged to consult the school calendar in scheduling vacations
and time out of school in order to avoid any absences during this
important activity.
The Terra Nova test is a norm referenced test, published and
standardized by CTB McGraw Hill publishers, based on specific
criteria/objectives to be mastered by students at particular grade
levels. Our scores overwhelmingly indicate mastery of the grade
level objectives (mastery level is set 75 and above). This test
is used nationwide by public school districts as well as private
schools, including more than 60 school districts in Illinois alone.
At the same time that the Terra Nova test is administered, the
students also take the In View test, a cognitive abilities test
that assesses areas such as logical thinking ability, abstract
thinking skills, and verbal and quantitative reasoning. This test,
when used with the Terra Nova, is a good indicator of academic
achievement. Based on the results of the In View test, coupled
with a student’s age and grade level, we are given anticipated
scores that a student should be expected to achieve on the Terra
Nova. We are happy to report that the median class scores showed
that our classes performed at, or above, what they were expected
to achieve. This is yet another indication that our students are
being taught well.
Wilmette Public schools use the Illinois Standard Achievement
Test (ISAT). ISATs are used by public schools only.
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