These graphs show the growth for the same group of students who were in our school for the entire 1999-2000 school year. At the elementary or middle school level, a gain of 20 to 25 points in reading or mathematics is considered strong improvement. At the high school level, a gain of 10 to 15 points is considered strong improvement. K to 3 use the Developmental Reading Assessment, an individualized reading assessment which helps monitor each child's progress at regular intervals. In Grades 4 and 5 teachers monitor children's progress using the Scholastic Inventory of Basic Skills.
All teachers use the assessment tools in our math series after completing each chapter.
All teachers share and discuss their children's progress during Looking at Student Work sessions. Because we are an Annenberg Challenge School and a member of the Accelerated Schools network, our staff is committed to refining our instructional practices within a process of whole school change. The DLF course prepares teachers in Grades K-3 to implement a balanced approach to literacy in their classrooms, integrating reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Last year teachers in Grades K-3 completed literacy training. This year our Grades 4 and 5 teachers will complete literacy training.