A positive difference indicates value added. The anticipated difference score will not be very meaningful for Summit this year because 1996-97 was its first year of operation. Another possible use of the data is to help parents select schools under the State's open-enrollment law. Some parents might wish to consider, in addition to anticipated differences, a school's average level of achievement compared to that of their own student. Nationally normed tests, such as the CTBS, are but one measure of student performance and school effectiveness.
Results can help in student placement and serve as an early warning of deficiencies.
Summit believes that tests provide useful information to students, parents, schools, and the public. Summit Archives Terry Cook is looking for parents to help compile, during the summer, the history of Summit's first year. The archive group will gather comments and recollections from parents and faculty. Terry would welcome loans of photo negatives and videotapes of Summit events. She would also like to hear constructive feedback on what worked and what did not, to guide teachers in years to come.