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. Every Kindergarten student is tested in reading with the Observation Survey which includes letter recognition, letter production, concepts of print, and listening comprehension. Every student in Grades 1-3 is tested in reading and writing using the Developmental Reading Assessment, the running record, a dictation sample, and a writing sample. Every student in Grades 4-5 is tested in reading and writing using the Scholastic Reading Inventory and a writing sample.
Testing is conducted three times during the school year.
Teachers at the Murphy School use a balanced approach to the teaching of reading and writing that includes a thorough grounding in phonics, guided reading, shared reading, independent reading, shared writing, interactive writing, writers workshop, and independent writing. Teachers look at student work biweekly in grade level teams. Instruction in math focuses on teaching the language, content and procedures of mathematical thinking. Computers are used as a tool for learning in all classes. Teachers run an after-school program for an additional 130 students in reading, writing, and math.