Assessment

High Meadows Assessment

The High Meadows School assessment model recognizes a student’s progress and allows him or her to move forward on an individual continuum.

Our authentic assessment methods give teachers, students and parents common points of reference to guide the continued progress – both on an individual and a whole-class basis. With two lead teachers in each elementary school classroom, our teachers are able to frequently assess the progress and achievements of each individual student. This information is noted and shared with parents in both formal and informal methods, including:

  • Extensive narrative reports, written and shared with parents two times a year
  • Progress reports, which provide interim communication opportunities between parents and teachers
  • Standardized testing, which allows the achievements of High Meadows students to be viewed in context with students nationwide
  • Ongoing PYP-based portfolios of students work throughout their years at High Meadows are maintained and shared with parents during conferences, highlighting the student’s progress throughout the year, and from year to year
  • Regular notes, reports, and newsletters from the teachers
  • Email and interim meetings from teachers, when appropriate and necessary

More objective measurements are added as students advance. Beginning in the 2nd grade, students receive scores on their weekly spelling tests and math problems. In the fourth grade, students’ knowledge and skills are tested as they complete key units of study. Middle Years students routinely receive scores to confirm achievement and areas for improvement on a variety of assignments. By the eighth grade, students receive letter grades in association with their scores, to prepare for transition into high school.

What is authentic assessment?

Authentic assessment describes formal and informal measurements that engage students in hands-on activities, often involving the creation of a product or the construction of a response. These assessments can encompass anything from essay questions and math problems to science experiments, speeches, and art projects.

The assessments we use reflect high expectations for all students, an emphasis on what is most important to learn, quality learning experiences, and on using real-life experiences for learning.

Formal assessment measures at High Meadows School include:

  • Analytical Reading Inventory
  • Everyday Math
  • Six-Trait Writing Analysis
  • TOWRE (Test of Word Reading Efficiency)
  • Wright Skills Assessment of Phonological Awareness
  • Unit Tests
  • Project demonstrations and presentations
  • Iowa Test of Basic Skills (standardized test for 3rd - 8th grade) and COGAT ability tests which measure aptitude versus demonstrated ability.

On-going assessment measures at High Meadows School include:

  • Journal writing
  • Centers and student daily plans
  • Running reading records
  • Teacher observations and anecdotal records
  • Student self-reflections
  • Portfolios
  • Weekly conferences