Our Lady of Lourdes

February 8, 2012
 From the Principal  
 
 
1

General Info

FROM THE PRINCIPAL
January 18, 2012
 
 
Dear Parents of Students in Grades 2 through 8:
 
Within the next few weeks, our students will be piloting a new standardized testing system. This system will be implemented in all Archdiocesan schools during the 2012-2013 school year. 
 
This testing system will replace the eight-day Terra Nova test, which was previously administered. The Performance program is very different from the Terra Nova test.
 
Students will take three versions of the Performance Series test. Performance Series is computer-based and adaptive. For example, if a child answers the first question correctly it moves him or her to a more difficult question. Conversely, if the child answers it incorrectly, it moves him or her to an easier question. This process is intended to provide each child with a focused assessment. Students will be assessed in Reading and Mathematics, and each test takes approximately one hour. Results will be immediately available to classroom teachers and administrators. Results will be used to provide targeted instruction for students who struggle in certain areas, and extension lessons for students who excel in particular areas. 
 
Next year the benchmark Performance Series tests will be administered three times; at the end of the first, second and third quarters. Each test will be cumulative, covering the material from previous quarters. At the end of the year, the students will take the Achievement Series test, which is summative and covers teaching objectives for the entire year. Growth scores will indicate each student’s progress in Reading and Mathematics. Parents will receive reports for the benchmarks and the year-end test. 
 
We are fortunate to pilot the test this year. Our students and teachers will have some exposure to this testing format before it is instituted throughout the Archdiocese. Our students will still take the Terra Nova test this year, however, it will be a shortened version.
 
After we have completed the Pilot, we will have much more information to share with you about this exciting new initiative in assessment.
 
 
Patricia McGann
Principal
  

 
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News & Announcements
Thursday, September 1
Pre-K and Little Group, 12:10 dismissal
New Parents Information Meeting - 4:00pm
Home and School Association Welcome Back Picnic 4:00 - 7:00pm
 

Friday, September 2
All students dismissed at 12:10 pm
 

Monday, September 5
NO SCHOOL, Labor Day
 

Tuesday, September 6
6:00 pm, Back to School Night for grades 6-8
8:00 pm Eighth Grade parents meeting
 

Wednesday, September 7
6:30 pm Little Group and Pre-K Back to School Night
 

Tuesday, September 13
6:00 pm, Back to School Night for grades K-5
Individual Fall Photos
 

Saturday, October 1
27th Annual CYO sponsored Crab Feast
  read more...

Monday, October 10
Columbus Day, NO SCHOOL
 

Thursday, October 13
Donuts for Dads
 

Sunday, October 30
Confirmation Candidacy Mass, 9 am, 8th grade
 

  

 

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