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Evaluation
New Heights school will provide an education that allows children to learn
based on their ability. A child who is 6 and who works at a grade 2 level in
their language skills will learn at this level for language. This same child may
be working at a grade 3 level in math, or a grade 1 level in math, and will be
provided with lessons that meet their needs in every subject. In order to be
consistent with expectations for different grade levels, we will be referring to
the guidelines and standards that are listed with the Ministry of Education so
that we can consistently evaluate the level in which the children are learning
at.
A portfolio of children’s work will be maintained so that parents will have
regular access to the progress their child or children are making. A few times
per year children enrolled in the full time program will participate in a student-led conference where they will
be able to meet together with their teacher and their parents or care-givers to
show what they have learned and worked on in the period preceding the
conference.
Children will not be given regular tests in all subjects since testing is not
always the best way to evaluate children. Testing can heighten the stress levels
in children and is not always a true indicator of their ability. Also, children
are not always able to show what they know in the typical testing format using
pencil and paper. Another problem with testing is that teachers often teach to
the test and this can make learning seem more rigid, rather then natural and
rewarding in and of itself. We want to nurture a love of learning and not a fear
or dread of tests.
If we do not regularly test you may wonder how we will know if the child is
learning. It is clear that consistent, daily observations of the students work
is a more accurate indicator of whether a child is learning, and what their
areas of strengths and needs are. We can also empower the children by getting
them used to identifying what their needs and strengths are themselves and
learning to self-regulate and set personal goals for their learning. When tests
are given at New Heights School they will be administered in as non-threatening
a way as possible so that we can lessen the stressful and negative feelings that
often accompany test-taking. This way the children can better develop positive
attitudes towards preparing for and taking tests, since it is recognized that
tests are a part of our educational system and that children should not be
afraid to participate in the process when appropriate.
For More Information Contact
Sheila Moeck
New Heights School
e-mail:
info@newheightsschool.ca
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