Standardized testing is first administered in the second grade. In grades 2, 3 and 4, a basic skills test is given in September. The results of this test provide teachers with information on reading, spelling and math at the beginning of the school year, enabling them to provide enrichment or review as indicated by the results.

The Comprehensive Testing Program III is given in grades 3 through 7 every year in the last week of April or the first week of May. This test is commonly referred to as the ERB. The Association of Independent Schools requires the administration of the ERB for membership and accreditation as does the California Association of Independent Schools and Colleges. The Educational Records Bureau scores this test and the results are provided to the school during the summer. At the beginning of the fifth grade school year, the Director of Testing interprets scores for parents based upon two years of test results. In addition to providing individual student information, test scores are used to evaluate the school’s effectiveness in teaching skill development.

Seventh and eighth graders take the Secondary School Achievement or SSAT. Seventh graders take the test in the spring and eighth graders are given the test in the fall. The Secondary School Placement Counselor reviews the results of the test with parents.

All standardized tests are given in a timed format except to students who have formally diagnosed learning differences. Students requiring extended test taking time have that option. Untimed testing is available only after careful examination of the student’s formal evaluation and a consultation with the school’s learning specialist. Other special needs are met on a case-by-case basis.

Ms. Janice Walker
Reading Specialist
walker@townschool.com