Assessments:

Mizzentop Day School teachers strive to develop curriculum that begins with the evidence of learning in mind. This method of curriculum development and assessment, developed by nationally recognized educators Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe, is referred to as "backward design." Mizzentop employs a range of assessment methods to engender understanding in students. The development of our curriculum and assessment is based on the following beliefs:

  • A primary goal of education should be the development and deepening of student understanding.

  • Students reveal their understanding most effectively when they are provided with complex, authentic opportunities to explain, interpret, apply, shift perspective, empathize, and self-assess. When applied to complex tasks, these "six facets" provide a conceptual lens through which teachers can better assess student understanding.

 

Reporting on Student Assessment

  • The academic year is divided into three trimesters. Written Progress Reports are completed for students in all grades each trimester. Letter grades, in addition to written comments, are given to students in Grades 4-8. A summary grade is communicated home at the midpoint of each trimester. These midterm grades are checkpoints only, and not noted on the student's record.

Exams

  • Middle School cumulative mid-term exams are administered at the end of January.

  • Final exams are given to students in Grades 5-8. Students in Grade 5 take two final exams. Students in Grade 6 take three final exams at the end of the academic year. As students progress throguh Grades 7 and 8, they will take up to five final exams at the end of the academic year.

Standardized Testing

  • Students in Grade 1 take the "Test Ready" assessment in Math and Reading.

  • The Educational Records Bureau CPT-4 tests are administered in the Spring to students in Grades 2 through 6 to help assess overall class growth.

  • All students' writing growth is asessed in September, January, and June, using a formal writing vehicle in Grades K through 8.

  • Students in Grades 7 & 8 take the SSAT test for admission purposes to secondary schools.