Sarah Bourque - Chapter 15 QTC

As a parent, I have to tell you that I have only received an explanation for these standardized test results once (and I have 2 kids, the oldest in 4^th grade and the youngest in 2^nd)!  Usually they are sent home with a booklet explaining what the results mean.   I don’t place a lot of emphasis on them when I get them.  I might show my sons and tell them I am proud of how well they are doing but I try not to go into how it compares them to others.

As a teacher, I would hope to have more to discuss with Ingrid’s grandmother than this one chart.  I, of course, would explain what each area tested, what the percentiles mean, who else took the test (e.g. all 8^th graders in Tennessee), and where Ingrid falls.  BUT I would also need to explain whether or not this is where Ingrid is expected to be based on what I have already covered in class, Ingrid’s performance on other types of assessment I have already conducted in class, etc.  If these scores are not a good representation of Ingrid’s ability and past performance, I would want to discuss what may have caused these results.  If these scores show improvements, I would definitely highlight those. 

If these scores seemed to be in line with the other assessments and I believe them to be a good reflection of Ingrid’s levels, I would mention Ingrid’s obvious strength in reading (which I am sure helps the results in her Social Studies and Science areas).   I would ask the grandmother if she notices any areas where Ingrid shows particular interest and tell her where I see her showing enthusiasm.  I would then point out the scores in math and spelling.  I would suggest that while Ingrid is engaged in something she really enjoys the grandmother point out the math involved (for example a math concept that is necessary for a certain science problem).  I would also, tell her to continue encouraging Ingrid to read because the more she reads, the more her spelling will improve.  But I would also suggest that Ingrid start a journal.   She could write about anything she enjoys and this would require her to produce words which will also improve spelling.  Finally, to improve math computation, I would suggest games where you use math (e.g. a version of war where each player pulls 2 cards and the product of the cards wins or monopoly and allow her to be the banker).