Our effectiveness can be seen in the results we obtain with our students. Our students take the Terra Nova test annually. This is a standardized test widely used by schools across the country. It is not uncommon for our students to test a full grade level, or more, ahead of other students their age. For example here are the test scores for a recent year:
Standardized Testing
If a student scores in the 50th percentile on this test, it would mean that half of all students taking the test would do worse than this student, and half would do better. This student would be right in the middle of all test takers.
Recently, our third to eighth grade average student exam score was in the 93rd percentile. This means that 93 percent of all students who take the test do worse than students at Oak Crest.
We Do Not “Teach for the Test”
Perhaps the most amazing thing is that we do not “teach for the test.” What actually occurs is just the opposite! American educator, L. Ron Hubbard wrote: “The only reason for studying something is to be able to apply what you have studied. There really isn’t any other good reason for being educated. Many people think they study only so they can pass a test. That is not a very good reason for studying. If you studied something so you could do something in life, that would be a worthwhile reason for studying.”
Oak Crest Private School students are constantly asked to show how they can use their materials. Math is tremendously hands-on. Science courses go from one experiment to the next, so that students can actually see the principles being taught in operation.
Reading about history is brought to life by field trips to see what life in the past was like. Not only does this approach maintain and even increase a student’s interest in his courses, but it results in children who can confidently go out and use what they have learned.
Isn’t the ability to do that the reason we all wanted to learn in the first place?
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