Friday Folder

Understanding ERB's 

Next week, students in Grades 3-8 will take the ERB's, a standardized test given by independent schools across the nation as well as select high-performing suburban schools. The test is designed to measure academic and reasoning skills in reading, writing, vocabulary, and mathematics. The mention of standardized tests probably takes you back to images of proctors, SAT's, multiple sharpened pencils, and the steady ticking of the minute hand on the clock. No, I cannot erase these memories!  Yes, I can help put this particular standardized test into perspective to ease any concerns you may have. 

Keeping in mind that independent schools educate a very small percentage of students in the United States and that the number of high-performing public schools in California (as determined by the Educational Records Bureau), for example, can be counted on one hand, the total number of students taking the test is quite small. This small sample size can sometimes make it difficult for families to understand how to best interpret results. From our perspective at Redwood Day, it is essential to think of the ERB as just one snapshot of a child's academic and reasoning skills. When coupled with the assessments and reports you receive from your child's teachers throughout the year, the ERB test results help to provide a more comprehensive picture of your child's areas of strength and of growth. 

As an independent school, we differ from public schools in our freedom to develop curriculum in a way that matches our mission and philosophy and best meets the needs of our students. Thus, we do not "teach to the test" as we develop experiences for our students that engage, prepare, and inspire them to be life-long learners. Just as we do not teach to the test, the test itself does not perfectly align with our curriculum in all academic areas. Although the relationship between the ERB and curriculum is at times imperfect, we recognize that standardized tests are also a part of life, and we use the test as a way to prepare our students for this reality. For the majority of areas on the test that do align with our curriculum, we use the test to help assess student learning outcomes and make necessary adjustments if they are in keeping with our mission and philosophy.

Listening and engaging in conversation with families over the course of the year, many of you have expressed to me a keen interest in learning more about the ERB's and the role they play both philosophically and practically in our curriculum development and delivery. It is apparent to me that our school must do a better job of partnering with you to foster a deeper understanding of why we give the test and how to interpret results. To this end, I plan to offer a workshop for parents/guardians near the end of this academic year to further explain and illuminate some of the areas I highlight above. Depending on the turnaround time between when we submit the tests and results are returned to the school, I will have a better idea of the date I can offer this workshop and will communicate as soon as I know. Thank you for your patience.

For now, please keep in mind the suggestions you received from Denise and Clarence in their Weekly Notes regarding ways you can ensure a positive experience for your child next week.

Have a great weekend!   

Sustainability 

Middle School students were invited to participate in this year's Earth Day assembly by submitting an art, food, or technology project. Congratulations to the following students for submitting entries and earning extra credit in science class:

• 6^th Grade: Sylvia A.W., Parker B., Kristina B., Belize C., Olivia D., Ren D., D.J.E., Natalie H., Chloe K., Annalise K., Maia M.T., Nelao N., Bianca R., Eva T., Olivia T., Colby V. and Owen W.
• 7^th Grade: Sophie B., Daniela G., Sylvie N., Claire W., and Emery W.
• 8^th Grade: Julia F., Melissa R. and India R.

Faculty and staff members of the Sustainability Council would like to honor the students serving on the council this year for all of their hard work: D.J., Julia F., India R., Miranda S., and Colby V.. We would also like to congratulate everyone for their submissions and acknowledge those who earned the opportunity to take a day off campus this spring along with the Sustainability Council for their winning entries:

Art

6^th Grade: Green Roof Art by Nelao N. 

7^th Grade: Flower Pot Art by Sylvie N. and Claire W.

8^th Grade: Walking Stick by Melissa R.

Food

Fritatta by Eva T.

­­­Media/Technology

6^th Grade: "I'm Glad You Care" by Kristina B., Olivia D., Ren. D., and Annalise K.

7^th Grade: "Air Pollution Video" by Sophie B., Daniela G., and Emery W.

8^th Grade: Song by Julia F.

Collaboration: Water Conservation presentation by India R. and Colby V.

Since 2006, our terrific neighbors of the Sheffield Avenue Neighborhood Association have led monthly clean ups of Wood Park ("Peanut Park") and hosted events to remove graffiti and invasive plants. RDS students have partnered with our neighbors on several occasions throughout the year to contribute good old fashioned sweat-equity and a spirit of service towards this great common goal. A neighborhood planning committee has developed further plans for the park to encourage positive park use and creative play opportunities for children. Their plan will be presented to the neighborhood as part of Earth Day celebrations at the park this weekend: 

 
Sheffield Ave. Neighborhood Assoc. Invites You to Earth Day Celebration