ITBS scores show that CLCS is above grade level in every grade in every area!

           We are truly blessed here at Christ Lutheran and have such dedicated teachers, committed parents, and wonderfully gifted children!  While the ITBS is just one way that we make sure that our children are being challenged and performing to national standards, I am very pleased to bring you the news on how we did this year.

              There are many days that I give thanks to God that I am working in one of His schools, rather than a public school.  Don’t get me wrong; I have nothing against public schools and enjoyed the years I spent working in them.  What breaks my heart is how the current public schools are ruled by the iron fist of standardized testing so that it becomes the sun in the school’s solar system.  Thankfully, we are able to use our ITBS test results to inform our instruction, not to use it to measure the success of students or teachers.  At Christ Lutheran the ITBS results are one of many tools that we use to assess the skills, strengths, and needs of our students and programs. 

                With that being said, I am glad to report to you that, again, the average score for every grade level on every sub-test was above grade level!  The faculty will use these scores to help them create a customized program of instruction for the unique group of students they are privileged to minister to this year.  The staff will be looking for trends among classes, students, and subjects so that we are sure that we are providing your children with the best academic experiences possible. 

            If you have any questions about your child’s scores, please do not hesitate to contact me.  I love data analysis (I know my nerd is showing) and academic testing in particular.  We have invested in a program called the Interactive Results Manager that allows us to look at a variety of reports including those that break down the skills covered in each sub-test, how your student  did, and how the majority of his/her peer group did nationwide.  You can contact me be e-mail or call the office to schedule an appointment to go over your child’s test results.

         To give you an idea of how well our students are doing, I have constructed a chart of grade level equivalents for the sub-tests by grade level.  This chart displays the average score for each grade level in the area tested.  Since the test was administered in October, the decimal behind the grade level should be a 2 to signify the second month in that grade level (i.e. 6^th graders should get a 6.2 in order to be on grade level). 

          I am proud of the students, teachers, teacher’s aides, librarian, and parents who have all worked together to produce such good results.  If the students are doing this well in October, I can’t wait to see what June brings!  God is truly generous and gracious!