May, 2007

Dear Parent(s) or Guardians(s),

We received the results of the Terra Nova Exams. A voluminous amount of information comes with the test results. I have gone over some of it with the teachers. We are enclosing a Home Report with this letter. This report presents meaningful test information. One portion of the Home Report is based on a student’s performance with that of the national norm group. Another portion called the “Observation” section presents details of the student’s performance in each of the Terra Nova Multiple Assessments subject sections. The information on the back side of the report identifies student‘s strengths and greatest needs.

I have also included a report which includes Grade Mean Equivalencies for the entire class. The scores are read across the page from left to right. Each column reflects a particular subject. The column labeled as “Date Tested” uses the grade level and a decimal of point six. This indicates that the test was given in the sixth month of that student’s particular grade level. The “Average Grade Mean Equivalency” is the “mean” or average of the scores from the reading, language arts, and math sections of the test. You can see where your child fits in relation to the rest of his/her peers.

A final note, the Terra Nova Test is just one way of assessing a student’s achievement.  It is a tool which does in fact measure some areas of achievement. It is only one tool we use to assist a student on the long road of formal education. In order to get the whole picture we use class work, homework, quiz scores, test scores, and chapter and unit scores to evaluate a student.

After you review the results, take time to go over them with your child(ren). Praise the student(s) for achievements. Share your concerns in an age-appropriate manner. Let the child(ren) talk. Listen to him/her. This is a teaching and learning experience for both you and the child. Please contact the teacher or myself if you have any questions.

Edward Weston

Principal