Test Results

At the beginning of 2008, our existing students were tested on the Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT).

The WRAT test has been around for about 60 years but was recently updated to include comprehension as part of its measurements, something we consider vital. It has been scientifically compared to other tests and found to be accurate. It involves considerable one-on-one assessment, not just sitting a written exam. This is one of the reasons why we use it. Through the procedure, one gets a closer view of how a student is doing and with that observation, a more accurate individual program can be developed to help the student progress even better in the future.

The WRAT test is used to measure all students: the student who is behind, the student who is at grade-level and the student who is ahead and/or gifted. Many schools do not use this test because it does involve so much individual attention to come up with the results. However, we relish such individual attention and expect to see a more effective curriculum and a happier child as a result in the future.

Re-testing of the students was completed 5 months later. The results showed that the children had improved by an average of 7 months in grade level in reading, sentence comprehension, spelling and math. They averaged a ten-point leap in percentile rankings. In practical terms, the results showed that the children are an average of 7 months ahead of grade level in the 3Rs and continuing to improve and add to their placement.

Just remember one thing: we do not teach to the test as this can prevent students from thinking with the subjects being taught and may cause some of them to learn how to parrot back pieces of data while adding unnecessary stress to their education. The main use of these tests is so that the teachers can use the results to individually address each child's educational program and help each one to improve their educational progress.

For information on past test results in Applied Scholastics schools, see the following report:

Applied Scholastics Schools Report

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