Woodstock Area Private School Beats Expectations on Iowa Test of Basic Skills

Online, July 27, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Students at Holdheide Academy took the Iowa Test of Basic Skills for the very first time in June. All of the students had recently completed Holdheide's Pre-K program and were administered the test over the course of one week. Not only did the students perform well, they tested above their grade level.

"We wanted our students to take the Iowa Test because it measures comprehension, not just memorization," says Ashley Rodriguez, a tenured teacher at Holdheide. "We felt that by having an unbiased look at how our students are able to use and apply what we're teaching them, we'd be able to strengthen our curriculum in the areas that would most benefit the kids."

With an eye toward improving their curriculum, teachers and staff were pleasantly surprised by the results. All of the recent Pre-K graduates tested at first grade level. Reading scores were practically off the charts, indicating that Holdheide students read at a level equivalent to a student in their fifth month of first grade. Language was also exceptionally high, with students ranked at the second month of first grade.

"My four year old has attended Holdheide for three years. This year she started reading me bed time stories, instead of the other way around. I knew she was doing well for her age, but I had no idea how well," said Misty Harper, mother of one of the students who took the Iowa Test.

Where are the teachers planning to strengthen the curriculum? Mrs. Rodriguez says that even though they plan to continue to expand on all subjects, they will put more emphasis on Math. The students tested at a level equivalent to a Kindergartener in their eighth month of school. Still a great result considering the median age of the students is 4.5 years old, but now that the teachers know what the kids can do, they plan to bring Math up to the same level the children achieved with Reading.

The Iowa Test was created in 1935 for the Iowa Public School System and has since become a recognized, national test that is administered in both public and private schools.

About Holdheide Academy

Holdheide Academy was founded in 2007 with the philosophy that when education begins early and is engaging, children learn more, faster and are more interested in school. Children as young as six weeks begin their education at Holdheide through play and hands-on activities. The school provides healthy, organic meals, foreign language lessons, music, dance and sports instruction for children through first grade.

For more information contact:
Christina Londono
Holdheide Academy
Phone: (770) 516-2292
Fax: (770) 516-4991
Email: [email protected]
www.HoldheideEducation.com