Supporting Literacy Skill Development at Home

Why Is Evaluation Important ?

Over the course of the academic year, teachers conduct several different types of evaluation. While each evaluation serves a unique purpose, all provide necessary data to ensure classroom instruction meets the needs of each student.

Baseline Assessments: Typically, baseline assessments are administered at the beginning of each year. These assessments are designed to determine a student’s “baseline” or beginning skill level in reading, writing and math. Our goal is to meet each student at this “starting point” and provide the classroom instruction, academic support, and challenge necessary to shape their optimal academic progress.

At mid year and end of year, a combination of these baseline instruments are again conducted to measure growth. In addition to examining individual growth, this information enables our educational leadership team to evaluate whole class progress and strengthen both curriculum and practice.

At each grade level, a variety of baseline assessments are employed at Yavneh Hebrew Academy (YHA). These instruments include:

Curriculum Based Assessments: Wonders, Step Up to Writing, Go Math
Responsive Computer Based Assessments: IXL Math
Informal Reading Inventories: Basic Reading Inventory, San Diego Quick Assessment
Teacher designed writing prompts
NWEA MAP Growth

As teachers share these baseline results with you, please feel free to inquire about the tools used at your child’s grade level.

Formative Assessments: Teachers conduct these assessments throughout the course of the year. Formative assessments do not contribute to a student’s grade. These assessments include written assignments, quizzes and tests. Formative assessments provide teachers with information about student learning. After collecting this information, teachers know if they need to reteach a concept, provide more practice or move to the next concept or skill.

Summative Assessments: When students have completed a chapter of learning, teachers more formally assess their skill mastery. Students are assessed through tests, quizzes, oral exams, and written assignments. These assessments are reflected in a student’s grade.

When reviewing any assessment, it is important to remember that this is only one piece of the larger picture of student growth and progress. To gain a full picture of your child’s academic development, please be sure to consult with your child’s classroom teacher and their academic team.

What Can I Do to Support My Child’s Literacy Development at Home?

The connection between home and school is critical to the emotional well being and academic success of every child. In addition to the instruction provided in the classroom, parents can play a critical role in their child’s progress. Often, your child’s teacher will recommend specific strategies to support your child’s growth. In addition to these targeted recommendations, there are many resources parents can consult to aid them in guiding their children’s learning.

As a starting point, it is crucial to understand your child’s developmental stages and what is expected at each juncture. When reviewing this information, it is important to keep in mind that no two children are alike. The trajectory and pace of growth may look different from one child to the next. When questions arise, it can be helpful to connect with your child’s pediatrician, school directors, Guidance or The Center for Achievement and Learning (CAL) at YHA to talk through your concerns.

An excellent resource for understanding development can be found in

Chip Wood’s Yardsticks: Child and Adolescent Development: Ages 4-14

The following document provides a brief overview of what you will encounter in that text:

Common Developmental Traits 4-12 Years Old

Literacy Resources

From an early age, children begin to develop the building blocks for reading. An excellent overview of these literacy milestones can be found at Understood.org :

Reading Development Skills at Different Ages

The following are a list of resources to assist our understanding of literacy at each grade as well as useful tools for home based support:

Grade K and 1:Early Literacy

Regional Educational Laboratory Program: Supporting Your Child’s Reading at Home: K

Regional Educational Laboratory: Supporting Your Child’s Reading at Home: 1

Common Sense Media Recommended Technology Based Tools

Very Well Family: Reading Activities for Families

National Literacy Organization: Beginning Reading

Reading Rockets

30 Days of Families Learning Together

PBS for Parents

Storyline Online