SFCS SAT Scores Top National
ACSI School Results
HEADLINE STORY
Friday, September 3, 2004
Let’s face it…most
parents receive the long-awaited standardized test
scores in the mail, hold their breath…and hope
to know…is my child getting a good education?
Shannon Forest Christian School (SFCS) was blessed
to have had at its service, the time and talents of
Alice Ann Holman, a veteran Elementary School Counselor
from the Greenville County School System. When she
thought about how she could give back to Shannon Forest
Ministries during the summer months, she realized that
she could spend her summer analyzing SFCS test scores.
After all, she said, “I’ve been looking
at test scores since Noah was in 1st Grade!”
The
results of her detailed study were measured in several
different areas. First, Holman measured SFCS scores
versus scores in all other national ACSI schools. This
evaluation showed that at all grade levels, starting
in K5 through the 11th Grade, SFCS’ total test
scores in Reading, Math, Language and Total Battery
(the summary of all tests), scored appreciably higher
than all other national ACSI member schools. (See chart
1A) Headmaster, Doug McLaughlin shared that, “SFCS
has always had a reputation of excellent achievement
and this is just one indicator
of that excellence being brought to life.”
The
second evaluation was on the importance of the Achievement
and Ability Comparison scores. These scores compare
a student’s achievement to that of a group of
students with the same ability. “SFCS was consistently
at or above their predicted ability in this area,” remarked
Holman. (See chart 1B) In fact,
the SFCS scores are consistently above measure. “It
was truly a joy and fun to look at such great results,” shared
Holman.
The third area of comparison to examine and
to take pride in is our SFCS’ students’ ranking
in those who are at or above the national 50th percentile
in their scores. (See chart)
Upper School Administrator, Brenda Hillman added, “The
results from the yearly Stanford Achievement Test are
just one of the tools I utilize to evaluate the effectiveness
of the SFCS curriculum.” Hillman added that, “There
will always be areas of opportunity, but I am pleased
with the SFCS Upper School faculty as they continue
to deliver the curriculum effectively.”
“Test
scores do not give the total picture but they are great
indicators and are useful in multiple areas,” said
Lower School Administrator Joyce Stocks. “ I
really appreciate Alice Ann’s donation to SFCS.
She also helped set up the longitudinal studies that
give valuable information over a period of years.”
McLaughlin
emphasized that, “These scores reflect the work
of our teachers, students and their parents. Without
the support of the home we would not be able to show
success
of this magnitude.”
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