Recently the faculty and I reviewed the results of our ERB (Education Records Bureau) testing to see how our students achieve. ERB is a standardized test used by nearly all of the independent schools in Pasadena to assess student progress in mastering grade-level curriculum. The assessment tools provide us with valuable information that enables us to continually improve instruction and enhance learning for each individual student as well as the school overall.

At Weizmann, annual testing begins in 3rd grade and continues through 8th grade. The students receive absolute scores that are expressed in the form of percentile ranks or norms.  For example, if a student scores in the 85th percentile in quantitative reasoning, it means that she/he scored better in that area than 85% of all other students tested in the same grade level.   Students in grades 5-8 who score at or above the 95th percentile in any single subject area are also eligible to participate in the Johns Hopkins University's Center for Talented Youth (CTY). The purpose of CTY is to identify, assess, and recognize the academic abilities of highly able students.  We are happy to share that the 18 students who qualified cumulatively received 31 Johns Hopkins CTY awards (that is an average of 1.7 award categories per student!)

Most of our successes were in the areas of vocabulary and quantitative reasoning - which is a good indication that all of those reading assignments and Jewish Book Month activities not only contribute to our students' love of reading, yet also expand vocabularies and help with critical reasoning and comprehension.

We are pleased to say that, like in past years, Weizmann students consistently scored well above the national norms and at parity or above our fellow private schools. This is particularly impressive given that we have a dual curriculum - i.e., our students excel in general studies and are also gaining Hebrew language and Jewish studies that many other schools do not offer.   Our school also has a significant high number of students who score at the highest levels when compared to other area schools. We are incredibly proud of all of our students and teachers for these great results.

To paraphrase what is taught in the Talmud-- There are three partners in the development of a child, the Holy One, the parent and the teacher. We are highly grateful to all three for the privilege of educating these wonderful students.

Shabbat Shalom,

Lisa