Understanding the ERBs

Each year, students in grades 3-8 are administered the ERBs (Educational Records Bureau) Achievement Tests.  The ERBs are the standardized achievement tests most widely used by independent schools.  This year we will administer the ERBs next week, from May 12-16, beginning promptly at 8:30 a.m. and concluding by recess at 10:30 a.m.  It is very important that children arrive to school on time.  If a student is late, s/he will not be permitted to enter the class during testing and will need to wait in the office until that testing session is completed.  Additionally, they will miss taking that section of the test.

Standardized tests are a nationally normed measure of general knowledge in specific subject areas. The ERBs our students will be taking are focused on language arts (reading, writing mechanics, and vocabulary) and mathematics. 

We use these tests to determine how our students compare to the public school population and to other independent school students. Traditionally, our students have scored comparably with students in other independent schools and at a level above the average when compared to public school students.  We also analyze the results to determine how our curriculum compares to other schools across the nation, bearing in mind that some of our students' errors are due to differences between our school's curriculum and the testing material.  In addition, we use our students' scores to gauge the progress we see with each individual child as s/he moves from one grade to the next, which gives us valuable information about particular strengths and areas needing attention.  Typically it takes more than one year's results to most accurately reflect these areas.

The teachers have been familiarizing the students with this type of testing, reviewing materials and practicing the skills for taking standardized tests.  You can help us prepare your child for these tests by: 1) ensuring your child gets a good night sleep and eats a healthy breakfast, 2) helping your child arrive at school on time, no later than 8:15 a.m., and 3) trying to maintain a minimal level of stress about these tests in particular and home life in general.

Standardized tests are an integral part of school life. Students applying to secondary independent schools are often required to take this type of examination. Thus, administering the ERBs is also a way to help our students prepare for their future testing situations.  The results of the ERBs will be shared with you at the Back to School Nights in the fall.  Historically our students are successful and score at levels comparable with students at other independent schools. I am sure this year will be no exception.

Shabbat Shalom!

~Lisa