At the recent Lower School Parent Coffee and Conversation, Head of Lower School Heather Wagner and Coordinator of Teaching and Learning Stephanie Broader led an informative discussion on ERB testing for 3rd-5th Graders. They explained how the assessments play a key role in building essential skills that will not only support academic growth but also prepare students for the SSATs when they move into Upper School.
Wagner and Broder shared that the shift from 1st and 2nd Grade to 3rd Grade marks an important transition in how students develop academically. While the earlier grades focus on foundational learning, starting in 3rd Grade, students begin to develop a skill set that will support them through future assessments. The ERB tests provide an additional layer of data that gives teachers valuable insights into student progress, helping to tailor instruction to meet each child’s needs.
The conversation also focused on understanding the data that comes from these tests. Parents learned about ERB norms, including national and independent benchmarks, and how the scores fit within the normal distribution curve. The discussion highlighted how Percent Content Mastery provides a clearer picture of what students have mastered and where they need more practice.
To ensure that students are well-prepared, Wagner and Broder emphasized the importance of creating partnerships within the classroom. By pairing students at different levels, teachers can foster a collaborative learning environment where students support each other’s growth. In addition, tools like IXL, which mirror the structure of the ERB test, are used weekly, along with reading prompts that help students hone their analytical skills.
The session concluded with a discussion of how Green Vale's curriculum is designed to foster academic growth and prepare students for future success. Wagner and Broder emphasized that the goal is not only to prepare students for assessments like the ERB but also to equip them with the skills, confidence, and resilience they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Green Vale’s comprehensive approach ensures that students are supported at every stage of their learning journey, laying a strong foundation for their continued success.