"Is our school the school that can best serve this child’s needs and talents?" "Will the student be a highly contributing member of this community?" Evaluative testing is considered in two ways. First, testing allows a school to compare a student against minimum benchmarks for success in its program. Second, test scores allow for a comparison against other candidates. Past academic performance, actual grades showing how the child has done in school, is considered. This factor is probably more important than testing. Implicit in a child’s past performance are his or her academic characteristics, whether or not the student applies himself or herself, and the child's work habits. Further, schools may require recommendations from past teachers. Most schools will also require some form of interview or observation. Preschool and kindergarten applicants are often evaluated in small groups. Older students usually have individual interviews. The interview allows admissions committees to garner important insight into a child’s interests and personal qualities. S chools endeavor to be as family-friendly as their mission will allow. When it comes to the issue of giving siblings and legacies preferential consideration, these factors may be considered only after all other admission information has been evaluated. Typically, a school will not accept a sibling or alumnus over a candidate who is more qualified. Indeed, schools try to allocate a portion of each class for new students.
How can I prepare my child for any necessary tests?
Schools work very hard to make entrance testing/readiness assessment a positive experience for students. Some schools administer aptitude tests. Most assess skill level for mathematics and language arts. While most testing takes written form, some assessment is oral. In the near term, parents can ensure their children’s success by encouraging them to ha ve an open, positive frame of mind, to get a good night’s sleep, to have a good bre akfast or lunch, and to be well-hydrated. Children pick up on parental anxiety and will, naturally, feel pressured by it. Parents should think positively and keep it all in perspective. Over a lifetime, parents can prepare their children for the educational test of life by modeling passion for learning and making reading, both aloud and individually, a family priority.
What options do I have if my child is not accepted?
Most admissions offices are available to discuss the decision-making process and to show you how your child compared to the rest of the candidate pool. During this discussion, if your child has been offered a place on a wait-list, ask for an assessment of chances for later admission, including enrollment for the following year. If an admissions director does not feel the school is a good fit for your child, he or she may make alternative recommendations.
Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software