Indicators of Academic Success
Assessment Results Narrative Summary – BLS continues to demonstrate an upward trend in test scores. The students take the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) annually in October. As the test scores are analyzed, curriculum is adjusted accordingly.
Assessment for Instruction and Learning and Sharing Assessment Results – Yearly, the ITBS* assessment results are sent home to the parents. The principal and teachers analyze data gathered from the test to realign curricula and textbook adoption as necessary. On an individual basis, any concerns are addressed with the parents and the principal. If needed, differentiated instruction is used for student success. As students in grades 6-8 have gone to iPads, BLS utilizes them in all core classes for project based assessments, chapter assessments, and event based projects. Having the same platform provides students with the opportunity to collaborate on learning activities. Parent conferences are biannually held in the first and third quarters. Teachers discuss academic goals, test results, and discuss possible strategies and intervention to promote student success. Teachers utilize the FACTS Family Portal program to notify parents of academic concerns for immediate feedback. Parents have instant access through FACTS Family Portal to monitor their child’s daily assignments and progress. This allows students to work at a pace that challenges them. By placing each child in the appropriate class, they will master the concepts before progressing the next level. After they are evaluated, the teacher provides additional instruction based on these results.
*ITBS for Kindergarten and 1st grade are tested in the spring semester.
ITBS Score Results – In October of 2016, we gave grades 2-8 the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. We test our students in several different areas. They include Reading, Math, Science and Social Studies. We are extremely proud to say that our School average was 79% in our overall Scores.
Since we began with a new testing program in 2011, I have taken the opportunity to find our 8th grade averages. Why the 8th grade? I choose the 8th grade because it is the culmination of our academic program. By 8th grade we hope to have the best student available.
- Since 2011 our 8th graders have a testing average of 86% in all subject areas.
- Our 2022 ELA Score was 93% (Includes reading, writing, comprehension and vocabulary)
- 2022 Math Score was 89%
- Overall 86% when including Social Studies and Science
![](http://blcs.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ITBS-GE-score-charts-768x593.jpg)