CULTIVATING A LIFELONG LOVE OF LEARNING | EDITION #7
MARCH 2020
Cassatt Room (left) and Carson Room (right), February 2020
Assessing Life Skills
When asked if we “test” students, our answer is generally “not really.” This is because our students look at tests as demonstrations of mastery. Tests are challenges to be embraced and conquered for personal and professional reasons. Yes, professional reasons! Students and teachers are members of professional learning communities. As professional learners, we consider assessments of all kinds as a life skill supporting adult necessities such as driving a car, applying for college, or securing a professional license. Simply put, assessing progress in the Montessori classroom is a practical life skill that shows a student’s mastery of skills and developing knowledge. Although NewGate offers students standardized assessments beginning in the third grade, all of our teachers also rely on observations to inform decisions and on a broad array of social/emotional and academic markers to ensure the wellness of each child from a holistic perspective.This newsletter highlights ways we assess children from the time they toilet successfully until the time they receive college acceptance letters. TAN YA RYS KIN D
ASSOCIATE HEAD OF NEWGATE SCHOOL
Secondary students at the SRQ Media SB2 Spring Economy Luncheon, February 2020
