Measuring Progress

In the 1-4 math program we have clearly defined benchmarks to measure a child's progress. These benchmarks are grade-appropriate and are end-of-year expectations. Additionally, the timed tests are used to determine a child's readiness to move on to the next level. This specifically applies to our Woodmath (Mathematician's Toolbox) books. These benchmarks are clarified below:

By the end of Woodmath book completed Basic fact acquisition Time

1st grade Red N/A N/A

2nd grade Blue 30/30 addition, subtraction 90 seconds

3rd grade Yellow 50/50/50/50 add, subtract multiply, divide 2.5 min.

4th grade Green 50/50/50/50 add, subtract multiply, divide 2 min.

Note that the "Woodmath book completed" column is the end-of-year goal. Many if not most children find this goal well within their reach and complete the book long before the end of the school year. However, in order to advance to the next level, each child must successfully complete 2 assessments. First, a comprehensive post-test is given upon the completion of each book. This post-test contains samples of the various problems they have learned in their book. Second, the child must pass the relevant "basic fact acquisition" skill set within the given time. These tests are referred to as "Speed Drills."

SPEED DRILLS

Speed drills are tests  are given once per month. Each child's progress is tracked and awards ceremonies are held each month in order to celebrate the success. Success is defined as an increased cumulative score. The sample below is an actual three month snippet of some second grade speed drill results beginning in September, the month they begin. The colored boxes indicate a cumulative increase from the previous month. (Note, however, the first student actually decreased a bit in October.) The different colors are our way of indicating the level of achievement, which determines the award the students receive. A student who increases between 1 and 9 for their cumulative score receives a sticker. A student with a cumulative increase of 10-19 is awarded a pencil and a sticker and a student who increases 20 or more receives a certificate. Also note that 2 students had already achieved the end-of-year goal by November (30-30 in addition and math).