Accelerated Reader
WVCS utilizes Renaissance Learning's Accelerated (AR) Program to support students' reading achievement. Students in second through eighth grades take the Star Assessment to pinpoint their “just-right” reading level, called the zone of proximal development (ZPD). Students are encouraged to read books within their zone and take AR quizzes to verify reading comprehension.
Parents can check student progress toward goals on Home Connect.
Need to find a book in your child’s ZPD? AR Bookfinder is a great resource for finding books or determining the level of a book you already have.
Renaissance also provides helpful strategies for parents who want to foster successful reading skills.
Assessment
At WVCS we use several assessments to help pinpoint student learning needs. Most assessments are given three times a year (fall, winter, and spring). The purpose of all testing is to inform instruction and track each student’s academic progress as we partner with you in your child’s education.
Dynamic Indicators of Basic Literacy Skills (DIBELS) is given to students K-8 as a quick measure for grade-level reading skills.
The Renaissance Star Assessment (grades 2-8) provides a zone of proximal development (ZPD) for your child’s reading level. Basically, the ZPD represents a book-level range just right for your child’s reading skills. Research has shown that students who read books in their ZPD level for at least 35 minutes a day maximize their literacy growth. See the Accelerated Reader page for more information.
MAP Growth tests are given for math, reading, and language and are designed differently from than other assessments. This adaptive test is designed to discern what students know and what they don’t know, leaving teachers with the “sweet spot” for instruction—what each student is READY TO LEARN (RIT). MAP results are given in the form of RIT scores.
For more information about MAP Growth, check out the resources below.
Optional practice activities can be found at: https://studentresources.nwea.org/
Username and password are the same: grow
NWEA has excellent parent resources and information on the Family Toolkit page.
As we partner together, contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions or concerns.
Exceptional Learner
Our Exceptional Learner Coordinator, Mrs. Deborah Beggs, and her team partner with parents, teachers, and staff to meet the academic needs of Exceptional Learners. Through the Exceptional Learners Program (ELP), students who qualify receive support in their general education classroom, small groups, and/or one-to-one settings. Additionally, we have a Speech and Language Therapist and a Barton Reading Program Tutor on-site. Counseling referrals are also available.
If your student has an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 Plan, please contact Mrs. Beggs prior to starting the admission process, so she can review your student’s documentation and determine if WVCS is the right fit for your student. Documents can be sent via email to dbeggs@wvchristianschool.org or via fax to 623-234-2199, Attention: Mrs. Beggs.
Families who receive services through the Exceptional Learner Program are charged an additional fee based on the amount of support they receive. Current rates are available through the Business Office.
To start the review process, please contact Mrs. Beggs at dbeggs@wvchristianschool.org or call the school office at 623-234-2100.
We look forward to collaborating with you in the education of your exceptional learner!
IXL
WVCS encourages students to learn and grow as Jesus did in wisdom, knowledge and in favor with God and man. One way we do that is providing IXL for extra practice in math and English Language Arts (ELA). Teachers may use IXL as review, reteaching, extra practice, or enrichment. The IXL platform allows students to work at their readiness levels in ELA or math skills.
Check with your child’s teacher if you need login information.
Students maximize their learning with IXL.