Rubrics
Students have a clear understanding of how they are being assessed through the use of rubrics. We value the rubric and view it as an authentic assessment tool to measure student's work. The rubric's scoring guide gives a clear evaluation of strengths and areas needing improvement.

Testing
Tests are incorporated into the evaluation process at WCS, however, the student's growth is not solely dependent on test results. Tests are just one of the many instruments used to measure student growth.

Observation, Feedback, Class Discussion
The small, personalized class setting allows WCS teachers to develop an authentic relationship with each student. As a result, the teacher is able to easily assess and engage each student in areas of strength and areas of growth.

Individual Portfolio
WCS strives to represent the whole child. For this reason, we utilize Student Academic Portfolios in lieu of report cards. We feel the portfolio more accurately reflects the depth, breadth and development of what the student learned.

Summary

Rubrics

• • Offers specific criteria and score;
  • Used with weekly assignments;
  • Includes teacher feedback and comments;
  • Negative comments and marks on assignments not used.

Tests

• • Incorporated into WCS' evaluation process;
• • Student-based;
• • Not used as sole measure for student's growth.

Observation, Feedback, Class Discussions

• • Tangible, hands-on interaction between teacher and student;
• • Immediate feedback is reinforcing;
• • Classroom allows for an interactive process of learning and growth;
• • Curiosity is encouraged;
• • Student feels safe to share and learn, providing more opportunities for growth;
• • Review and feedback at the end of each semester with parents, students, and teachers;
• • Reflection of growth discussed and goals that are student-driven and not group-driven to strive for are set each semester.

Individual Portfolio

• • Offers more than one type of assessment;
  • Offers various examples of student work;
  • Reveals more closely student's growth and development;
  • Reflects on what was learned;
  • Authentic.