Ingrid's Standardized Test Scores

Ingrid is twelve years old and as such she is at a very critical time for the development of good academic habits for her future academic career. The meeting with Ingrid's grandmother is important because Ingrid has a unique situation as far as her standardized test scores are concerned. She has exhibited very high scores in several tested subjects, but has also significantly underperformed in a few areas.

When the meeting with Ingrid's grandmother begins, I would first be sure to indicate her individual academic strengths. Ingrid's scores in Reading Comprehension, Science, and Social Studies are all exceptionally above average. Standardized tests in all of these areas require high reading abilities. From these we can conclude that Ingrid's reading ability is significantly higher than students around the country. Many of her classes in middle school and on into high school will require her degree of reading ability, and it will be important to mention that Ingrid will probably be placed in Honors courses in many subjects.

Ingrid is having some problems in spelling and mathematics, however. In consideration of her spelling score, I would definitely mention that it could be test formatting that led to the poor assessment. Her grandmother and I could look back at her coursework in spelling to determine if this is indeed the case. If Ingrid performs well in class, but poorly on a test, the format could be to blame. Or perhaps she had simply had a bad day. If, it is determined that Ingrid is struggling with spelling, we could look at other possible causes. Perhaps traditional spelling instruction is failing to meet Ingrid's way of learning. Traditional instruction usually involves weekly repetition of a new group of words. Individualized, differentiated instruction may be needed.

In terms of mathematics, especially in terms of computation, it seems that Ingrid has not acquired the basic skills needed. I would recommend extended instruction on the more basic concepts of computation, and rely on constant, yet "fun" practice of these skills until she has mastered them. It is possible that she is just simply missing something basic that a prior teacher failed to notice. I would make a point to indicate that Ingrid is capable of understanding these concepts, but the current method of instruction is simply not making sense to her. It might prove wise to disseminate these skills to her in a way that is in written format. Perhaps relying heavily on word problems would play to her natural strengths as a strong reader.