ITBS

The main purpose for using Standardized Achievement Testing is to gather information that can be used to improve instruction. The Iowa Test of Basic Skills is used in the Middle School.

EXPLORE ASSESSMENT TEST

Annually, Westminster Christian Middle School administers the EXPLORE Assessment Test to eighth grade students. The EXPLORE test assesses academic skills, personal needs and interests. The program also helps students understand and begin to explore the wide range of career options open to them, as well as assisting them in developing a high school course work plan that prepares them to achieve their post-high school goals.

DUKE TALENT IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM (TIP)

Annually, Duke University in Durham, North Carolina sponsors a Talent Identification Program (TIP). "This is a nonprofit educational organization established with the premise that the future of this nation depends upon the fullest development of our best intellectual resources. The objectives of the Program are therefore to identify the very bright among our youngsters at an early age; to assist in the educational facilitation of these students; to follow and nurture their talent through the critical middle school years; to assist in their placement in colleges and universities that have programs of a quality that matches the student's potential; and to develop an effective research effort to help understand the nature of gifted adolescents." To be eligible to participate in this talent search, a student must attend the seventh grade and rank at or above the 95th percentile on standardized testing in defined subjects.