Core Knowledge^® Research

Ridge View Elementary

Kennewick, WA

Results:

Ridge View Elementary scored better than all schools in its district on the new state performance test, the Washington Assessment of Student Learning.  The test, administered to fourth graders, has four sections: Mathematics, Reading, Writing, Listening.  It tests subject matter knowledge, application of knowledge to real-world situations, and analytical skills.  A score of 400 or higher on each section of the test is required to meet what the state considers a "standard" of proficiency.  Note especially Ridge View's high score in Listening.  Listening skills in early grades are the best predictor of later reading and learning skills, owning to variations in the quality of early reading and writing instruction.  The high score in listening skills indicates that increasing knowledge and vocabulary are giving Ridge View students a strong foundation for later learning. 

Subject	State Mean	School Mean	State % meeting standard	School % meeting standard
Math	374.4	402.1	22	52.7
Reading	400.5	416.0	48	74.2
Writing	381.2	410.6	42	65.6
Listening	409.8	453.9	62	86.0

"The Washington State performance test requires students to apply knowledge to a problem and then explain their process for reasoning through it.  It's really a tough test.  Because our students have the Core Knowledge background, they don't have to learn the knowledge they need as they read the problem.  They already know it and they go right to solving the problem.  The way we teach Core Knowledge means our kids are doing the things every day that the test is testing for.  They are not intimidated by the test.  The atmosphere of a Core Knowledge school is one in which kids learn to write, and in performance testing you live and die on how well you can write."

Ted Mansfield, Principal

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Last updated: Fri, May 23 2008