Admissions Testing
Overview
Determining each student’s learning profile (i.e., strengths and weaknesses) is the primary purpose for testing students prior to admission to Shelton School. From this learning profile a customized remedial curriculum plan can be developed, allowing the student to overcome perceptual shortcomings and close academic gaps. The new admissions test battery for the applicant is scheduled and completed by the division's Testing Coordinator. Students applying for grades EC through eight are also given speech and language testing. A screening tool, the new admissions test battery is not diagnostic and therefore not accepted by most public schools.
Rob Kelton, Jeff Pierce
Joan Dodd, Meghan Miller, Christy Thomas
Testing Department Staff
Ten FAQ’s
1. What is the new admissions test battery?
It is a group of cognitive, perceptual, behavioral, and academic tests given to students applying for admission to Shelton School.
2. Why is it necessary?
Three main reasons: Test results help us make admissions decisions; results help determine proper class placement and curriculum plan; results serve as a baseline from which future academic progress is measured.
3. How much does it cost and how long does it take?
The cost is $300. Testing time depends on the student’s age. Allow one-to-two hours for students in grade two and below; allow at least four hours for students in grade three and up. Students should bring an appropriate snack. Parents may, but are not required to, wait at the school while their student is testing.
4. My student was tested recently. Can the results of these tests be used?
Discuss this with the Testing Coordinator. It’s possible that some of the recently given tests can be substituted for the tests in the new admissions battery.
5. Will the parents have to fill out any forms?
Yes. The forms will be mailed to the parents or given to them on test day. (View the Developmental History Form)
6. How and when do parents receive the results of the tests?
Within a week the student’s parents have an hour-long, parents-only meeting with the division’s Testing Coordinator to review the test results. Parents receive a test report and have an opportunity to ask questions and voice concerns.
7. Is the new admissions test battery diagnostic?
No, the new admissions test battery is not a diagnostic test battery. Students are assigned a learning pattern, but not an official diagnosis.
8. After completing the test battery and getting the results, what’s the next step in the admissions process to Shelton School?
All test forms and a copy of the test report are placed in the student’s file, which is handed back to the Admissions Office. Parents will be contacted shortly by the Admissions Office.
9. If my student is accepted and enrolls, how long will he/she attend Shelton School?
The needs of each student are unique, so it’s very difficult to predict. Discuss this with the Testing Coordinator, Admissions Director, and the Division Head.
10. If my student is not accepted at Shelton School, or if he/she is accepted but chooses not to attend, will a referral list of other area LD schools be provided?
Yes, the Testing Coordinator will provide a referral list of other LD schools in the area.
The Shelton Program: Assessment to Instruction
This comprehensive manual explains how a learning difference is assessed and categorized at Shelton School. It also describes, among other things, the four structured language therapy programs used throughout the school. (View the Assessment to Instruction Manual)
