DESERT TORAH ACADEMY CELEBRTATES HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL STANDARDIZED TEST SCORES

                Each year, in the month of May, the students of Desert Torah Academy take the Terra Nova Standardized Test. Rabbi Rodman, principal of DTA explained “These tests serve a very important purpose. The results allow schools to measure not only each student’s progress but also the academic success of the school as a whole. The scores are norm referenced (i.e. compared to the scores of student throughout the country) so they can really measure a school’s progress. The Terra Nova is a highly recognized test and favored by many private schools.”

            The Rabbi continued “Our results were great in every grade, but truly outstanding in the 4th – 8th grades. One of the scores used by Terra Nova, Grade Mean Equivalency, measures student’s progress as compared to their grade level. The ‘Total Score’ reflects a student’s aggregate combined progress in language, reading and math. Since the test was taken in May, an ‘on level score’ for 4th grade should be 4.7, for 5th grade 5.7 and so on. Our actual grade averages were: 4th grade - 7.5, 5th grade – 7.9, 6th grade 8.9, 7th grade – 10.6 and 8th grade – 10.7”.

            The Rabbi concluded “In simple terms, our class averages were slightly over two years ahead on Grade Mean Equivalency. It should also be noted that DTA is known for its willingness to work with students with learning challenges. Our results include the scores of these children. Many of our really bright students scoured four or five years ahead of the Grade Mean Equivalency Score.”

            Mrs. Dina Harlig, director of DTA added “Our success in secular studies is becoming well-known throughout the city. Occasionally, though, people will still question whether a Chabad school will take secular studies seriously. Of course, in reality, it is obvious that we would not have built a brand new campus like the one we are building, nor would we have hired a secular studies principal of the caliber of Dr. Meckley, unless we took all aspects of our school very seriously. These test scores show that we are meeting the high expectations that we have for our secular studies program.”

The mission of Desert Torah is to provide the Jewish children of Southern Nevada with an outstanding Judaic/Hebrew and Secular education. DTA staff will help promote students’ growth as active learners; respectful, responsible citizens; and independent thinkers. Through a stimulating and safe learning environment, our students will grow in appreciation of Jewish tradition and culture while being prepared for success in high school and life in the world community. DTA is proud to be accredited by the National Council for Private School Accreditation and the National Accreditation Board of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch.

            If you have any questions or would like a tour of the new campus, please call the school office at 259-0777.