St. Fabian Catholic School 
Our Mission is to follow Jesus' example through Strength in Academics, Trustworthiness, and Faith in Christian Values. 

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Phone: 248-553-2750
Email:  csutherland@stfabian.org

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Standardized Assessments

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Preparing Our Students for Success

In October, our students (Grades 1-8) take the Iowa Assessments, a standardized test given nationwide.  All elementary schools are mandated to test students yearly so that progress can be measured. These tests measure achievement and provide unique information about individual students and classes for use in instructional planning.

Students in first grade take only the Cognitive Abilities Test, which measures their level and pattern of cognitive development. The first-grade test is NOT an achievement test, but rather a way to determine a student’s reasoning and problem-solving abilities. Cognitive abilities develop rapidly in children, but often with uneven patterns and speed. Assessment results will assist first grade teachers as they design instruction to support the strengths and needs of their students. 

Our scores remain above the nation's average and we use the results of the test to allow us to see how our students are achieving compared to students throughout the nation; assessing skills on the knowledge students have of our curriculum based upon the standards set forth from the State of Michigan.  

In reviewing this test data, it is important to remember that for some children test taking is a difficult skill to learn.  Each testing experience gives your child another opportunity to develop test-taking skills.  A standardized test should never be the sole criterion for determining how your child is doing in school.  When we assess your child’s progress, we look at the total picture: classwork, class participation, homework, chapter/unit tests as well as standardized testing.

Our goal is to prepare our students to be personally successful, demonstrate complete personal development and experience unsurpassed academic achievement.

PASS Program

The PASS program (Personal Academic Success Strategies) is a technology driven learning tool which motivates students while they are completing computer-based activities.  This 21st Century learning tool empowers both the teacher and learner by delivering personalized instruction that is self-paced and at each student’s academic level.  Students will be directed to focus on weak or missing grade level skills or challenged to work above their grade level when they have mastered skills.  Teachers have the ability to analyze student growth and progress and assign targeted assignments to enhance the learning process.  With the ability to support each students’ unique learning journey, this technology will help to close the achievement gap while assisting students on their pathway to academic success.  For more information, visit www.edmentum.com.