In April of each year, students at Milpitas Christian School in grades 2 to 8 take a standardized achievement test (TerraNova 3 Complete Battery). This tool provides detailed diagnostic information, precise norm-referenced achievement scores, a full complement of criterion-referenced objective mastery scores, and performance-level information.

1. Milpitas Christian School 1
WHITE PAPER
Academic Achievement
2019 Testing with TerraNova3
In April of each year, students at Milpitas Christian School in grades 2 to 8 take a standardized
achievement test (TerraNova 3 Complete Battery). This tool provides detailed diagnostic information,
precise norm-referenced achievement scores, a full complement of criterion-referenced objective
mastery scores, and performance-level information.
Grade 2
Our students are introduced to standardize achievement testing in the second grade. This helps them to
become familiar with reading and answering test questions. Theses scores help to establish a “baseline”
and provide guidance for the third grade instructional staff.
Performance on Objectives - MCS second graders vs. National reference group (Grade 2.8).
The scores of all MCS second graders were evaluated against a national norm. The national reference
group corresponds to students in the eighth month of second grade (2.8). September is designated as .0
and June as .9; May is .8.
TerraNova defines assessment objectives in these ten categories.
 Reading: Basic understanding, analyze text, evaluate/extend meaning, and reading/writing
strategies
 Vocabulary: word meaning; multimeaning words; and words in context
 Language: introduction to print; sentence structure; writing strategies; and editing skills
 Language Mechanics: sentences, phrases, & clauses; writing conventions

2. Milpitas Christian School 2
 Mathematics: number & number relations; computation & estimation; operation concepts;
measurement; geometry & spatial sense; data, stats & probability; patterns, functions &
algebra; problem solving & reasoning
 Math computation: add whole numbers and subtract whole numbers
 Science: Science inquiry; physical science; life science; earth and space science; science &
technology
 Social studies: geographic perspectives; history & culture; civics & government; and economic
perspectives
 Spelling: vowels; consonants; and structural units
 Word analysis: Consonants; vowels; contractions & compounds; and roots & affixes
Grade 5
By the time our students are finishing fifth grade, they have strengthened their language, mathematics,
science and social studies skills.
Performance on Objectives - MCS fifth graders vs. National reference group (Grade 5.8)
Compared with the national norm, MCS fifth grade students show proficiency in the ten objectives
measured with the achievement test.
Assessment Summary
MCS Grade
Mean Equivalent Standard Deviation
Reading Composite 10.6 3.0
Language Composite 10.1 3.0
Math Composite 9.7 2.5
Science 10.9 2.2
Social Studies 10.1 2.7
Spelling 10.8 2.5

3. Milpitas Christian School 3
“Grade Equivalent” indicates the year and month that a student’s achievement is typical. For example, a
10.1 means a student’s achievement is typical of students who have completed the first month
(October) of Grade 10 who take the same test. A student in Grade 5 who attains a Grade Equivalent of
10.1 has advanced academic ability (compared with the average fifth grader), but advanced curriculum
(10th
grade) is not used in the fifth grade class.
Grade 8
Approaching the completion of eighth grade, MCS students are well-prepared for high school.
Performance on Objectives - MCS 8th graders vs. National (Reference Group Grade 8.8)
Assessment Summary
MCS Grade
Mean Equivalent Standard Deviation
Reading Composite 13.0 1.2
Language Composite 13.0 2.1
Math Composite 13.0 1.1
Science 13.0 1.6
Social Studies 13.0 1.0
Spelling 13.0 1.7
“Grade Equivalent” indicates the year and month that a student’s achievement is typical. For example, a
13.0 means a student’s achievement is typical of students who are entering Grade 13 (first year of
college) who take the same test.

4. Milpitas Christian School 4
About TerraNova Testing
TerraNova 3 is an assessment system designed to measure
concepts, processes, and skills taught throughout the nation.
Items are organized by content categories reflecting
educational objectives found in state, district, and diocesan curriculum frameworks; in major textbooks,
basal series, and instructional programs; and in national standards publications. TerraNova 3 aligns to
the framework of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).
Test Content
 Reading-item content features high-interest passages chosen to engage and motivate students
to perform their best. The assessment uses a wide range of genres, including texts from
authentic sources, to expose students to a variety of works from various times and places.
 Language-item content assesses students’ skills in the key components of language proficiency.
 Mathematics assessments include items that are set in real-world contexts with contemporary
topics.
 Science assesses students’ understanding relative to life, the planet Earth, and physical sciences;
the nature of science; and science inquiry.
 Social Studies emphasizes the interrelationships of history, geography, governments, and
economics.
TerraNova testing is published by CTB/McGraw-Hill (www.terranova3.com).
Objectives Performance Index (OPI)
Each objective in a TerraNova 3 content area is measured by at least four items, and each item is scored
on three separate factors, such as item difficulty and item discrimination. Using these item factors and
based on students’ responses to the items measuring a single objective, an Objectives Performance
Index (OPI) is calculated. The OPI is a statistical estimate of the number of points a student would be
expected to obtain if there had been 100 similar items measuring that objective on TerraNova 3. The OPI
scale runs from 0 to 100 and students’ OPI scores are typically expressed as two-digit numbers. OPI
results enable educators to identify the objectives within a content area for which further instruction is
indicated and those for which a satisfactory level of achievement has been attained.
Grade Equivalent (GE)
The Grade Equivalent indicates the year and month of school for which the student's level of
performance is typical. For example, a Grade Equivalent of 8.5 means that the student's achievement is
typical of students who have completed the fifth month of Grade 8, where September is designated as
.0 and June as .9. It is important to use caution when interpreting a Grade Equivalent. For example, a
student in Grade 3 may attain a Grade Equivalent of 6.6. This does not mean that the student is capable
of doing sixth-grade work, only that the student is scoring well above average for Grade 3. In general, a
Grade Equivalent that is within about two years of the student's actual grade placement is generally
considered an accurate description of the student's level of achievement.