February 1, 2015
MEASURING SUCCESS
Someone asked me recently how we measure our success. My answer was threefold:
Leadership: We intentionally nourish leadership skills in our students. Drama class enhances poise in front of an audience. Torah reading and preparation builds grit and confidence. Frequent projects and presentations make public speaking feel ordinary and natural.
Test Scores: We recently received our Fall 2014 ERB scores, and the results reaffirmed the effectiveness of our curriculum and teaching philosophy. Our students performed at the same level or higher than the best independent schools around the country. We administer these standardized tests in grades 3-8 to measure math and literacy, and provide a point of comparison. We use the results to tweak our curriculum every year and insure that we are attending to all the necessary skills for their age group.
While test scores confirm that our program is solid, we care about so much more than academic achievement.
Ethics: All the greatest test scores in the world mean little unless our students grow up to be kind people who make thoughtful decisions as they go through life. Yes, our graduates are being accepted into top universities including Harvard, Northwestern, University of Chicago, Princeton and Emory…but all the more so they are standing out as ethical leaders. They incorporate tzedakah into their lives, lead projects to help the environment and those living in poverty, and contribute to causes that move them.
(Read this Jewish Light article about Josh’s Bar Mitzvah project…and watch this Channel 5 news story about Mirowitz graduate Abby Lammers who was highlighted on the news for acing the ACT and SAT, and for her social action leadership at Parkway North.)
Our greatest achievement is raising well-rounded, intelligent young leaders who think deeply about how their daily life impacts others. Mirowitz students become leaders who use their power to make a positive difference.
I’m so proud to be a part of their childhood!
Shabbat Shalom,
Morah Cheryl