It’s five years into Acton Academy Kuala Lumpur. We still receive skepticism whether Acton works. Despite some hiccups this year, ranging from Covid-19, location moves, changing guides, and other challenging circumstances… our Eagles outperformed.
Our Eagles took the IOWA test in September, a standardized test based on the US grade standards. This is our third year doing it. Here are some results:
We have bumped almost all Eagles at 2 grades in the September 2020, from their May 2019 grade levels. Also, this data includes new Eagles whose results are at Grade Level.
Here are comparisons two years ago, and last year.
On average, our Eagles progressed two grades in one year. And this is true as we did the IOWA test three years in a row. Across Acton Academies around the world, the general trend is that Eagles in the younger Elementary (6 to 8 years old) progress 1+ grade per year, accelerate two grades per year, and test out of high school by 14+ years old.
Only two Middle School / Launchpad Eagles took the IOWA test. And they both tested out of high school. The others did not take it as they find these tests unnecessary. Diving deeper into their data, I find something more impressive. These two Eagles were tested two grades higher than last year and still improve on their National Percentile Average (NPR) by significant margins:
Eagle 1: Grade 8 at NPR of 76% → Grade 10 at NPR of 88%
Eagle 2: Grade 7 at NPR of 96% → Grade 9 at NPR of 98%
We find our Middle School Eagles migrating to traditional schools (usually due to migration plans) being top 10% in their cohort. We believe this result is all possible because of one simple fact: Eagles own their learning.
Still, do we need to wait for IOWA?
(Or any centrally administered standardized test?)
Here are two methods as we dabble into the world of Standardized Tests and “Measuring Performance”.
Take SATs. Cold.
At the advice of Charlie, a founding Acton Austin Eagle on college application process, one of ActonKL’s 14-year-old Eagle took SATs cold. She took the free practice test under test conditions. The results informed where she was at, and what she needed to work on to have scores to Ivy League and elite institutions, should she wish to pursue that path. The IOWA tests also provide a range prediction of SATs and ACTs, further confirming the levels.
Combined with a robust Next Great Adventure (NGA) plans, she can work backwards on what’s the most effective path. The NGA plan is a learning design plan that is rigorously created for the next few years, that leads to a specific ambition. Within the NGA plan, she can include a system of checkpoints to see where she is whenever she chooses to, simply by taking another SAT or other tests and having a clear, visual comparison of skills and knowledge.
Visual comparisons of Skills (and Knowledge)
How much does one understand a certain Physics concept, or demonstrate a skill level in skateboarding? Here is a visual and entertaining way, thanks to Wired on YouTube.
Explaining a concept in 5 Levels of Difficulty:
Different level of skill. There are plenty online, or you can form your own rubric from a beginner to a world-class artists…
It’s assuring to know that there are more ways to have learning “grades” without expensive tests (like IGCSEs) that cost thousands of ringgit. Nothing against IGCSEs, we advocate it if candidates know why they are taking it. We are for credentials when they are taken consciously, with a clear Why.