Student Assessments

In a culture of continuous improvement, many types of data – including demographics, program outcomes, performance indicators, and student outcomes – are used to provide affiliates with feedback and to identify best practices. Training and professional development are provided to affiliate Directors and program leaders to improve program planning, design, implementation, and evaluation. 

How does Horizons assess student performance?

1) Horizons affiliates use STAR Early Literacy (Pre-K through grade 1), STAR Reading (grades 2 through 8), and STAR Math (grades 3 through 8) to measure student performance in literacy and math. Initial testing during the summer session is used to optimize curriculum and support for each child. Post-testing is completed in the last week of the summer session to assess student progress and improve future program design. Horizons National worked with Project Evident to establish testing protocols and data processing guidelines, and with Renaissance Learning to generate custom reports from each assessment.  

 2) Horizons program faculty, academic leaders, Reading Specialists, and Directors contribute feedback and outcome data annually through reports and surveys. In addition, Horizons students and family members participate in a qualitative survey. A centralized student, staff, and program database allows for real-time and same-time access of information for affiliates and Horizons National.

STAR Assessments and Results

STAR assessments have consistently demonstrated impressive gains for all Horizons students. On average, Horizons students improve 6-12 weeks in reading and math skills over the 6-week summer session.