Non-Traditional Assessments: Inspiring a Spectrum of Understanding
Laura Oeschger
Traditional exams and testing have climbed the ranks of what’s trending in education. Even President Barack Obama has weighed in on the debate over the effectiveness of multiple choice and fill-in-the-blank tests. Across all disciplines and grade levels, Shipley teachers are exploring new and more effective methods of assessment to broaden the spectrum of their students’ understanding of the material being taught in the classroom.
Elizabeth Zodda, Upper School science teacher and department chair, trades pencils and papers in her Introductory Physics Honors class for challenging project-based assessments. “I may give them a bunch of circuit materials and tell them to build something,” she says. “I watch them try, fail, and reflect, until the circuit works correctly and the students really show me what they can do.” Zodda explains that not having a week of test review and a two-hour exam frees up her curriculum for a more realistic representation of the work students will have to do beyond the classroom – learning resilience and problem-solving skills.
Seniors in Sunny Greenberg’s The Here and Now interdisciplinary course, for instance, choose topics, conduct research, and craft comprehensive yet compelling TED-inspired talks to deliver to a group of peers and Shipley faculty. “Students learn how to synthesize skills of research, public speaking, and developing an argument in a new medium. They seem to really appreciate and enjoy the process,” she says. In the modern language department, language isn't just memorization. “The focus is on the application,” explains Kim Harris, Upper School Spanish teacher and department chair. Students build on the vocabulary and grammar learned, and apply it to interpersonal and non-rehearsed conversation, supplemented by projects that challenge both students’ language skills and creativity – such as a magazine article, poem, or a video. “That's where the greater, longer-lasting learning happens,” says Harris. “It’s not just a fill-in-the-blank.”
Shipley’s fine arts department challenges students to critique the work of their peers and offer constructive criticism in an organized group discussion. “We’re teaching students to take those critical thinking and articulation skills and apply it back to their own process,” says Steve Baris, Upper School art teacher and department chair. “That is probably the greatest, most enriching aspect of the critique process, and an essential life skill.”
Not forgetting that many colleges and universities administer traditional exams and Shipley’s commitment to preparing students for all aspects of learning, students do sit for exams in some classes. Patty Lein, Upper School Academic Dean and math teacher, gives a math exam to her students, but adds a non-traditional twist by telling her students their grade in a private meeting. “It's not about the grade,” she explains. “It's about identifying the student’s strengths and the areas of improvement. I think that conversation is important.”
Supporting non-traditional assessments speaks to what Shipley stands for, Lein says, which is honoring the individual and trying to look for various ways for all individuals to be able to synthesize their knowledge differently, while learning important skills for life.
Students in Sunny Greenberg’s senior English elective explore complex 21st century topics through research, then give a TED-inspired presentation to peers and teachers. Here, two seniors discuss the 2016 Presidential Election.
Contour line drawing is more than a classroom exercise, it demands unwavering concentration, forging connections between the artist and their subject, creating a unique interplay between the pen and paper. A poignant reminder that art isn't merely about what we see; it's about how we see it and the stories we can convey through the lines we draw.
Explore the world of renowned artist Rory MacArthur at The Speer Gallery in a mesmerizing exhibition on loan from the West Collection. Discover MacArthur's journey into glyphs and abstraction, where he crafts perfect glyph-like objects using color, shape, surface, and form in an age inundated with symbols.
In an effort enrich Shipley’s Theater Arts Program, significant changes are underway, touching every aspect of the program—from personnel to scheduling. Learn more about the exciting changes underway in Shipley's Theater Arts.
Meet Sergio Jackson, Shipley’s Director of Athletic Performance, who inspires the community to move and thrive. Learn about his journey from a college athlete to Shipley, where he creates an inclusive and empowering environment for the community. You will also discover how he applies his guiding principles of strength, energy, resilience, and gratitude (SERG) to help students achieve their health and wellness goals.
Departing Director of Physical Plant and Security, Bob Meals, shares his fond memories and gratitude. This place isn't just a workplace; it's a home," he emphasized, having lived on campus for 25 plus years. The family-like environment, the friendships, and the connections with students, families, and coworkers are what make this place so unique."
Join us on Saturday, September 30, for this day-long celebration that will include a kids’ carnival, free community barbecue, athletic events, Kona Ice, and more. Festivities begin at 10:00 am! Carnival, Kona Ice Truck, 5th grade smoothies, and Middle School bake sale proceeds will support Shipley's 22-year partnership with The Brain Tree Primary School in Uganda.
Shipley's very own Director of Bands, Dr. Harley Givler was recognized as a finalist in the 10th Annual Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Music Institute Ovation Awards. He and the nine other finalists were nominated by current and former students who wrote essays on “How My Music Teacher Changed My Life.”
Shipley’s Asian Student Alliance (ASA), led by co-presidents Amber Feng ’24 and Anne Gu ’25, recognized Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month with programming for Upper School students, including a presentation about AAPI Heritage Month by members of the ASA, and one by guest speaker Elvis Zhang ’17 about his life as an entrepreneur and Asian American.
Capping their stellar season, the girls’ played Springside Chestnut Hill Academy in the Final League game, only this time the tables turned and Shipley was victorious.
Shipley's Middle School Latin students took the 2023 National Latin Examination with over 100,000 students from around the world. Thirteen students earned Latin Award prizes and recognition for excellence. Middle School Latin students also competed in The Philadelphia Classical Society's 84th Annual Latin Week Competition - Traditional Artistry & Literary Projects on Classical themes. A total of 30 Middle School students won Latin Awards and recognition for excellence.
The Upper School Administration recognized the outgoing and incoming student leadership officers and presented students with academic, athletic, and leadership awards at the annual Closing Awards Ceremony.
"How can we use the language of art to explore our feelings and beliefs? What do I care about and how can I bring that idea to life? What do I want to communicate?" These are just a few of the questions that Shipley’s Studio Art 3 Honors students grappled with as they completed their protest art assignments. Learn more about this project and how students discover their voice as artists to speak about something they care about.
Shipley’s Middle School Science Olympiad team finished 11th out of 36 middle school teams that participated in the recent States competition. Though it may not have been as good as the outcome the team wanted, the Olympians and coaches came away from the experience with much more than a trophy or gold medal. Learn more about what makes the Science Olympiad experience such an amazing one.
Defining scientific research questions and the process of inquiry is an important part of Middle School science. Beginning in sixth grade, students define their questions, then design experiments to help them answer these questions. Eighth graders recently traveled to Saunders Woods to do this work as part of their ecosystem assessment project—just one example of how authentic assessments create meaningful learning experiences.
Shipley’s Track and Field team made School history by participating for the first time in the historic Penn Relays at Franklin Fields on April 27-29, 2023. The Gators ran with courage and grace, making a memorable first impression at this year's Penn Relay Carnival. Before the races, the team and coaches made a promise to each other: "Focused teammates, committed to run for each other," and that is precisely how they competed.
Shipley's Middle and Upper School Science Olympiad Teams competed in the Pennsylvania Science Olympiad State Tournament on April 22 at Penn State Altoona. Fourteen teams earned medals during the tournament.
The Shipley Honors Combo won first place in the Small Ensemble Division 2 category at the National Jazz Festival, held April 22 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. Trumpeter Aidan Peterson ‘24 won an Outstanding Musician Award and also earned the Judge’s Choice Award.
Ninth grade marks a special milestone that presents a host of different challenges. To more effectively meet students’ needs and ensure that they will thrive within the classroom and beyond, Shipley revamped its advisory program by forming a specialized team to guide ninth graders through this transitional time.
The Shipley School is a private, coeducational day school for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students, located in Bryn Mawr, PA. Through our commitment to educational excellence, we develop within each student a love of learning and a desire for compassionate participation in the world.