Testing
VAIS has been offering Chinese immersion as an educational choice within the Verona Area School District (VASD) since
2010. Like other VASD students, our students take part in required assessments. Last year's 3rd-5th grade students
participated in Wisconsin’s Forward Exam. The below charts show that VAIS students out-perform all other elementary
school students in the district in English as well as Science and Social Studies, even while learning content in Chinese!
Additionally, our students scored the second highest in math of all elementary schools.
VAIS utilizes an assessment called STAR 360 to monitor students' growth in reading, math and literacy skills. As a student responds to questions, the test adjusts up or down in difficulty. Teachers get real-time data to determine students who may need intervention and students who could be challenged academically. STAR scores are shared with each student's parent(s) and are used to
set academic targets for growth.
Once a year VAIS also assesses 2nd-5th grade students’ Chinese skills through the Avant STAMP (Standards-based
Measurement of Proficiency), a nationally recognized language assessment. STAMP assesses students’ Chinese
listening/speaking, writing and reading skills. Scores establish baseline levels at the beginning of the year and provide
evidence of a learner’s growth along the proficiency continuum at year end. STAMP scores also measure whether
learners are reaching designated benchmarks and can be used to evaluate the alignment of learning targets with learner
performance.
Awards
2024 Niche #5 Best Elementary School in Madison Area
VAIS was ranked #5 in the Elementary Schools in Madison Area category on the Niche ranking and review
site.
2024 Niche Best Charter Elementary in Madison Area
VAIS was ranked #1 among the Best Charter Elementary Schools in the Madison area.
2023 Niche Top Ten Elementary School in Madison Area
VAIS was the only Verona school placed in Madison area's Top 10 Elementary Schools.
2017 Donna Clementi Blue Ribbon Award
This award for Excellence in World Language Programs is granted by the Wisconsin Association for Language Teachers. WAFLT is a professional organization of language teachers in Wisconsin. The mission of WAFLT is to promote the study and teaching of world languages and cultures, to provide resources and professional development opportunities for language teachers, and to advocate for language education at all levels.
Student Awards
In 2021, a VAIS graduate won first place among non-heritage advanced speakers at the WACLT Mandarin Chinese Speaking Competition.
In 2020, two students won the Excellence in Chinese Learning Award also granted by the Wisconsin Association of Chinese Language Teachers.
In 2023, the Wisconsin Association for Language Teachers awarded the following VAIS students:
- Prisha, VAIS 4th grader, Excellence in Chinese Learning Award
- Stella, VAIS 5th grader, Excellence in Chinese Learning Award
- Isaac, VAIS 5th grader, Wisconsin Excellence in Language Study Award
- Ruby, VAIS 5th grader, 3rd place in the 20th Annual Wisconsin Chinese Language Speech Contest
In addition, several students have gone on to pass AP Mandarin tests, and graduates have the opportunity to receive certificates of biliteracy at graduation.
Teacher Awards
Huang Laoshi, teacher for the kindergarten and first grade classes, has received recognition as a World Language Teacher.
Ms. Reiter, teacher for 4-5 grades, is trained in oral proficiency in Chinese testing and is distinguished language educator.
In the News
VAIS helps to share our love for multicultural learning beyond the walls of our school!
"VAHS 2023 graduate Alex Prout participates in NSLI-Y program, looks ahead at future with Chinese"
Verona Press
