PREPARING STUDENTS FOR STANDARIZED TESTS

The No Child Left Behind Act federally mandates and regulates state testing for elementary and middle school students.  Districts utilize these test scores in a variety of ways so proper preparation for the tests is important.  These tests provide a yardstick for educators to evaluate student, program, and school-performance across state standards.   Missouri has developed its own standardized test, Grade Level Assessment (MAP).  This achievement tests measure subject-specific knowledge and skills.  These tests can provide insight into student progress and identify areas for improvement.  The tests can help schools and districts decide where they need to focus more attention.  Standardized test results guide decision related to Title I services offered, student selection into special services and gifted programs, class placement, grade promotion, Missouri Reading and Retention qualifying students, and classroom instruction.

 

Teachers should remember that the standardized test results are only one reflection of student performance.  Alternate assessment strategies should be used in conjunction with the standardized test results when planning and reporting.  Teacher observation, anecdotal records, portfolios of student work, classroom tests, homework, participation and more can all be valuable assessment tools.  Multiple criteria should be used for most assessment purposes.

 

Students are best prepared for the standardized tests through good instruction throughout the school year and strong parent involvement in the child’s education.  When teachers deliver meaningful lessons tied to state standards and share with parents how they can support the learning of those lessons at home, students are being prepared for the spring test.  We know that the most successful test-takers tend to be students with good attendance, good homework habits, and study habits.  Remind parents that their daily assistance with homework and attitude toward school have a big impact on their child's performance.

 

Teachers can also share tips with families to ensure that students come to school test week with optimized brain power.  The students who struggle the most on testing days are the ones who didn't have enough sleep or a good breakfast the day of the test. Being prepared also leads to greater success.  Teachers and parents can work together to make sure that students have every tool they need, such as pencils, eraser, paper, and a calculator.  Teachers should send home information about the test schedule, preparation for the test and supplies needed.  Good communication between school and home can ease anxiety about test week.  Teachers might share the following with parents prior to testing:

 

• What is the name of the test and what will it measure?
• What's the format of the test (multiple choice, essay, short answer, etc.)?
• How will the class prepare for the test in school?
• How is it scored? Will students be penalized for incorrect answers or should they guess randomly when they don’t know a question?
• When will parents receive the results?
• What are the test's implications? Will it affect your child, school, or both?

 

Schools might also consider hosting a MAP/Standardized Test Family Night.  This night could include information about the upcoming test as well as stations with activities that tie to state standards and test objectives.  These activities can model for parents ways they can incorporate learning opportunities into the home that support the standards being taught in school.  PPP offers an on-site MAP Family Night.  Contact us if you are interested in this interactive and informative family night. 

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