One tool that schools use to learn about learners and their academic progress is standardized tests. The following article, adapted from !Colorin Colorado!, explains basic features of these tests and suggests questions you might ask your child’s EF about testing. Understanding the role of testing will help you support your child’s efforts at school, and it will allow you to develop a stronger relationship between your family and your child’s school.
1. Preparing yourself for assessments
- Types of tests: Testing is used in schools for two main purposes: One is to find out how well an individual student is learning. The other is to find out how well the school is meeting local and national benchmarks for student achievement.
- How to help: Take a deep breath. As a parent, the most important way you can help your child do well on tests is to read with your child regularly, talk with him/her about her experiences, and provide a quiet work space at home.
- To help prepare for standardized tests: Ask your EF for the testing schedule and a practice test so your child can be familiar with the format ahead of time and know what to expect. Respond to any concerns your child has with encouragement and support. Emphasize that there are lots of ways to express what you know and that these tests are just one measure.
2. Preparing your learner before Standardized Testing
- Be prepared. Information that you should know includes the following: What is the test, and what will it measure? Are there ways that you can help your child prepare for the test?
- Help your child in areas that are difficult for her. If your child has struggled with a particular area or subject in the past, you may be able to help her overcome some of that difficulty by providing some extra practice. Focus your practice on your child’s weaknesses rather than her strengths so that he/she doesn’t get bored with the exercises.
- Give your child a chance to practice. If your child has trouble taking tests, try practicing test questions and studying new words. Keep the sessions short, and set small, manageable goals so that the extra practice boosts your child’s confidence.
- If you have concerns about the test or testing situation, talk with your child’s EF.
3. Test Day
- Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep and eats a healthy breakfast.
- Make sure your child is prepared. Supply the tools your child needs for the test, such as pencils, an eraser, paper, and a calculator.
- Remain positive. Staying calm will help your child stay calm. If he/she gets nervous about the test or is likely to experience anxiety during the test, help him/her practice some relaxation techniques that he/she can try once he/she’s taking the test.
4. After the Test
- What about the results? Assessments vary from test to test, but the test scores should include information that helps you interpret the results. Talk with your child’s EF if you have any questions about the test results.
- Review tests with your child. Help your child review any parts of the test that he/she did not understand.