Preparing for Tests
What Can a Student Do to be Prepared to Take a Test?
By Tammy Tillman Activities, Assessment, and Assessment Director
With spring comes testing, and these tests begin in February and go through early May. Here are a few student test taking strategies: A student should maintain good study habits, plus do their own homework. Make a study schedule and follow it. They should have a clear understanding of homework assignments before leaving class and with that keep a record of assignments received and completed. The student should tell their parents about schoolwork and homework, and then turn in all homework on time. If a student is absent they need to get make-up assignments when returning from an absence, plus seek out teachers for additional help. Always follow directions and ask questions if the directions are unclear. Definitely, find out when tests will be given and use past homework assignments, class notes, and available review materials. Get a good night's rest and eat a normal breakfast before testing.
During tests, students need to read and pay careful attention to all directions. They should always read each passage and accompanying questions (read every possible answer--the best one could be last). Read and respond to items one at a time rather than thinking about the whole test, this makes a long test manageable. There is nothing wrong with rereading any or all parts of a passage needed for selecting the correct answer. Students should not expect to find a pattern in the positions of the correct answers or just make one. They should avoid making guesses, but use reasoning to eliminate wrong answers, plus decide exactly what the question is asking; one response is clearly best.
While testing, students need to pace themselves, so they do not spend too much time on any one question. Skip difficult questions until all other questions have been answered and on scrap paper, keep a record of the unanswered items to return to, if time permits. Students need to be sure to record the answer in the correct place on the answer sheet, additionally only change an answer if they are sure the first one they picked was wrong, also be sure to completely erase changed answers. The students should work as rapidly as possible with accuracy. After completion of the test, any remaining time should be used to check over answers. Keeping a good attitude and thinking positively help students succeed.
After a test is returned, students should examine their test scores, and then ask the teacher to explain the test scores if needed. The student should given pat on the back for identified areas of strength, plus make a plan to improve identified areas of weakness, which will need improvement for a better performance next time. The teacher should be asked to suggest areas of study that will help improve performance on the next test.
Strategies for reducing test anxiety start with the sharing of feelings of anxiety with parents and teachers. Students should think of the test as an opportunity to show what they know. Always review homework and materials which pertain to the test topics. Relaxing, breathing deeply, and staying focused on the test will help reduce the stress. Students may experience anxiety about tests and may experience heightened anxiety before a testing situation. A certain degree of test anxiety is normal and may help students prepare more effectively, work more efficiently, and remain focused during testing. Too much anxiety, however, can negatively affect performance.
Parents can help their students with tests in many ways. Parents should make certain that their children attend school regularly. Parents should monitor to be sure their students’ complete homework, plus keep in regular communication with the school, so to know what is on the schedule and what major tests are scheduled. Visit the school’s web page for further information is a good place to start (www.bayardpublicschools.org).
Parents can be sure students are rested before the test and eats breakfast. Parents need to see that their child arrives at school on time and is relaxed. They also can encourage their child to do the best work possible. Do not send a child to school if illness is apparent. Do not remove your child from school on test days for appointments. Encourage your child to do his/her best.
What is scheduled for the rest of this school year: NeSA writing is administered in January/February. ELDA Test is given in March, NeSA reading, mathematics and science tests, plus NWEA reading, math and language usage are administered in a six-week window beginning in late March and ending in early May. Most NeSA tests are scheduled to be administered in two sessions with a scheduled break. NeSA Writing (Grades 8, 11) tests are scheduled for one session. Students in grades 3-8 and 11 take the reading and mathematics NeSA tests. Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 take the NeSA Science test. Students in grades 4, 8, and 11 take the NeSA-Writing test. Students with the most significant disabilities and who’s Individual Educational Plan may be assessed with the NeSA-AA (alternate assessment). This is generally less than 1% of the student population. Students take the NWEA in grades K-11 in the areas of reading, math and language usage.