TESTING+TIPS


 * STANDARDIZED TESTING**

Knowing what's in store can help your student feel relaxed and confident on test days. You are already on the right track by researching this WIKIspace for helpful standardized testing tips! :)


 * E.B. FRINK'S END OF GRADE TESTS WILL BE ADMINISTERED ON :

MAY 18, 2010** (READING GRADES 6,7,8),
 * MAY 19, 2010** (MATH CALCULATOR ACTIVE GRADES 6,7,8).
 * MAY 20, 2010** (MATH CALCULATOR INACTIVE GRADES 6,7 AND SCIENCE GRADE 8)

1. **6th and 7th grade** students must take a Reading End of Grade test as well as a Math End of Grade test. 2. **8th grade** students take Reading, Math, and Science End of Grade tests. 3. In addition to #2 above, **all students in the 8th grade who are taking Algebra I** will take an End of Course test after our regular End of Grade tests are completed. 4. Talk with your student about the kinds of questions he/she might expect. North Carolina End of Grade tests are all multiple choice tests. 5. Remind your student to rely on strategies that he/she uses for regular tests and quizzes. 6. Look for key words, rule out unlikely answers, and reread directions to help work through complicated questions. 7. Students often wonder why he/she must take standardized tests. Tell him/her that the tests measure how students in his/her school are doing compared with other schools and districts. The tests also show areas he/she needs to work on and how his/her skills change over time. 8. Support your student's teacher's efforts by asking your student how his/her teacher is preparing the class for the test. The teacher may give the students activities or information regarding ways to practice for the tests at home. Remind your middle grader that though these tasks may be time consuming and frustrating, these exercises will help him/her do their best on the test. 9. Reassure your child. Standardized tests are very different from classroom tests. Sometimes field test items are included in the tests and though the student is not told which questions are field test items and which are not, some questions will seem more challenging than others. The student should not become frustrated but should use testing tips like #6 listed above. If he/she is completely unsure about an answer, he/she should make an informed choice and then move on. 10. Encourage your middle grader to read all directions slowly and carefully. If he/she is allowed to write in the test booklet (they can), have him/her circle or underline important words. If he/she is confused about what to do at any time, tell him/her to ask the teacher or test administrator right away. On standardized tests it is better to make an informed guess rather than leave it blank. Coach your student to cross off answers that he/she is sure are wrong. Remind him/her not to spend too much time on particularly hard questions. 11. Remember that two essential ingredients for successful test taking are a good night's rest before the test and eating a healthy breakfast on the day of testing. However don't overdo on breakfast since being too full can make him/her sluggish. :)