To help children prepare
adequately for tests (whether teacher-made or standardized), you can do several
things to provide support and create a positive test-taking experience.
1. The best way to prepare for
tests is to study, know the work, and take the right courses.
2. If your child is nervous at test
time, ask her teacher for tips on helping her relax.
3. Make sure that your child is in
school during the testing sessions. Do not plan any doctor or dental
appointments on test dates.
4. Make sure that you are aware of
your child's performance and that you can help interpret the results when they
become available.
5. Remember to keep well-informed
about your child's tests. Know how test results are used, and how they will
affect your child's placement in school.
6. If there are major differences
between standardized test scores and school grades, find out why.
7. Encourage your child to study
over a period of time rather than "cram" the night before.
8. Encourage your child to listen
carefully to all test-taking directions given by the teacher and to ask
questions about any directions that are unclear.
9. See that your child gets his/her
regular amount of sleep before the tests and is well-rested.
10. Make sure that your child eats
his/her usual breakfast on the day of the test. Hunger can detract from a good
test performance.
11. Encourage your child to do
his/her best.
Brought to you by the American School
Counselor Association from FamilyEducation.com which was linked from the
following NJDOE web site http://www.state.nj.us/nj/education/parents/k12/