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Teacher Prep for Standardized Tests

Teachers commonly prepare their students for the slew of high stakes tests that will determine whether students, teachers, and schools are performing at acceptable levels. Find out what you can do to prepare yourself for this important activity.
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Learning About the Test
Standardized tests differ from one another. Students need to familiarize themselves with the specific test they must take. There are three steps to preparing for any test.
  1. Read about the test.
  2. Review the content covered by the test.
  3. Practice questions like those on the test.
Read About the Test
There are a variety of sources teachers can consult to learn about the test. Teachers should check with the principal or district to locate sample test items. Sharing information about the test with students will help them to become familiar with the
  • format of the test
  • types of questions that will be asked
  • amount of time they will have to complete the test
 
Review Time
In addition to learning about the format of the test, students will benefit from reviewing the subject matter covered on the test. This will ensure that they are ready for both what the test asks and how it does so.
 
If there are specific objectives or standards that are tested on the exam your students must take, help them review the facts or skills specified by each standard in advance to be sure they are proficient in them.
 
You can check with your district or state department of education to find out what the proficiency tests will cover.
 
Throughout the year, consider integrating one or two test-taking preparation activities each week. This way, students gradually become familiar with the test items while teachers do not risk losing focus on the curriculum.
 
Practice
The most essential test preparation a student can do is to practice taking sample tests. Practice tests allow students to become familiar with the content, format, and timing of the real exam. Reviewing practice tests also allows students to review specific areas covered by the exam, to understand why they chose wrong answers, and to learn to avoid choosing wrong answers in the future. Students should
  • practice all the types of questions they will encounter on their test.
  • understand the guidelines that will be used to evaluate their constructed responses
  • use real, released tests whenever possible
 
A Positive Attitude
Research has shown that test success is correlated to a student’s attitude and motivation toward testing. There are several key actions you can take to help students maintain a positive attitude:
  • model a positive, can-do attitude about the test
  • explain the purpose of the test so students understand that the test is meaningful and important
  • consider rewarding the class with something different or new when practice tests show good results
 
Test-Taking Skills
Help students prepare by teaching them test-taking strategies. Students should learn how to manage their time, analyze test items, and apply their knowledge appropriately. See the Teaching Today article Test-Taking Skills for specific ideas.
 
 
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