PARENT STRATEGIES TO SUPPORT STUDENTS TAKING TESTS

Prior to testing:

Encourage student to take responsibility for homework

Encourage a specific study time each day

Give the student a quiet, well lit study area

Ask student each day about homework assignments

Encourage student to learn to find information, independently

Look over homework to be informed about what your student is learning

Praise your student for work done well

Have your student read aloud to you

Day of testing:

Assure student is well rested and has time for breakfast

Be sure student arrives at school on time

Encourage student to do the best work possible

General parenting tips:

Encourage student to ask questions at school and at home

Know what TV shows student watches and discuss program together

Ask your student about school and show interest in their activities

Talk with and listen to your student; ask questions, share experiences

Get to know your students teachers; confer with then regularly

Attend parent–teacher conferences

Show your student you think education is important

Note important test dates on your home calendar

Don’t send student to school sick

TEST TAKING STRATIGIES FOR STUDENTS

Use of time:

Work as quickly as possible with accuracy

Don’t spend too much time on one question

Make note of unanswered questions to return to if time permits

After finishing the test go back and check your work

Avoid errors:

Read the directions carefully

Be sure you understand what the question is asking

Ask questions about the directions before the test begins

When using a separate answer sheet, be sure the answer is in the correct place on the grid

Erase incorrect answers completely

Read question and answers completely

Other Tips:

If you don’t know the answer, make a guess by eliminating obviously wrong answers and selecting most reasonable alternative

Change answers only if you are sure the first one picked is wrong

Think about the questions one at a time, not the whole test

Do not look for a pattern in the position of the correct answers

BEFORE THE TEST

Do all your class work

Be sure you understand homework assignments before leaving class

Keep a record of assignments and when they were turned in

Make a schedule of study time and follow it

Talk to your parents about schoolwork and home work

Follow directions

Turn in homework when it is due

Ask teachers for missed work when returning from an absence

Ask teacher for additional help when you need it

Know when tests are to be given

Get a good nights rest and eat breakfast before a test