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Reducing the Stress of Standardized Testing
Due to on-going changes in both state and federal education regulations, most states are now conducting formal standardized testing of students on a yearly basis. These tests are usually not voluntary assessments given by the school your child attends, but are required for each child by law. While there has been great debate all over the country regarding the value of this type of testing, the fact remains that this year most students will encounter some type of mandatory testing in their classroom.
These tests are very important to measure student learning and academic progress, so they should be taken seriously. However, over-emphasis on the results of one test can lead students to fixate on their performance. This can lead to excessive amounts of stress and anxiety for students. While your child may be facing testing, there are ways to prepare students effectively so that they feel confident and assured that they will do their best!
Monitor Progress Every Year
Standardized testing generally aims to monitor children's academic performance over time. This means that students not only are tested on what they have learned in one year, but over their academic careers. Students who are tested at grade 4, for example, are really using knowledge they've accumulated since grade 1. So, it is important for parents to monitor their child's progress and have realistic expectations of their performance levels.
The best way to prepare students for testing ahead of time is to make sure
their academic foundations are strong. While testing monitors progress once a
year, parents are able to monitor their child's progress in school every day
with report cards, conferences, and daily work brought home. When monitoring
your child's progress in major academic areas each year, you may see weaknesses
that they need help with regularly. By recognizing your child's strengths and
weaknesses over time you can work independently and with the school to address
these needs. Tutoring, test prep programs, after school programs, and summer
programs are just some of the services that may be offered to your child to
help them improve their skills in academic areas such as reading, language,
or mathematics. Taking advantage of these programs does not make your child
an "underachiever". Rather, these programs can help build your child's skills
so that future lessons are easier for them to understand and use.
If you feel that there is an academic area your child struggles with, contact
your child's teacher to discuss options for getting assistance for your child; some of these services may be available to you. In addition there are many wonderful books and software programs available to help children of all academic levels improve their skills. Investing in some of these resources can give you the opportunity to assist your child at home, at times that are convenient for you. In addition, these resources allow you to continue to support your child's learning even during extended vacations
and summer breaks. Giving support at home is often a key to success!
Jennifer Cummings, has a B.A.in psychology, and a M.Ed. in special education from Framingham State College in Massachusetts. She has been an elementary teacher in Massachusetts for almost 10 years, serving both regular education and special education students. She has taught grades 1,4, and 5.
"I believe that families' involvement in their child's education is one of the key ingredients to creating a successful school experience for children. Keeping parents informed about school-related issues helps parents and teachers work together for the best possible outcomes for their children. Learning together makes learning fun - for everyone!" - Jennifer Cummings. Contact her at A Note from the Teacher .
Homework Tips
Educational Toys
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Expose Children to Testing
Children who participate in standardized testing
are often exposed to the type and style of questions they will encounter
during the course of their regular lessons. These may be multiple choice
questions, short answer questions, or even essay response questions. All
of these are used by many different assessments. Having children become
familiar with each style reduces test anxiety which can hinder academic
performance.
However, some children require more exposure to different types of questions in order to be comfortable answering at their best level. There are many test prep books available from educational sources which allow you to help your child at home. By completing just a few exercises a week, you can give your student extra confidence in answering any type of question they may
see on their test. Additional confidence often leads to improved test scores!
Have a Positive Attitude about Education
Families have a tremendous impact on the thoughts and behavior of children. When children see that their families value education in all of its forms, they often become more serious about the importance of their own education goals. Adults that share their own experiences with education, whether through work
or in the classroom, often share a respect for learning with their children.
There are many subtle ways to promote the importance of education in your home. Encourage your children to work to their personal potential at school; many students like to refer to learning as their "job", just as adults have jobs every day. Also, even when you may disagree with standardized testing or policies, it is important to emphasize the positive aspects of education to your child. Encourage them to use the testing as an opportunity to "show what they know" not only in their classroom, but to everyone else! Try not to over-emphasize the difficulty of testing or the high stakes that may be involved; this may only add to your child's feelings of anxiety and pressure. Rather, be positive
about their past successes, and show them you're confident in their effort.
Resist the Urge to Cram!!!
Cramming for tests has long been an ill-fated attempt at improving
performance. In standardized tests cramming is especially ineffective,
as there are usually a wide variety of topics that are covered. When testing
time finally arrives, it is definitely time to chill out, psych up, and fuel up!
Just before and during the day or days of testing, try to plan a student-centered
schedule. First, students should have free time. If possible, reduce weekly
lessons or practices outside of school and try to maintain a relatively calm
schedule. After testing all day most students are frazzled, and a hectic
schedule will only make mattes worse the next day. Second, try to be sure
that students have plenty of sleep; many studies have linked improved academic
performance to being well-rested. Finally, encourage your student to eat a
healthy breakfast each day. A nutritious breakfast will give your child's
brain the fuel it needs to provide peak performance for testing!
A Final Word…
By maintaining a healthy focus on your child's performance you will help your
child do their personal best on standardized tests. Remember, even if your
child scores lower than you expect, there are often more attempts available to
improve. By preparing ahead and focusing effort on your child you will give
them the best possible chances for success!!
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