Testing Success Tips:
1. Try to keep anxiety to a minimum
High-stakes testing can be stressful for everyone—teachers, administrators, parents, and students. And though some anxiety can be helpful, making us feel the urgency to prepare, it can turn detrimental quickly, undermining the preparation you have done. So, try to keep the environment loose and fun while still understanding the importance of the test.
2. Students should use this test-taking checklist
Test taking is a skill, and knowing how to correctly take a test can improve scores dramatically. That is why I have included a test-taking checklist.
High-stakes testing can be stressful for everyone—teachers, administrators, parents, and students. And though some anxiety can be helpful, making us feel the urgency to prepare, it can turn detrimental quickly, undermining the preparation you have done. So, try to keep the environment loose and fun while still understanding the importance of the test.
2. Students should use this test-taking checklist
Test taking is a skill, and knowing how to correctly take a test can improve scores dramatically. That is why I have included a test-taking checklist.
Testing Checklist | |
File Size: | 65 kb |
File Type: |
3. Look into seated stretching
Classroom desks are not really built for comfort and extended sitting periods. Did you know that stretching can offer some serious relief for when you get tired or stiff. Spend some time researching effective stretching while seated, like this video from the Mayo Clinic, and then practice these techniques when you're testing. Not only will your body thank you at the end of testing week, but you should have improved focus and (hopefully) higher scores.
Classroom desks are not really built for comfort and extended sitting periods. Did you know that stretching can offer some serious relief for when you get tired or stiff. Spend some time researching effective stretching while seated, like this video from the Mayo Clinic, and then practice these techniques when you're testing. Not only will your body thank you at the end of testing week, but you should have improved focus and (hopefully) higher scores.
4. Create a culture of positivity before the test
As Henry Ford famously said, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t—you’re right.” Start thinking about what will happen when you meet your testing goals. Perhaps squeeze in a quick writing assignment asking yourself to picture yourself in honors classes next year/graduating/going to college/having a cool job. The mind is a powerful weapon and has a unique gift for making things happen that don’t seem possible.
5. Make sure you eat before you test
A lot of research has been done on the effects of food (specifically, the lack of food) and test performance. You will want to make sure you are well fed before testing starts every day. Try stocking up on granola bars and other snacks before testing week.
6. Review and practice
You should hold review sessions with other classmates, use practice tests and questions, and practice your test-taking skills to be the most effective means of assessment preparation. Practice tests are frequently used because well-designed practice tests support learning, serve as a review, and build students’ test-taking skills.
7. Differentiate instruction
Small-group instruction, peer tutoring, and web-based learning programs are some of the most popular strategies teachers use to prepare students with diverse learning needs for testing. Small-group instruction enables teachers to focus on the particular needs of the group. Peer tutoring benefits both students because one student gets extra help, while the tutor gets to develop skills that reinforce learning. Web-based programs allow teachers to focus on specific content for a group or individuals to help prepare them for assessments. Use the website you are currently on to access different ways of learning like the videos and information listed throughout the site.
8. Engage and motivate
Teachers report that interactive content, such as games and competition, helps engage and motivate students. Additionally, enabling students to monitor their own progress keeps them involved in their learning and makes them feel successful as they watch their individual results improve.
9. Partner with parents
Communicating with parents on a regular basis is an integral part of engaging them in their child’s success in testing. Teachers reported that sending home notes with practice materials for parents to work through with their child helps to keep parents involved. Teachers also use other tools, such as email and websites, to communicate with parents. These tools give parents visibility into their child’s progress and convey ways in which they can help their child at home.
10. Depth of Knowledge (DOK) Resource
Most high-stakes exams are requiring students to demonstrate a deeper level of knowledge. Below is a resource for deepening your understanding of DOK.
As Henry Ford famously said, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t—you’re right.” Start thinking about what will happen when you meet your testing goals. Perhaps squeeze in a quick writing assignment asking yourself to picture yourself in honors classes next year/graduating/going to college/having a cool job. The mind is a powerful weapon and has a unique gift for making things happen that don’t seem possible.
5. Make sure you eat before you test
A lot of research has been done on the effects of food (specifically, the lack of food) and test performance. You will want to make sure you are well fed before testing starts every day. Try stocking up on granola bars and other snacks before testing week.
6. Review and practice
You should hold review sessions with other classmates, use practice tests and questions, and practice your test-taking skills to be the most effective means of assessment preparation. Practice tests are frequently used because well-designed practice tests support learning, serve as a review, and build students’ test-taking skills.
7. Differentiate instruction
Small-group instruction, peer tutoring, and web-based learning programs are some of the most popular strategies teachers use to prepare students with diverse learning needs for testing. Small-group instruction enables teachers to focus on the particular needs of the group. Peer tutoring benefits both students because one student gets extra help, while the tutor gets to develop skills that reinforce learning. Web-based programs allow teachers to focus on specific content for a group or individuals to help prepare them for assessments. Use the website you are currently on to access different ways of learning like the videos and information listed throughout the site.
8. Engage and motivate
Teachers report that interactive content, such as games and competition, helps engage and motivate students. Additionally, enabling students to monitor their own progress keeps them involved in their learning and makes them feel successful as they watch their individual results improve.
9. Partner with parents
Communicating with parents on a regular basis is an integral part of engaging them in their child’s success in testing. Teachers reported that sending home notes with practice materials for parents to work through with their child helps to keep parents involved. Teachers also use other tools, such as email and websites, to communicate with parents. These tools give parents visibility into their child’s progress and convey ways in which they can help their child at home.
10. Depth of Knowledge (DOK) Resource
Most high-stakes exams are requiring students to demonstrate a deeper level of knowledge. Below is a resource for deepening your understanding of DOK.
Reference: Testtakingtips.com