How to Prepare for State Assessments Workshop for teachers and parents interested in working collaboratively to improve student’s academic achievement on State Assessments

What exactly is a standardized test? “A standardized achievement test is, simply, a test that is developed using standard procedures and is then administered and scored in a consistent manner for all test takers. Students respond to identical or very similar questions under the same conditions and test directions. The standardization of test questions, directions, conditions of testing, and scoring is needed to make test scores comparable and to assure, as much as possible, that test takers have equal, unbiased opportunities to demonstrate what they know and can do.” http://www.aapschool.org/

Why are State Assessments so important? Identify the instructional needs of individual students so educators can respond with effective, targeted teaching and appropriate instructional materials Judge students’ proficiency in essential basic skills and challenging standards and measure their educational growth over time Evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs Monitor schools for educational accountability including under the NCLB Act. http://www.aapschool.org/

As a TEACHER, what can I do to prepare my students for State Assessments? “83% of responding public-school teachers said they fear they will end up ‘teaching to the tests.’” (Prescott) 1. Familiarize students with the test format: -Practice tests: 5-10 minutes mini-tests mirroring format of the real tests on a regular basis. Give 3 questions and debrief with students afterwards. -Have students create test questions for each other to promote confidence -Use real testing conditions to practice

2. Reduce student’s test anxiety: -Inform students the focus is on the learning process and not the score on a test. -Allow students to express their anxiety verbally or in writing -Don’t over emphasize the test’s importance -Have realistic expectations while encouraging students to do their best. -Create an uncluttered environment -Inform students that tests don’t affect grades determine whether child will be promoted to the next grade

3. How to prepare your students academically: -Use data from practice assessments to modify instruction for specific students. -Debrief with students about their practice scores- student’s need the opportunity to discover and correct their errors. -Post a wall chart with major benchmarks tested on the state assessment as a reminder of skills to cover. -Directly teach reading strategies and skills -DON’T GIVE UP CREATIVITY!

As a PARENT, what can I do to prepare my child for State Assessments? Preparing students for academic success: -Have a positive attitude towards school and academics -Praise for work well done and plan to address areas of weakness. -Repetition of the in-school test taking drills and skills -Encouraging good study habits by daily assistance with homework and monitoring overall academic progress -Make sure student is at school on time and has good attendance -Encourage reading to help develop good reading skills- magazines, newspapers…even comics!

2. Reduce child’s test anxiety: -Give support year round -Provide opportunity to positively talk about the testing process and offer reassurance -Explain that test is not reflective of self-worth, intelligence, or academic potential -Don’t place too much emphasis on a single test result

3. How to prepare for the day of the test: -Make sure the student gets a good nights sleep before the test -Provide a hearty breakfast for energy and brain power -Set out materials (pencils, erasers, calculators, etc.) the night before the test -Encourage comfortable clothing

Conclusion -The tips and advice in this workshop will help you as a teacher or parent in providing your students the skills and encouragement needed to be successful on State Assessments. -For further questions, feel free to contact at (785) 555-8839

References Berendt, P., & Koski, B. (1999). No shortcuts to success. Educational Leadership, 56(6), 45-7. Retrieved from Education Full Text database Prescott, J. (2001). Put to the test. Instructor (New York, N.Y.: 1999), 111(3), 20-4, 79. Retrieved from Education Full Text database Standardized assessment: a primer. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.aapschool.org/