2011 M aryland S tudent A ssessments

Every year all Maryland students in grades 3-8 take the MSA.

The MSA measures how well Maryland students have learned reading and math skills throughout their school career.

Your MSA score will determine: Your class levels for next year (merit vs. honors) Your choices of electives classes (for example, if you score BASIC on the MSA, you may have to be placed in intervention classes, which eliminates your ability to chose an elective).

When you begin high school, you are placed in classes according to your middle school scores. If you plan to attend college, you need to score at least PROFICIENT. If you want to qualify for academic scholarships and attend a competitive college, you need to score ADVANCED.

In order to pass the MSA, a student must fall into either the PROFICIENT or ADVANCED category. Scores in the BASIC category are considered failing. Advanced (exceeding the expectations) Proficient (meeting the expectations) Basic (below the expectations) Passing! Failing!

Get a good night’s sleep each night prior to the test. Eat a healthy breakfast each morning of the test. Stay Hydrated. De- hydration can negatively affect your concentration. Mentally prepare yourself to focus on the test. Think beyond today and more about how this test will impact your future.

So What Now? Let’s talk about ways to improve your concentration, and deal with things like “test jitters”. You know, that feeling of butterflies in your stomach you sometimes get before taking a test……..

Tips for Improving Your Concentration: Think “P.A.C.E.”

P ositive A ctive C lear E nergetic The Educational Kinesiology Foundation (Brain Gym® International) has developed a program based on a series of movements which can help students improve their powers of concentration, focus, and memory. These movements are based on the work of educator and reading specialist Paul E. Dennison and his wife and colleague, Gail E. Dennison. Let’s Try Some! Practicing these body movements will help you feel:

“Brain Buttons” This exercise stimulates the blood flow through the carotid arteries to the brain to "switch on" the entire brain. The increased blood flow helps improve concentration skills required for reading and writing. It also increases overall relaxation. Make a 'C' shape with your thumb and index finger and place at either side of your breastbone, just below the collar bone. Gently rub for 20 or 30 seconds while placing your other hand over your navel. Alternate hands and repeat.

“Cross Crawl” This exercise helps coordinate the right and left brain by exercising the information flow between the two hemispheres. It is useful for spelling, writing, listening, reading and comprehension. While standing, alternatively touch your left knee with your right hand then the right knee with the left hand. Continue for 10 to 15 repetitions. (Variation 1 - touch opposite elbow to knee. Variation 2 - reach hand behind back to opposite foot.)

“Calf Pump” This movement is similar to the “runners’ stretch.” It stimulates the brain and helps our comprehension. Extend your right leg behind you and as the heel is touching the floor, hold it down for approximately 8 seconds and release. Repeat 7-8 times Repeat with the other leg.

This works well for nerves before a test Any situation which will cause nervousness calls for a few "hook ups" to calm the mind, diffuse stress, and improve concentration. Sitting on a chair with legs outstretched, cross one ankle over the other. Stretch your arms forward and cross them so your palms face each other. Interlock your fingers and roll your locked hands straight down and in toward the body so they eventually come to rest on the chest. Rest your tongue on the roof of your mouth behind the teeth (the hard palette). Sit quietly in this position for a minute or two. "Hook Ups"

“The Elephant” This activity activates all areas of the mind/body system and helps you stay relaxed and focused. Move into a standing position, but keep your knees “soft” (relaxed). Place your left ear on your left shoulder. Extend your left arm like the trunk of an elephant and in the air draw a large infinity sign (a sideways number 8) in front of you three to five times. Switch arms and repeat.

Other Ways to Stay Calm… Can you think of other strategies used to alleviate stress? Share at least two strategies with someone sitting next to you. In a few minutes, your teacher will ask you to share your responses out loud.

Reflection…… Think about why it is important for you to do well on the MSA’s. You will be taking them in just a few weeks from now… Decide which of the body movements you will use when you feel stressed, or need help concentrating or focusing. Why do you like these the best?