How Parents Can Help Their Kids With Standardized Tests

How Can I Help My Child Do Well On Standardized Tests?

Here are a few suggestions for parents who want to help their children do well on tests.

• First and most important, talk to your child's teacher often to monitor your child's progress and find out what activities you can do at home to help your child.
• Make sure your child does his or her homework.
• Make sure your child is well-rested and eats a well- rounded diet.
• Have a variety of books and magazines at home to encourage your child's curiosity.
• Don't be overly anxious about test scores, but encourage your child to take tests seriously.
• Don't judge your child on the basis of a simple test score.

What Should I Ask My Child's Teacher?

Before the test . . .

• Which tests will be administered during the school year and for what purposes?
• How will the teacher or the school use the results of the test?
• What other means of evaluation will the teacher or the school use to measure your child's performance?
• Should your child practice taking tests?

After the test . . .

• How do students in your child's school compare with students in other school systems in your state and across the country?
• What do the test results mean about your child's skills and abilities?
• Are the test results consistent with your child's performance in the classroom?
• Are any changes anticipated in your child's educational program?
• What can you do at home to help your child strengthen particular skills? What Are My Legal Rights?

For more information on standardized testing from Project Appleeed, go to this article on PTA.org.