PARENT TEST-SUPPORT STRATEGIES

 

Preparing for Testing

• Note test dates on your home calendar; schedule appointments on non-testing days.

• Encourage your child to take responsibility for homework and class study.

• Praise your child for work done well.

• Encourage your child to ask questions at home and in class.

• Gather available test preparation materials.

• Assure your child knows that you value a good education.

 

Testing Day

• See that your child is rested and eats breakfast; studies show that protein eaten in the morning improves test scores, try to avoid sugar laden foods.

• See that your child arrives at school on time and is relaxed.

• Encourage your child to do the best work possible.

• Do not remove your child from school on test days for appointments.

 

After Testing

• Examine all test reports sent home.

• Determine areas of strengths and weaknesses.

• Praise your child's testing strengths and make a plan to address identified weaknesses.

 

TEST ANXIETY

Students may experience anxiety about tests and may experience heightened anxiety before a testing situation. A certain degree of test anxiety is normal and may help students prepare more effectively, work more efficiently, and remain focused during testing. Too much anxiety, however, can negatively affect performance. The following strategies may assist students, parents, and teachers in reducing test anxiety.

 

Parent Strategies for Reducing Test Anxiety

• Discuss
• Have realistic expectations of your child's performance while encouraging his/her best efforts.
• Emphasize that the test is only one measure of academic performance.
• Emphasize that test scores do not determine a person's worth.