Schools all across the country use standardized tests in various grades. Parents know this; however, many parents do not know much about these tests. Learning about these tests can enable parents to better help their children succeed in school.
Here is information that all parents need to know about standardized testing:
Q. What are standardized tests?
Standardized tests are exams that are created in order to provide a common measure of student performance. Students throughout the country take the same exact test; therefore, educators can use the test as a ‘standard’ by which to measure student progress. These tests are often used to measure the success of current school programs as well as to tell about the reading and math skills of the students.
Q. How do schools use standardized tests?
There are two basic types of tests. Standardized achievement tests measure how much kids have learned about math, reading, science, or another subject. Standardized aptitude tests measure the ability of students to learn in school. Aptitude tests measure skills that are considered important for future school work, such as abstract reasoning, verbal ability, and creativity.
The results of both of these kinds of standardized tests are used to diagnose the strengths and weaknesses of students, report on progress of students or of specific school programs, and to place students in groups or programs for learning opportunities.
Q. Will standardized testing determine my child’s classroom placement?
No, at least not by itself. Teachers use the test results in conjunction with many other factors to measure what students can and cannot do. Teachers observe students in the classroom, grade classwork and homework, and use information from parents and counselors to gain knowledge of students.
Q. How can parents help students succeed on standardized tests?
Here are a few suggestions as to how parents can help their kids:
l Find out if kids can bring a snack for during the test; if so, prepare a nutritious and tasty snack.
l Make sure kids are well-rested and eat a balanced breakfast before the test.
l Encourage kids to take the test seriously; however, do not be overly anxious about the test.
l Do not judge kids on the basis of the test scores.
This article is for informational purposes and is the opinion of the author which may not be the opinion of the site that this article links to.
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