Team Up for Test Prep Success

When testing season comes around every school year, it doesn’t just affect the hours in the classroom. It’s also time to bring teachers, students, and parents together with a common goal– a positive testing experience!

While the endgame is the same, each person on the testing team has a different role. Teachers make the calls for planning and preparation. Parents and families provide support. It’s up to students to complete the play. Every group just needs to step up to the challenge!

Let’s take a closer look!

Teacher Tasks

• Design review and practice sessions that are fun and engaging but also reinforce content and test-taking strategies.
• Use edtech resources in targeted ways to challenge critical-thinking skills. Invite students into the action by allowing them to plan review games or choose their favorite online resources for practice.
• Review test terminology. Sometimes students know the answer but don’t understand the question's wording. Take the time to do a little word work.
• Practice strategies for answering different types of questions. Give examples of multiple choice, short answer, and performance event questions with a discussion about how to answer each type thoroughly.
• Online tests use a variety of tools. Make sure your students are familiar with them. Provide practice to digitally highlight, select items, move choices on a document, etc. Don’t assume your class knows how to use the digital tools necessary to complete the test.
• Continue to differentiate instruction using small groups and peer tutoring. Identify any holes in learning and address them before testing.
• Some students might become overwhelmed and want to give up. Be proactive with strategies that help if those moments arise. Talk about chunking text, activating prior knowledge, rereading, and making connections.
• Ownership of the testing experience is crucial to success. Talk with each student about previous scores and set goals for academic growth.
• Motivate! Ask students to make posters for the hallways or write letters of encouragement to friends. Talk about having a positive mindset while testing.
• Build confidence by reminding students of successes throughout the school year. This is just another opportunity to show what they know!
• Reinforce a growth mindset! Talk with your classes about why it’s crucial to grow academically and the positive results of focus and effort!
• Involve parents and families in testing. Communicate key dates for upcoming exams and offer suggestions for helping students at home. (We’ve got you covered with a downloadable for that!)
• Talk with your class! (Guess what? There’s a downloadable with tips for students, too!)
• As the testing schedule allows, provide brain breaks for your students. Encourage them to stand and stretch. Read a short story to the class. Offer restroom breaks and trips to the water fountain. Just stay quiet in those halls because others may not have the same break time!