Taking tests is an important part of assessment, learning, and growth throughout a child’s academic career. However, this can also sometimes be a worrisome or stressful time for those who find testing difficult or being unprepared. In April, students in 3rd and 4th grade will be taking the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (also known as MCA’s). Here is some more information regarding what this test covers and how students are assessed.
Test taking can be hard and stressful, but by preparing and practicing some of these techniques, it can greatly diminish the big feelings that may come up. Everybody wants to do well on important school work, including tests. Here are some helpful tips for parents and students taking or preparing for tests, quizzes or assessments.
You can assist your child prepare for testing by doing the following:
1. Make sure your child gets a good night's sleep before a test, and make sure your child eats properly the day of a test. Send them to school with their water bottle.
2. Maintain a pleasant home environment and avoid unnecessary conflicts. Try to make the morning of the test a pleasant one. Try not to add to your child’s stress.
3. Make sure your child takes any needed medication.
4. Ensure that your child is present during testing (children generally perform better when taking tests in their groups rather than at a make-up time).
5. Get your child to school on time the day of the test and have them dress comfortably.
6. Wish your child good luck each morning of the test. Tell your child that he/she/they are special and that you believe in him/her/them!
7. Remind your child the test is important. Encourage them to do their best.
8. If your child is too ill to attend, please call the school office.
9. If the test is on a subject for which you can review (spelling test, math facts, etc.), help your child go over the material.
10. Remind your child to listen carefully to the instructions from the teacher and to read the directions and each question carefully.
11. Explain to your child the importance of using time wisely. If your child gets stuck on a question, encourage him or her to make the best guess and move on.
12. Tell your child to attempt to answer all of the questions and not to leave any blank.
13. Encourage your child to stay focused on the test, even if other students finish early. Relax and take deep, slow breaths.
14. If your child is disappointed after taking a test, reassure him or her that there will be plenty of opportunities to improve and succeed.
Tips to give your child about taking tests:
- Relax. Just do the best you can.
- Your first choice is usually correct. Do not change an answer unless you have a good reason to do so, or review your work.
- In multiple-choice questions, don’t skip the longest answer. It should be considered, since test writers want to be sure the correct answer is accurate—they may add lots of details to insure accuracy.
- Be aware of key words such as "all," "now," "always," "never," "only," "exactly."
- Watch for negative words like "not," "no," "never."
- Look for information in some of the questions. This information may help you answer other questions.
I hope these tips and strategies will help you prepare for any test or future assessment your child is preparing for. My most significant piece of advice is, “Don’t Panic!” Trust yourself and the strategies that you’ve practiced that apply to you. Always remember to try your best and keep a positive attitude when you are practicing and completing assessments.