Tips for Supporting Students
During State Assessments
STUDENTS PREP AT SCHOOL BY:
• Participating in daily classroom discussions and activities that probe students to think analytically about text and follow problem-solving methods to answer questions.
• Completing class and homework assignments and participating in class activities.
• Using technology in many ways to build basic skills needed for the test including typing, highlighting, underlining, scrolling, drag/drop video start/stop, calculator, graphing, dropdown selection.
FAMILIES CAN PREP AT HOME BY:
• Reading books and articles in different genres and difficulty levels together – this is beneficial at any grade level.
• Being mindful of everyday math examples, such as when cooking, shopping, traveling or exercising.
• Talking about homework – rather than doing it together – and asking students to explain how they got their answers.
• Noticing when homework assignments include test-style questions and talking about the way the questions are asked.
DURING TEST WEEK, FAMILIES CAN:
• Encourage plenty of rest in the days prior to the test and make sure students have a healthy breakfast and lunch.
• Ease anxieties by reminding students they’ve been preparing all year and telling them to focus on doing their best on every question.
• Give your student a note expressing your love, pride and encouragement.
• Volunteer at the school, if possible.
• Send a small token of your appreciation to your child’s teachers – a sweet treat, note or gift card.
• Give your child something to look forward to at the end of the day – a movie, special meal or fun activity.
CELEBRATE THE COMPLETION OF TEST WEEK IN A FUN, FAMILY-FOCUSED WAY!
Visit PTA’s Pinterest Board for more ideas: http://pinterest.com/nationalpta/
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When will my child be taking the test?
{Insert test dates}
2. In what grades are the tests given?
{Describe tests given in each grade}
3. When can I expect to receive the score reports?
{Describe tests given in each grade}
4. What kind of features does the test have to help my student?
{Describe features that will help students, especially students with IEPs}
5. Will all students take the computer-based test?
{Describe use of technology for test administration at your school}