For better or for worse, standardized testing has become a major part of students lives in the school system. It has become a major source of debate in the learning community over the last couple of years. The main issue with these tests boiling down to the fact that they affect a students confidence without really have a basis in the real world. These tests rarely paint an accurate portrait of what your student looks like as a whole.
With that in mind, you may be asking yourself, “So why does my child have to take these tests anyway?”
Well, as it currently stands, the powers that be have decided that this is is the best way to measure a student’s overall ability in all subject areas. It not only helps schools identify areas for improvement but also helps them to monitor progress. With this monitoring available, if a student does poorly on the test, the school can then delve deeper and ask if it is an issue with the content knowledge or an issue with the actual standardized test. Should a different system be developed to measure this, we might be able to move away from these tests; but for now, this is all we have.
Now. How can you best help your student to succeed in these tests? Here are four ways that you can support your child before, during, and after this testing season.
Remember That Your Child is More Than a Number
While these tests can impact their school life, it is not something that always accurately portrays their ability in a classroom. These tests only measure your student’s ability to recall subjects that they learned and class and isn’t a measure of their overall knowledge. There are many factors at play when a student takes a test.
For example, if your student is a straight A student who always gets their work done and always gets high praise from their teachers and then does poorly on the state tests, it could be that your child has severe test anxiety. Sitting in one place for several hours only looking at one topic can stress anyone out.
Factor in that the teacher is hovering around making sure they’re on task and they have been given a short time limit that can feel impossible.
So. Just remember, this test is just a test and is, more often than not, just one little hurdle that your child has to jump over to continue on with schooling.
Remain Calm
Your child will most likely be stressed out thinking about this testing; usually more so than they show. Try not to put a lot of pressure on them to perform well on these tests.
While they are important for the school, these tests don’t determine what college your student gets in to or what kind of job they look for in the future.
Children often feed off of their parent’s mood or energy. While it may seem like they are just ignoring everything you say, they can easily pick up on your moods and can be a reflection of that mood. They are sad when you are sad, frustrated when you are angry, and calm when you are calm. If you display a calm and happy exterior, this can help them to relax because they can see that you are okay with this testing.
Be encouraging
Finding a little bit of encouragement from home can make a big difference to your student during this stressful time. Hearing from mom or dad, or even a sibling, can help comfort them as they gear up to take this test.
There are several ways that you can do this. For example, you can hide a little note in their lunch box, bookbag, notebook, etc. You can just put this on a little post-it note and stick it somewhere that you know they will find laternShoot them a text that they can see before they start the test or after before the next section of testing. While it’s most likely that they will have to turn in their phone during testing in accordance with state regulations, they will be able to access their phone at the end of the test
Prepare for success
There are several things that you can do to help your child prepare for success. Doing these seemingly small steps can help them feel centered and ready to face the upcoming test. Here are a few things that you can do.
Make sure they get plenty of rest. You could make sure they go to bed at a certain bedtime and try to make it as easy as possible for them to fall and stay asleep. Make sure they eat a well balanced and nutritious breakfast. To achieve this, think of the phrase “three or more before you head out the door,” from author Toby Smithson, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. He is referring to the following three food groups: protein, whole grains, and fruit. Fruit gives them a natural burst of energy that can last well into the day coupled with whole grains that help them store that natural energy; feeding them over time. Protein is also a slow release energizer that will help your child make it to lunch without feeling tired and drained. Avoid quick energy items like sugar and caffeine. These are usually short term effects that will fade quickly and will leave your child tired and feeling miserable.
Overall, there are several ways you can help your child feel less stressed about this state testing. You can make sure they realize that they aren’t just a number. You can make sure that you remain calm during this testing period. You can also make sure that you encourage them by leaving them a nice note or text message to find later on. Last, but not least, you can help them prepare for success by making sure they get plenty of rest as well as making sure they eat well-balanced meals, especially breakfast.
Help your child prepare for standardized tests this and every year by signing up for tutoring with Pink Chair Private Tutoring here.
