Strategies for Taking Standardized Tests

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Assessment Overview: Why do I have to take

this test?• Statewide testing is important because it helps

ensure all public school students, no matter where they go to school, receive a quality education.

• Washington students are regularly tested by the state to assess their progress as they move through school. In high school, they must pass specific exit exams, or state-approved alternatives, to be eligible to earn a certificate of academic achievement/high school diploma. (Assessment is one of the graduation requirements.)

Q: Why is state testing required?A: State testing is required by state and federal laws. Our state tests also fulfill the requirements of the

federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act, passed in 1965. ESEA requires annual assessments in reading and mathematics for students in grades 3-8 and high school. Students also must be tested annually in science in an elementary school grade, a middle school grade and a high school grade. This requirement is fulfilled in Washington by testing students in science in grades 5, 8 and high school.

Rationale plus Test-Taking Tips

Rationale

•https://vimeo.com/51933492

Tips

•https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5ufbqAzzCc

‘Twas the Night Before Testing

Go to bed early or on time in order to get at least EIGHT hours of sleep.

Solve family/friend problems before the testing date.

Talk to your teachers about any concerns that you might have about the test.

The Morning of Testing

Start your day as you always do.Eat a good breakfast and wear comfortable but appropriate clothing.Think of what you will do to relax after you get home from school.Make sure to have a book or magazine in case you finish early.Think Positive and relax!Think Positive and relax!

The Test

In order to limit distractions and be ready to focus on the task at hand, make sure you have used the restroom and grabbed a drink of water prior to testing.

Be sure to let your teacher know if you are seated next to someone who you feel may distract you from doing your best.

If the directions are unclear or if you need clarification about a part of the test, please raise your hand so your teacher or the test administrator can assist you.

Take a few deep breaths to combat any test anxiety. Don’t let the amount of words, reading, or problems discourage you from doing your best. You can do this!

Pace YourselfToo many students become frustrated by the number of questions or amount of reading.

Don’t spend too much time on any one question. Do your best and then move on. If you need to, answer the easiest questions first, then go back to those questions you skipped.

Remember to treat the test as a long-distance run and not a sprint. There’s no trophy for finishing first.

Reading Passages

If the test requires you to read passages and then answer questions about what you read,

read the questions read the questions firstfirst.

By doing this, you will know what you are looking for as you read. This also helps you read with a purpose.

Reading Passages

When there are several questions about a reading passage or chart, look for cluesclues in other questions that will help you with those items about which you are unsure.

Make sure you are focused on the section or part of the text/graphic that the question referenced.

Is your answer a quality answer?

Make sure you understand what the question is asking. Are there multiple parts?

Be sure you are responding to all the questions that are being asked.

Did you restate?

Remember, if your answer only takes up a small fraction of the space provided, it’s probably not a quality response.

Multiple Choice Questions

Do not change your answers unless you are very uncertain about your first answer choice.

Read the question and allall answer choices before marking anything.

Answer every question. Choose the best possible answer.

The Process of Elimination (Multiple Choice)

After you have been through all of the questions once, go back to the ones you were unsure about. Begin with the questions you have some knowledge about and eliminate choices that you know are incorrect.

I know C isn’t the answer!

The Process of Elimination (Multiple Choice) If you can eliminate two

wrong answers, your chance of choosing the right answer is greater.

Answering Questions

Remember: Don't guess blindly. You have time to think about the best answer choice, make it!

Key Words and VocabularyFind key wordskey words or phrasesphrases in the question that will help you choose the correct answer.

For vocabulary questions, use context clues around the word in order to diffuse the word and select the best answer.

Substitute your answer choices back into the sentence to check for the best match.

Often times it is best to go back to the actual text and read what precedes (before) and proceeds (after) the word or phrase. The answer to the problem may make better sense if you have more context.

Math Computation

When using scratch paper on a math test, double check to make sure that you have copied the problem correctly from the test booklet!

Math Computation (Continued)

Line up place value correctly on your scratch paper (thousands, hundreds, tens, ones) or the answer will be incorrect.

For algebraic equations make sure you keep the equation balanced by drawing the line down from the equal sign.

Math Computation

If your answer does not match one of the choices, reread the problem, recopy the numbers, and try solving it again.

UC³• Use your skills to dissect the question before you begin to

solve Identify the question (What is the question asking you to find out?)

Identify the important information (What information does the question give you? What other facts do you know?)

Identify how many questions need to be answered (COUNT)

Identify if your answer is reasonable (Does your answer make sense? Can you check your solution mathematically?)

Use your Tools

Both your math and ELA classes will have a practice run to allow you the chance to familiarize yourself with the testing tools.

Skip, Return, Check

If you finish early, check to make sure you have answered all questions.

A Matter of Time

If any time remains, spend it on those questions about which you know nothing or almost nothing. As you go back through, do not change all answers.

*Remember: Sometimes you can

overthink whether an answer is correct. Your first thought is usually right.

Take your Time

Don’t worry about being done before the allotted testing time. You’ll be allowed to work until you finish.Be thoughtful when considering and typing your answers. This is not a race. Use the additional time to score well and think through the problems and questions.

Final Tips

Double-check your answers. For written responses, check your answer based on what the question asked. If it asks for details or examples, did you provide more than one? If it asks for a specific number for support, does your answer match what the question asked for? Did you include textual evidence (the author’s words)?

The Death Stare

Don’t Panic

Remember it's okay not to it's okay not to know everythingknow everything — unlike class tests, these tests will have some questions designed to challenge the limits of your knowledge at a grade level above your current grade.

Try your best and attempt to give a logical answer based on your background knowledge, through process of elimination, or through a careful consideration of what the question is asking.

Don’t leave questions blank!

I Don’t Know (IDK) is not an acceptable answer.

Remember…

This is a test to assess your strengths and weaknesses as a student learner. The results are used by your school and its teachers in order to determine how to help you achieve your academic goals as you move toward graduation. Be confident and do your best.

Use your Grit: Perseverance + Passion to succeed

GRIT

Glover students

Raising their

Individual

Test Scores