Seattle Education 2010
Testing
Testing season is upon us and the stakes are high as state-mandated testing determines whether students are promoted to the next grade. Parents want their children to succeed; therefore the stakes are high for them as well. With knowledge of the purpose of the test and a few helpful tips on testing success, parents can rest assured that they have done their part in preparing their children for these important assessments.
Overview of the tests
North Carolina has been administering the End of Grade and End of Course tests in grades 3 through 8 for many years. The tests are designed to measure student performance on the goals and objectives specified for each grade level in the Common Core State Standards. Therefore, the material on the test is a culmination of the curriculum taught each year. There is no way to “cram” for these tests. Teachers are responsible for presenting all material that students will be tested on throughout the course of the school year.
What's in the tests?
Students in grades 3-8 take Mathematics and Reading Comprehension tests. In addition to these, students in grades 5 and 8 are also tested on Science knowledge. The mathematics portions of the EOG/EOC include a multiple choice section and a gridded response section (for grades 5-8). The gridded response/open response questions require students to enter a numerical answer, rather than select an answer from several choices. Calculators are allowed in some portions of the math test. The Reading Comprehension portion of the EOG/EOC test consists of a variety of written passages followed by multiple choice comprehension questions. The science test is also a multiple choice test in which students are expected to demonstrate knowledge of science principles learned, coupled with higher-order thinking.
Parents can help
Due to the lengthy nature of the tests—and their importance—many students become stressed as testing days approach. Parents play a vital role in helping students mentally prepare for testing. The first and most important thing to do is to be positive and remind your child that what they have been practicing all year is what they are being tested on. There are no trick questions and no new material on the EOG tests (except possible field test items which don’t count against them).
During the week of testing, parents can help by doing the following:
- Be aware of the testing schedule and make sure that your child is at school on time on testing days.
- Make sure that your child has gone to bed on time the night before so they are well rested.
- Serve a healthy breakfast including protein so that your child is not hungry during the testing session.
- Encourage students to listen to and follow all directions given by the test administrator. If they have questions, they need to be addressed before testing begins.
- Motivate your child with positive words and praise saying such things as "I know you will do your best" instead of negative threats such as "If you don't do well, you won't pass your grade this year."
High stakes testing can be taxing, but with positive reinforcement children will be inspired to do their best!
