Test-Prep Practice and Motivation

1. Test-Prep Practice and Motivation Preparing students for standardized testing

2. Reduce Test Anxiety • Before the test • Remind students of their hard work this year and how much they have learned…This is an opportunity to “show what they know!” • Encourage students to get plenty of rest, eat well, and exercise • Practice test questions • Stay positive – Fun encouragement • Show students their scores from last year and encourage improvement – brainstorm ways to improve • Don’t assign graded homework during test window – instead offer review sheets and provide answers for immediate feedback

3. Review multiple-choice testing techniques • Preview the text • look at the title • look at the pictures/captions • look at bold words/headings • Preview questions that go along with passages • as you read, look for the unique word and the answers to the questions • highlight the answers to the questions • Answer the questions / solve problems • be sure to read all answer choices • eliminate as many answers as you can

4. Practice Resources – Mix it up…whole group, small group and independent practice • ISTEP+ Item Samplers • Multiple Choice Test Prep Items from curriculum materials or online site • Games • The Big Wheel – Varies points, score keeper • Pinch it cards – provides a quick view of answer choices on multiple point questions • Acuity 5 for 5’s • Benchmark assessments

5. During the Test • Listen to and follow directions. • If you don’t know the answer, don’t waste time worrying about it. Mark it, skip it, and return to this question after you have finished those you know how to do. • Budget your time • Write down work when solving math problems • Narrow down answer choices by eliminating those you know aren’t correct • Powerpoint – Test Taking Strategies