Get Ready, Set, Test

1. Get Ready, Set, Test Team 7 Special Services Teachers State Department of Education

2. Good Instruction…Good Test Scores? • One would expect that good instruction automatically leads to good test scores. Unfortunately, this deduction is not true. • What do you think?

3. Factors That May Decrease Students’ Performance • Poor curriculum/test match • Uncertainty with test format • Time management • Improper mechanics/item attack strategies

4. Lack of effort/motivation • Student anxiety • Teacher attitude • Lack of understanding test vocabulary • Inadequate last minute preparation

5. Poor Curriculum/Test Match • Study Compendium Supplement for types and numbers of questions. • Match textbook with what is taught and tested. • Review pacing guide. • Use charts, tables, graphs, analogies, and synonyms in all content areas.

6. Uncertainty with Test Format • Provide opportunities for students to answer in SAT format. • Limit the number of times directions are given. • Utilize some SAT format within classroom evaluations.

7. Time Management • Givetimed tests occasionally. • Design tests up to 50 minutes. • Announce and enforce time limits on certain assignments. • Practice time awareness.

8. Improper Mechanics/Item Attack • Multiple choice items • Levels of difficulty • Accuracy • Guessing • Determining the answer • Use of time

9. Motivation/Lack of effort • Discuss reasons and uses of test. • Have pep rallies, theme days, and competitions. • Create bulletin boards, door decorations, and posters. • Provide incentives.

10. Student Anxiety • Provide training in test-taking. • Allow discussion about anxieties. • Explain purposes and uses of test. • Practice positive thinking. • Help students to relax.

11. Teacher Attitude • Model positive attitude and enthusiasm. • Be sure classroom reflects “up beat” view. • Show students a belief in their capabilities. • TEESA

12. Lack of Understanding of Testing Vocabulary • Incorporate testing vocabulary into daily instruction. • Initiate testing vocabulary in kindergarten. • Familiarize students with testing vocabulary…TEACH!

13. Last Minute Preparations

14. Preparing the classroom • Testing procedures and directions • Timing the test • Distributing and collecting materials • Administering the test

15. Preparing the Classroom • Examine room arrangement. • Conceal subject matter and testing materials. • Complete prior to testing dates.

16. Procedures • Optimal physical conditions • Adequate workspace for students • Quiet surroundings • Familiar testing room • Emergency plan in place

17. Directions • Practice directions beforehand. • Follow instructions exactly. • Enunciate clearly when reading. • Remind students to ask questions when directions are given.

18. Timing the Test • Observe time limits precisely. • Use a stop watch or second hand. • Write out time allocations. • Have a large clock in view.

19. Distributing and Collecting Materials • Assemble materials beforehand. • Devise a plan for distributing and collecting. • Have #2 pencils ready. • Inventory all materials before returning.

20. Administering the Test • Walk quietly among students while testing. • Do not assist students with any answers. • Maintain control of students. • Report any irregularities.

21. The hardest part of being a good teacher is that you have to do it everyday.