Test Time!

Number 2 pencils are sharpened, scantrons are being passed out....sounds like testing time to me!

This week, third through eighth grade students will be taking the ISATs (Illinois Standard Achievement Test).   The ISATs are used not just to see individual strengths and weaknesses, but also to compare students among their peers as well as monitor schools and districts yearly progress.  Bottom line, these tests are important and there are some things you can say to remind your students of before the big day:

1.  Get a good nights rest.  A well rested student makes for a more successful test-taker
2.  Eat a healthy breakfast.  Lots of protein, little sugar.
3.  Read.  Skip.  Spend.  Read the directions and each question to the very end.  Skip any questions that stump you and come back to them when you have time.  Spend any extra time checking over your work.
4.  Encourage students to ask their teacher questions about anything that they don't understand.  It never hurts to ask.
5.  Remind students to attend school on the days of testing and to arrive early if they can. 
6.  Students might be feeling nervous, anxious, and also a little pressure to do well.  Some might need some relaxation tips to calm them down at times.  Show them how to stop and take some deep breaths or close their eyes and visualize a happy place, like the beach or Disney World.
7.  Be positive.  Let them know you are proud of them.  Remind them that they are smart and that you have confidence in them to do their best.