April 17, 2012
Dear Parents:
Assalamu'Alaikum,
Next week, students will be taking the IOWA tests of Basic Skills. This is a
standardized test which is particularly important at the 7th grade level
because high schools look at these scores when considering admissions.
Please make certain your child has a good breakfast, gets plenty of rest, and
comes to school with plenty of sharpened number two pencils so that they may
complete this test. Below, you will find tips to help your child do well on
these tests:
A few things to be mindful of the night before and day of the test…
Get a good night’s sleep the night before the test. Most people need about
eight hours.
Avoid caffeinated or sugary drinks before taking the test as they can make
you jittery.
Eat a balanced meal.
Read/listen to the directions carefully. If something is unclear, ask
for clarification.
Wear the time and budget it.
Find out the rules of the test. Will you be penalized for answering
something incorrectly? For leaving something blank? Will partial credit be given?
If you get stuck on a question, mark it and move on. You can come back to
it later.
If the test permits, do a memory check. Jot down important formulas or
information on a piece of scrap paper.
Use mnemonic devices to jog your memory.
Insha'Allah, everyone has a successful testing experience.
