Mr. Brayman

STUDENTS' TEST-TAKING STRATEGIES

Preparing for Tests

• Maintain good study habits:
  • Do your class work.
  • Have a clear understanding of homework assignments before leaving class.
  • Keep a record of assignments received and completed.
  • Make a study schedule and follow it.
  • Tell your parents about schoolwork and homework.
  • Turn in homework on time.
  • Get make-up assignments when returning from an absence.
  • See teachers for additional help.
    
• Seek and use past homework assignments, class notes, and available review materials.
  
• Follow directions.
  
• Find out when tests will be given out.
  
• Get a good night's rest and eat a normal breakfast before testing.
  

During Tests

• Read and pay careful attention to all directions.
  
• Read each passage and accompanying questions.
  
• Read every possible answer--the best one could be last.
  
• Read and respond to items one at a time rather than thinking about the whole test.
  
• Reread, when necessary, the parts of a passage needed for selecting the correct answer.
  
• Don't expect to find a pattern in the positions of the correct answers.
  
• Don't make uneducated guesses. Try to get the correct answer by reasoning and eliminating wrong answers.
  
• Decide exactly what the question is asking; one response is clearly best.
  
• Don't spend too much time on any one question.
  
• Skip difficult questions until all other questions have been answered. On scrap paper, keep a record of the unanswered items to return to, if time permits.
  
• Make sure to record the answer in the correct place on the answer sheet.
  
• Only change an answer if you are sure the first one you picked was wrong. Be sure to completely erase changed answers.
  
• Work as rapidly as possible with accuracy.
  
• After completion of the test, use any remaining time to check your answers.
  
• Keep a good attitude. Think positively!
  

After Tests

• Examine your test scores; ask the teacher to explain your test scores if needed.
  
• Congratulate yourself on identified areas of strength.
  
• Identify areas of weakness which you will want to improve for a better performance next time.
  
• Ask your t teacher to suggest areas of study that will help you perform better on the next test.

PARENT TEST-SUPPORT STRATEGIES

Preparing for Testing

• Note test dates on your home calendar; schedule appointments on non-testing days.
  
• Encourage your child to take responsibility for homework and class study.
  
• Help you child learn how to find information independently.
  
• Praise your child for work done well.
  
• Encourage your child to ask questions at home and in class.
  
• Get to know your child's teachers.
  
• Attend parent-teacher conferences.
  
• Confer with teachers on a regular basis for progress reports.
  
• Gather available test preparation materials.
  
• Assure your child knows that you value a good education.
  

Testing Day

• See that your child is rested and eats breakfast.
  
• See that your child arrives at school on time and is relaxed.
  
• Encourage your child to do the best work possible.
  
• Do not send your child to school if illness is apparent.
  
• Do not remove your child from school on test days for appointments.
  

After Testing

• Examine all test reports sent home.
  
• Determine areas of strengths and weaknesses.
  
• Praise your child's testing strengths and make a plan to address identified weaknesses.
  
• See your child's principal or teacher if additional information is required.