Test-Prep Practice and Motivation

Preparing students for standardized testing

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

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

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

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