General Testing Information

I believe that children will experience less anxiety about the testing process if tests are planned and administered  on a regular basis in a routine fashion.  I teach testing strategies to help students know what to do when testing. These strategies will help your children during the remainder of their educational years.  I use the same strategies in my college classes!

 TESTING SCHEDULE

 The basic testing schedule is as follows:

Accelerated Reader Tests (AR):    Your child may take Accelerated Reader Tests (AR) on other books that they read, as well. AR tests can be taken on the  computer during free time and/or on library days.  I do not allow children to take AR tests during instruction or during a time when others are taking written tests.  AR testing during this time compromises the classroom environment.

TESTING ENVIRONMENT

BEFORE the test:

AR Tests:        Students MUST read a story or book that has a corresponding AR test in our computer system.  (Do not take an AR test because a movie was watched that was "based" on a book.  All of the information in the book will NOT be included in the movie!  Trust me on this one!) 

DURING the test:

NO TALKING is allowed after the test has been distributed and test instructions have been given. (see TAKS testing)

I have made "test taking tents" by gluing  two manila file folders together and laminating them.  These folders provide privacy for your child during the testing process.   Students may use these folders as a "study  corral" any time they would like, but they are required during testing. 

 These folders remove the temptation to peek at a study list or the  book.  Hopefully, this will encourage each child to  develop good study habits and self-confidence. 

TAKS Testing:

As you can tell, I monitor the testing environment very closely.  Every thing I do leads up to the most important tests that your child will take during the school year:  the TAKS Reading, Math, Science,  & writing tests. 

We will benchmark and practice test several times through out the year.  These results will provide me with the data that I need to guide my instruction.  They will provide your child time to become familiar with the TAKS test format and the TAKS testing environment.  Many of the testing guidelines that are practiced on our regular tests are designed to help your child prepare for the TAKS testing experience. 

During the benchmark/practice TAKS the classroom will be prepared as if we were taking the "real" TAKS.  Students record their answers in a test booklet or scantron document, so "test taking tents" are too difficult and distracting to manage.  Desks will be moved around the room to provide your child with privacy.  Instructions will be given and general questions about the instructions will be answered.  Any signs or bulletin boards that might provide help will be removed or covered.  Third graders must take the test independently.  Teachers can only encourage the children to do their best. 

AFTER the test:

After the TAKS test, students are allowed to read quietly.

AFTER everyone passes the TAKS test:

WE  CELEBRATE!!!

WOO-HOO!

The Queen has spoken!

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