1 Teach test-taking skills from the first day of school as part of regular instruction. 2 Discuss with students the purpose and relevance of the tests and howresults will be used. The time you invest sharing the purpose of the tests with students is time well spent. Knowing the purpose and how the testing information is used may help motivate students to do their best. 3 Expect good results and model a positive attitude.
Students are sensitive to teachers expectations.
Let students know that you expect them to succeed on the tests and that you are there to help them succeed. Your opinion influences students views of the value of the tests. They also need to know when testing will take place and what they can do to help their children perform well on the tests. In fact, the more information parents have about high-stakes tests, the better. Many are already reading articles in the local newspapers about them.