The results from these tests can help teachers develop programs that suit students' achievement levels in each subject area, such as reading, math, language skills, spelling, or science. Instead of measuring knowledge of subjects taught in school, these tests measure a broad range of abilities or skills that are considered important to success in school. They can measure verbal ability, mechanical ability, creativity, clerical ability, or abstract reasoning. The results from aptitude tests help teachers to plan instruction that is appropriate for the students' levels. Teachers combine the results of many methods to gain insights into the skills, abilities, and knowledge of your child.
Standardized tests have limitations.
These tests are not perfect measures of what individual students can or cannot do or of everything students learn. Also, your child's scores on a particular test may vary from day to day, depending on whether your child guesses, receives clear directions, follows the directions carefully, takes the test seriously, and is comfortable in taking the test. Here are a few suggestions for parents who want to help their children do well on tests. First and most important, talk to your child's teacher often to monitor your child's progress and find out what activities you can do at home to help your child. Make sure your child does his or her homework.