News Release - Tips for Parents Help Students Succeed at Test Time

SAN DIEGO – Months of classroom lessons, homework assignments, flashcard drills, study groups, and practice exams lead to testing season for San Diego Unified School District’s K-12 students.

Throughout the school year, teachers focus instruction on state standards at every grade level and help students prepare for a variety of tests that show whether they have met those standards. Some tests are federal- or state-mandated, some district-mandated and some optional. Two of the most important testing programs are California’s Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program for grades 2-11, administered March through June, and the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE), offered multiple times in high school and which must be passed to meet graduation requirements.

“Making sure students are in school to participate in testing is key,” says Dr. Karen Bachofer, Executive Director of the district’s Standards, Assessment and Accountability Division, “STAR and CAHSEE testing are requirements of both the federal and state accountability systems. In addition, assessment results give parents important information about their students’ progress, help teachers to focus on students’ areas of need, and enable the district to determine which programs are most effective in helping all students meet grade level standards.”

Parents play a key role in helping students succeed in school and do well at test time, whether it’s encouraging a kindergartener in learning to read, or helping a college-bound high school student prepare for the SATs.

Here are some tips to support your student:

Months and weeks prior to test date:

Have your child in school on time, every day, and make sure homework is completed. The more time spent learning, the greater the likelihood that your child will do well on tests.
Meet with your child’s teacher(s) to discuss what you can do at home to help with specific learning goals.
Find out what tests and assessments are used to evaluate his/her progress.
Take advantage of study groups and workshops offered at school.
Involve the entire family as personal cheerleaders for the test taker.

The night before and day of the test:

Be encouraging – let your child know you think he/she will do well on the test.
Avoid difficult family issues before the test to prevent unnecessary anxiety.
Make sure your child gets plenty of sleep the night prior. On test day, have him/her wake up early, eat a nutritious breakfast and wear comfortable clothing.

After the test:

Commend your child for doing his/her best on the test.
Talk about what was learned on the test and how to improve performance the next time.
When you receive results, don’t compare performance with siblings or friends. Congratulate high scores and improvements.

Key Spring 2008 Assessments for SDUSD Students: