There are ways you can prepare your students to do well on standardized tests such as the SAT 9, SAT 9 (augmented), SAT, ACT, AP tests, Golden State Exam, and, eventually, the High School Exit Exam. Student performance improves when students practice under conditions that are similar to those of the actual test.
Tips for Teachers
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Simulate the test-taking situation , providing conditions that are almost equivalent to those of the actual test, such as the SAT 9. Have a dress rehearsal.
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Begin teaching test-taking skills well in advance of the test date .
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Take time to discuss with students the general nature and purpose of standardized tests.
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After instruction in a number of skills, have children take practice tests to combine the use of skills and to ensure maximum transfer to a testing situation. Practice materials should match the format of the standardized test as closely as possible . You don't have to invent your own materials. Commercial material is available that can be purchased using school site funds.
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Practice using time limits under which children must complete a specified amount of work . If students have difficulty at first, start with untimed practice items. Gradually decrease the time.
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Practice using test item formats that may differ from exercises found in students' instructional materials. Teach the style and format of the tests .
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After each practice session, discuss with students any problems they had with specific items or the test-taking process and conditions. Talk about why some answers were correct and others were not.
Tips for Students
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Tell students to read and follow test directions carefully. Older students should listen for information on time limits and penalties for guessing.
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Students should record responses in the designated manner.
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Use time efficiently. Students should answer first those items that they can answer quickly.
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Tell students to take risks and guess if there is no penalty for incorrect responses.
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Students should read all answers before choosing the "best" answer.
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They should feel free to change an answer after considering new information.