Parents can help their students do well on end-of-year tests

Sharpen the No. 2 pencils and break out the bubble sheets because end-of-grade and end-of-course testing has begun in some schools or will begin in the next few weeks.  To help parents and students get ready for these important assessments, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction has developed test preparation tips, Frequently Asked Questions and Answers, and many online resources with additional information about the statewide exams.
“End-of-grade and end-of-course tests allow us to keep a finger on the pulse of students’ academic progress and they tell us if students are prepared to succeed in the next grade or in the next course,“ said Lou Fabrizio, director of Accountability Policy and Communications.  “At the school level, principals and teachers use the results to help identify students who need additional assistance in their academic work and to ensure that the Standard Course of Study is being taught consistently throughout the school.“

Parents play a key role in preparing students for state assessments. During this testing period, parents are encouraged to:

Make sure students are in school during review and testing sessions. Avoid doctor or dental appointments on review or test dates.
Stay well-informed about students’ tests. Know their test schedule, results, how results are used, and how the results will affect grade placement or course recommendations.
If there are major differences between a student’s standardized test scores and overall school grades, find out why.
Encourage students to listen carefully to all test-taking directions given by the teacher and to ask questions about any directions that are unclear.
Make sure students are well-rested on test day.

Make sure students eat breakfast on the day of the test. Hunger can detract from a good test performance.

Encourage students to do their best.
(Tips provided by the American School Counselor Association.

The NCDPI also offers a wealth of information on the Department’s Web site http://www.ncpublicschools.org/ for parents who have questions about state testing policies and procedures.