Tips for helping your child do well on state tests

• Attendance is very important. If your child is not in school on a regular basis, he/she is not learning the state standards.
• Know when report cards come home and look carefully at each grade and at the teacher comments. The report card is a strong predictor of how well your child is mastering the standards.
• Arrange for a parent/teacher conference if you feel your child is not progressing satisfactorily.
• Know the school calendar. Do not plan family vacations in the weeks just before or during state testing.
• Your child may bring home sample tests. Make sure your child takes advantage of this opportunity to practice for the test.
• On the days of state testing, plan a little extra time in the morning so that your child has time for a good breakfast and is not rushed preparing for school.
• Be sure your child arrives at school on time during testing days.
• Encourage your child to do his or her best. Be positive when talking to your child about the test. Let your child know that there may be hard questions, but that he/she should not become discouraged.
• Review your child’s test results carefully. Discuss any questions or concerns you have with your child’s teacher.