Testing Tips
Standardized testing has become a common part of the education process. With the help of the following tips, you can ease your child's anxieties about the test process.
Get the facts.
Find out the exact dates your child will be tested and which tests he/she will take this year. Once you know what's happening, you can help your child feel ready for what's ahead.
Talk to your child.
Find out whether your child is feeling nervous and if so, why. Often children feel better when they voice their fears, so give your child a chance to talk about the process. If your child is afraid of failing or doing poorly, your reassurances will help him/her feel less frightened.
Help your child practice.
Ask your child’s teacher or check the Alabama State Department of Education Website (http://www.alsde.edu/home/Default.aspx) for some sample questions. The Item Specifications for the Alabama Reading and Math Test (ARMT) can be found by typing ARMT Plus in the search box; then choose the grade and subject of your child.
The following links can be typed in the address bar and it will take you directly to the grade and subject of your choice.
4th Grade Math http://tinyurl.com/Math-Grade-4-Item-Specs
5th Grade Math http://tinyurl.com/Math-Grade-5-Item-Specs
6th Grade Math http://tinyurl.com/Math-Grade-6-Item-Specs
4th Grade Reading http://tinyurl.com/Reading-Grade-4-Item-Specs
5th Grade Reading http://tinyurl.com/Reading-Grade-5-Item-Specs
6th Grade Reading http://tinyurl.com/Reading-Grade-6-Item-Specs
Take care of the basics.
See that your child gets a good night's sleep the night before the test and eats breakfast that morning. Try to avoid a stressful or hurried start to the day by getting up a little earlier and laying out items your child needs for school the night before.
Keep your cool.
While tests have increasing importance, they are just one measure of student learning, so try to keep the process in perspective. If you remain calm, chances are your child will probably feel calmer, too.