This time of year, we hear from a lot of parents and students who are preparing, and maybe worrying, about the California Standardized State test CAASPP. Here are a couple test taking tips to, hopefully, lighten the burden on you, your child, and the whole family this year!
1. Tests put on a lot of pressure- especially for younger kids. As the CAASPP is often one of the first major tests in a child’s life, the whole process can seem very dramatic. Not to worry! Results of the CAASPP tests are generally used as diagnostic tests, to compare the abilities of your child with the standard set by the State of California, and to compare the results of teachers and schools to others, as well as being important as a personal benchmark. In some cases, it is necessary to make clear to your child that the results of this test are not life-altering. This should ease some worries.
2. Be extra sure your child gets what he or she needs before the test. Getting a good night’s sleep and a healthy, balanced breakfast leading up to taking the CAASPP is likely to have a positive effect on the scores. Planning something to look forward to once the exam is done and reminding your child to take mental breaks during the exam can also help calm their nerves and ensure they don’t face any unnecessary obstacles that add undue stress.
3. Understand where your child is less confident. While teachers will often introduce practice questions, some students may nevertheless feel unsure about the curriculum. Scheduling a meeting with the teacher to understand your child’s difficulties can an important step to improving their CAASPP scores and confidence going into the test.
4. Boost their test-taking confidence by coming to Mathnasium! We offer a customized curriculum that can fill the gaps in your child’s education in math. This will most definitely boost their scores not only by improving their skills but their confidence as well. Stop by or call your local Mathnasium today!
(310) 616-3181
