Get Ready, Set, TestTeam 7

Special Services Teachers

State Department of Education

Good Instruction…Good Test Scores?

One would expect that good instruction automatically leads to good test scores. Unfortunately, this deduction is not true.

What do you think?

Factors That May Decrease Students’ Performance

Poor curriculum/test match Uncertainty with test format Time management Improper mechanics/item attack

strategies

Lack of effort/motivation Student anxiety Teacher attitude Lack of understanding test

vocabulary Inadequate last minute preparation

Poor Curriculum/Test Match

Study Compendium Supplement for types and numbers of questions.

Match textbook with what is taught and tested.

Review pacing guide. Use charts, tables, graphs, analogies, and

synonyms in all content areas.

Uncertainty with Test Format

Provide opportunities for students to answer in SAT format.

Limit the number of times directions are given.

Utilize some SAT format within classroom evaluations.

Time Management

Give timed tests occasionally. Design tests up to 50 minutes. Announce and enforce time limits

on certain assignments. Practice time awareness.

Improper Mechanics/Item Attack

Multiple choice items Levels of difficulty Accuracy Guessing Determining the answer Use of time

Motivation/Lack of effort

Discuss reasons and uses of test. Have pep rallies, theme days, and

competitions. Create bulletin boards, door

decorations, and posters. Provide incentives.

Student Anxiety

Provide training in test-taking. Allow discussion about anxieties. Explain purposes and uses of test. Practice positive thinking. Help students to relax.

Teacher Attitude Model positive attitude and

enthusiasm. Be sure classroom reflects “up beat”

view. Show students a belief in their

capabilities. TEESA

Lack of Understanding of Testing

Vocabulary Incorporate testing vocabulary into

daily instruction. Initiate testing vocabulary in

kindergarten. Familiarize students with testing

vocabulary…TEACH!

Last Minute Preparations

Preparing the classroom Testing procedures and directions Timing the test Distributing and collecting

materials Administering the test

Preparing the Classroom

Examine room arrangement. Conceal subject matter and testing

materials. Complete prior to testing dates.

Procedures

Optimal physical conditions Adequate workspace for students Quiet surroundings Familiar testing room Emergency plan in place

Directions

Practice directions beforehand. Follow instructions exactly. Enunciate clearly when reading. Remind students to ask questions

when directions are given.

Timing the Test

Observe time limits precisely. Use a stop watch or second hand. Write out time allocations. Have a large clock in view.

Distributing and Collecting Materials

Assemble materials beforehand. Devise a plan for distributing and

collecting. Have #2 pencils ready. Inventory all materials before

returning.

Administering the Test

Walk quietly among students while testing.

Do not assist students with any answers.

Maintain control of students. Report any irregularities.

The hardest part of being a good teacher is that you have to do it everyday.