A Student’s Guide to the STAAR Test at Askew Elementary 2014 Ebony Cumby, Principal

A Student’s Guide to the STAAR Test Let’s go through a few reminders about testing, so that you will be able to do your very best on the STAAR test!

When do I take the STAAR Test? Third GradeFourth GradeFifth Grade April 1 – Writing Day 1April 1 – Math April 2 – Writing Day 2April 2 – Reading April 22 – Math April 23 - Reading April 23 - Science Mark your calendar!

On the day of the test… Have a good breakfast! Be at school on time!

On the day of the test… Bring a water bottle to school Dress in comfortable clothes Bring a jacket or sweater, just in case the classroom is chilly!

On the day of the test… OFF If you bring a cell phone to school, it must be turned OFF and stored in your backpack. Kindles and Nooks have to stay home!

On my desk during the test… Desks and tables must be clear during the test. Only test materials and pencils should be on your desk or table. UNDER Keep water bottles, snack, and a book to read (AFTER the test) UNDER your desk or table.

During the test… all Listen carefully to all directions Do not talk, make noise, or disrupt others during the test

Working on the test… SMART Relax – remember how SMART you are - you will do a great job! Work carefully, using all the great things you have learned! If you get frustrated, take a deep breath. Tell yourself, “ I CAN DO THIS! ” If you don’t know the answer to a question… JUST DO YOUR BEST JUST DO YOUR BEST !

Time for the test… 4 hours You will have 4 hours to complete your test AND bubble in your answer choices. Restroom and snack breaks ARE included in the 4 hours, so don’t waste time. Your teacher will let you know when you have: 3 hours, 2 hours, 1 hour, 45 minutes, 30 minutes, 15 minutes, and 5 minutes left.

Breaks during the test… REMEMBER: Restroom and snack breaks ARE included in the 4 hours. If you need to go to the restroom, raise your hand quietly and wait for permission from your teacher. You may eat snack (animal crackers) while you work, but keep all food and water AWAY from your answer document.

When I finish the test… Check your answer document carefully. Place your answer document and any scratch paper you used inside your test booklet. Raise your hand quietly until your teacher picks up your test.

After the test is picked up… You may:   REST   READ A BOOK Books must be picked out before the test begins, and may not be opened until the test has been finished and picked up. Books may not be taken on restroom breaks during the test. NOT You may NOT: Talk/make noise Draw/color Write Play Do puzzles

After everyone is finished with the test… Listen to your teacher’s directions. Don’t talk about the test with your teacher or classmates. Be proud of yourself for doing your very best! When you get home, relax and get another good night’s sleep.

What if I’m absent on the day of the STAAR test? There will be MAKE UP testing days on the Thursday and Friday of each testing week for any students who are absent.