1. IMPROVING READING ACHIEVEMENT BY IMPROVING TEST-TAKING SKILLS EAST CENTRAL GRADE 4-8

2. but... A Really Great Concept

3. Why bother??

4. Does this sound familiar? First Child: Why do we have to take these tests? Teacher: It’s just something we have to do. Second Child: I hate these tests, and I don’t think I’ll do well. They make me feel bad. Teacher: Don’t worry, just do your best. The tests don’t really matter.

5. The reality is that tests do matter and students who lack good test-taking skills are at a disadvantage. Teaching test-taking skills: Improves the validity of test resultsImproves the validity of test results Equalizes educational opportunity for all studentsEqualizes educational opportunity for all students Applies to real-life situations, even beyond high school.Applies to real-life situations, even beyond high school.

6. The time is here and now. East Central reading teachers are committed to improving test preparation and student performance. Beginning now, integrated into everyday teaching, focused in grades 4-8, analyzed over a 5-year period.

7. The fundamental purposes of testing are: To describe each student’s level of proficiency To identify strength and weakness To monitor year-to-year academic achievement To improve instructional strategies

8. Teachers and administrators may use standardized test results to support or question hypotheses made about individual students, but these scores must be used alongside other information...

9. teacher comments daily work homework class test grades parent observations medical needs social history … like :

10. Two roles for teachers: Prepare the students psychologically for standardized testing. Plan and execute learning activities that enhance student competence on tests.

11. Students said they fail to see the relevance of testing to their lives. There is a clear need to improve student attitudes about testing and increase their motivation for doing well on tests.

12. Promotes Automatic AutomaticResponse Improves Attitude Toward Test Taking Increases Test Scores Practice taking tests taking testsReducesAnxiety

13. √ Expect good results and model positive attitudes. √ Use motivational activities and provide incentives. √ Involve parents √ Discuss the purpose of testing. √ Discuss test formats. √ Correlate classroom activities with tests. √ Deal with test anxiety. √ Use correct test administration procedures. √ Provide a quiet, orderly test environment. √ Provide feedback on tests. √ Reward and celebrate success.

14. Some Test Tips Go back and look over your work Rest and eat healthy. Look for key words. Relax. Believe these tests are important Read questions before reading material. Look at pictures and diagrams. Look for clues. Match test question to answer sheet. Answer questions you know first.

15. GOALS/OBJECTIVES

16. BASIC SKILLS SCORES 8th Grade Reading Proficiency on ITBS

17. G A T E S R E A D I N G S C O R E S Average Growth from Previous Testing

18. S U R V E Y R E S U L T S

22. District Actions PowerPoint presentation slide show was shown continuously during fall and spring parent/teacher conferences Overview of program was published in newsletter 100% of the teachers plan on using test taking strategies every year

23. R E F E R E N C E S ITBS/TAP Reading Coach Series STANDARDIZED TEST PREPARATION for the Chicago Public Schools Taking the (T)error Out of Testing TEST TIPS FOR READING Heartbeeps Software Test Ready Plus --Test Ready Test Tips and Strategies PERIODICALS: Reading Today and Reading Research Quarterly SAT/ACT MATERIALS: Cracking the SAT--10 Real SATS Hot Words for the SAT 1 Barron's How to Prepare for the ACT--Thinking Your Way to Better SAT Scores MISCELLANEOUS TITLES: Children at the Center : Workshop Approach to Standardized Test Preparation, K-8 Get Ready for Standardized Tests: Read Better, Remember More Standardized Test Practice for 7th Grade Terranova Reading/Math: Standardized Test Skill Builders Grades 4-6

24. I’m glad I Bothered!