Standardized Testing By State

A standardized test is a testing system that follows a standard approach.  Questions, test duration, and the answers’ evaluation process are the same for all students in these tests.

OBJECTIVITY
Standard tests provide objective measures. Students under assessment are given the same questions, have similar testing conditions, and are graded by a blind reviewer or a machine.  The tests facilitate unbiased and accurate information about the knowledge of a student. They also allow parents to know a school’s performance compared to other schools in the district and the state.

ALLOWS COMPARABILITY
Standardized tests make it possible to compare your child’s performance with their peers and state benchmarks. The tests further provide parents with information about the performance of a wide range of schools, making it easy for them to identify the best schools in their state.

HOLDS SCHOOLS ACCOUNTABLE
Standardized tests hold schools accountable for their student’s academic performance. By analyzing the test results, the government can identify schools that need intervention, reward, or closure. Without such tests, it would be impossible for policymakers to identify schools that deserve rewards or poorly performing ones requiring intervention.

KNOW THE PURPOSE OF THE TEST.
Seek information from the teachers about the purpose of the test.  Know if the test is meant to gauge the school’s or your child’s performance.  Also, ask the teachers how about the schedule of the tests for adequate preparation.

TALK WITH YOUR CHILD
Please discuss with your child how ready they are for the test.  Find out their strengths and weakness, and intervene on their weaknesses.  Identify previous mistakes and work on them before the exam. Remember, practice makes perfect.

BUILD UP YOUR CHILD’S MINDSET
Please help your child to build a positive mindset since it primarily affects test performance.  A positive attitude will also improve your child’s confidence. Let them know that you are proud of them no matter how much they score on the test.

HELP THEM TO UNDERSTAND THE TEST INSTRUCTIONS
Reviewing the test instructions thoroughly with your child will give them a clue of what to expect.  Let them understand all the instructions before the test begins. Please encourage them to answer all questions through the application of critical thinking skills and confidence.

CREATE A HEALTHY ROUTINE
Healthy eating habits and a good night’s rest can significantly impact your child’s performance.  Ensure that they sleep early for proper relaxation before the exam day. On the other hand, an adequate diet will improve their physical and mental well-being.

CREATE A RELAXED ATMOSPHERE BEFORE THE TEST DAY.
 During the D-day, prepare a nutritious breakfast for your child to build their stamina.  Avoid foods that could cause them fatigue or digestive issues.  Encourage them with positive words, a hug,  or anything else that will make them feel confident. Also, be relaxed and cheerful, and they will also feel the same.

AFTER THE TEST
Encourage them to speak out about their thoughts about the positive or negative test.  Also, try and understand how they tackled some of the questions in the test. A test analysis will give them better insight for the next test.