· Reading the instructions carefully. Then you should read them again to make sure you know exactly what you are supposed to do.

· Looking for the direction words that tell you what you are supposed to do.  Direction words are words like compare, list, describe, define and summarize.

· Reading through all the questions quickly before you start.  You should think about how much time you have and decide how much time you can spend on each question.

· Reading each question carefully as you begin the test.  You should understand exactly what the statement or question says.  Then you should determine what you think the answer is before you read any choices provided.

· Skipping a question if you aren’t sure of the answer.  You should answer all the questions you know first.  Then you can come back to the others.

· Allowing time to go back and check your answers.  Do they make sense?  Are sentences complete?  Did you leave out any key words, such as not, that might change your intended meaning?

Prepare for
Standardized Tests

Well before the test:

· Find out when the tests will be given.  Plan ahead to avoid scheduling appointments, extra activities or trips during those times.

· Ask your child’s teacher for samples or find some at your local library if your child has never taken a standardized test before .  Seeing a few tests in advance will make the real thing less intimidating.

· Encourage your child to read.  Reading builds comprehension skills as well as vocabulary, and both will help your child do well on any standardized test.

Just before the test:

· Make sure your child follows the same routine he/she would adhere to before any important test—getting a good night’s sleep, eating a nutritious breakfast, etc.

· Share a message of confidence.  Tell your child that the test is important and you know he/she will work hard and do their very best.

· Remind your child to check their answers carefully to be sure he/she has marked the space on the answer sheet that corresponds to the number of the question.