Preparing Your Child for the California State Tests

Author:   Danny  
Posted: 4/8/2009; 1:38:59 PM
Topic: Preparing Your Child for the California State Tests
Msg #: 80 (top msg in thread)
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Springtime brings a change of weather and the excitement of getting outside more to enjoy the beautiful sites of the new season.  It also brings what can often be a nerve-wracking experience as schools enter their yearly mandated testing cycle.  Each spring schools are required to have their students participate in the Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program.  The purpose of the STAR program is really two-fold.  One purpose is to identify how well students are learning the California Content Standards at their grade level and the other is to measure how well each school is succeeding at delivering their program of instruction.

All students in grades two through eleven participate in the STAR Program each year.  Most students take the California Standards Tests (CSTs).  Eligible special education students in grades three through eight with disabilities that prevent them from achieving grade level standards on the CSTs may take the California Modified Assessment (CMA).  Students with significant cognitive disabilities take the California Alternate Performance Assessment (CAPA).

Experts agree that parental involvement in a child’s education is a key factor on how well students will achieve.  Encouraging children to do their best in school and to complete school assignments well and on time can have a positive impact on children’s learning.  The question that is often asked, “How can I help my child do well on state testing?”  The question that really must be asked, “How can I help my child succeed in school?”  The experiences a child has at home can greatly impact their achievement at school.

Tips for everyday use

  • Build your child’s confidence.  Showing an interest in what they are doing is school can pay huge dividends in building their confidence.  Ask them regularly what they did in school and what homework needs to be finished by the next day.  Words and gesture of encouragement can increase a child’s self-confidence and make them feel good about themselves and their abilities.
  • Listen to your child read.  Talk to your child about what you are reading.  Ask questions and discuss new or difficult words.  Spending time together reading books, newspapers, and magazines lets your child know that you value reading and you have confidence in their ability to learn how to read.
  • Show your child how math is part of everyday life.  Have your child solve “real” math problems as you play games, cook a meal, prepare to complete a home project or craft. 
  • Review homework everyday.  Make sure your child completes all assignments and have them explain some of their math problems and how they solved them.
  • Set a time limit on watching television.  Watch television with your child and ask them questions about the show they are watching and have them explain and make predictions about what is happening on the show.
Preparing for STAR Testing
  • Attend information meetings.  Many schools have information parent nights concerning the state testing and the school’s results.  These nights provide valuable information about how to interpret the results and what the school will be focusing on for the school year.  The nights are often followed by special “Parent Reading” and “Parent Math” nights.
  • Know when the testing dates are.  Every spring all schools are required to have their students participate in the STAR Program.  Look for the information sent out by your schools and contact them to find out the exact date when your child’s school will be testing.  Also, find out what you can do to help make sure your child is prepared.
  • Make sure your child attends school on testing days, gets a good night sleep, and has a good nutritious breakfast each day before a big test.
  • Make sure your child understands that the testing procedures during these big tests are different than the tests they are used to taking.  Teachers have very specific and strict rules to follow and they may not be able to help them like they might during regular exams.
  • Discuss the upcoming tests with your child and try to reduce their anxieties about taking the tests.  Reassure them that the test results will provide useful information about what they know and what they still need to learn.
  • Do not set unrealistic expectations.  Making comments such as, “This test will be easy.  I am sure you will get every question right,” could set your child up for a fall.  If your child’s expectations are that the test will be easy and they begin the test and become stumped on the first question, their spirits will be deflated right away and their confidence may be shaken and they may not do well on the rest of the test.
  • Most important RELAX and help your child to relax before a big test.  If a parent is anxious about the test, their child could sense this and develop anxiety about taking the test.  A student who is relaxed and with the right measure of confidence will be able to complete the test knowing parts of the test may be difficult and parts may be easy and they will approach each problem in the correct frame of mind.


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