Radio Commentary
High stakes testing is a fact of
life. Students of all ages will take standardized tests throughout their school
careers.
While some students are naturals at
test-taking, others need help to do their best.
A publication titled “Principal
Communicator” outlined four conditions that can help parents help their
children feel confident about tests.
They all start with “R”: Being
receptive relaxed, ready, and rested.
Being “receptive” is important.
Parents can help young people develop a receptive attitude toward school in
general, and testing in particular.
They can do this by making sure
students understand that testing is merely a part of the learning process and
that it is a measuring stick for how much they have learned.
The second “R” is for “Relaxed.”
Anxiety can block the best-prepared student from doing well on a test.
It’s
important to help children avoid getting hung up on how hard a test might be,
or the negative consequences of doing poorly.
Remind children about the
satisfaction that comes from trying their best when preparing for and taking
tests.
Make sure they know you think they
will do well, but that your approval of your child as a person does not depend
on a test score.
