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
parents can use to 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.
Two
effective ways to overcome the worst anxiety are the third and fourth “R’s” —
getting Ready by studying well in advance, and being Rested rather than staying
up late to cram.
It’s important to help children avoid getting
hung up on how hard a test might be, or the consequences of doing poorly.
Remind children about the satisfaction that comes from trying their best.
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.
