How to help your Elementary Students prepare for State tests

As we approach the time of the year when state tests consume the talk of the school, it's important for us, as educators, to ensure our students are not just prepared academically but also empowered with the confidence to showcase their knowledge effectively. While the idea of standardized testing may stir various opinions among us, it's undeniable that these assessments play a role in gauging students' understanding as well as creating future opportunities. 

Today, I want to share with you three fundamental strategies that I believe are critical in preparing our third to fifth graders for state tests. These strategies not only focus on the academics but also emphasize how other factors play a role in standardized testing success.

Foster a Positive Learning Environment:

Before the Test: A week before the test, reinforce positive behavior and encourage students to support one another. Remind them of their achievements and the progress they've made throughout the year. Help reduce test anxiety by sharing with students what they can expect and how to reduce negative self-talk. Share different testing strategies and create positive displays in the classroom. Sometimes what seems like a lack of motivation can come from the test anxiety and the idea of failing. It seems easier to students to put on the mindset of "I'm going to fail anyway, way even try?" 

How do you motivate students to do well on tests?

My administration always asks us to take down any academic related item on the walls, so instead of bare walls I love having my students create motivational posters and ideas for test-taking strategies. If you need some inspiration check out the bulletin board that I usually put and the slides I use to help text anxiety here. All of this aside, the primary goal is to create a classroom atmosphere filled with encouragement and optimism.

• Research conducted by the University of Minnesota indicates that a positive classroom climate can increase academic achievement by as much as 16%¹.
• Additionally, a study by the University of London found that students in supportive classrooms are 30% more likely to engage in learning activities and demonstrate higher levels of motivation².

Focus on Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills:

Before the Test: Dedicate time to critical thinking exercises and problem-solving activities. Encourage students to analyze problems from different angles and explore multiple solutions. Provide opportunities for collaborative learning and discussions to stimulate their thinking. Use practice problems from tests across the year or published test items from previous testing years.

 

• Studies published in the Journal of Educational Psychology have shown that students who engage in higher-order thinking activities, such as problem-solving and analysis, perform significantly better on standardized tests⁴.

Provide Targeted Test Preparation:

Before the Test: Offer targeted review sessions focusing on areas where students may need extra support. Use practice tests to familiarize students with the test format and timing. Provide feedback on their performance and guide them in developing effective test-taking strategies.

• The National Education Association (NEA) reports that targeted test preparation strategies can increase test scores by an average of 5 to 10 percentile points⁵.
• Moreover, a study published in Educational Psychology Review found that students who receive targeted test preparation interventions show a 20% improvement in test scores compared to those who do not⁶.

In conclusion, preparing elementary students for state tests goes beyond rote memorization and basic test-taking strategies. It's about creating a supportive learning environment, fostering critical thinking skills, and providing targeted instruction to empower students for success. As educators, let's continue to inspire and guide our students on their educational journey, equipping them with the tools they need to excel not only on state tests but in life.

Wishing you all a successful testing season filled with growth, learning, and achievement!

Sources:

1. M. Wang, E.M. Haertel, and H.J. Walberg, "Educational Climate: Improving Student Achievement," Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, 18, no. 1 (1996): 41–65.
2. H. Anderman and T. Maehr, "Motivation and Schooling in the Middle Grades," Review of Educational Research, 70, no. 2 (2000): 287–309.
3. Partnership for 21st Century Learning, "P21 Framework Definitions" (2015).
4. A.L. Costa, "Developing Minds: A Resource Book for Teaching Thinking," Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 2001.
5. National Education Association, "Testing: What's the Right Balance?" (2015).
6. A.E. Rupp, J.A. Ferne, and J.R. Choi, "The Role of Diagnostic Assessments in Formative Assessment to Improve Student Achievement," Educational Measurement: Issues and Practice, 25, no. 4 (2006): 6–12.