Helping Your Child with Standardized Tests

“You can tell who is best at taking tests and going to school, but you can’t tell who the best people are.”
—Barnaby Keeney, American University President

Whether your child is young or older, he or she will have to take standardized tests. Over the past few years, standardized tests have only increased in number, and there’s growing pressure on improving test scores. All this can create a stressful situation for your child, particularly if your child doesn’t do well on standardized tests. Here’s how to help.

Tips for . . .

• all parents

o Find out when standardized tests will be given.

o Make test time a stress-free time.

o Monitor your attitude about standardized tests.

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• parents with children ages birth to 5

o Ask questions about any standardized tests your child may be taking.

o Waiting until age six to start kindergarten is not a sign of failure for your child.

o Learn as much as possible about assessment tools.

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• parents with children ages 6 to 9

o Don’t be surprised if your child is tested when they begin attending school.

o Teach your child to take all aspects of school seriously.

o Incorporate test-taking practices into your child’s homework routine.

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• parents with children ages 10 to 15

o Keep tabs on your child’s attitude toward standardized tests.

o Find out if your child’s school offers practice tests.

o Remind your child that standardized testing is one one part of his or her education.

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• parents with children ages 16 to 18

o See if your local school or community offers test preparation classes.

o Remind your teenager that he or she can take the ACT or SAT more than once.

o Point out that all standardized tests are important, regardless of their effect on grades.

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