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Iowa Assessments: What can you do to support your child?
As a parent, you can be a great help to your child as he/she takes these tests by observing the following recommendations:
Pray with and for your children during these tests.
Pray that your child will be able to focus and have a clear mind. Pray that your child will not experience anxiety as he/she takes these tests. Pray that your child will do their very best, as working for the Lord.
Make sure your child is well-rested.
Limit activities the night before tests. Going to bed at an appropriate time each evening will help your child to better concentrate. Children who are tired are less able to pay attention or to handle the demands of a test.
Make sure your child has a healthy breakfast each morning.
A healthy breakfast leads to a healthy, active mind. Students who are hungry can be easily distracted. Good nutrition also helps a student to feel better. Give them an energy-boosting breakfast. Try to include both protein (eggs, yogurt, milk) and carbohydrates (fruit, oatmeal, toast)
Make sure your child has enough No. 2 pencils.
The machines that score the tests can only read the mark that a No. 2 pencil makes. If the pencil does not say “No. 2” on it, it is best not to use it.
Explain the testing to your child.
It is helpful for children to understand why schools give tests. Tests are yardsticks that teachers use to measure what and how they teach, and how well students are learning what is taught. Standardized tests measure student performance across the country. Every student takes the same test according to the same rules.
Make sure your child attends school as much as possible during testing week.
The students are provided with the most optimum testing environment during testing week. Taking make-up tests at a later date changes the circumstances in which the child takes the tests.
Practice the test format.
For example, your child might have to read a paragraph and answer questions. Using one of his/her textbooks, have him/her look at the questions at the end of a section first and then read the passage. That will help him/her know what to read for and how to find the answers.
Help your child to avoid test anxiety.
It is good for your child to be concerned about taking a test. It is not good for your child to develop “test anxiety.” Test anxiety is worrying too much about doing well on a test. It can be detrimental to your child. Instead of being challenged by the test-taking, a child may become afraid of failure.
Send a healthy snack with your child each day.
Your child will be permitted to eat that snack during a planned break.
Testing is hard work, but is a challenge our students are capable of conquering. We look forward to receiving the results from these tests, and will pass them on to you as soon as we receive them.