As we enter 2015, teachers and schools will be thinking of spring. That's the time of year when students in states participating in the Common Core State Standards will hold aligned standardized assessments. These exams test students' knowledge of Common Core topics, and the scores carry a lot of weight – they influence school funding and teacher evaluation. For these reasons, ensuring students are prepared is likely to be a major focus during the spring semester. What's more, the tests will cover topics students have learned throughout the entire year, so there's a lot of content. Here's a look at how students can get ready over the next few months:
Use the interface
Some Common Core tests are completed on the computer. While the program is designed with an easy-to-use interface, students could feel flustered trying to figure out how everything works in addition to taking the exam. Teachers can help their classes reduce stress by introducing them to the computer format before the exam. That may mean administering practice tests or giving quizzes that use a similar digital design. Educators should let students play around on the interface to really get the hang of it. Come test time, they'll be familiar with the setup and need only worry about answering questions to the best of their abilities.
Make use of test prep tools
While educators will go over testing topics in class, students can always use a little extra study time at home. Parents can gather test preparation materials for their kids that cover Common Core content and mimic the testing environment (i.e., a computer interface). The tools students use at home should be up to date, aligned with the Common Core and geared toward their grade level. What's more, parents should obtain the correct material for the exam their child will take.
Revisit the Standards
Common Core-aligned assessments utilize the benchmarks seen in the Standards. Ideally, students should be prepared after learning the topics in class, but because they have so much material to cover, going back and studying the Standards is important. Teachers can take another look at the math or English Standards for the grade they teach and ensure they went over all benchmarks before testing time comes around. Fortunately, the Common Core Standards are all available to view online.
Standardized testing may be stressful, but by performing extra preparation work, students can come to the test with confidence.
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