How does your state measure success? Are your students required to take a standardized test at the end of the year? If you said YES, then you probably know why students are asked to take standardized tests.
What if your students took the test without being prepared? Mrs. Smith chooses to not do math test prep for her class because she thinks testing is a waste of time. Mrs. Taylor chooses to do math test prep with her students to measure their weaknesses and strengths to ensure greater success on the standardized test. Which class do you think will perform better on the assessment?
If you said Mrs. Taylor’s class, you are correct. By simply choosing to do one type of math test prep with her students she will increase her students’ test scores. The type of math test prep will help them achieve greater results.
Are you ready for the math test?
It’s not just your students that are being tested. Across the United States, students are assessed on math standards. You have taught your students the math skills, so why not improve your students’ scores with some math test prep for the assessment? Improving your students’ chances of higher scores might also improve your chances of receiving a great end of year review, earning a bonus stipend (if your district has this for testing), or a better teaching position next year. Your students’ success in the classroom is rewarding in itself. Leverage your students’ potential to help them earn higher scores on the math test now.
What if you had the resources for math test prep?
We all want success in the classroom, as it shows our students are growing and our teaching methods are working. What types of resources would you use to help your students do better on an assessment? Let’s look at five qualities that math test prep resources should have.
Students need math test prep to be:
- Scaffolded learning of previous concepts
- Comprehensive review of grade level topics
- Medium to higher level complexity of questions
- Word problems for practice and application
- Practice math tests for beginning, middle, and end of year
Math Test Prep Assessments for Instruction
A quick solution to math test prep success is taking a practice test. As a precursor, everyone needs practice before the big event. You can go through the steps of what it will be like to take the real assessment.
First, it’s easy to complete a test in one class period. All it takes is a forty to sixty minute time frame. With minimal time required you can simulate what it will be like on testing day. Next, explain and give directions to students like it would be on testing day.
Then, remind students the rules to only have a pencil on their desk. Also tell them if they are allowed to use a calculator or reference sheet. Other rules might include where to put their book bags and cellphones. Teaching these now will ensure smoother test taking later.
Finally, give the students the practice assessment. Follow testing procedures for the class period and remind students this is practice. Instruct students to show what they know on the test.
Be ready this year
Math test prep starts with planning. Be prepared for the testing season this year with a practice test. Review with your students how to take a math test and what they are expected to know. Helping them now will ensure they earn the highest score possible.
Start with an assessment that helps your students be prepared. Download the math test prep assessments for your grade level HERE.
Grab your free math test data tracker
To help calculate your students’ test scores and growth for the year use the math test data tracker. Help your students this year score higher and show off their results. Download the math test data tracker today!
