ABC’s of Standardized Testing
While there are many mixed opinions about standardized testing, we know it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. With that, let’s try to make the most of it by helping our students be as prepared as possible. What you WILL FIND in this post, are some ideas to help make the standardized testing experience more accessible and possibly “fun” for students. What you WILL NOT FIND in this post are ways to “teach to the test.” It is our unwavering belief that the best way to prepare children for these assessments is through high-impact instructional practices and strong relationships with students. However, there are some extra considerations we can think about when getting our students fully prepared to be able to show what they’ve learned on these tests.
So let’s check out some ABC’s of Standardized Testing:
Accessibility | Consider these ideas when ensuring every student has access to the assessment and support tools.
Technology Access & Bandwidth | Whichever online standardized assessment your students are taking (based on your state), make sure you’ve gone through their checklist to see that technology is in order. Here’s an example of a widely used standardized online assessment, Smarter Balanced Technology Readiness Checklist
Access for Students | Did you know there are universal tools and supports that are available to all students, even those without an IEP or Section 504 Plan? Check them out and note them in your system before testing day. (Specifically the “Non-Embedded Supports”) Be sure to take a look at the website for your state’s standardized assessment.
Build Confidence | There are lots of resources and ways to get students familiar with the assessment so that navigating the assessment itself does not create roadblocks to success. Some ways to build confidence are:
Use the Practice Tests | Most online standardized assessments have practice tests available. Feel free to use those as a teaching tool for your students to gain practice maneuvering within the assessment.
Use the Interim or Alike Assessment Tools | This can be fun! Many of these tests are standards specific so you can use them as an actual formative assessment if you choose BUT students LOVE competitions and working in groups. Some other ways to use these assessments are:
Students work in groups or pairs to actually complete the online assessment.
Use item types to compare questions from the online assessment to questions found in their curricular materials.
Have students create their own items (questions) for a sample passage provided online and share with one another.
Set goals for the assessment | For students taking the test for the first time (typically 2nd or 3rd graders), tell them what the assessment is all about and what will be the criteria for success. It takes the mystery away! For those taking it for the second time, have them set goals! Their previous scores do not need to be a secret and can be used to set goals for the next assessment.
Community | Though not every grade in the school takes the assessment, it’s still a schoolwide event so let’s get them involved! Here are a few ways to make testing FUN! That’s right, I said FUN!
When testing time comes, don’t just cover instructional materials with blank paper or remove them from the walls, instead try having your littles (TK-2nd graders) make motivational signs for the other grade levels. “You can do it!” “We believe in you!” Signs like this can bring a smile to the bigger kiddos who are taking the assessment. Google “Student Made Motivational Signs for State Testing,” and you’ll find lots of examples.
Pick a theme-song to accompany the experience! Some I’ve used in the past:
#WhateverItTakes - Imagine Dragons, “Whatever It Takes”
We Will Rise - Katy Perry , “Rise”
High Hopes - Panic at the Disco, “High Hopes”
You can even have students make a video, design t-shirts or decorate the school with posters highlighting the theme. Play the song over the loudspeaker or out in the schoolyard on the mornings of testing.
Encourage family members, or loved ones, to write a quick note of inspiration or motivation to their child/student. If a child does not have a note from a family member, another adult on campus can write the note.
Teacher/Administrative Incentives - Consider having staff create silly incentives for students' achievement on the test. For example, a teacher’s incentive might be… “If 85% of my students meet/exceed the standard, I will dress in a silly costume for the day” OR, a principal might say “If 80% of our students meet/exceed standard, I will dump a bucket of cold water on my head in front of the entire school.” The opportunities are endless and you’ll find teachers can get pretty creative! I’ve even had a teacher offer to get a tattoo if the class met their goal…and they did!!!
Celebrate Results! Consider having a party once results come in (may be at the beginning of the following school year) to celebrate everyone’s success on the assessment. We used to call it the O.S.C.A.R.S (Our School Cares About Results) and would have awards celebrating a multitude of areas. Here are some sample categories:
Showed growth (improved, even if only by a point)
Met their goal
Class/grade with highest percentage standards met
Class/grade with highest growth from year before
If funds are available, we’ve even sent students on field trips at the end of the year to celebrate the completion.
If you have found these ideas useful or would like more information or resources on testing practices, please reach out to us at info@ltl360.com. STAY TUNED! Next post will focus on ways to keep students engaged DURING the assessment period.
