PARCC testing is right around the corner, and as parents, we are sure you are wondering how you can make the testing season a success for your children. Parents are a child’s first educators, and you play a huge role in your child’s education. Testing season is no different.
1. Educate Yourself
The PARCC assessment is a new test rolled out to assess the implementation of Common Core Standards. The test will be given to students in grades 3-11 and focus on Math and English Language Arts.
Your child’s teacher should send information home with your child regarding the class’s testing schedule and preparation plans. This information should include:
• The testing dates for your district.
• Ways you can help prepare your child for the test.
Before the PARCC assessment, the best way to help your child succeed is by talking to your child’s teacher about your child’s strengths and weaknesses. Once you know where your child needs help, you can determine how to reinforce those skills at home.
Parents and teachers working together is the best way to ensure a child’s success and ensure they are on the path to a great future!
PARCC Test Practice: Online Resources for Your Children
2. Educate Your Child
Once you know what areas your child may be struggling in, you can begin to prepare your child for the test. But, again, extra practice is one of the best ways to help your child overcome whatever difficulty they may be having.
You can provide this extra practice by offering practice exercises and questions that are similar to those that may be on the test. In addition, many workbooks are available for test preparation, and they will target the areas your child may be struggling.
When practicing with your child, be sure to focus on their weak areas, not their strengths. This will help keep them from getting bored with the extra test prep. Another tip for test prep is to keep the practice sessions short and set small manageable goals. Meeting these goals can help boost your child’s confidence before the PARCC assessment.
3. Prepare Your Child
The night before the PARCC assessment, be sure your child gets a good night’s sleep. Sleep is a critical factor in student success, and many teachers report that students who do not get a good night’s sleep perform lower on standardized tests.
Also, be sure your child eats a healthy breakfast that is fulfilling. Whole grains and fruits are great foods that will keep your child full and provide him with the energy he needs to take the PARCC assessment. By providing your child with a good night’s sleep and healthy breakfast, you will do your best to ensure your child is working at total capacity.
Staying calm on test day will help your child stay calm as well. If your child tends to experience anxiety at the thought of testing, show her some relaxation techniques that she can try to help calm her before the PARCC assessment.
4. Remember the Big Picture
While the PARCC assessments are essential, they are not the only way to gauge a child’s success. No standardized test or grading system is perfect. All assessments have limitations, and the PARCC is no different.
Remind yourself and your student that testing is just one part of their education. With parents’ support and involvement in their education, all children will be on their way to a bright future.
Webinar coming up on “What to Expect from the PARCC End-Of-Year Assessment”
Mar 22 & 26 2015
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