by Alan Haskvitz

A dozen years ago I started on a mission to improve my students’ scores on state-mandated examinations to match those being reached by the wealthiest school districts. I changed some of the ways students were taught, made changes in homework strategies, and integrated as much as possible. In three years, scores went from the 24th percentile to the 94th and stayed there. Despite this record gain, not one school district asked how we accomplished it and not one administrator requested an in-service to help others. It is thus clear that improving test scores is expected; only schools in decline budget or seek funding for in-services and self-examination.

With this in mind, here are some quality sites that provide good ideas about test-taking strategies. But one caveat, none of these resources can make up for a poorly motivated student.

Since spring brings the onslaught of state and national testing, I have checked through several sites and found the best for classroom teachers. One simple way to improve test scores: make sure students have eaten before the test. Always remember to teach the process, not the product. Stressing how to take tests throughout the year is excellent strategy. Furthermore, teaching students how to write their own test questions gives them great insight into examinations.

Before you start, check this site for a complete array of information on types of tests, rubrics, self made tests, and assessment requirements:
You don’t need to change how you teach to improve assessment scores

Assessing Test-taking Skills
Interesting ideas on test taking that include training students with no correct answer

Best Test Taking Strategies
Simple strategies for different types of tests

Enhancing your Child’s Success in School: Homework Help

Helping your Child with Test-taking
Federal government downloads on testing -- as could be expected, this is directed to parents and is quite general. However, it is a good handout to give to parents at the start of the school year.

Improving your Objective Test-taking Skills
Very basic overview including justification for guessing

Motivating Students

No Pain, High Gain
A generalized site for beginning teachers

Show What they Know
Free video download on what to expect -- interesting and quite encompassing

Strategies for Motivating Young Readers

Stress management for the Learning Disabled
Quite complete and should be of interest to all educators

Test Anxiety
Great article on test anxiety – it’s important to know what to look for as a teacher.

Test-taking Strategies
Large link site with a good array of sites

Test-taking Strategies that Work
Downloadable strategies from Glencoe Publishing

Tips on Taking Multiple-choice Tests
This is the best general article; it has some great insights.

Why Students Cheat