It is Almost Time
Spring is right around the corner and the sun is starting to hang around a little longer each day. There are plenty of things to be excited about as the days get warmer, but testing season is not always one of those things. Just the word test can increase anxiety in our students and even in us. But there are things that we can do to help prepare our students for this season. We can teach them test taking strategies for the special education classroom.
The Days Leading Up to the Test
The testing environment is not always familiar to students. Most of the time we sit with them in small groups and we can prompt and help. But in the testing session we can do very little when our students feel like they do not know the answer. This is why it is so important to help our students practice what test day will be like. We can create the environment and review procedures with our students. This is a great time for them to ask questions and become more comfortable with the schedule.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Another great test taking strategy for the special education classroom is to give your students practice tests. Practice tests are another way to preview how the session will go for students. My Test Prep Resource is formatted in a similar way to the actual tests and includes both math and ELA practice. It is a simple print and go addition to your classroom. The more familiar students are with everything, the less anxiety they have about the unknown factors. Now they can focus on showing us what they know.
Help from Home
It is necessary to involve your students in every aspect of their child’s education, and testing time is no different. I always send something home to my parents leading up to testing time to make sure that they are aware of schedule changes, etc.
This helps with students being checked out for appointments. I also include tips for how the parents can help at home. This list includes things like making sure the child goes to bed at a decent time and eats a good breakfast, or prepares for a good breakfast at school, the day of the test. These things seem so simple, but they can make such a difference in attitude in our students and allow them to perform their best.
Encouragement
The number one test taking strategy for special education classrooms is encouragement. When our students know that we believe in them they are more likely to perform at a higher level. You have prepared them for this day and it is now time for them to shine, just like we know they can!
Don’t forget to grab those Test Prep Resources to make sure that your students are ready to go for State Testing later this spring. And if you want to learn more about test taking strategies for the special education classroom make sure to check out Episode 55 on the podcast where I discuss all things testing.
