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How to Improve Standardized Test Scores

Jennifer Wagaman — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 16:46:03 +0000

When preparing students for the standardized state tests that contribute to the No Child Left Behind Act and AYP, there are a few things that it is important for teachers to keep in mind. First, it is important to note that everyone as an opinion as to how to improve test scores. The bottom line is, what brings about results? So much of what schools/teachers/administrators choose to do or have others do, is based on opinions and ideas and not research.

Here are some tips for improving test scores based on research from the National Center for Educational Statistics. Check out these tips for improving test scores, then follow the links to read more and find out what surprising things actually make no difference in the test scores.

First, my opinion – be sure that in the ever present push to get through each standard on the state mandated curriculum, that children are learning why they need to know the information. Understanding the facts may help them pass a test, but understanding how that information is applicable to their lives is priceless and will ultimately result in better educated adults. It may also be worthy of note to reduce test stress.

Here are research-based specific things that teachers can do to ensure higher test scores.

To Improve Elementary Reading Test Scores:

Make reading a fun and enjoyable activity. Research shows that students who perform well on standardized reading tests enjoy reading and find it fun.
Focus on building student vocabulary.
Provide time for silent reading

Read more tips on improving reading test scores.

To Improve Elementary Level Math Test Scores:

Spend 3-5 hours on math. While this may seem simple, it provides teachers the amount of time necessary to teach each skill.
Avoid excess homework. Research shows that an excess of 15 minutes of math homework each day might actually hinder the goal of improving test scores.
Ability grouping is helpful as well, providing teachers the ability to focus on a single level of student ability at a time and really bring up the skill set of each group.

Read more tips on improving math test scores.

Teach Middle or High School level? Here are some tips for you on improving reading test scores:

Raising Middle School Reading Test Scores

Raising High School Reading Test Scores

How to Increase Student Motivation

Jennifer Wagaman — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:43:16 +0000

A nearly universal struggle among teachers is the issue of student motivation. Regardless of grade, many students have begun to have an attitude that school is a waste of their time. What has caused this motivational issue? I have to wonder if part of the reason is not the focus on testing and achievement.

We are so focused on increasing student test scores that we have lost the ability to teach lessons in a motivating way. Instead of teaching students why it is important to be able to solve certain math problems, we focus on correct answers and high test scores. While correct answers are important, motivated students will learn more than unmotivated students, resulting in improved student grades and higher test scores.

Whenever teaching a lesson, teachers should ask themselves, “if I were the student learning this, why should I care?” If there is no obvious answer to this question embedded into the lesson plan, then the lesson will not motivate students. Every lesson you teach should include an answer to the question “so what?”

Here are some examples for how to write motivational math lessons.

Preparing for State Testing

Jennifer Wagaman — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:51:17 +0000

Stress begins to rise in schools all across the country as the state testing draws near. Students feel this stress, as do teachers, their families and friends. The relief once the test is over is huge, yet with the lingering wonder as to whether or not the students did well enough to help the school pass AYP.

It is important that even with the overwhelming importance of No Child Left Behind and making Annual Yearly Progress, that teachers keep in mind the importance of the task at hand. It is a given that teachers are going to teach to the test as much as possible, but that should not be at the expense of the education of each child in the classroom.

It’s important to keep students calm and stress free. Allowing excess stress will only create potential health issues and prevent further learning from happening. While some stress is good to ensure students try their best, excess stress is detrimental to the end goal of higher test scores and educated children.

Read more tips on how to improve standardized test scores.