Help your eighth grader excel at the TAKS.
Ever since Texas schools began administering the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) in the spring of 2003, teachers, parents and students have become increasingly aware of the importance of performing well on the test. While the pressure of earning an acceptable score may be overwhelming for some, many have had success by utilizing a few simple test preparation techniques.
Instructions
1. Assess how well you think your child will do on the TAKS test. Most Texas middle schools give one practice TAKS during the fall and two during the spring. Your child's practice test scores should help indicate how much work he needs to do in order to perform well on the test.
2. Identify any problem areas your child may have. If there are specific topics that your child has trouble with, spend time focusing on those.
3. Work alongside your child's teacher to help practice throughout the year. Your child's teacher will likely begin reviewing for the TAKS shortly after school begins. Meet with the teacher to express your concerns about your child's performance on the test. She will likely be able to educate you about help prepare for the test and provide you with valuable test prep materials.
4. Visit tea.state.tx.us to download a TAKS information booklet. You may also call 512-463-9734 to request copies of the test from previous years. Look over the questions, and get an idea of the format and nature of the questions. Use this information to help your child review for the test.
5. Speak with your child's teacher or principal to find out about any special help available for students taking the TAKS. Many Texas schools have begun offering TAKS prep classes, after-school specialized tutoring and Saturday study sessions.
6. Follow through with any test preparation your child's teacher sends home. Work one on one with your child to make sure he thoroughly understands the assignment.
7. Help your child practice working within a time frame. A few months before the TAKS exam, begin giving your child timed practice assignments. This will help make your child more comfortable with the idea of working under pressure.
8. Review test terminology with your child. Doing this will help her avoid needless mistakes that result from simply not understanding the questions.
9. Make sure your child gets a good night's sleep the night before the test. Prepare a healthy breakfast that morning. Also, double check that she has plenty of No. 2 pencils and scrap paper.
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