How Standardized Tests Help Teachers Do Their Jobs Better

There is a debate raging about the usefulness of standardized test scores in evaluating teachers. It will rage a while longer, as those on each side are convinced and immovable. This article, on the other hand, sidesteps the debate and examines ways that teachers can use test results for the good of their practice and their students.

From the SAT Expert: Five Grammar Rules You Positively Must Know

In 2005 the College Board added the Writing section to the SAT. The results of a study released three years later indicated that the Writing section was a better predictor of college success than either of the other two sections, which were, themselves, already accepted as excellent predictors. It stands to reason that it is in your best interest to KILL this section. This article reviews the grammar rules that are most important for this test.

From the ACT Expert: Exactly What Math is Needed for the ACT

Standardized tests are an inescapable part of the college application process.  The ACT is a test taken by many applicants.  This article is a 'laundry list' of the Math you should prepare specifically for the ACT. 

Arguments Against the Use of Standardized Testing

There’s no point in hoping that standardized testing will go away.  However, being aware of the potential problems can help students, parents and teachers mitigate the worst effects.  This article discusses the ways testing can hurt more than help.

Why so MUCH Standardized Testing?

These days students take so many standardized tests.  Beginning of the year.  End of the year. Qualifying. Placement. Quarterly Progress.  Someone must think them important enough to justify the considerable cost of creating and scoring them and the time it takes to administer them. This article looks at some of the advantages these tests provide.

College Writing: An Outline of Outlines

You simply can't write without an outline.  No, seriously.  For one thing, how else do you know when you're done?   Whether we structure it the way our English Teacher taught us, or just hold it in our heads, we outline. This article takes a bird's eye view of a great outline.

4 Things to Look at OTHER than Your Child's Standardized Test Scores

Standardized testing has been a mainstay of education since the 1960’s, and it seems to be here to stay.  But SHOULD it?  CAN a standardized test really tell you how well your child is learning?  Could you do without these tests completely?  This article describes some alternatives to business as usual.

Writing a Better Pursuasive Essay for the SAT or ACT: Having Examples Ready

Standardized test essays are short in both time and length.  Nonetheless, to earn a good score your essay must be well-structured and well thought out, and this, in turn, requires that you be prepared to discuss a subject effectively without any advance notice.  The key to this preparation is having good examples in hand to support your argument.  This article will show you how to be ready for ANY essay prompt you may face.

Literary Analysis - Step 4 Example – The Lady or the Tiger?

To analyze literature it is essential to study not just the storyline but also the characters that populate and create the story.  Here is a look at the characters in Frank R. Stockton’s classic short story, The Lady or the Tiger?

From The Tutor: Important Advice On Getting The Most From Your Tutoring Session

I am an expert tutor in math and science. You’re paying a lot for my time. How can you get the most out of it? One part of the answer is simple enough:  make sure that you get prepared for the session before I show up. This article will give you a Get Ready Checklist to help you get value from every minute of our session.

Will Your Son or Daughter Be Ready for Algebra?

When to Schedule and Prep Standardized Tests

College Writing Course #1 - The Power is in the Verb

 

SMART Guessing - Standardized Test Taking Tips

Test Time - How to get Through It

So Now You Have to TAKE that EXAM…

…You’ve done all you are going to do about studying.  Worked all semester.  Crammed all last weekend.

NOW let’s talk about actually TAKING the exam!

Time Management

For a lot of students just getting DONE on time is a struggle.

Keep these things in mind:

·         Bring a watch.  The wall clock may not be working, and you need to keep track!

·         Look over the test BEFORE YOU START and settle on a schedule for yourself.  If there are essay questions and multiple choice questions give yourself more time for the essays.  Leave 5 or 10 minutes at the end for ‘go-backs’ and looking over your answers Before writing the essays, take the time to write a quick but organized outline of each essay. Use the  margin of the test itself, or the cover of the blue book.  Seriously now – WRITE IT DOWN!

·         If you have a multiple choice test, don't spend too much time on any one questions. If there's anything you don't know, skip it and go back to it later. Your "backburner" memory may kick in and cause you to remember.

Relieving Test Taking Anxiety

Nervousness can actually help.  It can keep you focused and alert  --  up to a point.  But you need to keep it from getting out of hand.

·         Stretching. Stop every few minutes and stretch your neck, hand, legs – wherever you feel tension.  It is worth the 30 seconds to FEEL better!

·         Don't watch the other students.  Writing continuously doesn’t mean a good score.  DEFINITELY finishing early means nothing about the grade.  Just do your test at your pace.

·         Focus on the questions before you, not that running script of worry in your head.  No, this test is NOT the end of the world, probably not even the end of your grade in the class.  CERTAININLY it only measures what you know about the subject today, NOT if you are a good and valuable PERSON or anything else important.  Worry some other time,  ANSWER now.

·         Deep Breathing.  Every  time you turn a page – take three DEEP calming breaths.  Amazing how much this helps!

Sad but true – that was it!  Turn in the best paper you can – and move on to the NEXT thing.

Good Luck!

by: Jo Karabasz
Overlook Tutorial Academy

Download this article as a file HERE