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How to Help Your Child Pass the TAKS Test

The TAKS test is the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills test and every parent wants to their child to pass it. This test is part of the testing frenzy stemming from the No Child Left Behind Act. Starting in the 3rd grade, every student is tested each year in different subject areas. Passing is sometimes required for promotion. It can put a tremendous strain on students, teachers, and parents. This is because students who perform well in class can fail to pass the test if they simply do not do well on tests. Teachers who have taught everything in the curriculum and have taught it well can find that their efforts are not always reflected in student performance. An parents worry about their child doing well on one single test. Passing the test can require more than just knowing the information though and there are many things that parents can do to help set their child up for success on the TAKS test.

Instructions

- 1
  To help your child pass the TAKS test, monitor their progress in school and get help early if they are struggling.
  
  Your child's school will have many measures in place to provide extra help to students who are not doing well on the practice tests. Talk to your child's teacher and make sure your child is getting every advantage possible.
- 2
  Talk to your child about strategies they use when taking test.
  
  Passing tests requires much more than knowing the essential information on them. It require test taking skills. Your child needs to know that they have all day to take the test and not to fell pressured if they see other students turn their tests in. They need to know how to pace themselves on the test. The teacher is not allowed to prompt them in any way but they can initiate short breaks on their own. If they just need a break, then can just stop and sit for a minute or so before going on. If they are restless, they can ask for a restroom pass. These are strategies to maximize their concentration and efforts while they are taking the test. They also need to know how to mark a scantron. Make sure they check the number so they mark the answer in the correct place. make sure they know to erase completely if they change an answer on the scantron. Make sure they understand how to skip one problem and go back to it rather than getting stuck on it and not being able to give enough time on other questions. Make sure that, if they do not know an answer, they do not just guess without trying to eliminated answer choices. Using good test taking strategies will help them to pass the TAKS test.
- 3
  Help them to reduce their stress level prior to the test.
  
  Students can have an enormous amount of stress over the TAKS test. I have seen students throw up the morning of the test. Not only is this amount of stress harmful to them physically, it can actually make them do worse on the test because it interferes with their concentration. Reinforce them for their efforts. Let them know that the test will be challenging but that doing their best is what counts. Try to minimize their stress over the test.
- 4
  Set them up for success the day of the test.
  
  Make sure that the morning of the test, your child is well rested and has a good breakfast. Make sure that they have plenty of time and are not rushed. Even wearing their favorite comfortable clothing can help. Make sure that they are set up to have the best day possible. This will all set the stage for them to concentrate on the test.

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