Daily parental involvement plays a major role in helping children develop a love and comprehension of reading. Prior to the reading exam, parents should make sure their child sees them reading a variety of materials such as books, mail, directions, grocery labels and bills. A special time and place should be set aside for reading aloud to the child, as well as listening to the child read for 15 to 20 minutes per day.
When preparing for the TAKS test, students should be careful readers and practice the reading process. The fifth grader should think about what she is going to read and ask herself why she is reading the selection, what does it seem to be about, whether there is a need to define the characters and learn new facts, or whether is it about how to do something. During the reading process the student should be sure that she understands what she is reading and how she can connect to the reading. After she is finished reading, the student should ask herself what she remembers and what she thinks about the text.
Fifth grade students should be made familiar with the four objectives of the TAKS test, beginning with the ability to demonstrate basic understanding of a culturally diverse written text. They should also understand the literary elements of culturally diverse written text, as well as the ability to use a variety of strategies to analyze culturally diverse written text. They should also be able to apply critical-thinking skills to analyze culturally diverse written text.
Knowing what type of selections and questions are on the test will help students and parents be better prepared to take practice exams. The TAKS consists of several multiple choice questions about each selection the student is required to read. A variety of selections will be used such as magazine and newspaper articles, and short stories.
A study guide is available to help students strengthen the TEKS skills that will be tested on the TAKS. The Texas Education Agency has developed a study guide for students to work through with their families and on their own. Ideas for test taking are presented in a variety of ways to help fifth graders review the necessary test information and skills. The guide includes practice questions, detailed answer keys, explanations and a variety of student activities.