The larger a student's vocabulary is, the less likely it is that she will be confused by an unfamiliar word on the state assessment. So make sure to focus on word meanings and to teach students how to look up words in the dictionary. In the weeks leading up to the test, make sure to focus on teaching students how to use context clues to determine the meaning of a word.
Most state assessments involve students reading a passage and answering questions about it. Teach students to read the questions before reading the passage. Explain that, by proceeding this way, they will know what to focus on while reading the passage and be able to find answers more effectively.
Some states provide practice tests for students to use before state assessments. Some school districts provide practice tests as well. If your district or state offers practice tests, use them several times. If you can't find practice tests, make your own. Go through at least one state reading assessment together as a class, so that students can ask questions and discuss strategies. For the next practice test, allow students to work together in partners or small groups so that they can help each other and discuss reading strategies. Correct the assessment as a class. For the third practice, have students take the test independently. Correct them as a class. Emphasize discussion of strategies and why the correct answer is right and why the other answers were wrong.
Let parents and students know how important it is for students to be well-rested and well-fed before the exam. Plan for a healthy snack break during testing so that students can focus on the test and not on the smells coming from the cafeteria. Think of a reward that students can earn for trying their best on the state reading assessment, such as a class party or an extra recess. Emphasize that you are looking for hard workers, not students who do everything perfectly.