Standardized tests are like a painful rite of passage for
each and every child at some point in their educations. Each state has various
standards that children must meet to move on and progress in school and the
school systems themselves are rated based on these scores.
In Virginia, the annual testing is called SOL or Standards
of Learning. In my opinion, the acronym could have been chosen better, but by
the time I was in high school it seemed to fit perfectly, SOL indeed.
Now, as an adult, it is time to prepare my own children for
standardized testing and having a child with special needs can make things not
only challenging but also nerve wrecking. By mid-year, the schools are starting
to send home information about SOLs and the kids start practice testing and
reviewing all they have learned since they began school in kindergarten.
Each fall we have our Individual Education Plan (IEP) meeting
to review kiddo’s situation in school and what accommodations need to be made
or reviewed for the new school year. During these meetings we always discuss
kiddo’s accommodations for standardized testing and now it is time for all those
words to turn into action. It is kiddo’s first time sitting through lengthy
standardized tests and I can’t help but be nervous. So, as I always do, I start
my research into what I can do to help my kiddos not only survive SOLs and
other standardized test but also thrive.
First and foremost I remind my kiddos that while testing is
important, perfection is not. It is important that kids remember that no matter
how well or poorly they do, it is just a test. Just like with report cards and
other grades, we only expect them to try their hardest and will be happy if
they do.
There are a number of things as a parent you can do to
prepare not only your child but also your child’s teachers for upcoming
standardized tests. Meeting with teachers and advisors to go over items for
testing are important. Some may think its overkill, but I schedule a meeting
either by phone or in person to do an IEP fresher before testing. Additionally
I check in with the teachers to see how things are progressing and if they need
anything else to help kiddo during testing after they have begun. Based on what we have done to prepare the
kiddos and my discussions with teachers I have compiled some tips. I am sure
they will change or expand in the future, but here is a start.
1. Know your child’s stress signs
Kiddo usually doesn’t stim, but when he is done with a subject or is bored, he yawns. Yawning is his sign that he needs a break or things are going to get worse.
2. Post a visible calendar for testing days
Kiddo and most Aspies thrive on schedules and structure. In
our home we have monthly schedules posted so the kids know what to expect each
day, testing days are highlighted. Preparing kiddo mentally for what to expect
two days from now, one day from now and the morning of helps him get ready.
3. Ask your child’s teach how you can help prepare
SOL prep starts almost immediately after winter break and
goes into high alert after Spring Break in our region. The teachers start
sending home study binders for the kids to start reviewing what they have
learned so far that year. If your child’s teacher doesn’t do that, consider
saving some of your child’s important class work or graded tests so that they
can review material.
4. Sleep!
We all know that we perform best when we are rested, but a
good night’s sleep can also reduce anxiety and stress in your child for test
days.
5. Prepare nutritious meals
It sort of goes without saying that food feeds the brain and
helps kids function better. On testing days try to limit the number of sweets
in meals and increase fiber and protein. I prepare lunches for the kiddos so
that I know what they are eating especially on testing days.
6. Ask your child how you can help them
While not each child cognitively knows what would best help
them, I think it’s a great time to be able to discuss things with your child.
It helps them to understand that they are a part of things and not just being
told what to do.
7. Talk about things post-testing
I find that discussing things with kiddo after the testing
days is a great opportunity to see what helped him and what didn’t and how to
change things in the future. It’s also a great time to lighten it up and
eliminate any worry they may have about your expectations regarding scores.
Talk to your child’s teacher about:
1. Offering regular breaks
When kiddo is stressed, he absolutely needs a break. If he
is pushed to continue then all the behavioral issues really start to surface i.e.
sensitivity to lights, sounds, smells etc. Each child has different responses,
but not matter what the response, it is best to head it off by giving breaks.
2. Adequate lunch breaks
Testing days can be stressful not only for the students but
for the teachers as well. Getting the subject matter covered for the day can be
challenging when each child goes at a different pace. However, lunch break is
very important and should not be cut short to make more time for testing. It’s
a time for the kids to take not only a mental break, but recharge their bodies
with good nutrition to get through the rest of the day.
3. Signs of stress
While as a parent you may know all your child’s signals that
he/she is going into overload, their teacher may not. It’s important to discuss
these items with teachers to help them best help your child.
4. Items to help concentration
Kiddo is a fidgiter and keeps his hands occupied with small pieces
of paper, erases or any other small item. He levels himself out with fine motor
manipulation and it actually helps him concentrate. This isn’t the case for
every child, but talk to your child’s teacher about tools that may help them
stay focused during testing like fidget tools. You can find some great ones
here.
Each state is different on how standardized tests are
administered, information from the Department of Education for Virginia’s
testing expectations can be found here. One site that we find extremely helpful not only for standardized testing but
also for online courses and help with special education resources is T/TACOnline: A Community linking people and resources and help children and youth
with disabilities. At T/TAC Online there is a tab for enhanced SOL, a very helpful and informative
page to prep your child for standardized testing.
With some good preparation, we can try to eliminate some of
the negative stigma and anxiety that our kiddos have about standardized testing.
Hopefully minimizing some of those fears can help make growing up just a little
easier.
No comments:
Post a Comment