Preparing Your Child for SCPASS :: A Teacher’s Perspective

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passIt is that time of year again … time for the TEST! Students all across South Carolina are preparing to take the SCPASS, our state’s standardized assessment. They have worked hard all year, and now it is time for them to show what they know.

Are they worried? Are they nervous? Are they prepared?

All valid questions, especially for moms. I am a teacher and a mom. I love both jobs, and am able to see both sides of preparation for the TEST. It can be worrisome, especially if you have a student, like my teenager, who really is concerned about doing a good job. What can we do to help them have the best possible experience on the days of the TEST?

As adults, whether we are parents or teachers or both, we assume we know what helps prepare kids the most for the TEST, but I was curious what my students thought. So, I asked my 5th graders what they felt was the most important part of preparing for the day of the TEST since they have been through this a couple of times already. I imagined they had some good advice to give. They did not disappoint.

Get Enough Sleep

Being well rested helps students stay relaxed and focused. You don’t want your children to be grouchy the day of the test because they stayed up late.

Dress Comfortably

Wearing something comfortable helps keep students focused as well. One of my students explained that if you wear skinny jeans and they are uncomfortable then you’re just going to be thinking about the jeans instead of the test. Out of the mouths of babes, as they say. Also, bring a sweater in case you get cold.

Eat Breakfast

There was some disagreement about this one. A couple of my students said they don’t like to eat breakfast because they are too nervous. My students suggested bringing a snack for after the test. At our school, PTO provides an after-testing snack. Just check with your teacher.

On a side note, I have had students barf on their test. It does not get thrown away. The testing material still needs to be accounted for … wonder who gets the job of opening that gift over at the state department. With all that said, my advice is still to eat breakfast, but moms be aware that your student may be feeling a little queasy in response to their anxiety.

My Thoughts and Advice as a Teacher

I would be naive if I expected one day or one week of testing to reveal everything there is to know about a student. SCPASS is important. It does give us some information about how students are performing, but it does not paint the whole picture. As a teacher, I am really trying to avoid putting so much pressure on my students, while still encouraging them to do their best.

This leads me to the last piece of advice my students offered: Don’t Freak Out! (Their words, not mine). Good advice for all of us! One of my students explained that it looks hard at first, but once you get started (on the TEST) it’s a breeze. Be persistent and focused.

Good luck to all the students and teachers participating in SCPASS!

What tips have you found helpful when preparing your child for the TEST?

lori - guest bloggerLori Clarke is a wife and mother, as well as a National Board Certified teacher. She has taught elementary school for ten years and has loved every moment and every student. For the past four years, she has taught 5th grade ELA and Social Studies. She is an alumnus of the University of South Carolina, the Midlands Writing Project and South Carolina Reading Initiative. Raised in the mountains of North Carolina, she now calls Lexington, SC home with her husband, Donald and daughter, Caroline.

1 COMMENT

  1. Awesome article Lori!!! I totally agree with the great advice your kiddos gave! Our kids are going to do great!

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