Helping My Child Prepare for the State Tests
Every year, public school students, including students with disabilities, in the state of California will take state tests. Parents often have questions about how to support their child with special needs when taking state tests to ensure their child performs to the best of their ability. With state testing season approaching, we would like to provide some suggestions for how you can do this.
# Take a Practice Test
A great way to prepare for state testing is by taking practice tests. Practice tests can be found on the CAASPP testing website. https://www.caaspp.org/practice-and-training/
By taking practice tests, your child will become more comfortable with the type of questions asked, how they are asked, and the type of answer needed. The more they practice, the less anxious they may feel when test day arrives.
#2 Understand and Assimilate the Test Environment
Meet with your child’s teacher in advance and discuss how the test will be administered. Will the test be given in person or virtually? Will there be a lot of other students in the room or just a few? Ask the teacher what your child can expect on test day and any materials they may need to have on hand. Discuss how long your child has to take the test as well as how test breaks and restroom rules work. Once you have had this discussion, review this information with your child so they know what to expect. Review any process or environmental information that you think might be challenging for your child and make arrangements with your child and the teacher to avoid any surprises on test day.
#3 Identify and Practice Accommodations
If your child already receives accommodations or modifications on state tests per their IEP, review these accommodations/modifications with the proctor to ensure they are implemented during testing. It is also helpful to make sure your child has practiced using these accommodations, so they know how to use them when test day arrives.
If your child does not currently receive any accommodations/modifications on state tests per their IEP, but you believe they may need certain supports, talk with your child’s Case Manager. The Case Manager will schedule an IEP meeting to discuss your concerns and determine if an accommodation or modification should be added to the IEP. It is recommended to make this request several weeks in advance of the test date to ensure ample time for the IEP meeting to be held.
#4 Practice Reading
All the test questions will involve reading the question and the answers as well as reading passages in the English Language Arts section of the test. The more your child reads, the more they will acquire vocabulary and reading comprehension skills necessary to be successful on the test. Therefore, it is a great idea to make sure your child practices reading as much as possible prior to the test. You may also want to review with them test related words such as identify, contrast, describe, etc. A full list of terms that may appear on the test can be found here: https://osse.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/osse/publication/attachments/Common%20Core%20Key%20Terms.pdf
#5 Get Enough Rest
Studies have shown that the human brain performs better after having a proper amount of sleep. Encourage your child to go to bed early the night before the test so they receive what they need to perform well. If your child has ADHD or Autism, you may want to seek out some techniques specific to these disabilities to help them practice falling asleep several nights before the test.
#6 Address Anxiety
Taking a test can make a child feel anxious and this can be especially true for children with special needs. Before the test day evaluate your child’s social/emotional needs and identify any areas that might cause anxiety or be challenging for your child. If you know your child will have difficulty relaxing or does not know how to manage their anxiety, consider reviewing some relaxation techniques with them before the test.
If you have any additional questions about how to help your child prepare for the state tests, please contact your child’s Case Manager.
