TCAP

If you would like to help your child practice for TCAP...there are many great sites out there:

http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/resources/release/index.html#2002 Printable and online versions of tests grades 3-11

http://www.internet4classrooms.com/assistance.htm offers online tcap practice for grades k-8

http://www.state.tn.us/education/tsachhome.htm You can get a Tennessee sample test by clicking on item samplers.

Tennessee also offers suggestions for better testing performance:

On the Day of Testing

	See that your child attends school.
	Get your child's day off to a good start.
	Get your child to school on time relaxed.
	Encourage your child to do the best work possible.
	See that your child eats breakfast.
	Do not cause your child unnecessary stress regarding the test.
	Do not send your child to school if illness is apparent.

General Test Taking Skills

A. Time-Using Strategies

Work as rapidly as possible with reasonable accuracy.
Don't spend too much time on any one question.
On scrap paper, keep a record of the unanswered items which you may go back to if time permits.
Use time remaining after completion of the test to go back and check your answers.

B. Error-Avoidance Strategies

Pay careful attention to directions.
Decide exactly what the question is asking; one response is clearly best.
Ask the examiner for clarification of directions before the test begins.
If you are using a separate answer sheet, make sure to record the answer in the correct position on the sheet.
Be sure to completely erase incorrect answers.

C. Miscellaneous Tips

Don't make wild guesses. Many times you can get the correct answer by reasoning and eliminating wrong answers.
Only change an answer if you are sure the first one you picked was wrong.
Tackle items one at a time rather than thinking about the whole test.
Do not expect to find a pattern in the positions of the correct choices.

Dealing with Test Anxiety

Many students will experience anxiety before a testing situation. This may result from students feeling excessive pressure to do well, being afraid of failure. etc. A certain degree of anxiety is normal and may help students prepare more effectively, work more efficiently and remain focused during testing. Too much anxiety, however, can negatively affect performance. The following strategies may assist students, parents, and teachers in reducing test anxiety.

Student Strategies:

	Share your feelings with parents and teachers.
	Relax and breath deeply.
	The test is an opportunity to show what you know.
	The test is only a small part of your academic life.

Parent Strategies:

	Discuss the test openly and in a positive way.
	Have realistic expectations of your student's performance while encouraging him/her to do their best.
	Emphasize that the test is only one measure of overall ability.
	Emphasize that test scores do not determine a person's worth.

Teacher Strategies:

	Discuss thoroughly the purpose of the test and how it can help students progress academically.
	Have realistic expectations of students' performance while encouraging students to do their best.
	Allow students to express their anxiety verbally or in writing.
	Be careful not to over emphasize the importance of the test.