At least 5 entire weeks Bobby had no homework so that the children could focus on either the practice or real testing.Thank goodness they didn't do that here. He won't have homework this week, during the test, but that, and some practice exercises over the past week have been the only interruption to their regularly scheduled coursework.
The teachers are frustrated with the lack of time to teach required curriculum, and zero time for anything enriching.I bet. I want my child to learn what is grade-appropriate, and am even somewhat in favor of standardized testing that makes the school system answerable, to some degree. But the tests that make teachers teach to the test remove so much freedom from the creative teachers, who are giving the students so much. It's a difficult thing to balance.
Like anything else the students, including my boys, do better on these tests with practice. The test taking tips and tricks that apply to SAT tests are pretty much the same tips for the younger kids. Look for the tricky almost right answer. Read all the answers, etc.
Thanks, Laura. Our school did offer a before-school "enrichment" program to any student who wanted to go, for a minimal fee. We signed Ben up, so I think he's reasonably prepared, except for these open-ended questions. I don't want him to be a stress freak about it though.
Cindy, Ben is me. Try to impress upon him that he should read the directions at LEAST twice. As for his writing, I'll be willing to bet that his bare-bones style is more effective than adding flowery detail. *shrug* I hate standardized testing because I think it does a great disservice to individual style when it comes to writing. Tell him I said good luck.
I'll tell him, Cashmere. Thanks. I will also pass on the tip about reading the directions twice. That kind of specific tip is something he'll do, whereas I'd only thought to stress that he had to read them. Great tip.