California: Standardized Testing and Reporting Program (continued)

You Can Help Students Do Better on State Tests

• Visit the school to find out how your students’ classroom instruction addresses California’s content standards.

• Attend parent/guardian-teacher conferences to find out how well your students are achieving and what they need to do to improve.

• Discuss with your students the importance of going to school every day and doing their best on assignments and tests.

• Make sure your students have a quiet place to study and that they complete all homework assignments.

• Attend parent/guardian information meetings. Ask about the major tests given to students and other ways academic achievement is measured.

• Know when the major tests, such as tests in the STAR Program, are given and find out what you can do to help make sure your students are prepared.

• Discuss upcoming tests with your students and try to reduce their pretest anxieties. Reassure your students that the test results will provide useful information about what they know and what they still need to learn.

• Make sure your students attend school on testing days, get a good night’s rest, and have breakfast before a big test.

Get Involved

Students do better in school when parents and guardians get involved. In addition to the suggestions already described in this brochure, you can become involved by attending school events, joining parent/guardian groups, and visiting your school’s Web site.

You also are encouraged to contact the school for additional information about your students’ academic progress and the tests students are taking at school.

To Find Out More

Additional information on the STAR Program is available on the California Department of Education Web site at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sr/.