S.A.T. Test

For the past few months, we have been preparing for the S.A.T. test.  We have been meeting to practice and talk about test-taking strategies.  Now it is time to apply that practice to the actual test. The fourth graders will be taking the test next week, April 21-25. The test will take place every morning in Mrs. Lorenzana’s classroom. If you know of any possible conflicts for your child, please let me know immediately!  While the fourth graders are taking the test, the third graders will work with Ms. Byrne.  Please read on for some more S.A.T. information. The S.A.T., version 10, will be composed of the abbreviated battery — multiple-choice tests in reading comprehension, spelling, language usage, vocabulary, and mathematics problem-solving and procedures.
 
Students will also be taking open-ended tests in reading, writing, and mathematics.  The open-ended tests focus on the processes for reading, writing, and problem-solving.  Students will be evaluated on a standard set of performance criteria.  For example, students will have 50 minutes to write on a given topic. In mathematics, students will have 50 minutes to work on ten word problems which incorporate the national mathematics standards.  For the reading section, students read a complete text and respond in writing to several questions of increasing complexity, from stating the main idea to making inferences.
 
The tests are norm-referenced standardized tests, i.e., your child’s score is compared with scores of thousands of other students in the same grade who took the S.A.T. at the same time of the year across the nation.

We usually receive the test results in the summer.  We will send home the test results, along with an explanation about score interpretations.  
    
You can help your child be ready for test-taking in the following ways:
***Make sure your child gets to bed at a reasonable time.
***Provide a good, healthy breakfast and snack.
***Get your child to school by 7:30 a.m. so he/she has time to settle in.
***AVOID asking every day, “So, how’d you do?” “Was it hard?” "Did you finish everything?” Your child will not really know.  When you ask these questions, you want some reassurances.  Instead, your questioning will cause unnecessary stress on you AND your child.  
***Your child has already been working on test-prep materials in school and is well prepared to take this test.  Making your child do more test-prep booklets and worksheets at this point will only stress them out.  
***Remember that this is supposed to be fun.
***Assure your child that you love them and are proud of them regardless of the results.

Posted on April 15, 2008 5:03 PM | Permalink