Test-Taking Tips

Standardized tests are right around the corner, and MNPS wants to remind parents of important test dates and share useful test taking tips to ensure their child’s success.

For important upcoming MNPS test dates, click here.

There are several steps parents can take to help maximize their child’s performance on standardized tests. These include:

• Parents can make sure their child gets a good nights rest and eats a healthy breakfast;
• Parents should keep a positive attitude about tests, mark down test dates on your calendar so you and your child are aware of testing dates;
• Make sure your child gets up early enough so he or she is on time;
• It is also important for parents to talk with their child about tests to help reduce stress about test-taking;
• Praise your child when he or she performs well on a test;
• And encourage him or her to try harder if he or she doesn’t do well on a test.

Students can also take steps to help them perform better on test day. Students can:

• Arrive early on test day;
• Be comfortable but alert;
• Stay relaxed and confident;
• When nerves take over, students should remember to take several slow, deep breaths and relax;
• During the test, students should try to answer questions in a strategic order; that is, answer the easy questions first to build confidence and tackle the difficult questions last;
• And, students should review their tests after completion, making sure they did not forget to answer any questions, miss-mark any answers, or made any other type of careless mistake.

These few simple steps could help MNPS students perform better on upcoming tests.