Although the “technical” parts aren't weighted as strongly as the “ideas” part, grammar and spelling do matter. Spelling, especially, can become a student's Waterloo; words misspelled or misused can change the entire meaning of a sentence.
MATH
The math portion of standardized tests actually tests three things: mathematical knowledge, logical thinking, and the ability to follow instructions. Students in grade school or middle school may be asked to explain the parts of a math problem using elements from a story, locate shapes, and complete numerical patterns. Higher grades focus more on processes - can a student construct and answer a problem, based on facts from a story.
The biggest mistake students make is not reading and thoroughly understanding the question. For example, the question may indicate to draw a circle around one shape, then draw a square around another shape, then underline a third shape. The shapes are not depicted in the same order as the tasks to perform on the shapes are listed in the instructions. A student will perform the task in the order indicated, rather than reading thoroughly and performing the tasks on the correct shapes. A closer reading of the question would prevent this very common error.
Also, if you have been “prepped” for testing, be sure you don't confuse the prep questions with those on the actual test. For instance, one class had all of their scores flagged for possible cheating because they referred to “fish in a pond,” when the test question referred to “fruit on a tree.” Even though the basic concepts in the story problem they were writing about were correct, it was obvious their answer came from a source other than the test. Because math is an exact science, the scoring standards for these items tend to be less flexible than they may be for reading comprehension and writing.
GENERAL DOS AND DON'TS
Use the following checklist to evaluate your answers:
- Have I put my answer on the right page (it's not unusual for students to go back and answer questions they left blank and end up writing a beautiful essay on the wrong page, leading to a zero point score for that question.).
- Does the answer I've given address the question asked? Do I understand what information the test is looking for?
- Is my answer complete and thorough?
- Does my answer make sense? Could anyone follow the path from point A to point B, even if they don't agree with my initial premise or my conclusions (this is very important in the Writing section)
Finally, rest assured of one thing: none of these tests measure intelligence, creativity, character or nonacademic skills. Standardized tests have a very narrow focus, and no score reflects the value or worth of the person taking the test. Many highly creative students bomb these tests because they think out of the box. Their answers tend to be funny, insightful, and quite logical, but they are not what the state is looking for.
Students with the compassion and character of Mother Teresa may not be able to spell. Math whizzes may be so results oriented that they write essays that are barely outlines. Testing only shows those things that can be measured and verified, which is a very small part of who anyone is. Results may show academic strengths and an inclination toward a particular field, but should never be considered as something that is set in stone.
Standardized tests should not be thought of as migraine-making monsters. One dirty little secret your principal won't admit is that standardized tests also test whether or not your teachers have done their jobs; your scores determine whether or not teachers in your district get a “pass” or “fail.”
