Espy Field - Test Prep!

Whether we like it or not, standardized tests play a role in today's schooling. Your child may take one or more standardized tests each year, and some teachers may devote a significant amount of class time to preparation exercises. Some tests can have a significant impact on school funding, determine your child's class placement, or even prevent grade promotion.

No matter how you feel about these types of assessments, it's important that your child do his/her best.

So...how can WE help your child?

On a daily basis:

There are a number of ways that you can maximize your child's learning capabilities throughout the school year, which can lead to confident test-taking. Some of these strategies include:

assisting your child with homework and ensuring that your child is completing all homework assignments
helping your child to develop good study habits, thinking skills, and a positive attitude towards education from an early age
ensuring that your child has good attendance at school
helping your child to understand how to budget time
staying in communication with your child's teacher
encouraging your child to read as much as possible, and to increase his/her vocabulary — even reading magazines, newspapers, and comic books regularly will help improve his/her reading skills
looking for educational games and programs that engage your child
helping your child learn how to follow directions carefully (Dietel, 2008; IRA (2002); Narang, 2008).

State Testing - Mississippi Academic Assessment Program (MAAP)

The Mississippi Academic Assessment Program (MAAP) is designed to measure student achievement in English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, Science, and US History. Students are assessed in grades 3 through 8 in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics, grades 5 and 8 Science, Algebra I, Biology I, English II, and US History. The results of all MAAP assessments provide information to be used for the improvement of student achievement.

ELA and Math assessments are based on the 2016 Mississippi College- and Career-Readiness Standards. Science assessments are based on the Mississippi 2010 Science Framework which is in its last year. Starting in 2018-2019, all Science assessments will be based on the 2018 Mississippi College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Science. The US History assessment is based on the 2011 Mississippi Social Studies Framework.

Taking the Test

TIPS:

Before the test (adapted from Cuseo, Fecas & Thompson, 2007)

Prepare appropriately ahead of time. There are a variety of ways to prepare for tests that go well beyond studying and assessing your learning of course content. Being prepared both mentally and physically can provide you with the right frame of mind as you enter a test.

Regarding Directions

Remind students to read and listen to all directions carefully so they understand what is expected of them.
Remind students they should reread any directions that are unclear in order to better understand.
Review the importance of budgeting time wisely.

Tackling Multiple Choice Questions

Advise students to read all the answers and to answer any question to which they know the answer immediately.
If they don't know the answer, explain how to eliminate wrong answers and to make educated guesses by using context clues and recognizing detractors.
Have them mark or star any question they skip so it will be easier to go back to the question later. Emphasize the importance of leaving the corresponding answer space blank. Point out that making mistakes filling in ovals on the answer key or test booklet will have a negative impact on scores.

Taking Account of Math Questions

Stress the importance of showing their work and writing legibly. Even if a math answer is wrong, students may receive partial credit if their work can be read and evaluated.
Have them check for careless errors such as forgetting to use labels, misplacing decimal points, or adding incorrectly.
Remind them that questions may have more than one part and to answer all of them.

Wrapping Up

Advise test-takers to go back and check their answers if time allows.
Have them check the answer key periodically to make sure answers line up with questions.

Other Helpful Tips - During the Test

Develop a process for taking tests that demonstrates “test-wiseness." This means using strategies to help you navigate the test in addition to your knowledge of the material and content. Check out our handout on "Test-Taking Tips" to help you evaluate your own testing strategies. In addition, here are a few strategies that research finds have a positive impact on test scores (Wark & Flippo, 1991):

Read over the exam when you first begin. Take notes on the number of questions and other important information. Next, plan your time so that you have a few minutes to spare to review your answers. Be especially aware of test characteristics if you are taking a test online.
Answer all of the questions. Start with the easier questions, skipping over difficult questions or questions you’re unsure of. Studies show this technique helps students achieve higher test scores (Cuseo, Fecas, & Thompson, 2007). Be sure you mark these questions so you can return to them later. You may find clues to the answers in other questions, and answers/ideas may come to you as you are answering other questions.
Consider a “brain dump." This means writing down any formulas, mnemonic devises or equations on a scrap paper as soon as you receive the exam. By recording things you are worried you might forget later, you can begin the exam with more confidence and less stress.
Review answers. Be willing to change your answer if you realize your earlier answer is not correct. Studies show that reviewing test questions may help you catch errors or mistakes; however, this is different from second-guessing or doubting your answers. Only change answers when you are sure you have made a mistake.

MAAP State Practice Tests

Choose MATH as the subject
Select GRADE 6
Choose between the Item Sampler, Session 1, and Session 2 -- you may choose ONLINE or to PRINT.

Below are the Mississippi Academic Assessment Program (MAAP) item sampler and practice tests for 6th Grade Math. To look through the document, simply scroll down and each page should be made available to you!

Item Sampler

MAAP 6 Practice.pdf

Sessions 1 & 2 Practice Test

G6 Practice S1.pdf