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The Ohio Department of Education governs the instruction of “state academic content standards” which spell out what is to be taught at each grade level.  Schools, teachers, in particular, plan and teach said information to students. Students then take state achievement tests to measure their learning.
(April 21-May 9th opens and closes the Ohio statewide achievement testing window. Public school students in grades 3-8 across the state will wrestle with what they are told are the “big tests”.)
Parents receive test results showing their kid’s achievement level respective to state achievement standards. (the achievement score ascends from limited to basic to proficient to accelerated to advanced)   Individual school “report cards” are released in late summer for public consumption/debate. Schools, right or wrongly, are measured by the totality of these results.  In a snapshot, this is the present day testing game of school.
The X-Factor
Schools work hard to put kids in testing arrangements that allow them to “hit me with your best shot.” (you may remember the catchy, yet a little overplayed #9 pop-hit from Pat Benetar 1980). Perhaps the most difficult “testing question” to answer for many schools is whether the student gave the test their best shot, their best effort? This marks the spot in the testing equation where parent influence can be a difference-maker! If parents make testing week more important then it will be! Parents can coach their kids to give it their best shot testing week by using some easy reminders you’re likely already familiar with:
Give it your best shot with a few reminders:
1) Effort — You can control this part. Give your best shot at the tests and know that whatever the result, it was your best effort!
2) Attitude — You don’t have to like it but take the attitude that “this is a measure of me and I recognize that it’s important.”
3) Strategy — Use the test taking tips your teachers work with you on. Double check your answers! Take your time you have gobs of it!
4) Rested — It is a clear fact that your brain focuses better when rested.
5) Breakfast — (lunch) The less processed sugar the better! The breakfast of testing champions may include eggs, fruit, milk, cereal and a lot of water. Parents can make an impact by jazzing up breakfast during testing week — sending the positive message that this is important.
I’m told the Benetar, “Hit me with your best shot” song got a lot of play in many a “Aerobics Class” in the early 80’s, an energy song of sorts.  Although I’m certain that exercise was a bit of a stretch, the business of state testing is not. As always and as it should be, parents control the “is this important in our house factor”. X marks the spot for inspiring your kids to give it their best shot!

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