Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASPs) are coming up soon. Here is information and guidance to help your child be successful!
Prioritize Attendance
Each building works to make a schedule for times to test while trying to not disrupt the normal school schedule. Please prioritize attendance during the days of testing. Completing make-up tests in different locations and at different times from peers is not the best setting for students to show what they know. Try to not schedule appointments or activities for days when your child(ren) will be testing.
Lucia Wallace- In the mornings of April 7th, April 8th, April 9th, and April 10th
Middle School- 8:15-10:15 the week of April 8th-April 15th
High School- First 90 min of the day on April 8th, April 11th, and April 15th
Talk to your child about test taking and offer positive reinforcement
Some students can become anxious in the weeks or days before testing but a little encouragement from adults around them can go a long way in helping students walk into testing days feeling confident. Confidence can have a huge effect on how students perform. Ask your child what they are doing in class and how confident they feel about their work. Offer praise to your child when they feel confident and encourage them to continue to be excited about their success with new concepts or skills. Similarly, if your child is telling you they are struggling with a concept, topic, or skills, point out the progress they are making and positively encourage them to continue working—never give up on your learning!
Set Up and Support Healthy Habits
Sleep and nutrition can have a huge impact on your child’s ability to focus and retain information. One of the most helpful things parents and adults can do is focus on supporting these basic needs. Well-balanced meals and a regular and consistent sleep schedule can really help your child succeed in the classroom everyday but especially during the times of state testing. On test days, it is vitally important to make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep and begins the day full of energy. Drinking water in the morning is a great way to start the day and can remind students to bring a water bottle to school to stay hydrated and alert throughout the testing sessions.
Encourage Confidence
Be sure to offer encouraging words as they leave you for the day. Let them go into the week excited, energetic, and full of confidence!!