Better Test Taking

Take a deep breath before beginning in order to calm your mind. Racing forward in the first few minutes can lead to careless errors that are difficult to identify and correct.

Preview the test before you answer anything. This gets you thinking about the material. Chart your attack. Schedule your time based on the point values of each section.

Read the directions Never assume that you know what the directions say. I believe more points are lost and certainly more failing grades are earned by not reading the directions.

Underline the task. This will make you direct your energy toward answering the right questions.

Keep track of the time and progress during the test. If the test is timed, write down what time the test will conclude in the top corner of your test or scratch paper.

Answer the easy questions first. This will give you the confidence and momentum to get through the rest of the test. You are sure these answers are correct.

Go back to the difficult questions. There may be clues in the easier questions that jog your memory for the harder ones.

Answer all questions.

Avoid careless errors—Think before you start writing. Create a quick bullet point outline. Rambling wastes time and points.

Review the test carefully, especially the easy questions. Take your time and hammer the easy questions. Often they are worth just as much as the hard questions.

Use all of the time allotted for the test. If you finish early, put the test down for a minute. Take a deep breath and clear your head. Then go back and check any essay questions to make certain you answered the entire question. For other type questions review your work or make sure you only checked one box for each question on scanner type tests.

Show all your work (especially when partial credit is awarded) and write as legibly as possible.

This is not fatal - your grades on tests do not truly indicate your personal worth, your intelligence or your likelihood of success. That all comes from your character and if you are striving and challenging yourself to do well, regardless of the point total you are building a stronger character.

IEP Tune Up and the New School Year - Back to School Basics

Summer is just about over. Back to school sales, new clothes, supplies and book bags are things we all think of to give our children a head start this fall. Now is the right time to look at your child's IEP - it may be the best investment you make in his or her education this year.

A lot happened in your child's life over the summer. Are the goals still valid? Are there goals that need to be added or removed?

Make sure the IEP is personal, not a cut and paste mishmash of terms.

When you meet ask questions, lots of questions. Right down notes and questions for follow up. Get email addresses and direct phone numbers from the professionals. Let them know you want to work with them to make the time your child is in school valuable.

Get copies of everything. It's your right and you need those copies later.

Make sure any unfinished goals of past IEP's are addressed in the current IEP.

Make sure you get actual measurable goals. Goals should be SMART. S = Specific, M = Measurable, A = attainable R = Realistic T = have a Timeline.

If measuring tools say "classroom observation" then insist on a teachers written report daily on what was /was not observed that day pursuant to those goals.

Dont be afraid to insist on the specific strategies written down in the IEP. How will the teacher or professional utilize methods and exercises to reach the goals.

If there are issues regarding behavior then have them documented in the IEP along with strategies to deal with the disruptions and behavioral issues.

If your child is in high school or high school aged, then you need to talk with the child study team about transition goals. What are transition goals? Transition goals address skills which will help your child after they graduate or complete their time in an educational setting.

Read the IEP as if you knew nothing about your child. Could you determine the goals and how these will be attacked? If you were charged with instructing this child and had only this document to reference, would you be able to do a good job serving the needs of this child?

As a parent you have the right to ask for an IEP review. You can get the IEP revised then. Just write a letter and ask the school district Special Education Administrator/Child Study Team Director. It's your right as a parent.

Remember: you are you child's primary case manager!

Also remember, the vast majority of professionals have a heart for helping children succeed. They get run down on the job just like the rest of us. Let your passion and professionalism rub off on them!