Ideas
from ESs that have had success in helping their families see the benefits of
Benchmark Exams:
*One
ES explains to her families how the Benchmarks help to reduce test anxieties.
This helped the families view the benchmark tests more positively. The ES told the families that if they did get
any problems wrong, have the student work it out again until the student
understood the concept. Then, it’s more of a learning experience rather than a
typical testing day where there’s a build up of anxieties.
*Another
suggestion is to tell the parents that these exams will pace them in
preparation for the STAR test rather than cramming test preps two weeks before
STAR testing.
*Some
have also told their parents that by taking the exams it will help them
determine which standards they’ve met and standards they still have to
cover. (Some parents usually want to
know if they’re on the right track).
*The
exams help students prepare so they aren’t surprised by what is on test.
*They
are good for students who did poorly last year on tests.
*It
helps to make sure to warn them you will need to see their computer room before
you come. Some parents wouldn’t let ESs see messy room.
*Tell
parents that benchmarks help CWCS with the accreditation process and results
can be for parents eyes only if desired..
*Tell
parents that using benchmarks and Edusoft saves money as they will not need to
purchase test prep materials.
*
Many ESs say that it helps to take the actual hard copies of the exams to
families instead of having them get it off of Edusoft
*Suggest
that it might be helpful for parents to use the tests as a starting point to
teaching new material. Perhaps have them focus on once concept at a time and
teach that concept.
*
It helps if ESs collect the answer sheets and give them to the center to scan
in.
*One
ES has all AESS students take the benchmarks.
*
Adding some practice CAHSEE tests will be helpful.