5 Ways to Prepare for ELA Standardized Tests
- 1. PRACTICE As obvious as this seems, it is often overlooked. ...
- 2. FUN TEST PREP I know that fun test prep might seem like an oxymoron, but it doesn’t have to be. ...
- 3. GOOD OLD FASHIONED INSTRUCTION There’s quite the emphasis right now on highly engaging, student-centered lessons right now (see above-mentioned Escape Rooms). ...
- 4. VOCABULARY ...
- 5. EDTECH ...
- GET ORGANIZED. ...
- THINK ALOUD FIVE CORNERS. ...
- TARGETED MINI-LESSONS. ...
- WEEKLY PRACTICE WITH TRASHKETBALL. ...
- PROCESS OF ELIMINATION. ...
- REVIEW TEST-TAKING STRATEGIES. ...
- STATIONS AND STUDENT-LED GAMES. ...
- WHOLE-CLASS GAMES.
How do I study for the ELA test?
Read the passage with the questions in mind.Reread the first question carefully.Scan the passage to look for key words related to the question. When you find a key word, slow down and read carefully.Answer the question.Repeat this process to answer the rest of the questions.
How can I improve my ELA score?
10 Classroom and School Tips to Improve Test ScoresPrepare students for the test itself. ... Benchmark your learners. ... Leverage your data. ... Provide students with incentives. ... Practice previewing. ... Let parents help. ... Create a positive culture. ... Practice, practice, practice!More items...•
How would you prepare students to succeed on standardized tests of ELA skills?
There are, however, a number of ways you can help prepare your students to take standardized tests, incuding:Align your teaching.Incorporate similar activities.Teach test-taking strategies.Reduce student stress.Complete practice tests.
How many questions are on the NYS ELA test?
About the Test: The multiple-choice component has 28 questions with 45 minutes for administration. The performance assessment components are 60 minutes each.
What factors affect test scores?
5 Factors that May Affect Your Students' Scores or PerformanceSelf-study Time. First on the list is a factor that a lot of students underestimate, particularly adult learners. ... Absenteeism. ... Test Anxiety. ... Understanding of the Test structure. ... Focus on Fluency.
How do you pass a standardized test?
During the TestRead all test directions carefully. ... Read each test question carefully and thoroughly. ... Time management is key. ... Consider all answer choices before selecting your final answer. ... Eliminate any answers that you know are incorrect. ... Answer the easiest questions first.More items...
What should you do the day before a standardized test?
Organize these things the night before your exam, so you can go to sleep easy and wake up with peace of mind.Collect your materials. ... Get enough sleep. ... Set your alarms. ... Lay out your outfit. ... Map out your route the night before. ... Listen to music. ... Repeat positive affirmations. ... Calm yourself with focused breathing.More items...•
What are 3 test strategies?
Test Taking StrategiesAttend class regularly.Avoid cramming spread out study sessions days or weeks before the test; you will have less stress.Organize your study area to reduce interference. ... Summarize notes for studying. ... Study from old tests if allowed by the professor.More items...
What do you do to prepare your students for state of standardized tests?
Here are some of our favorite ways for getting your students ready for when standardized testing season rolls around!Practice Multiple-Choice Questions. ... Use Edpuzzle for Formative Assessment. ... Reinforce the Growth Mindset. ... Review, Review, Review. ... Teach Mindfulness.
What is the highest score on NYS ELA?
Ratings range from 1.0 to 4.5. Student performance on the test is translated into an overall Scale Score. Scale Scores range from 148 – 423.
Are NYS ELA tests mandatory?
FEDERAL ACCOUNTABILITY AND THE GRADES 3-8 STATE ASSESSMENTS New York State must administer the ELA and mathematics assessments in grades 3-8; Regents English Language Arts, Algebra 1, Living Environment and Physical Setting/Earth Science; and, grades 4 and 8 science.
What is the purpose of the NYS ELA test?
English Language Arts (ELA) Assessments New York State administers English Language Arts assessments to provide students, families, and educators credible measures of students' English Language Arts skills and knowledge.
How can students improve reading comprehension and test scores?
How to Improve Reading Scores On Standardized TestsReview Previous Year Exams. ... Create a Simplified Scope and Sequence. ... Spiral Concepts. ... Incorporate Literature Circles and Author Studies. ... Teach Using Novel Units. ... Guide Students in Writing “Growth” Goals. ... Encourage Parental Support. ... Differentiate Homework.More items...
How do you deal with low test scores?
Try watching this video on www.youtube.com, or enable JavaScript if it is disabled in your browser.Give yourself time to process. People often tell you to dismiss bad grades and try harder next time. ... Calculate and evaluate. ... Keep calm and carry on. ... Identify your weaknesses. ... Work on your gaps. ... Tackle it the next time.
How can I improve my performance in exams?
Simple Strategies for Improving Test PerformanceGo to class prepared. Preparation is key to effective note taking. ... Employ a note taking method. There are several effective note taking methods (eg. ... Pay attention and listen. It's hard to pay attention when you don't have a positive attitude. ... Review notes after each class.
How can I improve my reading score in middle school?
Here are five helpful strategies for improving reading habits of middle schoolers.Vocabulary development. Learning vocabulary is a necessary skill. ... Ask parents to model reading for pleasure. ... Free choice reading. ... Shared reading. ... No-pressure reading practice.
Who takes this test?
Students in grades 3–8 take the State English Language Arts (ELA) test each spring. Students who have been in the United States for less than one year are not required to take the NY State ELA test in their grade, but must start taking ELA tests after their first year. Some students with disabilities may take the NY State Alternate Assessments (NYSAA) in place of the State test, if it says so on their Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
When is this test given?
For school year 2021-22, English Language Arts exam dates are March 29-31.
How are the results reported?
The Student Reports include the student's scale score, performance level, and information on his or her strengths and weaknesses in the different skill areas tested.
How are grades 3-8 scored in New York?
The NY State Grades 3-8 exams are scored by licensed and trained New York City teachers. The exams are scored through a distributed scoring process, meaning no student’s exam is scored by a teacher from the student’s school. This scoring complies with NY State Education Department and DOE policies regarding scoring of State exams.
How many levels are there in the Scale Score?
Scale scores are divided into four performance levels. Schools distribute test results on Individual Student Reports for each family. The Student Reports include the student's scale score, performance level, and information on his or her strengths and weaknesses in the different skill areas tested. Back to Top.
Sample Explanation for Part B
Correct Answer: (B) Option B, “When people participate in a board game, they develop relationships with each other,.” is the correct response because this revision uses precise, formal language (“participate” and “develop relationships”) that maintains the style established in the passage.
Overview of Reading Comprehension
This section assesses your ability to read and comprehend up to six texts of both literary and informational genres, which may include any of the text types listed below.
Sample Questions for Reading Comprehension
Certain types of birds soar for hundreds of miles, over land, over sea—and never stop to rest. That kind of endurance seems impossible to us, since we as people need time to rest and sleep. Researchers set out to learn how birds could fly for such long distances without restorative rest.
Sample Explanations for Reading Comprehension
Correct Answer: (A) Option A, “amazement about the physical capability of birds to remain in flight for extended periods of time over long distances.” is the correct response because it explains that the words “endurance” and “impossible” convey amazement at the birds’ ability to remain in flight for so long without resting—as opposed to human beings, who “need time to rest and sleep” (paragraph 1).
What is the most stressful part of teaching ELA?
One of the most stressful parts of teaching ELA is standardized test prep. Preparing students to succeed on a standardized test can be frustrating on many levels. Still, teachers as a whole have resolve, passion, and tenacity. We are determined to help our students succeed by preparing them – and well! – in advance. ELA test prep is not something we can cram in last minute. But, we can set students up for success during the window before testing begins. These strategies can help.
How to make test prep manageable?
My favorite way to make test prep manageable in high school is to approach it like I do writing workshop by beginning with targeted mini-lessons. First, I like to take a particular skill (such as parallel structure) and have students complete a mini-lesson through sentence imitation. Then, I have students practice using the skill by applying it to reading and writing before we do any overt test prep. After teaching a lesson around a specific skill, we then work through 2-3 multiple-choice style questions that all involve the targeted skill from the mini-lesson.
Why break down standardized tests into targeted skills?
Breaking standardized tests down into targeted skills makes it more manageable for students rather than working through practice tests that assess a myriad of different skills. It’s just too much to consume all at once. So, it basically comes down to teaching a skill just like you teach all other skills– scaffold it, model it, and transfer it to a new situation.
How to fill test prep stations?
To fill the stations, you can use task cards, worksheets, short instructional video clips, and practice quizzes, just to name a few options.
How to test prep for students?
The key to test prep for my students has always been to help them get organized with their studying and their exam schedule. One of the first things I do is print out a blank calendar for the month of their exams. (Easy to find blank calendars online.) As a class, we fill in the calendar with important school and exam dates… and then collaboratively we develop a study schedule.
Why do teachers have to do review sessions?
In order to make sure students truly understand the format, environment, and structure of the test, teachers must lead them in review sessions. Yet, too much teacher-directed test prep can lead to burnout for both the instructor and the students.
What to do if you don't have a white board?
If you don’t have white boards you can use four sheets of paper with pre-drawn A, B, C, and Ds on them which students can raise. Bonus – I reveal the answer then use the white board to mark up the question and explain the right answer (or have a student do it). I also keep score on the front to keep the competition lively. (Engaging and Effective)
How to get experience with the New York State Board of Education?
To get first-hand experience with the test format, you can take previously administered exams available on the New York State Board of Education website. Each exam comes with a scoring key for the multiple-choice questions in addition to sample responses to the essay prompts and the ratings guides used to score them. A conversion chart is also included to help determine your score.
What is the score for the NYS Regents exam?
This exam is typically offered in January and June, and you must achieve a passing score of at least 65 to receive a Regents diploma.
What is the minimum score required to pass the Regents exam?
This exam is typically offered in January and June, and you must achieve a passing score of at least 65 to receive a Regents diploma. Check out the suggestions below to get some idea of how you might go about getting ready for this exam in time for your test date.
What is the comprehensive English test?
The Comprehensive English test is one of several Regent exams administered to high school students in New York State as a requirement for graduation. Use the following guide to learn more about the test layout, get some prep tips, and discover available study resources. Create an account.
How many passages are read in a literary passage?
A brief literary passage is read by the exam proctor, after which you will answer a set of multiple-choice questions. You will be asked to read two passages and then answer the multiple-choice questions following each passage. Two more reading passages will be given along with corresponding multiple-choice questions.
What does it mean to enroll in a course?
Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams.
1. PRACTICE
As obvious as this seems, it is often overlooked. I teach in a state that administers the SBAC. Through my state account, I can log in, administer a shorter practice test to my students, receive their scores, and use that data to drive instruction. Also, the term practice makes perfect isn’t for nothing.
2. FUN TEST PREP
I know that fun test prep might seem like an oxymoron, but it doesn’t have to be. A couple of years ago I wanted to help prepare my students for state testing, and so I created fun and engaging test prep escape room activities. My students love competing in these challenges.
3. GOOD OLD FASHIONED INSTRUCTION
There’s quite the emphasis right now on highly engaging, student-centered lessons right now (see above-mentioned Escape Rooms). However, that isn’t practical for day-to-day instruction. Sometimes good old fashioned direct instruction is best.
4. VOCABULARY
In all seriousness, I cannot emphasize the importance of vocabulary instruction in the ELA classroom, especially when it comes to test prep. Students need to be familiar with high-frequency academic vocabulary words that they’ll encounter on state tests.
5. EDTECH
Finally, I’ve also used edtech sites throughout the year to help my students prepare for state tests. There are a couple of sites that I regularly use in my classroom that I feel are quite beneficial. I use CommonLit with my students. I try to include at least one reading selection per unit.
Overview of The Revising/Editing Part A
- The language skills assessed in this section are based on the Language section of the New York State Learning Standards for Grade 7, as well as skills or standards that may have been introduced in earlier grades, such as the Language Progressive Skills. Each question directs you to read a sentence, a list of sentences, or a paragraph with numbered ...
Tips For Revising/Editing Part A
- First, read the question: For most items, read the question first rather than reading the text first so that you know what type of issue to look for while reading the text. Next, read the text in the box and take notes on the issues you observe, while being mindful of time. Ask yourself questions such as: 1. Are there words, phrases, or sentences that are difficult to read due to an error in lan…
Sample Questions For Revising/Editing Part A
- Sample 1: Select the sentence that needs a revision.
(1) For 14 years, James and his dad have had a tradition of attending Yankees games together, but James is leaving for college next week, and he is agonizing over the fact that attending school in Pennsylvania and working there over the summer meant no more games with his dad. (2) On… - Sample 2: Identify a sentence with an error.
(1) In 2007, visitors to San Francisco, many of whom were attending an international design conference, had booked almost all the city’s hotel rooms. (2) Looking for a way to earn some extra money, three air mattresses were rented out by roommates Joe Gebbia and Brian Chesky. (3) Th…
Overview of Revising/Editing Part B
- Questions in Revising/Editing Part B assess your ability to read a text and then make decisions that improve the overall quality of the writing. The subjects presented in these texts will include historical and current events; people, places, and technology; and phenomena in the biological sciences, physical sciences, and social sciences. Each sentence is numbered so that you can qu…
Tips For Revising/Editing Part B
- First, read the text carefully while being mindful of time; don’t skim. 1. You need to understand the author’s purpose, main idea, and supporting details of the text in order to answer questions about how the text could be better developed and organized, which requires careful reading. 2. You may notice sentences and paragraphs that seem confusing, illogical, unnecessary, disorganized, or g…
Sample Questions For Revising/Editing Part B
- Learning to Embrace the Gap Year 1. The traditional academic plan for college-bound students in the United States is to complete high school in June and begin college courses in August or September, but some experts wonder whether this plan is appropriate for all students. 2. Young adults are still exhausted from attending secondary school. 3. They are sent to college with littl…
Sample Explanation For Part B
- Sample 1 Explanation
Correct Answer: (B)This sentence clearly states the main claim — that the gap year can lead to success in college for some, but not all, students (as revealed in sentence 14). This idea is developed throughout the passage by explaining what a gap year is and how it benefits students. - Sample 2 Explanation
Correct Answer: (G)The imprecise reference in sentence 8 to “a variety of opportunities” is replaced with the more specific and precise reference to what these opportunities entail. They may be “internships, work, travel, or volunteerism.”
Overview of Reading Comprehension
- This section assesses your ability to read and comprehend up to six texts of both literary and informational genres, which may include any of the text types listed below. Informational genre may include: Expository or explanatory texts, argumentative texts, or functional texts in the form of: 1. personal essays 2. speeches 3. opinion pieces 4. essays about art or literature 5. biographi…
Tips For Reading Comprehension
- Read the text carefully while being mindful of time; don’t skim. 1. Read the text carefully to ensure you have an accurate and text-based understanding of both the big ideas and important details. 2. Monitor your comprehension while you read; if a sentence or paragraph is confusing, try quickly rereading it. Take notes. 1. Jot brief notes to identify important details, summarize ideas, etc., w…
Sample Questions For Reading Comprehension
- Snoozing While Soaring 1. Certain types of birds soar for hundreds of miles, over land, over sea—and never stop to rest. That kind of endurance seems impossible to us, since we as people need time to rest and sleep. Researchers set out to learn how birds could fly for such long distances without restorative rest. They found that for some birds, settling in for a good night’s r…