Parents Can Help With TerraNova Test Preparation
March is TerraNova testing month and when the test days finally arrive for your child, he/she will answer multiple-choice questions and write out answers as they prove of their problem-solving skills. The results of these efforts will show the student's strengths and weaknesses in five subject areas: Reading, Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies.
The TerraNova assessments are intended to sample the many and varied skills represented in selected content areas. Educators in each DoDDS-Europe district will look at the exact skills a child is having difficulty mastering. Staff, faculty and administration seek to continuously improve the quality of student achievement in the classroom and the TerraNova tests assist with that task.
Although most children don't enjoy taking tests, students perform better when they are well prepared. Here are some steps that can help your child:
- Brainstorm about possible test topics. Encourage your child to review class notes, handouts or textbooks.
- Take a practice test. Write down questions that could be on the test. Have your child answer each one. Set a timer so that the test feels more realistic.
- Make flash cards. If your child has trouble with certain questions, write them on index cards with the answers on the back.
- Review several times. Study over a few days - not all in one night. You might brainstorm the first day, take a practice test the second day and review the third.
- Get enough rest. Since your child won't be staying up late "cramming", he/she can go to bed on time. The next morning, they should have a nutritious breakfast.
- Congratulate your child on how prepared they are! When they come home, let them express feelings about the test. Show support and understanding.
Such parental preparations and support have paid big dividends over past years. Schools in the United States would love to have our scores. They are good. DoDDS-Europe scores have consistently been in the upper 60 to 70 percentile across the board. Past year results of DoDDS-Europe TerraNova scores as well as other standardized test scores can be viewed on the web on the DoDEA website.
DoDDS-E students have made significant gains by increasing the percent of students in the "Above the Standard" and "At the Standard" levels since TerraNova was adopted in 1998. We can continue to do so with your help.
A Letter from the Director
Diana J. Ohman, Director, DoDDS-Europe
More News You Can Use on TerraNova
From 10-28 March 08, most DoDDS-Europe students in Grades 3-11 will be taking the TerraNova, Second Edition, Multiple Assessments exam. This is a norm-referenced national standardized achievement test and an important part of the DoDEA System Wide Assessment Program. This assessment compares students’ scores to scores from a "norm group". The norm group for TerraNova is a national sample of students representing all gender, racial, economic, and geographic groups. The test measures achievement levels in the subject areas of reading, language arts, math, science and social studies. The test is produced by CTB/McGraw-Hill.
System wide assessments such as the TerraNova provide a vital source of information for decision-makers concerning programs and services. Standardized achievement tests are used to provide consistent, accurate, and objective information about students' achievement in various areas of the curriculum. Standardized means that these tests are always administered with the same directions, the same time limits, and the same scoring criteria, with the goal of ensuring fairness for all students.
One of the purposes of the assessment program is to provide DoDEA educators and parents with information about our students so that better instructional decisions can be made. When used in conjunction with other measures, such as classroom observation and teacher-made tests, a standardized achievement test can provide valuable information about the progress of individuals and groups and the effectiveness of educational programs.
Some suggestions to help prepare students for the test are:
Before:- Encourage children to get plenty of rest
- Set their alarm clock so they won’t be rushed in the morning
- Eat a healthy breakfast
- Get to school on time
- Do their very best!
- Communicate with children after school each day.
- Listen to their frustrations, worries and concerns.
- Remind them that they should feel satisfied if they gave their best.
- Let them know you will never give up on them regardless of the results!
- Plan some fun activities that are light and relaxing.
Parents should try not to schedule any appointments (medical, dental, etc.) during the morning hours of the test week, as this period is used for testing. It is a good idea to keep most family routines /structures intact during this time. It is also helpful to eliminate late evening excursions with the family.
Some parents affected by deployments or reintegration may be concerned about taking the TerraNova this spring. A small number of students miss these tests each year because of illness or other legitimate absences, including R & R / Block Leave. However, if students are here, they should come to school and take the tests. During the last two years, our students have scored admirably even with the large number of deployments. Parents are urged to send students to school with a good night’s sleep, a good breakfast and with the expectation that they will perform well.