May 2008 - Preparing Your Child for WESTEST

When most of us were growing up, we heard the saying "April showers bring May flowers" and still look forward to the warming spring days and all that that entailed. Today, May means one thing in school, annual testing. Yes, it is time, once again, for WESTEST and the Writing Assessments. And, because of the year long emphasis placed on these tests, some children dread May and that it entails.

First, the reason for assessing children annually is two fold. One, the assessment allows federal, state, and county officials to gain some understanding of how a school system is educating the students in general and specifically.

Second, these assessments are used to see where a student needs to be placed in classes for the next school year (this is mainly with the writing assessment). Both of these are beneficial to the school and the student. However, the pressure placed on the students (as early as 8 years old) to perform well on these tests can cause confusion, worry and fear for students, whether they are 8 or 18.

Although these assessments are tied to directly to the school’s ranking in the state, state funding and oversight, and can be a source of pride or disappointment to the administrations, they in no way decide who your child is or what your child is capable of. If your children perform well in school and achieve passing grades, they will move on to the next grade. Children should always be encouraged to do their best, but not to the point of worry and fear.

Most of us have heard the term "test anxiety" which, in the past, has been mostly associated with college finals or state board exams. Today, we are seeing it in young children as each May approaches. How can we help?

Your attitude about the upcoming assessments is vital. As parents and guardians we often set the tone for our children's views on many things, and test taking is one of them. Keep your attitude calm. If your children exhibits signs of worry about testing, remind them of all the things they are good at, and how well they have done in the past. Your confidence is contagious.

Keep your child physically healthy. This is for the entire year, but can really make a difference at test taking time. Limit TV, video games and non-necessary computer time, while encouraging creative play and outdoor activities.Know your child's sleep schedule. Doctors recommend ten hours of sleep for children. Replace some of those convenient sugary, salty and oily snacks with something that will make them feel good not bad.

All the above things will also help keep your child mentally healthy, but more is required in this area. Love. Try each day to give your child encouragement for things done well. Let kids know that you are proud of them and love them unconditionally. This will do more for them than you can imagine.

Note: Still, remain in charge and continue to have expectations of them, showing you love them too much to let them just run wild. Children thrive on boundaries. Boundaries remind them continuously that you love them.

For the day of the test, many school systems will send home a list of things you can do to help insure your child is ready to do their best. Read these suggestions, they are right on the money, and can ease the anxiety of the day: get proper rest the night before, eat a good breakfast, dress appropriately for the weather, get up in time so that your child does not feel rushed and these are just a few.

"A certain amount of anxiety is helpful in motivating kids, but too much can interfere with concentration," says Dr. Paul Foxman, author of The Worried Child. "Bottom line: no single test is going to determine your child's future."

The best they can do is the best they can do. As parents and guardians that is all we can ask.