Testing season has arrived for Florida students. Between end-of-course exams, FAST assessments, SATs and ACTs, students face a packed schedule that can impact their academic progress and future opportunities. With so much at stake, it’s essential to be prepared.
Studies show parental involvement plays a crucial role in student success. The American Psychological Association reports that students with engaged parents tend to perform better academically and are less likely to engage in delinquent behavior.
Today's test preparation goes beyond reviewing material. It also involves teaching students smart test-taking strategies to stay focused, manage time effectively and reduce anxiety — skills that parents can help reinforce at home.
The first thing parents should do is identify if testing season is going to be an issue for their child. The biggest indicator of their potential success or failure is their grades. Take a look at their previous report cards to gauge how they’re doing, especially in reading and math. If you notice a consistent decline, you might want to hire a temporary tutor for your child so he or she can catch up before these assessments.
Other signs that your child may need extra support this testing season include spending excessive time on homework and avoiding discussions about school altogether. If they’re consistently struggling to complete assignments, or seem anxious about schoolwork, it could indicate they’re feeling unsure about their ability to succeed. In these cases, it’s important to step in and offer help: whether that means seeking additional academic support or simply providing reassurance and encouragement to boost their confidence. Times like these also serve as a time management learning lesson.
Aside from identifying issues ahead of these exams, parents can implement positive routines at home to help prepare their child. A consistent study schedule will help your child avoid cramming and ensure they’re reviewing material, especially from the beginning of the year, in a timely manner. It can be as little as 20 minutes or extend to an hour. And you can use a planner to keep track of what subject to focus on each day.
It’s also easy for young children to become overwhelmed during test season while adding test preparations on top of their regular schoolwork. Teaching your child how to break down tasks into smaller manageable ones is a skill that will set them up for success into adulthood. For example, if they have a large math assignment, break it into smaller sections. Tell them to do 10 problems, take a five-minute break and repeat. This helps avoid overwhelming them with too much at once and makes the task feel more achievable.
Actual test-prep is what it comes down to, especially for SATs and ACTs. Have your child take short practice tests released from previous years. Remind them to read through the instructions carefully, pace themselves and skip difficult questions to return to later. On top of that, teach them tips like eliminating obviously incorrect answers first and outlining their thoughts before writing an essay.
Outside of their schoolwork, parents have an important role to provide emotional support for their child. Be there to listen to their concerns and reassure them that tests don’t define their worth. Celebrating the small wins is easy and effective positive reinforcement. After your child successfully completes a practice test, reward them with something small like their favorite snack or a fun break (like 20 minutes of playing sports outside).
While it’s often repeated, it’s worth emphasizing just how important it is for students to get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals and stay physically active during testing season. These habits are key to maintaining focus and reducing stress, which ultimately plays a significant role in their success.
Your child can’t do it without you. Your involvement can make all the difference in their confidence and overall performance. Together, you can navigate the challenges of testing season and help them reach their full potential.
Established in 1917, The LJD Jewish Family & Community Services (JFCS) has been serving the community for more than a century, providing critical support to individuals of all races, religions and backgrounds. Through its Achievers For Life program, JFCS helps middle school students navigate the transition to sixth grade and beyond by offering academic assistance, guidance and social-emotional support. The program also engages parents by keeping them informed of student progress and equipping them with tools to enhance learning at home. For more information, go to JFCSJax.org.
