How to Improve Iowa Standardized Test Scores

The Iowa Achievement Test is one of the most popular standardized tests used in the United States as it tests a wide of subjects including reading, writing, arithmetic, social studies, science and other skills. The test is given over a 5-day period and is the cause of some frustration in kids taking the test. If a child does poorly, these steps will help you improve his scores.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Go over each subject of the test with the child. Explain what each subject tested and ask if he understands. Ask the student if he knows why he might not have done so well on a portion of the test. Ask why he thinks he did well on other portions. Usually a child does poorly because he had less contact to the subject matter so if he reads poorly, he probably will tell you he doesn't like to read or doesn't read much at home. This step is usually is not a surprise to the student or the teacher.

2. Work with the child to devise a plan to correct the problem. Let him decide how to get the reading scores up, for example. If the student is younger or stumped, lay out three options for improvement and allow him to choose one. Decide how he will execute the plan and follow up to make sure the plan is being executed. Habits must change and constantly following up keeps the student on track.

3. Talk with the student's parents if you are a teacher. Many times parents do not know that their child is having difficulties in a particular area. The parents may have gotten the test scores back, but not know how to read the Iowa Test score results. Interpret the scores. Point out the child's strengths and then the weaknesses. Ask if there is anything that you should know about that may have affected the test to determine whether the problem is with the subject matter or something else. Tell the parent about the plan the student has devised.

4. Contact the student's teacher for next year. The Iowa test results, like many standardized tests, do not tell you whether a curriculum or learning technique is wrong for the child until you follow the child's test results for several years. Test results from one year to the next need to be monitored. The child needs constant attention to correct the problem. Talk to the new teacher, write a note in his file, and keep track of the student.

5. Encourage the child to work on the weak areas at home. Homeschool parents use this test as well and need to make changes where needed and continue with techniques that are working. Focus on the child's strengths and integrate the weak area's curriculum into that manner of learning.