How to Help Your Child Ace the California STAR Test (Math)
Each spring in California, students take a test as part of California's standardized testing and reporting (STAR) program. These STAR tests measure a child's understanding of the material covered in California's curriculum. Students are tested in math, writing, science and history. Help your child get ready for the math STAR tests with some extra practice and learning some test-taking techniques.
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Instructions
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Review the mathematics curriculum framework for your child's grade level to understand what your child is expected to know in the current school year. Review these concepts with your child over the course of the year.
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Teach your child to recognize "trick" answers in the multiple choice test. First, the "look alike trick" where the answer looks almost correct. Second, the "opposite trick" where the correct answer is the opposite of the wrong one. Third, the "directions trick." This is a failure of the student to notice small words in the directions such as: incorrect, correct, not, likely, best or most. Here it is important to explain and repeat that "little words mean a lot." Fourth, the "missed a step" trap. This is a failure to do all steps. Trick five is identifying "confusing" graphics or wording. Have your child make up a "trick" question using the same type of trick in the test. Make a game of seeing if your student can trick you or someone else. Giving each type of error a name that your child can use and understand will accelerate the learning process.
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Find practice worksheets and test preparation books. Use these resources to let your child practice the concepts that will be on the test.
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Fix concept related mistakes. This may be your child's first time learning about this topic. Look for free online videos and games that teach the topic. Find a workbook that explains/teaches this topic in detail.
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Use sample test questions. The California Department of Education releases test questions on its website each year to give educators an idea of the types of questions that will be on the test. Work through these questions with your child to make sure they understand test-taking strategies.
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Tips & Warnings
Remember that your child is on a September to June schedule. The STAR test is often given before the teacher has presented all of the grade level curriculum tested. Therefore, you may have to teach some concepts from the beginning.
Don't get down on your child for not understanding.
Make a long term plan to get your child on track.
References
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