More than ever before, students of all grade levels are being encouraged to score well on standardized tests in school. Test scores are tied to everything from public school funding to real estate value. Testing time provokes anxiety in everyone involved, including teachers, counselors, administrators, parents and especially students.

Standardized test scores may be used to determine educational placement such as remedial, regular, or advanced classes in elementary, middle or high school. Low scores may limit a student’s access to certain schools, magnet programs or scholarships. These uses and implications of test results may be debatable, particularly when students may have high grades but don’t necessarily test well.

Although parents and educators would agree that test results only provide very limited and specific information about a student’s academic performance and potential, both teachers and parents would like for students to score their individual best on standardized tests. Here are some practical tips for parents to help their kids reduce their stress level and perform their best on testing days.

Know What to Expect Your child’s teachers and guidance counselor are the best resources to becoming familiar with the tests your child will be taking. Most standardized tests emphasize math skills, both computation and application and reading comprehension.

Meet with your child’s reading and math teachers several weeks prior to testing time to learn about the testing format and content. Work with your child as needed on building his or Her basic skills in reading comprehension and math computation and applications. Find out if calculators are permitted for math portions of the test.

Ask the teacher if your child is performing on grade level. Most standardized test results provide a percentile ranking which compare a student’s results with others. The teacher can let you know how your child is doing academically and inform you of his or her strengths and weaknesses in the important tested areas of reading and math.

Parents may even be given specific test taking tips and sample test booklets in order to supplement students’ preparation at home.

The school may even provide students and parents with test-taking strategies. These may include how and when to guess, whether guessing is appropriate, finding clues and learning key vocabulary and hints about monitoring one’s pace during in timed testing situations.

Ask the teacher or counselor about tutorial and test preparation opportunities that may be offered through the school or district.

Be Supportive Talk to your kids about trying their best on test days. Depending on their age and grade level, it may be reinforcing to your remind your child of how their personal test results may influence their goals. This may include class placement, elective choices, and scholarship and magnet program opportunities. Encourage your child to do his or her best while reinforcing that the standardized test results are only part of their academic record. Let your child know that you will be proud of his or her best effort regardless of his or her actual test score.

Some students may experience test anxiety, causing them to perform below their actual ability or skill level. Provide encouragement to these students by reminding them of their academic strengths. Try to build their confidence. Encourage them to relax and take a deep breath as they begin taking the test. Tell them to tackle the standardized test as they would any other test they would take in school. Remind them that you will not be disappointed in them if their test results are not superior. Let them know how proud you are of their academic achievements.

Practical Tips for Testing Days

Make sure your child is well rested on testing days. A full night’s sleep will help your child to concentrate. Make sure your child has a nutritional breakfast and provide a snack if the school will permit it for breaks during testing. Your child’s clothing, jewelry, or hairstyle should not be distracting or uncomfortable for testing days. If your child wears glasses, make sure he or she has them to take to school.

Provide a calm home environment the morning of testing to minimize rushing or testing anxiety. Make sure your child is on time for school and knows which classroom to report when arriving at school. Give your child one last word of encouragement as he or she heads to the classroom on testing mornings. These tips can be used for any day of the school year but they are especially important during stressful testing times.


Remember standardized testing is stressful for everyone involved. By being informed and supportive, parents can assist their kids in performing their best on testing days. It is important not to add to your child’s anxiety or stress level by over emphasizing the importance of high test scores. As with any aspect of parenting, we must accept our children for who they are and encourage and support them in achieving their goals.

Doing well on standardized tests is only one aspect of your child’s whole educational experience. If your child is a motivated student but does not score well on tests, don’t let below average test results hinder his or her academic success or opportunities. Seek ways to assist your children in reaching their full potential.