How to Get

Better Test Scores

Grades 3–12

Standardized and state test preparation

The Better Test Scores program prepares students for two types of tests.

• Standardized Tests
• State Tests with Open-Ended Items

Four steps to testing success

1. Pretest/Diagnosis

• Students take a pretest and compare their errors to a correlation chart. Students can then focus on the lessons in Better Test Scores that teach strategies for their individual areas of weaknesses.

2. Model Lessons

• Students work through sample questions and compare their answers to the correct responses. Then they receive direct instruction in specific test-taking strategies and subject area tips to help improve their performance.

3. Authentic Practice

• Students apply test-taking strategies to timed practice tests in the same format as standardized or state tests and chart their results to monitor progress.

4. Posttest

• Students practice using test-taking strategies on a timed posttest that mirrors the format of an authentic standardized or state test. A reproducible bubble answer sheet provides practice transferring their answers.

Does teaching test-taking strategies really improve test scores? YES!

• Test-wiseness (knowing how to take a test) is learned, not inborn.
• A student who performs at the 50th percentile would probably score over the 60th percentile after learning test-taking strategies.

How much time should be spent teaching test-taking strategies?

There is a direct correlation between hours spent learning test-taking strategies and percentile growth on tests.

Do low-ability students benefit from learning test-taking strategies? YES!

In nine studies, low-ability students gained more than middle- and high-ability students who had the same training. This holds true for ESL students as well.

How can teaching test-wiseness be integrated into the curriculum?

Educators integrate Better Test Scores Student Books into the curriculum in various ways. Two of the most common approaches include:

• integrating test-taking strategy lessons throughout the year as students practice the skills covered in Better Test Scores.

• directly teaching Better Test Scores strategy lessons for 10 to 30 minutes daily beginning 5 to 10 weeks before a test.

State Standards

Research Notes

Reviews and Testimonials

Printable Order Form

Standardized
Previous Editions

Open-Ended
Previous Editions