Here's How to Help Your Child Achieve on the NJASK Test

It’s NJASK time in New Jersey public schools. The test will be given to all students in grades 3 through 8 over the next few weeks.

The goals of the NJASK tests are: To measure and promote student achievement of challenging state curriculum standards; to provide accurate and meaningful information about student performance and to meet state and federal accountability requirements. Our job as educators and parents is to make sure that students do their best without being stressed out about the tests. As a parent you can provide positive support at home to help your child be successful and to ease their anxieties about test taking. 

Get the facts.

Know the exact dates your child will be tested and what time of day. Make sure your child is present during testing (children tend to perform better when taking tests in their groups rather than at a makeup time). Once you know what's happening, you can help your child feel ready for what's ahead. It’s helpful for children to understand why schools give tests and to know the different types of tests they will be taking.

Take care of the basics.

See that your child gets a good night's sleep the night before the test, eats a healthy breakfast and arrives to school early.

Talk to your child.

Find out whether your child is feeling nervous and if so, why. Often children feel better when they voice their fears, so give your child a chance to talk about the process. If your child is afraid of failing or doing poorly, your reassurances will help him feel less frightened.

Don’t place so much emphasis on your child’s test scores that you lose sight of his/her well-being.

Children should know that test scores are important but are not the measure of your love and acceptance of them. Promising your child rewards or threatening punishments is not the best way to motivate your child. Both of these strategies can increase test anxiety and interfere with performance.

Help your child practice.

If your child is familiar with the format of the test, he'll feel more prepared. Look at the Parent Information Booklet or check the NJASK web site for more information to help him get acquainted with the test. 

Teach Relaxation techniques.

Use deep breathing, focus on positive thoughts about the test or picture a relaxing scene to stay calm. Don’t waste time worrying over one question. Tell yourself that it’s ok to not know everything and you can return to a difficult question at the end of the test. 

Have a Positive Attitude/Keep your cool.

While tests have increasing importance, they are just one measure of student learning, so try to keep the process in perspective. If you remain calm, chances are your child will probably feel calmer, too.

For further details or information contact your child’s guidance counselor.