Achievement tests are important for many reasons. These tests help guide instruction. Teachers are able to see where our students are strong and also where they may need to spend more instructional time. More importantly, they prepare our students for what is next. The EXPLORE test prepares students for the ACT and the Ohio Achievement Assessment prepares students for the Ohio Graduation Test.
EXPLORE TEST
In November, the 8th grade students take the “EXPLORE” test. This assessment precedes the PLAN (which provides practice for the ACT) in high school and the ACT (which is used as a college entrance exam).
The EXPLORE assessment is designed to test college and work readiness. It determines students’ strengths and weaknesses as they relate to skills necessary to be successful in that first college class or that first day in the working world. The students also get much needed practice for the ACT because this test is essentially a “mini-ACT.” The assessment looked at career interests and high school course planning. This can be an incredibly useful tool!
Tips for Standardized Tests
- Read test directions carefully and thoroughly. If the test includes multiple sections, be sure to read each set of directions.
- Read each question carefully to determine its meaning. Make sure you know what the question is asking before you begin to answer.
- Anticipate the answer before looking at the choices. If your answer is one of the choices, it is probably correct.
- Be sure to read through all the answer choices before marking one as correct.
- Look for synonyms in the answer choices that match words or phrases in the question. Most likely, the correct answer will include similar words.
- Use context clues to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words.
- Analyze the meaning of unknown words by dividing them into prefix, root, and suffix and trying to define each part.
- Eliminate answers that don't make sense. Try to narrow the choices down to two when you are unsure of the correct answer.
- Circle questions you don't know and go back later. Sometimes a clue will be found in another test question.
- Guess intelligently by looking for opposite answers, one of which can be eliminated.
- When reading passages are involved, read the questions first to determine what you are looking for as you read the selection.
- For math problems, use scratch paper and double check to make sure you've copied the problem correctly. Line up place values neatly to avoid careless mistakes.
- Pace yourself to leave time for review at the end of the test. Don't spend too much time on difficult questions. Go back to questions you skipped after you've finished.
- Try to answer every question on the test. Change answers only when you were very unsure of your original choice.
Encourage students to get plenty of rest the night before testing and eat a nutritious breakfast. Remind them that they have been well-prepared and that confident students make the best test-takers!
