Dear Teacher: My daughter, a sixth grader, is a fantastic student, except when it comes to taking tests. At times, she freezes and seems to forget all the information that she knows. How can she overcome this problem before she gets to junior high school? -- Problems With Tests
Dear Problems: One of the best ways to prepare for tests is to overstudy. Students have to go over the day's class work and homework every evening until they feel the material is mastered. Then this material should be reviewed at least once a week. Next, students need to know the answers to every end-of-the-chapter exercise and every study-guide question. These answers need to be written out before the test is assigned and again in preparation for the test. Much of this material is likely to appear on tests. This should bring a feeling of confidence to tests and chase away freezing up on tests because of uncertainty about what the correct answers are.
Most teachers give very clear signals about what will be on a test. Your daughter needs to listen carefully and take notes when the teacher discusses this. Then she should highlight these points in her class notes, book notes, outlines, study guides and assignments.
Finally, your daughter needs to go over tests that caused her problems with either you or her teacher to see where she is facing difficulty. She also needs to consider what she needs to have done to answer problem questions successfully.
Dear Teacher: I have always heard that all problems should be discussed first with the teacher. When should you look for answers with other school staff? -- Protocol Conscious
Dear Protocol: Start with the teacher on most classroom issues. Talk to the counselor for specific help on challenging academic, social, emotional and behavioral issues. The principal or vice principal is the person to talk to when you are unable to resolve an issue with a teacher or counselor. They are also the ones to consult about general school policies. If you are not satisfied that the principal has done enough to address your concerns, it can be a good idea to take your concerns to the parents' group at your school. The views of a group of parents will usually be addressed by a school. Of course, the outcome may or may not be what you want. However, a dialogue has been opened between parents and the school. The final step with any problem is to go to the school board.
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