Eighth-graders sharpen their skills and their No. 2 pencils in preparation for state exams 
Parent Spot for Parents of Middle School Students

This spring, eighth graders will take six state-mandated exams designed to show not just how well they have learned their middle school lessons but whether or not they have acquired the higher level academic skills that will allow them to succeed in high school.

In other words, these are not just tests of eighth grade but rather of everything they have been taught to do since the day they first entered school.   
The exams are part of New York state's move toward higher learning standards for all students in public schools. The grade 8 state exams will be given on the following schedule:

• English language arts (May)

• Mathematics (May)

• Second language: oral and written tests (June)

• Science: performance test (May) and written test (June)

• Social studies (June)

• Intermediate technology (June)

Of these exams, science, social studies and technology are new this year. Although this may seem like an awesome testing schedule for middle schoolers, state officials view it as a way to spur school improvement and to motivate students to engage in the kind of hard work that will help them be more successful later on in life.

In today's job market, even entry-level positions require strong communication skills and analytical thinking. Students who learn how to do thorough research, write well, use technology to find information, solve complex math problems and apply scientific concepts will be better prepared to handle the jobs of the 21st Century.  These are the skills that form the basis for the new state exams.

Why middle school is a critical time for testing

Dr. David Payton, Supervisor of the Middle Level Education Program at the State Education Department, says the new state tests have been designed to measure whether students are prepared to move on to the next level of learning. Testing of eighth graders is particularly important, since these students will soon be asked to tackle the more challenging high school Regents curriculum.

Under the state's new graduation requirements, all of today's middle school students will have to pass at least five Regents exams to graduate. The only students exempt will be those with serious disabilities, who can qualify for an IEP (Individual Education Plan) diploma. Essentially, the days of the local diploma are about gone.

In the meantime, students this year are being tested in fourth grade (English language arts, math and science), fifth grade (social studies) and eighth grade (the six exams listed above).
 
The state requires that students who score at lowest levels receive "Academic Intervention Services."  These services can run the gamut from extra assistance in the classroom to special remedial classes either after school or during the summer.

Some tips for helping ease students' test taking anxiety

You can't really drill children for these tests. The best you can do is make sure they are mentally and emotionally prepared. Just before the test, see to it that your children:

• Get a good night's sleep

• Eat a wholesome breakfast.

• Dress comfortably.

• Are on time to school.

• Have all the necessary materials (pen, pencil, calculator, etc.).

• Avoid stressful situations (such as arguments)

If your children seem nervous about the tests, calm them down with words of encouragement. If they do not seem to take the tests seriously, let them know you view the tests as important. Either way, communicate to your children that you have confidence in them and that you will be proud of their results as long as they put forth their best effort.

Some tips for helping students become better test-takers

Parents can help their children improve their test scores by encouraging them to adopt the following strategies:

• Ask questions of the person administering the test if the student doesn't understand the directions.

• Answer questions completely and in detail.

• Check to be sure he/she has not skipped anything.

• Proofread answers.

• Avoid distractions from other test takers.

• Use all the time that is given - it makes no difference who finishes first or last.

• Go back and proof answers again if finished early, but don't change anything unless he/she is sure of the change. Studies show that the first answer chosen is usually the right one.  

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