SSAT Flex Online Registration 2007-2008
Parent Information on SSAT Preparation
Preparing for a test is crucial to a student's success, and taking a test
effectively requires skills. Our course for test preparation stresses the
following areas: familiarity with test construction, the development for
test taking strategies for each content area, and the development of self-confidence.
Our course covers general test-taking skills such as familiarity with standardized
answer sheets; using time efficiently; guessing strategies; and handling
test anxiety. Yet it is uniquely designed to fit your child's needs.
Test preparation does not include the teaching of content area basic skills that have not already been introduced in the student's current grade placement. A review of content area concepts is included, and practice will make us more comfortable with the content.
The SSAT test is a high level test, that may include questions above the student's current grade level. It is not an achievement test that indicates a grade level, but the results do yield a comparison or percentile. Not every student will be able to answer every question, and they will be compared with other high achieving students taking the test.
The SSAT is unique. The test includes a penalty for guessing, vocabulary without a contextual reference, and the format of the test may change from year to year.
As parents, we need to be aware of the many variables in test taking. Often high achieving students do not do well on standardized tests, because they have a slower processing speed, they become anxious, or they perseverate on a difficult solution and are unable to move on to complete additional answers. Other variables may include high expectations of the parents, the developmental level of the child, as well as, his or her motivation to attend certain schools.
There are no guarantees in test preparation; however there are possibilities
for re-taking the test.
What you can do
As parents, you have a tremendous impact on your child test taking and test
success. After each test preparation session, ask your child to discuss
with you what he or she has learned, and how he or she plans to use these
skills.
Your role is to encourage, support, and at times to coach. Examine your child's plan for preparing for the test and the strategies that he or she will use, in order to help him or her carry out the plan.