Reed Encourages Students, Families to Get Ready for ISTEP+

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - With ISTEP+ testing beginning at schools statewide next week, Superintendent of Public Instruction Suellen Reed is encouraging Hoosier families to do their part to help students be successful.

“The true preparation for ISTEP+ takes place the whole year leading up to the test, but there are some simple steps families can take now to ensure their students are ready to do their best,” Dr. Reed said.

The Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (or ISTEP+) is given during the fall of each school year to all students in grades 3 through 10. The ISTEP+ testing window for the 2007-08 school year is September 17-28, but check with your school for local test dates. The Grade 10 ISTEP+ Graduation Qualifying Exam (GQE) will be administered to members of the Class of 2010 on September 18, 19 and 20 this year.

Based on Indiana’s Academic Standards, the test includes English/language arts and mathematics at each grade, as well as science at grades 5 and 7. Solid reading, writing and math skills are "must haves" for a successful future. ISTEP+ is designed to make sure Indiana students master these basics on their way to earning a high school diploma. If students don’t know enough to pass the test, that’s a sign that they need some extra help.

How can students get ready for ISTEP+?

• Be prepared. Cramming for any test is never the best way to prepare. Keep up with your homework and ask your teachers for help when you need it.
• Review. In the weeks before your test, take it seriously when your teachers review important information.
• Get plenty of sleep. Go to bed a little earlier so you get a good night’s sleep. Being well rested will give you an extra boost of energy for test day.
• Have a good breakfast. Eat protein (eggs, meat, cheese, etc.), which will help you perform better than a sugary donut. Too much food can make you feel sleepy, so don’t overdo it.
• Take a break. Get some exercise during your breaks or after school to keep your energy up.
• Ask for help. If you’ve had trouble with ISTEP+ in the past, ask a teacher, counselor or parent about extra help now.
• Double-check your work on the test. You’ll catch mistakes if you take time to proofread your answers carefully.

What can parents do to support students during testing?

• Make sure your child has plenty of sleep the night before.
• Provide a nutritious breakfast.
• Encourage your child to do his or her very best, but don’t place too much emphasis on the test.

What can parents do to help students prepare for ISTEP+?

• Stay connected. Cramming for a test rarely results in the type of learning that will stay with your child throughout his or her life. The best preparation is to provide consistent support to your child throughout his or her education.
• Know what’s expected. Read Indiana’s Academic Standards so you know what your child should know and be able to do, reinforce these expectations at home, and stay connected to your child’s academic performance throughout the year.
• Check grades. Your son or daughter may say things are "fine" at school but don’t stop checking report cards, progress reports, or, if available, your child’s online grades or class progress.
• Talk to the teacher. Teachers know how hard children are working, how well they are behaving, the quality of their homework and what areas need improvement. Collect e-mail addresses or phone numbers of all your child’s teachers and check in periodically.
• Don’t buckle on homework. If your child is not studying at home, ask why, and double-check with teachers. It’s tough to hold the line, but making sure your child does his or her homework is important for academic success.
• Ask for help. Students who are struggling in a particular class may need extra help after school or with a tutor. Find out from your school where you can go for help and make sure your student gets the help he or she needs. Catching a problem area now can make a big difference.
• Go to parent meetings. Most schools offer parent nights or teacher/parent sessions that provide great information. Check your school’s calendar at the beginning of the year and plan to attend.
• Get involved. Nothing will have a bigger impact on your student’s success than your involvement in his or her education.

What if I have more questions about ISTEP+?

• Talk to teachers and counselors at your school.
• Visit www.doe.state.in.us/istep or call 1-888-54-ISTEP.
• Visit www.learnmoreindiana.org or call 1-800-992-2076.

Source: Indiana Department of Education Press Release

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