Down Under we subject every child to standardised testing in reading, numeracy, language conventions and writing in years 3,5,7 and 9. My girls did the testing for the first time this year. Here's what I learned:
* testing is tiring because it is a break in normal, everyday routine. Expect dramas and meltdowns afterschool.
* in reading comprehension (when you read a passage of text and then answer a series of multiple choice questions afterwards)... some kids think it's cheating if you look back at the text when you're answering the questions...
* your writing is as good as the question you get on the day. There may be no correlation between what you produce in a test and your actual writing skill.
* even rational, sane parents who understand the strengths and limitations of standardised testing - who acknowledge and understand all the reasons why their gifted child might bomb - still get really, really anxious about standardised testing. Stock up on chocolate
Hoorah! It's over for another 2 years!!!
jojo
