State Testing Support
Advice Letters (submitted by Susie Bennett, Selah Junior High)
Have eighth graders write letters of advice about passing the MSP to 7th graders.
Brain Suckers (submitted by Lana Yenne, Yelm M.S.)
Have ASB distribute brain-shaped suckers for students taking state tests. Brain suckers can be ordered through most sucker companies.
Healthy Snacks (submitted by John Bittinger, Everett H.S.)
Have leadership students distribute healthy snacks for breaks during testing.
Healthy Snack Ideas (submitted by Darlys Recker, Tieton Middle School and Komachin Middle School)
Other snack ideas include serving trail mix and cookies & milk. Serve breakfast daily, chew gum, and/or give goodie bags to students taking tests.
"I'm With You" (submitted by Tammy Caldwell, Marysville M.S.)
To make the students feel supported if they take the test in a classroom that is not the content area teacher for that test subject, the math teacher (for example) folds a 3 x 5 card in half so that it stands up on their desk. Put a picture of the teacher on the card with an inspritational message, such as "You're a star!" "I know you can do it!" The card makes the students feel like their supportive teacher is with them.
"Smarties + Other Encouragements" (submitted by Kim Petersen, Lincoln M.S.)
We support our test "takers" by providing them with little encouragement items such as a smarties on a card with their name on it.----A card with a piece of gum that states "stick with it". Or a pencil tip erasers taped to a piece of paper that states, "Make no mistake about it--you are the best."
T-Shirts (submitted by Cathy McNamara, Tumwater M.S.)
We give out "I Did My Best on the _____________" T-shirts with school logo on the front. Students rate themselves, teachers rate the students - shirts are given based on the average.
State Testing Night (submitted by Jennifer Hoglund, Gaiser M.S.)
Test night is an evening event hosted by student leaders where parents bring their student and can participate in actual test questions. The teachers run breakout sessions where guests can learn more about test prompts and other tips. Offer snacks and other activities for a successful event!
Survivor (submitted by Krestin Bahr, Mount Tahoma H.S.)
We have theme of Survivor during the run up to testing. The weeks prior we focus on them "out think," "out play," and "out last" – All kids get gear, we have mock "fear factor" contest gearing up for conquering test anxiety, skill building, etc.
Tips Posters (submitted by Laurel Robillard, Yelm M.S.)
Leadership students hang posters around the school several weeks before testing. Each poster contains testing tips and strategies for success. Tips can be located on the OPSI website.
Have eighth graders write letters of advice about passing the MSP to 7th graders.
Brain Suckers (submitted by Lana Yenne, Yelm M.S.)
Have ASB distribute brain-shaped suckers for students taking state tests. Brain suckers can be ordered through most sucker companies.
Healthy Snacks (submitted by John Bittinger, Everett H.S.)
Have leadership students distribute healthy snacks for breaks during testing.
Healthy Snack Ideas (submitted by Darlys Recker, Tieton Middle School and Komachin Middle School)
Other snack ideas include serving trail mix and cookies & milk. Serve breakfast daily, chew gum, and/or give goodie bags to students taking tests.
"I'm With You" (submitted by Tammy Caldwell, Marysville M.S.)
To make the students feel supported if they take the test in a classroom that is not the content area teacher for that test subject, the math teacher (for example) folds a 3 x 5 card in half so that it stands up on their desk. Put a picture of the teacher on the card with an inspritational message, such as "You're a star!" "I know you can do it!" The card makes the students feel like their supportive teacher is with them.
"Smarties + Other Encouragements" (submitted by Kim Petersen, Lincoln M.S.)
We support our test "takers" by providing them with little encouragement items such as a smarties on a card with their name on it.----A card with a piece of gum that states "stick with it". Or a pencil tip erasers taped to a piece of paper that states, "Make no mistake about it--you are the best."
T-Shirts (submitted by Cathy McNamara, Tumwater M.S.)
We give out "I Did My Best on the _____________" T-shirts with school logo on the front. Students rate themselves, teachers rate the students - shirts are given based on the average.
State Testing Night (submitted by Jennifer Hoglund, Gaiser M.S.)
Test night is an evening event hosted by student leaders where parents bring their student and can participate in actual test questions. The teachers run breakout sessions where guests can learn more about test prompts and other tips. Offer snacks and other activities for a successful event!
Survivor (submitted by Krestin Bahr, Mount Tahoma H.S.)
We have theme of Survivor during the run up to testing. The weeks prior we focus on them "out think," "out play," and "out last" – All kids get gear, we have mock "fear factor" contest gearing up for conquering test anxiety, skill building, etc.
Tips Posters (submitted by Laurel Robillard, Yelm M.S.)
Leadership students hang posters around the school several weeks before testing. Each poster contains testing tips and strategies for success. Tips can be located on the OPSI website.