Getting Ready for the 3rd Grade Citywide Test

What Can My Child Do When Getting Ready for a 3rd Grade Citywide Test?

Understanding the Purpose of the 3rd Grade Citywide Test

One of the ways that cities can evaluate the performance of their elementary schools is to give a citywide test to students. City education officials use the results to determine which schools are not teaching effectively, but you can use your child's individual scores to see whether your child is performing at grade level. Based on your child's scores, you and his or her teacher can decide whether your child would benefit from special services like special or gifted education. You can also use your child's scores to see the areas in which your child needs extra work or enrichment.

How Can My Child Get Ready All Year Long?

Your child's scores will more accurately reflect what your child knows if he or she is well prepared for the test. Since 3rd grade citywide tests are usually based on the city's curriculum, you can review the district's learning standards to see what your child needs to know.

As the school year progresses, make sure that your child is learning what he or she should be. Go over your child's assignments and stay in close contact with his or her teachers. Provide your child with any help that he or she may need and when the testing time comes, your child should already be prepared.

How Can My Child Get Ready Before the Exam?

Students can also get ready for the citywide test by completing released standardized state tests. You can check the website of your state's Board of Education or ask your child's school for practice tests. Recreate a calm testing environment at home and time your child as he or she takes a sample exam. Go over the answers with your child and help strengthen any areas where your child may be struggling.

What Else Can Help My Child?

There are many websites that can provide help for your child. The standards-based activities listed at some sites are listed by standard, so you can easily target your child's strengths and weaknesses. Your child can also prepare by playing games and completing worksheets. You can print 3rd grade worksheets from a variety of websites. There are also a number of sites offering help with test preparation.

It's also possible that your child could benefit from having a tutor. There are many types of tutors that you can choose from, such as private tutors, tutors who work for local and national companies as well as online tutors. Talk to your child's teachers or another education professional to determine what kind of tutor would be best to help your child prepare for the 3rd grade citywide test.