It’s time for standardized tests. All thoughts are on how well your students will measure up to national and local expectations. They’ve been taught what needed to be taught, but will they remember the information? Will they take the test seriously? Will they know how to best take the test?

If you’re not sure, it’s time for FOCUS On The Test.

FOCUS On The Test is a five-lesson classroom or small-group program that packages effective test-taking strategies and relates them to the word FOCUS. Each lesson emphasizes one of the letters of the word and students learn:

F is for FACE IT

FACE IT refers to having a positive attitude about tests and paying attention.

O is for ORGANIZE IT

ORGANIZE your body in a testing position, work at a medium pace, and organize the answer choices.

C is for CONQUER IT

CONQUER negative feelings about taking tests and use brain power to beat the test!

U is for UNDERSTAND IT

Read carefully so you UNDERSTAND what you read. Hear the words in your mind. Underline key words and absolutes like all, never, etc.

S is for SCAN IT

SCAN the entire test when you’re finished. Check for any “trouble with the bubble” or skipped sections.

Modalities used to hold students’ interest include posters, activities, and worksheets. Students’ weekly entries reflect their comprehension of the concept presented and how they will incorporate it into their test-taking procedures.

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TOPICS: TESTING

INCLUDES: Reproducible posters,activities, and worksheets, ASCA Standards

GRADE LEVELS: 3-5

AUTHOR: Mary Pat McCartney

RECOMMENDED FOR: Use in classroom guidance, small-group counseling,and individual counseling

8 1/2x11, 64 pages, Paperback, 2009

ASCA NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR Focus On The TEST

ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT

Standard A: Students will acquire the attitudes, knowledge, and skills that contribute to effective learning in school and across the life span.

A:A:1 Improve Academic Self-Concept

A:A1.1 Articulate feelings of competence and confidence as learners

A:A1.3 Take pride in work and achievement

A:A1.5 Identify attitudes and behaviors which lead to successful learning

A:A2 Acquire Skills For Improving Learning

A:A2:2 Demonstrate how effort and persistence positively affect learning

Standard B: Students will complete school with the academic preparation essential to choose from a wide range of substantial post-secondary options, including college. .

A:B1 Improve Learning

A:B1.3 Apply the study skills necessary for academic success at each level

A:B2 Plan To Achieve Goals

A:B2.6 Understand the relationship between classroom performance and success in school

American School Counselor Association (2004). ASCA National Standards for Students. Alexandria, VA: Copyright 2004 by the American School Counselor Association

Focus On The TEST © 2008 MARCO PRODUCTS, INC. 1443 OLD YORK ROAD, WARMINSTER, PA 18974

FOCUS ON THE TEST

Targeted Population: All students; students who have difficulty paying attention, negative feelings about tests, become anxious over tests, need a structured approach to test taking

Program Components: 5-lesson classroom or small-group program that relates test-taking strategies to the word FOCUS; activities, posters, and worksheets; Pre/Post Test; Parent letter; ASCA Standards

Applicable For:

ARRA: Improving Student Achievement
Study Skills and Test Taking

Title I, Part A: Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies
Academic Improvement (Study Skills and Test Taking)

Title V, Part A: Innovative Programs
Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Programs (Academic Planning)