The month of May signals the end of year testing for schools. These tests are referred to as "standardised tests" and are based on curriculum standards. The end of year-standardised tests are often referred to as "high stakes" tests because test results have implications for students, teachers, administrators, and schools. Students who do not pass standardised tests may be held back a year or fail to graduate. Low-test scores are sometimes considered when teachers and administrators receive job performance reviews. Schools can be graded based on test scores – decisions may be made affecting personnel and budgets. More and more attention is being placed on end of year "standardised testing" as a measure of accountability even though there is a great deal of controversy about them. Advocates feel that the tests encourage schools to set higher standards and be more accountable for student learning. Critics argue that testing takes away from subject areas other than those tested and that teachers are forced to teach to the test.

Parents must be knowledgeable about the end of year standardised testing. Learn about what this testing means for your child. Important information about testing schedules, implications and test formats should be readily available from your child's school. If your child has a learning challenge or not proficient in the language of the test, find out what policies and procedures of accommodation can be made for your child.

Parents can also ensure their child is prepared academically by talking to teachers to find out what can be done at home. There may be some test preparation activities that you can do to review for the tests.

Remember children, who read a lot and are read to regularly; who think through problems, and who have good attention spans are more likely to do better on standardised test than other children. Encourage your child to study actively. Children who underline key words in the text, take notes, and write outlines while reading are more likely to do well than those who merely let their eyes wander down the page.

Have your child invent questions that seem likely to appear on the test. Then have them try to answer the questions. This will point out areas of study that need more attention and review.

Teach your child the "STAR" test-taking strategy. This is particularly useful for timed tests.

Survey the test to see which items can be answered quickly.

Take time to read the directions carefully.

Answer the questions you can answer quickly, leaving difficult items for last.

Reread the questions and your answers, making any needed corrections.

If homework involves multiple-choice answers, have your child explain why one answer is correct and why the other was incorrect. Show your child how to use the process of elimination. If B, C, and D are definitely wrong, then the answer must be A.

When your child is reading (or you are reading to your child) have him tell you the main idea or what the story was about. Expose your child to new vocabulary. Use interesting words when you talk and read aloud from books that introduce new words. Take turns asking questions about material that has been read, allowing for "look backs" to find answers.

Your child may receive a formal writing prompt beginning around the intermediate years (P3).

With such an assessment, children may be instructed to write to a prompt like: "Tell about the most frightening day you have experienced". "Explain how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich". The score for such an assessment – often a number one to six – will combine all areas of writing, from content to spelling.

The best way to prepare for this type of assessment is to encourage your child to spend time writing each day. Ask the teacher for a writing rubric that can assist you in knowing what is being assessed.

Help your child to read their writing out loud, providing ideas for interesting words, logical order and supporting details. The computer is a good tool for writing but for standardised testing purposes, students have to use their own handwriting.

Parents can help their children by ensuring they are well rested the night before the test and that they eat a full breakfast. Consider taking your child out for a special breakfast on the day of an important test. Encouraging your child to do their best prior to the test to alleviate any testing anxiety.

Most importantly, there is more to a child's ability than the end of year standardised assessment.

The daily observations and accumulated artifacts of the school year also provide valuable evidence for your child's performance. Be sure to discuss your child's complete year of performance, not just the end of year test results. A great teacher will have much to share with you.

Next Month's Literacy Matters: Parents are encouraged to e-mail any questions to Literacy Matters. We will answer the most outstanding queries. literacymatters@logic.bm