Written by: Precious Young of Erin’s Hugs Foundation

During the Spring semester, you’ll notice the school pressuring parents on matters of attendance.

The Role of Testing and Interventions

Well, the testing window has opened.  California State Assessment windows that is.  Why are testing assessments important?  Testing has good intentions. Test results are a snapshot of each student.  However, no student should be defined by this moment in time.  Some factors of your child’s educational future are determined by their performance on assessments—for example, placement, as well as support.    

Formal state assessments officially begin in 3rd grade. However, students’ performance is always measured and reviewed to determine their individualized needs. For many students, testing results trigger a need for intervention or additional assistance. As parents, this isn’t the easiest pill to swallow. Be encouraged, and remember that early intervention yields the best results! 

Speaking of interventions, one that parents can practice is taking a trip to the library regularly because reading is always a healthy developmental skill.   I once read that a child only educated at school is an uneducated child.   There’s something to ponder!

The United States has some of the lowest performance data in the area of reading.   California in particular is ranked #26 out of 30 in overall educational performance. 

Parents have to find a healthy balance while nurturing physically and mentally healthy scholars.  

Tips for Parents

So some helpful tips are :

• Make sure that as a family your bedtime is healthy
• Ensure a hearty breakfast or allow your child to arrive at school in time to access the breakfast the school provides 
• Talk to your child about how testing makes them feel which navigates any test anxieties they may experience 
• Allow your child to have a little bit more downtime on the weekend to relax their brains 
• Celebrate and encourage your child to do their best but always celebrate what their individual best is and be comfortable knowing that “best” varies for each individual.
• Any opportunity to visit school and teachers take it for example open house.   
• Give feedback to the school administration on ideas for the school climate.   

Information on School Council and Parent Involvement

Each school site has an official committee called the School Site Council, which is inclusive of site administration, staff, and parents with the intent to guide school policies, programs, and spending to support student group’s needs.   All parents can attend a School Site Council meeting to listen in and make comments at the appropriate time but only elected members can vote on agenda topics, and make decisions.   

Specific Information for High School Students

Depending on where your high school student is in their educational journey they may be awaiting college determination letters, financial aid awards, or finishing up applying to colleges or career vocational schools.  Either way, one mandatory piece of data to communicate your child’s high school story will be assessment data from 3 out of the 4 years of your child’s educational career to assist with the determination of enrollment and placement. 

Younger high school students are focused on passing AP exams and benchmark assessments.   Students who are not native English speakers may be working to pass tests that allow them to be considered English proficient.   

There are so many moving parts.   Always encourage students to do their best!

If you find that students don’t understand or are having hardships academically,  I know a good tutor that can be recommended.   However, first, begin with the teacher for direct individualized support.     

Sidebar: Long Beach Moms, did you know there’s an ed code that protects the teacher’s grades from being influenced by authority?   Check out California Code, Education Code – EDC § 49066.

Those moms with A+ scholars, keep up the good work! 

The educational advocate in me would be remiss if I didn’t say that if a student has an IEP or 503 plan this is the time to ensure the testing accommodations are fitting and appropriate so that students can perform as their best selves.  Expect your child’s case manager to be in contact with you to review the testing accommodations and if applicable modification section of the 504 or Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) during the testing window.   An IEP or 504 both represent plans to accommodate and/or provide services to students with disabilities.  

Advice for Younger Students

Are you interested in ideas to get a head start with your toddler’s skill development?  Having a background as both an educator and a mother of a toddler.   I’m always finding ways to implement learning opportunities throughout the day.  Practice formulates routines that prepare students to be less anxious and reduce stress for successful transitions into the learning environment.   

Some practical tips I practice with my toddler to develop his overall skills:  

• Attend a weekly library reading 
• Check out books from the library
• Visit a bookstore 
• Carpet time 
  • This develops key behaviors such as classroom conduct 
• Picture books 
  • We make up our version of animated stories.   This allows him to tell the story in his own way using his language or communication style.  He looks forward to me displaying engaging behaviors!  
• Tube time 
  • We watch his favorite shows together as I describe everything while asking WH questions to check his level of understanding.  
• Preferred time with his iPad
• Time outdoors: 
  • Dancing, singing and listening to music 
  • Picking lemons from a tree, 
  • Blowing a whimsical wish on a dandelion 
  • Searching for worms in the dirt   
• Sometimes he’s learning to sit and relax and rest and 
• During tantrums, I allow him to be comfortable and safe expressing his huge emotions 

In closing, “Marvel in Motherhood!” Don’t forget to let us know if you have a specific educational topic of interest. Otherwise, until our next episode, be well, and don’t allow testing to be stressful! 

Sincerely,

Precious Young 

@erinshugsfoundation

 

Please note: this is an informational post only and may or may not reflect the beliefs of Long Beach Moms.