Before the Test
What is one important thing students should do the night before the STAAR test to help their brain focus?
Go to bed on time and get enough sleep.
Who should students pay close attention to at the start of the test so they do not miss directions?
The test administrator.
What should students look for in a question to figure out exactly what they need to do?
Action words like solve, explain, compare, describe, or choose.
On the first pass through the test, what is a student’s main job?
To collect points by answering what they can and keeping moving.
Which tool lets students flag a question and come back to it later?
Mark for Review.
What is one quick thing students can do if stress shows up during the test?
Take one slow breath in and one slow breath out.
What should students have in the morning so they have steady energy during the test?
Breakfast and water.
What is the goal during the test: to race through it or to keep moving and do your best work?
To keep moving and do your best work.
What three words can completely change what counts as the correct answer?
BEST, MOST, and NOT.
What should students do if they are stuck after an honest try?
Use Mark for Review and come back later.
Which tool reminds students what buttons and tools do?
Help.
What is a helpful reminder students can say to themselves during the test?
“I can do one question at a time.”
What are two simple things students should take care of before the test starts so they feel ready?
Use the restroom and make sure they have their glasses if they need them.
If a student has a login issue, frozen screen, or tool problem, what should they do?
Raise their hand and ask the test administrator for help.
Before clicking an answer, what should students do with all the answer choices?
Read all of them.
Why is it a bad idea to spend too much time on one hard question?
Because one question can steal time and focus from the rest of the test.
Which tool can change zoom, color, or mouse pointer settings?
System Settings.
Can the test administrator tell students which answer is correct once testing is underway?
No.
What is a helpful thought students can tell themselves if they feel nervous before the test?
“I can take one question at a time.”
If the test is paused, what happens when the student comes back?
They return to the same place in the test.
If a question says “select two,” what is the student supposed to remember?
The question needs more than one answer.
When students return to a flagged question, what should they reread first?
The question stem.
Which tool can students use to mark important words, numbers, and clues?
Highlight.
What should students do in the last few minutes instead of panicking?
Check their answers, revisit flagged questions, and make sure their responses are complete.
What is the goal before the test begins?
To walk in rested, ready, and calm.
Does the STAAR test stretch across multiple days or is it completed the same day?
It is completed the same day.
In math or science, what should students double-check besides the answer itself?
Signs, labels, and units.
Before submitting the test, what should students make sure is true for every question?
Every question has an answer or response.
What is the best rule for using online tools during the test?
Use the tools that help you think better and stay focused.
What is the best summary strategy for success on the STAAR test?
Stay calm, read carefully, use your tools, and keep moving.