TestSMART: Build Success

Connect with families through newsletters, phone calls home and parent-teacher organizations in advance of testing, and recruit their help. They are invaluable at helping organize effective pre-test events like pep rallies and red-carpet parades. They can help get youngsters test-ready at home, and ensure their students are available for after-school tutoring. Plus, parents as well as your community can help with prizes to reward students for their extra-hard work.

Give students something to smile about. Here's the Survival Kit from the Parent Outreach and Engagement Department.

Start with ziplock baggie.Add treats	Try granola bars, peppermints and theme treats like Smarties candies, SmartWater, candy kisses
Insert message card. (Even better if you personalize) Message Cards Spanish and English	Use the following ingredients wisely as necessary during testing.For best results, combine with a night of restful sleep, a nutritious breakfast and a positive attitude.Possible side-effects include:a better test-taking experience and higher test scores. Smarties candy to remind you of how smart you are and to boost your test-taking brain power. A pencil to record the things you learn A pencil grip to “get a grip” on the task at hand. An eraser to help you erase your mistakes (we all make them!) A sticker to help you “stick with it.” A candy Kiss for all the hard work you put into testing.
Shop for fun school supplies to add, like pencil grips and shiny No. 2's online here, or here.
Don't forget a sticker