Why do schools use tests? Schools want to compare students with other students. Schools want to see what students know or can do.

Tests are important, especially to schoolchildren. A test may measure a basic skill. It can affect a year's grade. Alternatively, if it measures the ability to learn, it can affect a child's placement in school. Therefore, it is important to do well on tests.

Besides, the ability to do well on tests can help throughout life in such things as getting a driver's licence, trying out for sports, or getting a job. Without this ability, a person can be severely handicapped. Your child can develop this ability, and you can help the child do it.

Tests are yardsticks. Schools use them to measure, and then improve education. Some tell schools that they need to strengthen courses or change teaching techniques. Other tests compare students by schools, school districts, or cities. All tests determine how well "your child" is doing. And that is very important.

When schools use specific tests to compare students with other students, this test is known as a norm-referenced test. Norm-referenced tests measure basic concepts and skills commonly taught in schools.

These tests are not designed as measures of any specific curriculum or instructional programme. Results from norm-referenced tests compare a student's achievement with that of a national sample of similar students. The test score is compared with or referenced to some norm. The norm is used to tell how well we do compared with others.

Scores are often given as a percentage or a ranking based on percentage. A rank of 50 percent means a student scored better than 50 percent of the students in the sample.

Another way norm-referenced scores are expressed is the grade equivalent score. A 3.5 grade equivalent score implies that the student is in the third grade, fifth month grade level.

The primary purpose of a norm-referenced test is to differentiate among test takers. There is a ranking from the best to the least best. Well known norm-referenced tests include the Stanford Achievement Test, Iowa Test of Basic Skills, California Achievement Test, and Terra Nova test.

Another type of test is called the criterion-referenced test or standards based test. This test measures student and school progress toward reaching very specific content standards set by a school system. The standards are a written description usually by grade level of what students are expected to know in major subject areas. The results of these tests are shown by such terms as not proficient, partially proficient, proficient and advanced.

The more questions a student answers correctly, the higher the proficiency level reached. Included in these tests is multiple choice, short answer or essay questions, or a combination of formats. Students take standards based tests once a year, usually at the end of the final school term.

Classroom tests are given periodically to students during the course of the year by classroom teachers. Classroom test formats may include multiple choice, true/false, short answer, essay, performance, displays or exhibits and even computerized administered tests. Classroom test results allow students to get ongoing feedback about their own progress and can inform teachers about additional instruction students may need.

Teachers often use classroom test results during parent/teacher conferences as evidence of strengths, areas needing improvement, and progress.

Portfolio assessment (a collection of student work) and teacher observations of a students' classroom participation can also help demonstrate progress over a period of time.

There are different purposes for specific tests. A norm-referenced test provides valuable information that can be compared to a national average – a wider comparison with other countries or school systems.

A standards-based test tells you how well your child is achieving against specific standards set by the school system and can also provide important information about how well your school is teaching those students. A classroom test provides information about your child's performance in a specific topic taught by a specific teacher.

Learning more about school tests is essential for parents. To understanding your child's performance:

¦ Attend school meetings where scores are discussed;

¦ Carefully read information about test scores from the publisher, or your child's school;

¦ Compare results across the different types of tests;

¦ Keep a folder and compare changes in test scores.

To help children prepare adequately for tests (whether teacher-made or standardised), parents can do several things to provide support and create a positive test-taking experience.

¦ The best way to prepare for tests is to study, know the work, and take the right courses.

¦ If your child is nervous at test time, ask her teacher for tips on helping her to relax.

¦ Make sure that your child is in school during the testing sessions. Do not plan any doctor or dental appointments on test dates.

¦ Make sure that you are aware of your child's performance and that you can help interpret the results when they become available.

¦ Remember to keep well informed about your child's tests. Know how test results are used, and how they will affect your child's placement in school.

¦If there are major differences between standardized test scores and school grades, find out why.

¦ Encourage your child to study over a period of time rather than "cram" the night before.

¦ Encourage your child to listen carefully to all test-taking directions given by the teacher and to ask questions about any directions that are unclear.

¦ See that your child gets his/her regular amount of sleep before the tests and is well rested.

¦ Make sure that your child eats his/her usual breakfast on the day of the test. Hunger can detract from a good test performance.

¦ Encourage your child to do his/her best.

Next month: Summer literacy! Ensuring gains are maintained!