Three Strategies for Improving Student Test Scores
A dedicated leader in academics, Broderick Spencer serves as the principal of Roosevelt High School in New York. Since accepting this position in 2016, Broderick Spencer has increased the amount of advanced placement tests taken by students, implemented both the AP capstone and pre-AP programs, and raised state examination scores.
In the past several years, test scores at schools around the United States have been improving. However, these scores may still be below the level that a school district hopes to achieve. Fortunately, there are several strategies that can boost student test scores:
Improve Study Skills
At the teacher level, schools can request that their staff begin implementing strategies in the classroom that improve study skills. Effective strategies for this include teaching students how to set goals and priorities, helping students determine their learning styles, and instructing students about managing their time.
Reduce Lateness and Absenteeism
Students can’t learn the information they need to succeed on standardized tests if they are never in the classroom. To manage lateness and absenteeism, administrators must monitor student attendance and recognize at-risk students early on. Doing so gives schools a chance to catch such students before they stop going to school.
Teach the Curriculum
Many schools have pushed the notion of teaching to the test. Also known as “item teaching,” this strategy teaches students only what they need to know for testing. On the surface, this may seem like a good idea — but teaching to the test promotes rigid and narrow thinking that actually reduces test scores. Rather, schools should teach students content that is represented on the test.
