Readying Children For Standardized Testing (NAPSA)—Standardized testing is a term that can make American children cringe and their parents worry. School-age students can become nervous about being tested, sometimes to the point of distraction, while parents fret about their child’s self-esteem as it relates to how well their child tests. Families now can find help from what may be the most recognized name in educational publishing—McGraw-Hill. The Spectrum Test Prep series from McGraw-Hill Children’s Publishing enables students to become familiar with each type of question used in standardized testing. Although tests differ from state to state, they have a common thread, and Spectrum Test Prep has been developed with strategies to help children learn to work through various subjects and related questions. The workbooks’ content offers thorough practice, so students can be confident and comfortable when test-taking timearrives. Most states begin testing in the third grade. Then tests are usually given every two to four years throughout a student’s public school life, depending on the individual state (the lowa Test of Basic Skills, Terra Nova/CTBS, and Statewide Assessments are several examples of standardized tests in use today). “Spectrum Test Prep workbooks are comprised of study materials developed by educators. The content mirrors what children are reviewing in classrooms across America as they prepare for testing,” reports Tracey E. Dils, Trade Publisher for McGraw-Hill Children’s Publishing. “There is no other series offering preparatory training that is as focused as Test Prep,” Dils added. “The review materials cover all testing subject areas, including reading, language arts and mathematics— plus science, writing and social studies/citizenship have been newly developed and added for 2001-02.” The Spectrum Test Prep series includes workbooks for students in grades 1 through 8. Test Prep Plus, developed for reading comprehension study and practice, is a two volume offering—Vol. 1 for grades 1-5; Vol. 2 for grades 5-9. McGraw-Hill Children’s Publishing also has developed a new Test Prep for high school age students. Along with teaching testing subject matter, the workbooks offer children other tools for success through such activities as reading and understanding directions, managing time, eliminating answers, when and how to guess at answers, learning test taking language and conventions, and more. Complete answer keys are in each edition. Being well prepared for testing gives children a confidence that maximizes their chances for success when tested, and eliminates any post-testing feelings of discouragement. Parents today recognize that self-esteem is a vital part of a young person’s healthy development. Now they know thereis a retail product available to help prepare their children intellectually and emotionally. McGraw-Hill’s Spectrum Test Prep can be found in bookstores and parent-teacher stores. Each grade level bookis priced at $8.95. More information is available at the Web site, www.mhkids.com or by calling toll free 1-888-285-5118.
