Parent Circle

The success of College Bound is due, in part, to the commitment of our families. Parents are a child’s first teacher, and they have the most critical influence on the intellectual and social development of their children.

As we prepare students for college and life, we do so with utmost respect and appreciation for parents who commit their time, talent, and resources to the academic success of their children. But parents cannot do it alone. They need the support of programs, like College Bound, that can offer them specific resources and encouragement during this critical time in their children’s personal and academic journey.

Each month, we will feature a Q&A discussion. We hope this will be a useful resource as you continue to work diligently to provide the best educational opportunities for your children.

Our members can log in to the Member Zone for specific parent resources.

July 2008:

I just received my child’s final report card and standardized test scores. He did well in his classes, but the standardized test scores are not very high. What can I do to help my son score higher on standardized tests?

First, understand that standardized test scores may not be a true indicator of your son’s academic abilities. However, these tests are still used by most institutions to determine the overall academic progress of students and are part of the eligibility criteria for college acceptance. That said, some students may have testing anxiety while others learn best by moving, doing, touching, etc. These students may find it hard to sit and focus during a standardized test. Still others need specialized tutoring to reinforce what is being taught in the classroom. Once you find out what might be affecting your son’s performance, it is important to try strategies for improving test scores. Here are a few tips:

1. Read daily. Reading at least one hour per day will help your son to strengthen vocabulary and comprehension skills. Books, magazines, articles – anything that your child likes to read will enhance his reading skills.
2. Discover math in your daily life. Help your son to understand the importance of math in daily life. For example, have him calculate the grocery bill including the sales tax prior to checking out to “test” math skills. Find games and other fun activities to help strengthen his basic math skills.
3. Summer is not the time to be idle. While summer provides an opportunity for fun and relaxation, it is also a great time for students to learn a new skill and/or strengthen skills they already have. Look into summer enrichment programs that will promote your son’s interests and support student learning in a hands-on, fun environment.
4. Do homework, then study. Doing homework and studying are two different things. Homework reinforces what was taught in class that day while studying helps to build upon skills taught throughout the school year. Consistent studying may help your son do better on standardized tests.
5. Use practice tests. Bookstores and libraries have practice exams that you can use to help your son prepare for a standardized test. But don’t wait until a week before the test. Get the practice exams at the beginning of the school year and make them a part of your son’s regular study routine.
6. Get tutoring and/or participate in a prep class. These resources will give your son practical strategies for improving his performance on standardized tests. College Bound offers several tutorial and summer enrichment programs designed to improve math and language skills and/or give students a competitive advantage. College Bound also offers learning style assessments and gives students and parents strategies for improving overall academic performance.
7. Get plenty of rest and eat healthy. Make sure your son has at least 8 hours of sleep and a nutritious breakfast prior to school and especially before taking a test. This will help him to stay focused in class and during exams.

These tips should help your son to improve his test scores, but they should also help students who may be struggling in their classes. By following these suggestions and being active in your son’s education, you should see positive results in his academic performance.