Standardized tests are a part of American education, affecting millions of students from elementary through high school. Whether you’re a parent preparing your child for their first state test or helping a high schooler navigate college entrance exams, understanding standardized tests is key to academic success. With the right test prep strategies and preparation, students can approach these assessments with confidence and achieve their best possible results. While not every student is expected to ace every exam, building familiarity with test formats and developing strategic test-taking skills is key.
The right preparation and strategies can help students succeed on standardized tests and reach their academic goals.
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A standardized test is a test administered and scored in the same way for all test-takers. These tests use the same questions, time limits, and scoring procedures to ensure fair comparisons between students, schools, and districts nationwide to measure how students perform relative to the standards.
The main purpose of a standardized test in schools is to provide a uniform and consistent way to measure student achievement across different schools and districts. Districts use these results as an indicator of educational effectiveness. This allows for student performance comparisons and to identify where students may need extra support or where instruction can be improved.
Standardized tests are used to measure individual and group performance, important for schools and districts.
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Achievement tests measure what students have learned in specific subjects and grade levels, testing material that has been taught throughout the school year. Examples are state tests like STAAR (Texas), FAST (Florida), and CAASPP (California).
Among the examples are standardized tests like the Cognitive Ability Test (CogAT) used in K–12 education, the SAT and ACT used by colleges and universities to assess applicant readiness for higher education, and specialized entrance tests like the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) needed for admission into nursing programs. These tests give colleges consistent criteria to evaluate applicants and guide decisions about admissions and academic placement.
Placement tests determine the right academic levels for students, with an emphasis on the accuracy of placement to ensure students are matched with the right coursework. Examples include ALEKS for math placement and Accuplacer for college readiness. The NWEA MAP test is also commonly used by international schools as an entrance exam to assess prospective students' academic levels and ensure appropriate grade placement, particularly for students transferring from different educational systems.
Proficiency tests measure competency in specific skills, often for language learners, by assessing the depth of knowledge required for language proficiency. Examples include TOEFL, IELTS, and other language assessments.
Professional certification tests ensure competency in specific careers. Examples include USMLE for medicine, NCLEX for nursing, and the Bar Exam for law. Passing these tests can open doors to new career paths and opportunities in professional life.
Purpose: Primarily diagnostic to gauge grade-level benchmarks in basic skills. Results are tied to school accountability rather than individual promotion and shape intervention or enrichment plans.
Subjects Tested:
Test Format: Shorter testing windows (under two hours total) with more pictorial or read-aloud support and higher proportion of multiple-choice questions. Schools carefully schedule testing windows to minimize disruption and ensure all students are tested within the designated period.
Common Tests:
Note: Being aware of official test dates is important for planning and preparation, as it allows educators and students to organize study schedules and ensure readiness for each assessment.
The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test is a standardized assessment used in Texas public schools to measure students’ understanding of core subjects. The STAAR test is administered annually to students in grades 3-8 and high school, covering subjects such as reading, math, science, and social studies.
There are many resource options available to help students prepare for the STAAR test.
Florida's Assessment of Student Thinking replaced the FSA in 2023. FAST tests students in English Language Arts (grades 3-10) and mathematics (grades 3-8, plus Algebra 1 and Geometry) through computer-based assessments. Using targeted practice materials for the FAST test can provide significant benefits, such as improved test scores, increased student engagement, and better overall preparedness.
The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress includes Smarter Balanced assessments for English Language Arts and mathematics in grades 3-8 and 11, plus the California Science Test (CAST).
PARCC States: Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers: currently just Louisiana and Massachusetts
SBAC States: Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium: CA, CT, DE, HI, ID, IN, ME, MI, MT, NV, NH, ND, OR, SD, VT, WA, WV, WI, IA, NC, WY
State-Specific Tests: Each state has unique assessment requirements.
Here's the reality: Most parents spend hundreds (sometimes thousands) on separate test prep for each child. The Family Membership covers up to three children preparing for different tests. Each child gets their own personalized account with access to hundreds of practice questions and test simulations
We suggest that parents and students review state-specific guidelines and practice materials to ensure the best results when preparing for various state tests.
Administered by NWEA (Northwest Evaluation Association), this computer-adaptive assessment adjusts question difficulty based on student responses. It measures growth in reading, language usage, mathematics, and science, typically administered 2-3 times per year.
Include Star Reading, Star Math, and Star Early Literacy assessments. These computer-adaptive tests provide quick screenings (15-30 minutes) to identify instructional levels and monitor progress throughout the school year.
Evaluates student performance in reading and mathematics, providing detailed insights into strengths and areas for improvement. The iReady Test takes 45-60 minutes and helps create personalized learning paths.
Percentile Rank
Indicates what percentage of students scored at or below your child's score. A percentile rank of 75 means 75% of students scored the same or lower.
Standard Score
Converted scores often presented on a scale with a mean of 100, allowing easy comparisons between different tests and age groups.
Grade-Equivalent Score
Compares your child's performance against average performance of students at other grade levels, though this can sometimes be misleading.
Standardized tests offer various accommodations to ensure fair testing for students with disabilities:
Presentation Accommodations:
Braille or large print versions
Audio versions or read-aloud support
Sign language interpretation
Response Accommodations:
Use of scribe or typing instead of handwriting
Marking answers directly in test booklet
Timing and Scheduling:
Extended time (50% or 100% additional time)
Frequent breaks
Testing over multiple days
Setting Accommodations:
Wheelchair-accessible rooms
Quiet spaces with fewer distractions
Separate testing locations
Use simple practice packs that mirror question types
Focus on reading aloud and math fact drills
Keep practice sessions short (20–30 minutes)
Build test familiarity without creating stress
For MAP Growth and Star tests: Practice computer-based question formats
For state tests like STAAR/FAST: Focus on grade-level standards alignment
Teach test strategies like process of elimination
Practice time management skills
Integrate data interpretation with charts and graphs
Align practice with state standards
For iReady diagnostic: Emphasize adaptive testing strategies
For CAASPP: Practice performance tasks and extended responses
Use targeted review for end-of-course exams
Incorporate SAT/ACT practice tests under timed conditions
Emphasize essay-writing skills
Focus on advanced content areas
For STAAR EOC: Master subject-specific content standards
For FAST: Practice with computer-based testing interface
Identify weak areas through teacher consultation
Create consistent study routines with targeted practice
Use real test questions when available
Foster a growth mindset and celebrate progress
Maintain balance between test prep and overall education
The key to effective test preparation lies in using materials specifically designed for each assessment type, as different tests require distinct approaches and skill sets.
Focus on computer-adaptive test strategies
Practice pacing for shorter assessment windows
Emphasize foundational skills review
Use materials that mirror the adaptive question format
Align with specific state standards
Practice test formats unique to your state
Review released test questions from previous years
Focus on constructed response and performance tasks
Use official practice tests under timed conditions
Focus on test-specific strategies and content
Practice essay writing (if required in your state)
Review subject-specific content areas
Stop wasting money on multiple prep programs.
While other parents juggle separate subscriptions for each child and test type, smart families use our Family Membership.
Many free standardized test practice resources are available online:
State education department websites often provide sample questions
Educational publishers frequently provide sample materials
School districts may offer practice tests through learning management systems
TestPrep-Online has a wealth of free sample tests
As education continues to evolve, standardized testing adapts to new challenges and opportunities. Computer-based testing is becoming the norm, allowing for more interactive question types and immediate scoring. However, ongoing debates about test effectiveness, equity, and student stress continue to shape testing policies and practices.
Key Message: Success comes from understanding your child's individual needs and providing balanced preparation without excessive stress.
Main Recommendations: Stay informed about testing requirements, use appropriate prep resources, and communicate openly with teachers and schools.
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Since 1992, TestPrep-Online has helped individuals prepare for all kinds of tests. From entrance exams into gifted programs, to assessment tests, and graduate assessment and placement tests, TestPrep-Online can help you prepare and pass.