Test Success in the Brain-Compatible Classroom

"An excellent tool to help teachers address issues related to testing so that those factors do not hinder student success. With an easy format and clear, concise instructions, the book tells not only how but why." —Jolene Dockstader, Middle School English Teacher Jerome School District #261, ID Prepare students to do their best on tests! Today′s educational climate demands a multitude of high-stakes, standardized tests not only to assess student achievement, but also to promote school and teacher accountability. Carolyn Chapman and Rita King help educators meet the challenge with this second edition of Test Success in the Brain-Compatible Classroom. This research-based resource is packed with practical tips and tools needed to change attitudes about testing and improve test readiness and performance. Educators will find a wealth of useful ideas and suggestions for preparing students for tests, creating positive test environments, and helping students deal with test anxiety. The authors bridge the gap between formal test formats and the way each student learns, retains, and transfers information to tests. These techniques can be implemented in any subject across all grade levels. This second edition features strategies, activities, and tips to: Prepare students mentally, physically, and emotionally as productive test-takers Create an optimal testing environment Help students attack passages and use problem solving for test success Interpret test data for strategic, customized planning Put these easy-to-implement techniques to work in your classroom throughout the year and transform each test experience into a celebration of achievement and learning.

Table of Contents:
Part I. Foreword by Robert Eaker Part II. Acknowledgments Part III. About the Authors Part IV. Introduction 1. The Test Scene 2. Testing: A Word From the Experts 3. The Test-Taking Cast 4. Memory in Action: Learning the Part 5. Preparing the Performer: Internal Readiness for Tests 6. Setting the Environment for Testing 7. Test-Taking Skills and Strategies 8. Attacking Passages and Solving Problems 9. Placing Change in the Spotlight Part V. Appendix Part VI. References Part VII. Recommended Reading for Test Success Part VIII. Index

About the Author :
Carolyn Chapman is an international educational consultant, author, and teacher who has taught in kindergarten to college classrooms. Her interactive, hands-on professional development training sessions challenge educators to use strategies that ensure success for learners of all ages. Chapman has written many books about differentiated instruction, multiple intelligences, multiple assessments, and the brain-compatible classroom. She is coauthor with Gayle Gregory of the landmark Corwin Press book Differentiated Instructional Strategies: One Size Doesn′t Fit All. Rita King has more than 20 years of teacher training experience and administrative experience as principal and director of Middle Tennessee State University′s teacher training program in the laboratory school. Most recently, she was an adjunct professor in the Department of Educational Leadership at the university. She now consults internationally in the areas of multiple intelligences, practical applications of brain-based research, differentiated learning, reading and writing strategies, mathematics instruction, creating effective learning environments, and strategies for test success. She is the coauthor of Differentiated Instructional Strategies for Reading in the Content Areas, Differentiated Instructional Strategies for Writing in the Content Areas, and Differentiated Assessment Strategies: One Tool Doesn′t Fit All.

Review :
"An excellent tool to help teachers address issues related to testing so that those factors do not hinder student success. With an easy format and clear, concise instructions, the book tells not only how but why." "The authors present strategies that teachers should use throughout the school year, so that students are truly able to ′show what they know′ on mandated state tests." "Connects research to practice and gives examples and strategies for integrating techniques into the general curriculum. The book in itself is a resource, not an additional curriculum." "What makes this book stand out is the emphasis on a positive attitude toward test preparation and test taking. The strategies are easy to follow and very practical for educators. The authors are humorous and motivating, and as teachers read this book, they will have many ′me too′ moments and will want to use the activities and suggestions presented."