{"id":18797,"date":"2025-01-13T13:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-01-13T18:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nearpod.com\/blog\/?p=18797"},"modified":"2025-01-13T13:07:00","modified_gmt":"2025-01-13T18:07:00","slug":"schoolwide-standardized-test-prep-strategies-for-administrators","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nearpod.com\/blog\/schoolwide-standardized-test-prep-strategies-for-administrators\/","title":{"rendered":"How administrators can support teachers\u2019 test prep strategies"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

With standardized testing around the corner, how can administrators support teachers? School administrators can lead the effort in supporting new teachers and veterans alike with some well-laid plans for student success. Nearpod\u2019s<\/a> goal — as is yours — is to keep teachers at the center of instructions and give them the confidence that they are setting up their students for success. Therefore, we share some tried, true, and newer test prep strategies to support the entire school community and ensure a smooth testing season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New to Nearpod? <\/strong>Teachers can sign up for a free Nearpod account below to access these resources, interactive activities, and engaging lessons. Administrators can schedule a call with an expert to unlock the full power of Nearpod for schools and districts.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Teachers: Sign up for free<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Administrators: Schedule a call<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

What is the history of standardized testing?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Regardless of one\u2019s age, most of us can remember the careful bubbling in of bubbles with standard #2 yellow pencils on standardized tests. There were various techniques — outside in, inside out, but with stern warnings to make sure the lead-filled bubble shape would be able to be read by a scantron machine. While testing protocols have changed with age, many educators and students still shudder at the thought of spring state standardized tests. So, how best to fortify and prepare school communities for state standardized testing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Three<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

During the early 1800s, standardized testing became the norm (no pun intended) as teachers shifted from oral exams to writing, and students were entering college, the military, or the workforce. Horace Mann theorized that standardized tests could help identify and replicate the best teaching methods. Yet after about a century of testing in schools, critics in the 1930s began to question how the efficiency of standardized tests<\/a> was overshadowing the quality of instruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Early tests such as the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Test, the Iowa Tests of Educational Development (ITED; now known as the Iowa Assessments), and the American College Testing (ACT) led up to national legislation called the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) in 1965. ESEA was designed to fund primary and secondary education while emphasizing high standards and school accountability. Over the decades, it has been amended and reauthorized. With No Child Left Behind in 2001, standardized state testing had grown to be high stakes for reading and math. With testing in grades 3-8 and once in high school, educators deplored what now felt like they were \u201cteaching to the test.\u201d Then in 2015, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was passed, and there was an emphasis on lessening testing but still focusing on academic outcomes (read more about key provisions<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why does standardized testing matter?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While opinions can differ regarding the pros and cons of standardized testing, they are designed to provide a universal baseline and benchmarks for comparison, whether amongst individuals, grades, schools, or districts. The tests provide common standards for everyone to aspire to. Standardized tests can also demonstrate progress definitively, promoting more confidence in facing obstacles like learning loss due to the pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When there is a lack of progress, the data can support a change in programming or increased professional development opportunities. Furthermore, states allocate targeted funding, which schools can take advantage of through title grant opportunities to help address gaps, provide intervention, or fortify available resources. Consider sharing how you analyze the data<\/a> each year to assess and address your school\u2019s needs. You may want to involve your educators in analyzing the scores and drawing conclusions as you look forward to the next school year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Test Prep with Nearpod: A Process, Not an Event<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Watch Nearpod’s pre-recoded webinar for administrators focusing on supporting and building teacher confidence as they prepare students for success during state standardized tests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During this video, learn how principals can support teachers Nearpod with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  • Identify common standard deficiencies through formative assessments and robust lesson reporting<\/li>
  • Access standards-aligned quality lessons, videos, and activities to improve student outcomes and close learning gaps<\/li>
  • Incorporate regular instructional experiences to better prepare students for the technology they will experience on the test<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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