Teachers have worked with their students for months in preparation for the Student Assessment of Growth and Excellence, also known as SAGE, the state’s year-end standardized test for students in grades three through 12. The computer adaptive testing system, which aligns with the state’s core standards, includes assessments in selected math, science and English language arts (ELA). Admittedly, there is quite a bit to remember when preparing for annual testing, beyond the correct answers. Here are a few tips and tricks to prepare for this assessment.
Leading up to the test, it is important that students have a clear understanding of what concepts the test will measure. To see the core content covered in each test, visit the Utah Education Network Core website. Students may realize they are more prepared than they think. It may also be helpful for students to ask their teachers for study materials and tips on how to prepare for the test in their class. Teachers want their students to succeed on these tests, so they will provide them with as much material as they need.
Flashcards containing key vocabulary words will prove helpful for students. While the tests assess comprehension, not just knowledge, having an understanding of the vocabulary will certainly help students as they go through the tests. It’s important to spend a little bit of time each day preparing for each test. Cramming the night before will not be as helpful as preparing bit by bit in the weeks before the test.
Take a break the night before the test. If you do not know the material by that point, a few more hours of cramming and a few less hours of sleep will probably not help. Get a good night’s sleep the night before the test, as ample rest allows for a sharper brain. Eat a good breakfast. Carbohydrates and proteins will keep students full longer and provide the nutrients needed to concentrate. Students should also dress in comfortable clothing, as they will be sitting for a while during the tests.
Once in the test, read the directions carefully to ensure a clear understanding of instructions on each test item. The directions give students instructions on how to maximize the use of the SAGE platform tools that are provided, such as a highlighter, screen reader, calculator, dictionary, translator, periodic table, equations.
Read each question carefully so you know what you are supposed to answer. It’s important to answer the question that is asked, not the one that a student thinks is being asked. Read all answer choices before making a final choice and eliminate the wrong answers right away, further narrowing the field of possible answers. There is a scratch-out tool in SAGE, so make use of that as needed.
Make sure to work out math problems on scratch paper and with a calculator, if the test permits its use. To be sure about a selected answer on the math portion, students should plug their answers back into the problem to see if it makes sense. Students are also encouraged to draw pictures while working out math problems.
Finally, take your time. There are recommended timelines for each test, but they are not timed tests. If students need a little bit longer on an assessment, they should feel free to take it.
If you have any questions at all about SAGE testing or how to prepare, please get in touch with your teachers right away. Best of luck with SAGE testing!
Erik Albertine is a science teacher at Utah Connections Academy.