Written by a leading authority on the subject, this book demystifies standardized tests for parents and arms them with the knowledge they need to help their kids score high. Psychologist Joseph Harris explains, in plain English, what standardized testing is all about, clarifying the sometimes puzzling distinctions among assessment, achievement, and aptitude tests. He takes a close look at each of the commonly administered tests, explaining what various test scores mean, how to interpret test results, how to compare results from different tests, and how to use test results to help optimize a child's learning experience. He also provides helpful advice and guidance for parents of gifted and special-needs children.

Introduction

Chapter 1: Help Your Child Succeed

Chapter 2: Scoping Out Test Questions

Chapter 3: Decoding Your Child's Score

Chapter 4: After the Dust Settles: What You Can Do

Chapter 5: If You're a Homeschooler

Chapter 6: If Your Child Has Special Needs

Chapter 7: From California to Iowa

Chapter 8: The TerraNova Series: The Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills and the California Achievement Test

Chapter 9: The Iowa Tests of Basic Skills

Chapter 10: Metropolitan Achievement Tests

Chapter 11: Stanford Achievement Test

Chapter 12: Aptitude Tests

Appendix A: Code of Fair Testing Practices in Education

Appendix B: Psychometric Statistics Primer

Appendix C: State Education Department Web Sites

Appendix D: Web Sites and Resources for More Information

Appendix E: Read More about It

Glossary

Joseph Harris, Ph.D., is a licensed and certified school psychologist who has done extensive research on standardized tests and has consulted on their construction. He is currently adjunct professor at Converse College and owns Foothills Behavioral Consulting in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Dr. Harris is the author of three of the books in the Get Ready! for Standardized Tests series.