by Annabelle P.
The AHJS STAAR tests are coming—and fast. This can be a stressful time for many students, but there are a few ways that you can make it feel a little easier on yourself. Between a long 4-hour test and keeping your grades up, it is easy to lose sight of the STAAR—and even more so, the STAAR prep. But what if I told you that there are actually many ways that you can prepare and still fit it into your everyday schedule? I interviewed the AHJS instructional coach, Mrs. Christopher, and here is what she had to say about the STAAR test.
First, she said that “It is like a whole year’s worth of material all in one big test. It is also very application-based. There’s not just a bunch of quotes and facts that you can memorize and just say you’re prepared, you know?” So yes, the test is very application-based and maybe a little bit hard—not like your normal test where you can just read a couple of notes and be done. But that doesn’t mean that going over your notes from the year won’t help you. After all, it is a year’s worth of material all in one test, so those notes do come in handy for once.
STAAR is obviously based on a whole year’s buildup of material. Remember all those times that Dr. Guthrie told you to be organized and write in your agenda? You probably thought it was all completely pointless—you’d be wrong. When I asked Mrs. Christopher, she said, “I think if you have been organized and that you’ve been working hard in your classes all year, no matter what the subject is, you’ll be fine on the STAAR test. That’s honestly the best way to prepare, in my opinion.” So yes, what Dr. Guthrie has been saying all year really did matter. You may find it super boring, but even if it’s just writing down sports practice, you are still helping yourself tremendously. Another way that you can make writing in your agenda more fun is by using fun markers and pens with different colors. I know that when I use color on my agenda, I feel much more organized and not bored to death.
All in all, we can conclude that STAAR testing time is very hard and not the most fun thing in the world. But preparing yourself a little bit throughout the year can give you a straight shot toward acing that STAAR test! While many students may think that they cannot do it or that the test is just too hard, remember what you have worked for all year long—and I promise that you can do it!
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