The second semester of each school year often brings together students nationwide in a common foreboding: the knowledge that standardized tests will soon be upon them.  For elementary and middle school students, this usually means some type of basic reading and math assessment, and possibly science and social studies assessments, as well.  For high school [...]

American school students have been making the news in recent weeks – – but not necessarily for the right reasons.  Some educational analysts are concerned after the most recent release of the PISA results.  The PISA (Program for International Student Assessment) compares literacy in math, reading, and science from a sample of 15-year-old school students [...]

We are continuing our walkthrough series this week with a look at one of the favorite games of teachers and homeschoolers – – the Vocabulary Quiz.  While normally the name “quiz” does not bring us warm fuzzy feelings, this particular quiz will have your students singing your praises! The Quiz is a simple question and [...]

Do you remember the feeling that used to come over you when your teacher would announce a “pop quiz”? Beads of sweat would come pouring down your face as the papers were handed out, and your hands would shake so much you could hardly hold the pencil straight. A quiz was something to be dreaded, [...]

Every standardized test that involves vocabulary has some form of “fill in the blank” style question.  In other words, here is a sentence with a word missing; you choose from the following word options to complete the sentence. It’s a very basic way to check a student’s word comprehension using sentence context.  Showing that a [...]

If you already use SpellingCity as a tool with your students or children, then I’m preaching to the choir, but if you don’t…you should definitely check it out! SpellingCity is a free spelling practice program online that lets you input your own lists, or use ones already on the site.  Then students can practice their [...]

Prospective graduate applicants often spend months preparing for the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE).  This preparation can include studying sample questions from the exam, taking classes to improve knowledge in weak areas, and reading books specifically designed to help you get ready for the test.  It also means brushing up on subjects such as algebra, geometry [...]