High expectations and intense pressure imposed on students born from the high-stakes testing culture of public education has resulted in a robust test prep industry committed to helping students learn effective test taking strategies, and offers another communication stream between educator/tutor and student.
Last year’s overhaul of the SAT gave way to a surge in test takers compared to the previous year keeping companies like Kaplan, Khan, USA Test Prep and Princeton Review in demand as students aim to set themselves apart from their counterparts in the college application pool. The test prep marketplace also includes test prep kits that can be purchased online as well as educators for hire on a contracted basis.
However, test prep services aren’t just for college-bound students who want to boost their SAT score. With some public school students taking more than 100 standardized test during their K-12 schooling, test prep companies have expanded their reach to include prep for common core assessments and other state-specific tests. Schools sometimes even offer mini-bootcamp sessions to help students prepare for a given assessment often as an after school program.
To keep on pace with the curriculum, differentiate for students needs, and provide additional academic support, teachers usually don’t have the time or resources to devote to help their students develop test taking skills so test prep services fill in the void.
While test prep can occur in the traditional face-to-face setting, many in the industry are employing technology tools such as direct messaging and progress updates to reach and stay connected with their student clients.
Another factor that comes into play is the stress that accompanies sitting for a high-pressure assessment that could have major implications on one’s future (class placement, matriculation, acceptance into specialty programs, college, etc.). In fact, test anxiety plagues many students and can emerge as early as elementary school. It is estimated that 16-20% of students have high test anxiety which has an effect on academic performance, attitude toward learning, and self-confidence. Test prep services can provide a tangible way for students to take hold of their anxious feelings, practice the test in a low pressure setting, and gain newfound confidence.
Test prep services provide students the ability to take ownership of their academic career and learn test taking skills that can be employed for many different types of assessments. “It’s not what you study. It’s how.” is displayed in large text on Kaplan’s homepage. This encouraging message empowers students to feel like they just need the right tools to attain success. This type of thinking goes along with the philosophy that your intelligence and abilities aren’t fixed, and we all have the potential to grow.
The increasing availability of technology has paved the way to more effectively open the lines of communication. Test preparation services are embracing the power and importance of online communication as they strive to improve test scores and academic achievement for students.
There are a variety of options for students and parents of students seeking test prep help. There are dozens from which to choose. You can buy even test prep software on Amazon. You can hire your retired brother-in-law for individualized test prep.
The ability to effectively communicate is essential for the growth and development of schools and school systems. It can help to improve student achievement, decrease levels of anxiety, and develop relationships between students, parents, teachers, administrators, and the community. Test prep services is one facet of school communication that can help relieve some stress for all of us.