GENERAL
Primary Grade Testing Resources (K-2)
Age-appropriate practice activities and assessments for emerging readers and early math learners.
Example Activity:
Practice letter recognition and phonics with Starfall interactive games.
Standardized tests are an important part of the educational journey. These carefully vetted resources will help you prepare effectively, build confidence, and develop the skills needed for success on test day.
All resources include official practice materials, sample questions, and test-taking strategies from reputable educational organizations.
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GENERAL
Elementary Assessment Practice (3-5)
Comprehensive practice for standardized tests covering reading comprehension, mathematics, and science fundamentals.
Example Activity:
Complete grade-appropriate reading comprehension passages with questions on IXL.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS
Middle School ELA Test Prep
Practice resources focused on reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and writing assessments for middle school students.
Example Activity:
Analyze passages and answer evidence-based questions similar to standardized tests on CommonLit.
MATHEMATICS
Middle School Math Test Prep
Comprehensive practice for algebra readiness, geometry, statistics, and mathematical reasoning for standardized assessments.
Example Activity:
Complete timed practice sets on IXL that mirror standardized test formats.
SCIENCE
Middle School Science Assessments
Practice for science assessments covering life science, physical science, and earth science concepts.
Example Activity:
Use interactive PhET simulations to prepare for hands-on science assessment questions.
COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAM
SAT Preparation
Official and high-quality practice resources for the SAT, covering reading, writing, language, and mathematics sections.
Example Activity:
Take full-length, timed SAT practice tests on College Board's website with detailed scoring and explanations.
COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAM
ACT Preparation
Comprehensive practice resources for the ACT test, including English, mathematics, reading, science reasoning, and optional writing.
Example Activity:
Take official ACT practice tests with timing guidelines to simulate real testing conditions.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT
AP Exam Preparation
Study resources and practice tests for AP exams across various subjects, including science, mathematics, history, and language arts.
Example Activity:
Practice with past AP exam questions and review scoring guidelines to understand assessment expectations.
STATE ASSESSMENTS
Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC)
Practice resources for the Smarter Balanced assessments used in multiple states for mathematics and English language arts.
Example Activity:
Take grade-specific practice tests to become familiar with question formats and computer-adaptive testing features.
STATE ASSESSMENTS
California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP)
Practice materials for California's standardized assessment system, including English language arts, mathematics, and science tests.
Example Activity:
Access grade-specific practice and training tests to experience the actual testing interface.
ESL/ELL
English Language Proficiency Assessments
Practice materials for English language proficiency tests that assess speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills for English learners.
Example Activity:
Practice all four language domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing with WIDA sample items.
NATIONAL ASSESSMENT
NAEP Assessment Resources
Practice items from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), known as the "Nation's Report Card".
Example Activity:
Explore released NAEP questions with scoring guides to understand assessment expectations.
Effective Test-Taking Strategies
Developing strong test-taking strategies can significantly improve your performance on standardized tests. Here are key approaches that work across different test formats and subjects.
Before the Test:
- Understand the test format, including question types and time limits
- Take full-length practice tests under timed conditions
- Review content areas where you need improvement
- Develop a pacing strategy for each section
- Prepare all required materials the night before
- Get adequate sleep and eat a nutritious meal before testing
During the Test:
- Read all directions carefully before beginning
- For multiple-choice: eliminate obviously wrong answers first
- Don't spend too much time on any single question
- Mark difficult questions to return to later
- For reading passages: read questions first, then the passage
- Check your work if time allows
- Answer every question - most tests don't penalize for guessing
Computer-Based Testing Tips
Many standardized tests are now administered on computers. Here are strategies specifically for digital test formats.
Digital Testing Skills:
- Practice with the same device type you'll use for testing
- Familiarize yourself with on-screen tools (calculator, highlighter, etc.)
- Learn keyboard shortcuts for efficiency
- Know how to navigate between questions and sections
- Practice using the review screen to track answered questions
- For essay portions: practice typing within time constraints
Managing Test Anxiety
Test anxiety is common and can impact performance. These research-backed strategies can help reduce anxiety and improve focus during standardized tests.
Anxiety Reduction Techniques:
Before the Test
- Practice positive self-talk
- Visualize success
- Establish a calming pre-test routine
- Focus on preparation, not outcomes
- Get regular exercise in the weeks before
During the Test
- Use deep breathing techniques
- Try progressive muscle relaxation
- Focus on one question at a time
- Take brief mental breaks
- Use positive affirmations